If your pad is on the dinkier side, finding space can become a perennial chore. As bills, unopened letters (whoops!), books, and magazines collate in one mounting pile, you might be wondering, do I actually have space for all this? Well, yes and no. Certainly, there are some cheat codes to free up space. First and foremost, you'll want to invest in some cute home organizers to bring order to all the furniture you've got. That said, if you do have the space (and budget) for some new furniture, then a small storage cabinet is a genius addition to a small apartment or teeny room.
Sure, this small apartment decorating idea is no Nobel prize-winning breakthrough, but picking out the right cabinet — especially when you're tight on square footage —can be tricky. Fortunately, I've done the honors of selecting some small but mighty options that keep your home chic and orderly without breaking the bank or upsetting your landlord. Whether you're after one with drawers, closeted doors, or a lock-and-key filing system, there's an apt and stellar design out there for you, sourced by yours truly. From statement-worthy and rustic to industrial and minimalist designs, I've kept in mind a range of tastes and uses while calling on the likes of Wayfair, Amazon, Ikea, and more. From here on out, it's a cheeky excuse to discover a new living room, bathroom, doorway, or kitchen centerpiece. Have fun with it.
9 savvy and curated small storage cabinets you'll want to buy
Why you can trust Real Homes Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
Our top pick
Made from: Wood
Size (in): H34 x W22 x D12
Storage: 1 door, 3 drawers, 2 shelves
This earns top spot on my list thanks to its reclaimed-vintage aesthetic. Suitable in any lounge, hallway, or even bathroom, it's a versatile pick and bang on the money style-wise. Indeed, industrial is back in a big way. Featuring a sturdy metal framework and ball-bearing slides, which are uber-smooth, it delivers both utility and aesthetics. Plus, it's primed with hardwearing hinges, so you should get plenty of bang for your buck from this curious design.
Everything's peachy
Made from: MDF
Size (in): H31.5 x W39.4 x D11.8
Storage: 6 doors
Pink made this boy wink, that's for sure. I'm obsessed with the pastel tone, which is guaranteed to add a playful touch to your living room while providing space aplenty for your spirits, special-occasion plates, favorite mags, or such trinkets. Palette aside, it's a real taste-maker in terms of details, complete with unique ovular grommets on each cabinet door. It does, however, require some assembly, but you'll only need the basic tools, and the rest is a breeze.
The Scandi iece
Made from: Steel
Size (in): H29.5 x W31.5 x D55.6
Storage: 2 doors, 2 shelves
When it comes to pared-back, sleek design, you can always trust IKEA. Doubling up as a contemporary cabinet for your living room, or a handy piece of kit for your office, it's sure to free up space with two impressively spacious shelves inside. As for the functionality, this ranks high, offering a neat sliding system and lock-and-key closure to boot. Accessible from both sides, it's easy to care for — a simple, wipe down with a soapy solution does the trick — and, in true IKEA fashion, a piece of cake to assemble.
WFH chic
Made from: Metal
Size (in): H25 x W15.7 x D19.8
Storage: 3 drawers
You know what they say: A cluttered office makes a cluttered mind. So, start as you mean to go on — productive and on top of your admin — with this minimalist design, perfect for home offices. Featuring a file hanger for all standard letter sizes, plus a lock, it's both parts practical and understated. It's also extra-extra small, making it a must for those constantly scouring their studio or loft for space. In short, it's an iconic design you can trust to get your work done and look slick for years to come.
Wild child
Made from: Manufactured wood
Size (in): H27.36 x W35.43 x D13.78
Storage: 2 doors, 3 shelves
Sometimes, it pays to be bold. After all, life's short. This statement design certainly proves the point, immediately injecting joy into a living room through its unique, geometric spectrum front. With mid-century modern style legs, it's the perfect place to keep choice possessions, such as coffee table books, not to mention arty and party essentials — board games, cocktail sets, and the like. I'll admit, it's loud, but if you're into adventurous interiors, it's got your name on it.
Mid-century modern
Made from: Pine
Size (in): H30.71 x W31.5 x D11.8
Storage: 1 door, 2 drawers, 3 shelves
In one word: classic. Adding panache in buckets to any chosen room, this design offers a stunning wood-grain veneer, plus, plenty of sizeable spots to store your essentials. If you're into all things vintage, then this certainly hits the right note, with an aged look that harks back to the 1950s. As for the setup, it couldn't be simpler. Oh, and you can trust the solid wooden legs and anti-tip kit to keep it sturdy all year round. Should you wish, the shelving can be adjusted, which is great for fuss-pots like me.
Modern meets rustic
Made from: Wood
Size (in): H31.5 x W32 x D16
Storage: 2 doors, 2 shelves
Bringing the best of both, this tasteful cabinet is specced with a herringbone design on its front, finished with a white, painted frame. Below, brass-coated steel legs provide a strong base, while the protective pads prevent scratching on your floor. I can see this in the hallway or lounge, affording a cool and airy feel to its surroundings. Plus, the shelves are adjustable and can maintain quite a few books — 20 pounds' worth, to be precise. While it's not the most affordable design in our roster, it's still exceptionally reasonable. Count me in, regardless.
It was all yellow...
Made from: Wood
Size (in): H35 x W29.9 X D15.7
Storage: 2 doors, 2 shelves
Say yellow (sorry!) to your new conversation starter. I'm very here for the canary hue, however, if it's a little over the top for your liking, you can try some subtler shades available. Teaming perfectly with the modern professional's home, it offers plenty of room by way of shelving, and it's a sight for sore eyes. Ideally, this kind of piece works best in a color-blocked space, but it would look elevated in a simpler, neutral room as well. For graphic designers, freelancers, and other arty types, this is your go-to.
Bang on trend
Made from: Wood and rattan
Size (in): H31.5 x W31.5 x D15.75
Storage: 2 doors, 2 shelves
Replete with brass-look handles, solid wooden legs, and a hand-made, natural rattan body, this ticks all my boxes. In many ways, its simplicity is its greatest asset. After all, you could place this in your kitchen — stacked with plates — or your living room, and it would look equally fabulous both ways. Given that I'm not a dab hand with DIY, the quick assembly comes as music to my ears. Again, the shelves can be adjusted, which is always a bonus, and, in terms of looks, it's versatile enough to match most homes. Win-win.
How do you maximize small cabinet space?
Easy. Start by thinking about what you really need. If it's been sat there for years on end, has no sentimental value, and hasn't been used more than once, chances are, you can recycle, donate or pass it on. Relieve yourself! Then, approach the task tactically, filling your cabinet with larger items first, before squeezing smaller ones in and around them. When it does, eventually, get too tight, call on some inventive storage solutions, such as these Amazon organizers we love — some of which should fit neatly into the cabinet's shelving or stack up.
Whatever you do, be sure to avoid these small space organization mistakes.
Up next: All of the super cute (and handy) small space organizer buys we really rate for dinky homes
