How to Shop for Storage Furniture Like a Pro: 16 Crucial Mistakes to Avoid
The right storage solutions can ease the stress of clutter and enhance your living experience. But shopping for these pieces can be deceptively complex, and it's best to avoid missteps.
As long-time veterans of the furniture business, we've seen our fair share of storage furniture mishaps. These blunders can cause frustration, wasted time, and unnecessary expenses. This guide will walk you through the 16 most critical mistakes to avoid when shopping for storage furniture.
1. Skipping the Measuring Tape
Perhaps the most fundamental yet frequently overlooked step in furniture shopping is taking measurements. Many customers fall in love with a piece only to discover it won't fit through their doorway or takes up too much space in the intended room.
The good news is that measuring is easy, so this is a simple mistake to avoid.
How to avoid this mistake:
- Measure your space, including room dimensions, doorways, stairwells, and elevators, and take notes
- Leave at least 2-3 inches of clearance on all sides for proper fit
- Account for any obstructions like doors, windows, light switches, thermostats, and molding on the floor, wall, and ceiling
- Consider traffic flow patterns in the room
Contempo Space solution: We can customize almost any piece to precisely fit the dimensions you need, ensuring a perfect fit for your unique space.
2. Compromising on Quality for a Lower Price
The allure of inexpensive, ready-to-assemble furniture is understandable, especially when facing budget constraints. However, storage furniture bears substantial weight and undergoes frequent use, making quality construction essential.
Low-quality storage furniture often needs replacement within a few years, while well-constructed pieces can last decades, making them more economical in the long run despite higher upfront costs.
How to avoid this mistake:
- Evaluate materials used (quality engineered wood like Italian melamine offers durability without excessive weight)
- Inspect drawer slides, door hinges, and other hardware
- Research the manufacturer's reputation for quality
- Consider the long-term value rather than just the initial price
Contempo Space solution: We use Italian melamine, and all pieces are made-to-order and pre-assembled (glued, dowelled, stapled, and squared) at the factory, ensuring the highest quality and longevity.
3. Overlooking Functionality for Aesthetics
We've all been seduced by beautiful furniture that ultimately doesn't serve our needs. With storage furniture, the primary purpose is organization and accessibility, which should never be sacrificed for appearance.
The ideal storage solution will be both beautiful and perfectly suited to your organizational needs.
How to avoid this mistake:
- List your specific storage needs before shopping
- Consider what items will be stored and how frequently you'll need to access them
- Evaluate interior configurations (Are shelves adjustable? Is there a mix of hanging space and drawers?)
- Consider the piece's accessibility, organization potential, and adaptability
Contempo Space solution: Our furniture offers flexibility with adjustable shelves and customizable configurations prioritizing both aesthetics and functionality.
4. Failing to Consider Future Storage Needs
Storage requirements evolve. The perfect solution for today might become inadequate as your possessions, family size, or living situation changes.
How to avoid this mistake:
- Choose modular pieces that can be expanded or reconfigured
- Consider furniture with adjustable interior components
- Select versatile styles that can work in different rooms if needed
- Think about how your storage needs might change in the next 5-10 years
Contempo Space solution: Modular storage systems like those offered by Contempo Space can grow with your needs, allowing you to add matching pieces later rather than replacing entire units, saving you from costly upgrades down the line. Units from the same collection can be combined to create cohesive, custom storage solutions.
5. Overstuffing Your Space
While it's vital to have enough storage, many people make the mistake of overcrowding their space with too many storage pieces, resulting in a cramped, cluttered look.
How to avoid this mistake:
- Assess your actual storage needs realistically
- Aim for a balance between storage and open areas
- Choose multi-functional pieces that serve multiple purposes when possible
- Consider the visual weight of furniture and how it affects the room's spaciousness
- Plan traffic flow patterns to ensure comfortable movement around furniture
Storage solutions should create a visually appealing and functional room that feels organized rather than cramped or cluttered.
Contempo Space solution: Our customizable options allow you to maximize storage in minimal space, and our design experts can help you determine the optimal amount of storage for your specific room and needs.
