For a home to be functional and livable, adequate storage space is a basic necessity and it’s impossible to achieve an organised environment without it. Most UK residents find the storage space in their homes to be insufficient, which brings in the need to invest in new storage solutions or renovate the old ones. Many London homes also have awkward spaces, such as those under the stairs, making it difficult for residents to decide how to use that space.
Luxury interior design is all about helping clients make the best use of their space which means that storage is a fundamental aspect of it. It's not just about creating visually appealing aesthetics but also making it as organised and efficient as possible. A good designer will be able to assess your space and consider your storage needs to come up with customised solutions that are practical, functional and visually pleasing.
Our London showroom is a one-stop solution for all your storage needs. From bespoke wardrobes to sideboards, cabinets and more - find everything you need at our stunning 30,000 sq. ft showroom.
Whether you’re working with a small apartment or a spacious home, well-designed storage will make a huge difference in how you live and how you utilise your space. Here are some good reasons to invest in quality storage:
The longevity and structural integrity of storage furniture are extremely important as these are high-investment products that you do not usually replace or upgrade. This is particularly important for wardrobes and joinery so make sure that you use high-quality materials.
While some storage items, such as cabinetry, are flexible and can be accommodated in almost any space, others are more room-specific in nature. TV units for example are the main storage type for living rooms while sideboards are more common as dining room and hallway furniture. So below, we discuss the best storage options according to their room-by-room usage.
For smaller bedrooms, the most commonly used storage options are side tables or under-the-bed storage. Such furniture works for both kids' and adults' bedrooms as they make your life easier without wasting any floor space.
These are usually placed at the foot of the bed and are multifunctional - giving you space to sit along with storing your linens and towels. They’re usually minimalistic in design to easily blend without crowding the room.
For medium to large-sized bedrooms, modern wardrobes storage is the best choice. You can opt for sliding or hinged doors, based on the space and design considerations as well as your bedroom theme.
The wall with the TV is usually the focal wall of the living room so it makes sense for it to be as well-organised and well-designed as possible. You can either opt for a simple TV unit which usually comes with a bit of storage or you can have a bespoke media wall designed. The advantage of a made-to-order unit is that you can customise it to add extra storage, built-in lighting and other such features - resulting in an impressive design.
Bookshelves are a great way to utilise any unused walls in the living room. And if you don’t have any such walls, they can even be used as room dividers when strategically placed. You can find luxurious, free-standing bookshelves from many high-end brands such as Cattelan Italia. Or you could opt for built-in bookshelves for a more cohesive and intimate feel. A comfortable armchair and lamp next to the bookshelf can also help you create a cosy reading nook in the room.
Living room furniture that is both decorative and functional - a glass-fronted display cabinet can be the most intriguing item in your room when styled correctly. You can find these cabinets in many different sizes, styles and materials so it’s easy to find one that blends with the scheme of your interiors. In terms of styling the cabinet, interior designers recommend layering different types of items but also grouping similar ones for cohesiveness.
As the heart of your home, your living room deserves to look aesthetically pleasing and well-organised, which necessitates the need for multi-functional furniture that can help reduce clutter. Coffee tables with drawers or hidden storage are a great way to bring some extra storage to your room, especially if the room is smaller. Some popular options include tables with drawers, with open shelves and lift-top tables.
If you want your living room storage to be high-quality and completely customised according to your storage needs and the size of your space, then made-to-measure joinery can play a crucial role. By choosing unique, high-quality materials and luxe elements for your joinery, you can add depth and structure to your room while ensuring that it seamlessly integrates into your design scheme.
Despite having storage options in the living room, you still sometimes need extra space to store random items like magazines, tv remotes or chargers. You want such items to be stored away for a clutter-free look but you also need them to be easily accessible which is where storage accessories come in. Some popular options are baskets, trays, magazine racks or decorative bowls.
While investing in a quality office desk and office chairs is essential, it is equally important to look for a desk that offers a mix of closed and open storage. Such storage helps you better plan out your office - the closed storage brings a sense of security while open storage brings personalisation, as you can use it for office decor. Such desks don't just bring workspace organisation but also create an inspiring work environment.
For many offices, filing cabinets can prove to be a valuable asset. These cabinets offer vertical storage so they have a smaller footprint, the storage is mostly concealed so it keeps clutter out of sight and it can be tailored to add as many drawers, shelves or compartments as you need. By adding security features like digital locks, these cabinets can also improve the security and confidentiality of your office space.
