Practical Storage

Initially, this space had two storage benches along the wall. Not only were the benches too small for the space, they weren’t being utilized well and they didn’t match the new room design.

The benches were replaced with this DIY 2x12 bench. This bench is 7’ long and the remaining 5’ of the 12’ board is the dining room bench. The hairpin legs are taller than a traditional bench height so the bench would rest above the outlet.

While the bench filled the space much better and went better aesthetically, the loss of storage was less than ideal, even though it wasn’t the most functional storage before. Ikea’s Tjena storage boxes were the perfect solution. The bottom four boxes hold shoes that are out of season, aren’t used often, or aren’t the right size yet for the boys. The smaller boxes hold winter accessories, greeting cards, DVD’s and mismatched socks awaiting their sole mate.

The boxes don’t have handles, but material cut from the faux leather vinyl fabric used for the pillows made the perfect faux handles and pulls. They are attached using brads. Occasionally they get pulled off by a little one who can’t grasp the concept of non-functioning handles, but they are easy to reattach.

The blanket draped on the end of the bench is actually a $4 Ikea Sortsö rug.

The area rug was used as a dining room rug in a previous house but was in great condition and got put in this room for lack of a better space. Now, however, it feels very much a part of the space and helps the room feel large and cozy at the same time.