6. Not Considering Storage Furniture Assembly
Many furniture retailers sell unassembled pieces, leaving customers to struggle with complicated instructions and parts. Assembly can be time-consuming or difficult for some people. Additionally, delivery logistics are often overlooked until problems arise.
How to avoid this mistake:
- Factor in the cost and hassle of self-assembly
- Understand delivery terms, including whether the piece will be brought into your home
- Consider whether you're comfortable with the assembly process or if you'd prefer to seek professional help
- Consider retailers that deliver fully assembled furniture
Contempo Space solution: All our furniture is delivered by friendly installation experts who will place the furniture exactly where you want it, ensure everything is properly set up, and remove all packaging materials when they're finished.
Learn about our white glove delivery
7. Neglecting Ergonomics and Accessibility
When selecting storage furniture, many people overlook the importance of ergonomics and accessibility for all household members. Storage solutions that are difficult to use often end up underutilized or creating frustration.
How to avoid this mistake:
- Consider the height and reach required to access different parts of the storage unit
- Choose furniture with adjustable shelves that can be positioned at comfortable heights
- Look for features like pull-out drawers or bins that bring contents forward
- Think about who will be using the storage (children, elderly family members, people with mobility issues)
- Select options that cater to various ages, heights, and abilities
Contempo Space solution: Our furniture often features adjustable components and customizable configurations that can be tailored to meet specific accessibility needs for all family members.
8. Forgetting About Storage Furniture Maintenance
Different materials have varying levels of durability, maintenance requirements, and aesthetic impacts. Choosing the wrong material can lead to premature wear, difficult upkeep, or a mismatch with your living environment.
How to avoid this mistake:
- Research the durability and maintenance needs of different materials
- Consider your household's lifestyle (pets, children, frequency of use)
- Think about how much time you're willing to spend on upkeep
- Understand how materials will react to your home environment (humidity, sunlight exposure)
- Choose pieces that are easy to care for and durable enough to withstand daily wear and tear
- Ask for specific cleaning and maintenance recommendations before purchasing
Quality engineered wood products, like those used by Contempo Space, offer an excellent balance of durability, weight, and value for most storage furniture applications, with minimal maintenance required.
9. Overlooking Vertical Space
Many homeowners fail to maximize their storage potential by not taking advantage of vertical space. This is especially important in smaller homes or apartments where floor space is limited.
Utilizing vertical space can significantly increase your storage capacity without consuming valuable floor area.
How to avoid this mistake:
- Look for tall storage solutions like bookcases, wardrobes, or floor-to-ceiling units
- Look for furniture that can be extended upward with add-on components
- Think about ceiling height when planning storage solutions
Contempo Space solution: We offer storage toppers for most wardrobes that extend your storage vertically, giving you that extra space while maintaining a cohesive look.
10. Disregarding Weight Capacity
Overlooking the weight capacity of your storage furniture can lead to damaged pieces or even accidents. This is especially important for shelving units, bookcases, and drawer systems that will hold heavy items.
Properly weight-rated furniture will provide safe, reliable storage for years without sagging shelves, broken drawers, or structural failure.
How to avoid this mistake:
- Consider what items you'll be storing and their combined weight
- Distribute heavy items across multiple shelves or drawers
- Be especially careful with wall-mounted storage units
Contempo Space solution: Our Italian melamine construction provides excellent weight capacity for all storage needs. If you have specific concerns about particularly heavy items, our team is happy to guide you to the most suitable options.
11. Ignoring the Room's Style and Decor
Storage furniture typically represents a significant visual element in a room, making its aesthetic impact important to consider. A mismatched piece can disrupt the overall aesthetic of your carefully designed space.
How to avoid this mistake:
- Request finish samples to evaluate in your space
- Consider how the piece will visually impact the room
- Aim for a cohesive look that complements the room's existing style and color scheme
- Look beyond trends to timeless designs that won't quickly look dated
Contempo Space solution: We offer furniture in hundreds of combinations of matte white, black, wood finishes, glossy finishes, mirrored fronts, and colored glass with many colors available. No matter what style or color your decor happens to be, we can create furniture that fits right in.
12. Not Consulting a Professional
Perhaps the most consequential mistake is making hasty purchasing decisions without proper guidance. Storage furniture represents a significant investment and will impact your daily life for years to come.