If your office or home office is big enough, adding in a bookcase or shelving is highly recommended as they give you plenty of storage space for all kinds of items including books, decorative pieces, office supplies and files. Apart from adding storage, they’re a great way of utilising unused walls to improve the look and feel of your office furniture. As with most storage, you have the option to buy freestanding or built-in shelving.
Undoubtedly, the best way to add storage to your kitchen or pantry is through bespoke joinery that is custom-made according to the size and style of your space and your storage requirements - all without compromising on the quality. Another benefit of bespoke cabinetry is that it’s built to last, unlike stock cabinetry.
Kitchen islands are popular for both modern and traditional style kitchens and they can really transform and enhance your kitchen layout. Apart from offering accessible storage, they can also be used to install appliances or to add casual seating in the kitchen with some stylish bar stools or counter stools.
Many luxury kitchen brands like Gaggenau and VZUG offer modern wine cabinets that can be built into your kitchen storage. These cabinets are extremely popular amongst wine enthusiasts because of the convenience that they offer, along with keeping the wines stored at the optimum temperatures.
Sideboards are most commonly placed in the hallways where they can sit against any empty wall to improve its look and set the tone for your home decor. Contemporary sideboards are available in a range of high-end materials including wood, glass, marble and even a combination of two or more materials. Many of these sideboards also come with storage, adding to their functionality. Interior designers recommend setting the sideboard along with accessories, such as mirrors or lamps to create an inviting entranceway.
For decades, hallways have been the most popular spot for coat racks. You can either opt for floor-standing coat racks or wall-mounted ones, depending on the style of your space and the amount of space that you have available. Many luxury brands like Cattelan Italia and Bontempi Casa offer uniquely designed, contemporary coat racks that can act as statement pieces or artworks. Available in all kinds of materials, they are not just practical but also have a very strong aesthetic impact.
Keeping the hallways neat and uncluttered often brings forth the need for a shoe rack. And it’s best to go for a storage option that doesn’t just clear up the mess but also keeps your shoes organised and accessible. Many clients choose to combine their coat racks and shoe racks to save space. Some other products combine a bench with shoe storage which makes them very convenient for smaller spaces. So look for a multi-purpose shoe rack that brings value and functionality to your space.
The design and layout of modern bathrooms have evolved greatly over the last decade, with a current focus on understated luxury and practicality which can not be achieved without smart storage. Wash basin units are the most popular form of bathroom storage because they work for both small and large-sized bathrooms. A well-designed unit in a glass finish can even make a bathroom appear larger than it actually is.
Tall shelves and cabinets are a great way to utilise any extra space in the bathrooms. It’s best to opt for multipurpose items like cabinets with mirrors. More importantly, ensure that you stick to a cohesive style for all your cabinets for an organised look. The end result can be a functional and aesthetically pleasing space. If you have open storage then you can use it to display some decorative items, candles or plants.
Despite being the oldest form of bathroom storage, laundry baskets have still managed to stay around. For a modern look, designers recommend that you go for natural-fibre baskets. These baskets have a rustic charm and are well-ventilated so your items stay fresh. You can dedicate each basket for a different purpose such as skin care, hair care and towels so they’re easily accessible and well organised.
Whether you want to order freestanding storage cabinets or sideboards or you want completely bespoke joinery, you’ll find hundreds of options at FCI London. But the best part is that at FCI, you don’t get to deal with salespeople - instead, you get insights from experienced interior designers who can understand your project requirements and guide you towards the best decisions.
Here’s what else you can expect on your visit:
If you want to make an immediate purchase or if you’re looking for “storage furniture on sale," we have several products in our clearance section which are heavily discounted and ready to deliver.
Our beautiful, 30,000 sq. ft showroom is home to 700+ designer furniture brands which means that you’re sure to find something you’ll love. We’re open 7 days a week and offer free on-site parking.
For the best advice on storage furniture, consult our award-winning designers today.
Founded in 1985, we've been selling and designing luxury storage for more than three decades. Our long-term relationships with our suppliers and design partners allow us to source the best brands for you at unbeatable prices.
From helping you select an upmarket sideboard or display cabinet to designing a stunning TV unit, we make sure that your home storage is perfect in every way.
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