Fedmax Locking Doors Steel Storage Cabinet

Once all the closets and kitchen cabinets are full, it’s a good bet that most families are going to need a little something extra when it comes to storage. The trick is in finding a piece that is functional while still blending in with the rest of your decor, and that’s where storage cabinets come in.

The term “storage cabinet” covers a wide range of functional furniture items, from elegant sideboards to bare-bones storage solutions for your shed or garage. You can narrow things down pretty quickly by asking yourself what you want your cabinet to hold and where it’s going to be.

There is a wide variety of styles when it comes to indoor storage cabinets, and most of them are meant for a specific room. If you need someplace to hang purses or store shoes in the foyer, you’ll want something durable that also matches the decor. After all, it’s one of the first pieces of furniture that guests will see. Engraved hardwood is a great complement to a more rustic hallway, or you can go with a smoother, more modern look to draw attention to paintings or other wall art.

Sideboards or buffet tables are a great way to save space in the kitchen, and can make a powerful statement in any dining room. Here’s where looks are even more important, and you may even want to go with glass doors that allow guests (and busy hosts) to see the dishware.

Storage cabinets can be hugely helpful in smaller bathrooms, and here’s where you can incorporate some open shelving with storage behind cabinet doors. Just remember to buy something with higher grade materials, as particle board can be ruined fairly quickly with sustained exposure to moisture.

There’s a bit more leeway in materials when it comes to storage cabinets in the garage. You might not want to worry about looks as much in this case, but you’ll definitely want something a little sturdier. Consider hardened plastic, or perhaps steel cabinets if you’re storing anything important. Plywood or other low-quality wood cabinets can warp over time in areas where air conditioning isn’t a priority, but that may not be an issue as long as you’re not storing anything too heavy.

For sheds or pool storage, it goes without saying that you’ll want to use heavily treated wood — if you decide to use wood at all. Hardened plastic or treated resin are usually your best options here. This is where you might also consider doors that can accommodate a lock. That will not only keep out thieves, but curious animals as well.

It’s a rookie mistake to buy a storage cabinet without measuring the space that it will occupy. While you’re at it, make sure you take into account the depth as well as the width. If it’s a cabinet that will be used frequently, allow adequate space in front of the doors so you can comfortably open them.