Space is a luxury in modern real estate, but many people have to make do with smaller floor plans when living in apartments or condominiums. The limited space also means less storage. Hence, there’s a demand for storage solutions that can be applied in modern housing setups — enter furniture with secret compartments.
Woodworkers and furniture makers may have already realized the rising popularity of such pieces. At SOSS, we want to discuss this growing demand so you’ll know what’s in and what you can try. We will also discuss techniques, products, and other strategies you can use to create functional and aesthetically pleasing pieces. Keep reading to learn more!
The Rising Trend of Hidden Storage in Furniture
The chief reason why furniture with built-in storage is becoming popular is because of smaller spaces. Many people are choosing to rent more affordable apartments. However, there is a drawback. Unlike single-family homes, there isn’t much space inside apartment units. This leaves occupants with two choices: own fewer items or find innovative ways to store them. Many choose the latter. Some people opt for overhead storage. Others make use of separate storage units.
One other popular choice is furniture with built-in storage. Furniture can occupy large spaces but only have a single purpose. So, why not add some more features so the extra spaces can be used for storage? Not only can homeowners maximize each square foot this way but they can also enjoy the following benefits.
Added Security
Furniture with secret compartments makes storage areas harder for thieves to find the owner’s belongings. This advantage is especially beneficial to people in apartments, surrounded by lots of strangers.
Less Clutter
Storage solutions like shelves may help organize items, but they can add to the visual clutter. Hiding stuff away with concealed storage helps homeowners maintain a tidy appearance.
Aesthetically Pleasing
Designing hidden storage in furniture can be difficult at first. However, the result is furniture that has more to offer. You can create something that’s truly functional while also catering to modern tastes.
More Organized Interiors
Homeowners like furniture with hidden storage because it helps with organization. No longer do they need additional cabinets or shelves, which may add to the chaos. A few pieces with lots of storage will often be enough.
Common Types of Furniture With Hidden Storage
Plenty of furniture can be modified to have hidden storage, but some pieces are better than others. For example, it’s impractical to add concealed areas to a glass coffee table. Not only does the fragile material make installation difficult, but the transparent glass defeats the purpose of “hidden” storage. Here are some types of furniture that can include hidden storage without sacrificing quality or aesthetics.
Couches
Couches, ottomans, and divans usually have one purpose: a place where homeowners and visitors can sit. Thankfully, these items can become even more functional with added storage. The typical location is underneath the seat. Furniture makers can add drawers and cabinets to these sections to utilize the extra space. Owners can then store blankets, magazines, throw pillow covers, and other items found in the living room.
Coffee Tables
We mentioned glass coffee tables as impractical for added storage, but others are perfectly fine. Wooden coffee tables are particularly ideal because they offer complete concealment. One popular modification for coffee tables is a lift top. This feature allows users to smoothly lift the table’s surface to access the hidden storage underneath.
Beds
In most setups, beds have unutilized space underneath. While some homeowners opt to shove boxes or plastic storage into this space, dedicated storage integrations are more practical. Drawers or lift-up frames protect items from dust, insects, and other issues.
Aside from the under-bed storage, another area to have concealed storage is the headboard. Hidden cabinets and shelves serve as the perfect place to hide chargers, books, and other personal items frequently used in bed.
Entertainment Center
An entertainment center may seem like a superfluous addition to a small apartment. However, such an item can help homeowners take advantage of vertical space. Entertainment centers can have additional shelves or cabinets for hiding cables, remotes, and other peripherals.
Office Desks
Secret compartments in office desks can hide sensitive documents. Plus, having less clutter in the workspace can help owners concentrate better while working. Popular integrations for office desks are hidden cabinets, drawers, and false bottoms.
Behind-the-Scene Techniques for Hidden Storage
Adding hidden storage to furniture may add additional complexity to your designs. Here are some of the proven techniques that most experienced woodworkers use.
Using Invisible Hinges
Furniture with secret compartments often uses a swinging mechanism to open and close. Traditional butt hinges are an easy system to enable such action. However, these hinges have protruding pins that giveaway the hidden compartment. For this challenge, invisible hinges are the solution. Since there’s no visible component, woodworkers can create a truly concealed storage area.
Molding
One of the major giveaways for hidden storage is the gap made by the swinging door. Invisible hinges are great at hiding the connection, but they can’t do much for the visible line. Adding molding is one common technique many woodworkers use — they overlay the molding onto the gap, hiding the line completely. Wraparound hinges like our Model 518 wide throw hinge enable such designs, creating a truly invisible gap.
Modularity
Modular design allows you to break down furniture into units, which can then be rearranged in various ways based on the user’s needs. One example is a sofa bed. Users can easily transform the furniture from a comfortable seating area into a cozy sleeping space. You can use modular designs for making furniture with secret compartments. The drawers or cabinets can be detached but still fit seamlessly into the overall design when you reattach them. Modular bookshelves, for instance, can include hidden compartments for valuables or personal items. The invisible storage blends into the unit when not in use.
DIY Tips for Homeowners
Homeowners with some background in woodworking can create their own furniture with built-in storage. If you plan to take on such projects, here are some tips we recommend.
1. Take Accurate Measurements
Precise dimensions are critical when building furniture with secret compartments. Drawers, for example, won’t insert properly if you’re just one or two millimeters off. Having prototypes can help you find the best measurements if you’re not following an established design.
2. Functionality Comes First
More than the aesthetics, your furniture should be able to do its primary purpose first. When designing one, ask questions like the following.
- What will I store within the compartment?
- Is the opening mechanism convenient, or will it get in the way?
- Will the hidden storage affect structural integrity and make my furniture more prone to damage?
3. Know When To Ask for Help
A project may seem feasible at first. However, you can easily get overwhelmed if the techniques needed are more complex than you initially thought. As such, it’s important to know when to ask a professional woodworker for help. They can help you salvage the project and bring your vision to life.
Wrapping Up: Hidden Storage in Furniture
Built-in storage in furniture brings together functionality and aesthetics. Thanks to the added storage, homeowners have extra spaces where they can hide their items. This benefit results in clutter-free rooms, added security, and more aesthetically pleasing interiors. Woodworkers and furniture makers should capitalize on this trend and offer furniture with concealed storage. With such integrations, sofas, beds, and other types of furniture can have more than one purpose, elevating their functionality.
SOSS is your partner in building such items. We have a wide selection of invisible hinges to use for various setups and design requirements. Browse our catalog today!
FAQs
How do I incorporate hidden compartments in my current furniture designs?
Furniture makers have plenty of methods to incorporate hidden storage in their projects. The easiest modifications are drawers or small cabinets with swinging doors. Pop-up mechanisms are also popular. However, these ones require more modifications. What’s important is to create a prototype before finalizing the design to determine the best options.
What parts do I need for hidden compartments?
It depends on the type of project you’re working on. For example, hidden drawers will need rollers and tracks. Compartments with swinging doors, on the other hand, need invisible hinges. Make sure to use high-quality products to ensure longevity and ease of use.