Sneaky Storage
There’s a lot to like about multifunctional furniture, no matter the size of your home. Of course, there's no shortage of clever, double-duty designs out there on the market, but the classic storage ottoman remains a top favorite. Indeed, it may be the single most versatile piece you can own. With wood-frame construction and richly textured upholstery, this one from Target offers hide-away storage for countless home accessories under its padded, lift-off top, even while serving as a footrest beside the sofa, a home office side table, or a seat for extra guests. Available at Target; $24.99.
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Stand Apart
It’s a testament to the utility of the TV stand that it remains as popular as ever, despite the rise of flat-screens. That's likely because, even if you take the time or spend the money to mount your flat-screen on the wall, you still need a way to store everything that goes along with it—components like the cable box, say, or your collection of music and movies. It all fits easily and neatly into a TV stand like this one. Boasting a built-in cabinet plus two tiers of shelf space, the streamlined design makes for a fine focal point in your den or family room. Available at Target; $39.99.
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De-Clutter Your Space
Too much stuff, not enough storage space—it’s an all-too-common problem. An untidy room can leave you feeling disgruntled and distracted, but many homes don’t have sufficient cupboards and closets to hide excess clutter. The ClosetMaid Cubeicals 8-Cube Organizer Shelf from Target provides an easy and practical solution. Made of laminated wood, the shelf is highly customizable and easy to assemble. Hide your items with fabric drawers (like the 11" ones from Cubeicals), or display them against a wooden back panel. Available at Target; $44.99.
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Modern Seating
As formal dining rooms become less common, people are searching for ways to style a casual dinner table. One solution: replace a couple of chairs with benches, like this one from Target. The simple and charming piece of furniture comfortably seats two, and the warm wood finish gives off a rustic countryside feeling. Plus, the sturdy bench isn’t limited to the eating area; place it against the wall for instant seating in any area of your house. Available at Target; $81.99.
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End to End
If something feels "off" in your room, your accent furniture (or lack of it) may be to blame. To adorn an under-decorated living room or den, try adding a simple end table like this one from Altra Furniture. Set alongside a plush couch or chair, the table adds warmth and functionality to any space. Plus, because its base doubles as a second shelf, you'll transform wasted floor space into working storage. Available at Target; $39.89.
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A Step Up
Once relegated to the dark corners of the garage, metal shelving is finally coming home—and with a whole new look. For a stylish take on a storage classic, add this 3-tiered version to your living room, dining room, or entryway. The generous shelves are deep enough to house your book collection and put prized family photos on display—and since it's metal, this handy shelving unit will serve up storage for years to come. Available at Target; $39.99.
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Shelf Life
Apartment dwellers and homeowners alike struggle with the spaces so small that it's a question of storage versus square footage. Simply adding any old side table or bookshelf could add more clutter than order! The near-invisible profile of this three-tier shelf from Convenience Concepts takes up hardly any floor space visually, though, thanks to its sleek and primarily tempered glass design. And at just over 24 inches tall, 18 inches wide, and 14 inches deep, it tucks easily next to seat—be it a cushioned lounge chair or a toilet—for the extra surface. Available at Target; $55.79.
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Bar None
If you're lucky enough to have a built-in home bar, don't squander it with sub-par seating options. For less than $50 apiece, these backless stools from Linon can outfit the space with the look of luxury: curvy legs in an espresso wood finish, caramel leather-like upholstery, and bronze nailhead trim. You and your guests will want to toast to this bargain find! Available at Target; $69.99.
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Stackable and Storable
When you need to seat a crowd but can't compromise on storage space, turn to the trusty stacking chair. Always at the ready to welcome extra guests at holiday dinners or birthday bashes, they can be just as easily concealed in a closet or basement corner once the party's over. Where most stacking chairs skimp on style and comfort, this upholstered version from Room Essentials excels. The colorful fabrics liven up a room, while the padded backs keep guests in comfort. Available at Target; $39.99.
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Bedside Convenience
Furnishing a child's room can be surprisingly expensive. That expense only increases over the years, since many parents switch out a child's furniture as they grow. It's inevitable that trading a kid's race car bed for a double mattress will set you back, but there's no reason to shell out for a pricey bedside table to match. In fact, this Simply Basics Nightstand is so versatile that it can match almost any style, and cheap enough that it pays for itself in usefulness by the time your child outgrows it. Available at Target; $36.99.
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Don't Miss!
If you have the money to hire a handyman for every household woe, go ahead. But if you want to hang on to your cash and exercise some self-sufficiency, check out these clever products that solve a million and one little problems around the house. Go now!