How to avoid this mistake:
- Research before shopping
- If local, visit showrooms to see and interact with pieces in person
- Compare options from different manufacturers
- Consider how the furniture will serve your needs long-term
- If you're feeling overwhelmed or unsure, don't hesitate to consult with an expert
Contempo Space solution: Our team of furniture experts is available to walk you through the entire process, from measuring to selection to installation. We make it easy to get exactly the right piece for your space and needs.
13. Forgetting About Ventilation Requirements
Many consumers overlook the importance of proper airflow in and around storage furniture, especially in pieces used for clothing or items in humid environments.
How to avoid this mistake:
- Allow space between storage furniture and walls for air circulation
- Be cautious with storage furniture in basements, attics, or other damp areas
- Use moisture absorbers or dehumidifiers in closed storage units when needed
Proper ventilation helps prevent mold, mildew, and musty odors, while also preserving the condition of both the furniture and its contents for years to come.
Contempo Space solution: Our wardrobes and storage units are designed with appropriate ventilation considerations to prevent moisture buildup, protecting both your furniture and valuable belongings.
14. Overlooking Environmental Impact
Today, the sustainability of furniture choices matters more than ever. Many consumers fail to consider the environmental footprint of their storage purchases. Environmentally responsible furniture not only benefits the planet but often results in healthier indoor air quality and more durable pieces.
How to avoid this mistake:
- Research the materials used in the furniture (sustainable wood, recycled materials, etc.)
- Consider the manufacturing processes and company's environmental policies
- Look for furniture that's built to last, reducing the frequency of replacement
- Choose pieces made closer to home to reduce transportation emissions
- Look for manufacturers that use materials with environmental certifications (like FSC for wood products)
Contempo Space solution: We use high-quality materials that are CARB 2, E1, and FSC-certified. Our made-in-America manufacturing process reduces transportation emissions while supporting local jobs and the economy. Our furniture is built to last, greatly reducing the environmental impact compared to frequently replaced lower-quality options.
15. Ignoring Lighting Considerations
Storage furniture often creates shadowed areas that can make finding and retrieving items difficult, especially in closets, armoires, and deep cabinets. Proper lighting makes your life easier every time you open a drawer or door.
How to avoid this mistake:
- Evaluate the lighting in the area where the furniture will be placed
- Consider mirrored or glass-fronted pieces that reflect and maximize light
- Look for options with integrated lighting or plan for supplementary lighting
- Think about how door types (hinged vs. sliding) affect interior visibility
- Consider battery-operated or motion-activated lighting solutions for dark corners
Contempo Space solution: We can offer interior lighting, or our expert team can recommend lighting solutions that work with our furniture to ensure you can always find what you need. Our mirrored and glass front finish options reflect light in the room.
16. Failing to Consider Multi-Functionality
In an era of smaller living spaces and more conscious consumption, overlooking the potential for multi-functional storage furniture can be a significant missed opportunity. Multi-functional storage furniture provides versatility that single-purpose pieces can't match.
How to avoid this mistake:
- Look for storage pieces that can serve multiple purposes (e.g., wall unit storage that doubles as a computer desk)
- Consider how storage furniture might double as room dividers or work surfaces
- Evaluate whether the piece can adapt to changing needs over time
- Think about how the furniture might be used in different rooms if you move
- Consider modular pieces that can be reconfigured as needs change
Contempo Space solution: Many of our storage solutions serve multiple functions—from media centers with adjustable shelving to pier wall beds that combine sleeping and storage functions—giving you more versatility and value in every piece.
Conclusion
By avoiding these 16 common mistakes, you can shop for storage furniture with confidence. At Contempo Space, we specialize in helping customers navigate these decisions.
Whether you're looking for wardrobes, armoires, entertainment centers, or other storage solutions, taking the time to shop mindfully will reward you with furniture that beautifully organizes your possessions while complementing your home for years to come.
Investing in the right storage pieces can help you create a beautiful, functional, and organized space that will serve you well for years to come. And, as always, our team at Contempo Space is here to assist you in making the best choices for your home.
Ready to shop for storage furniture like a pro? Visit our showroom or browse our customizable options online, and let our experts help you find the perfect solution for your space.
