10 Storage Solutions From Our Small/Cool Experience That Are Stylish and Functional

published May 13, 2022
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
room with DIY wallpaper, gold loveseat, wood desk, shelves with l'objets, plants, gold rug
Credit: Rikki Snyder

In case you haven’t already heard, we’re up to something very cool over here at Apartment Therapy. We recently kicked off our third annual Small/Cool Experience in New York City, where we’ve taken over an epic space in SoHo and challenged 12 talented interior designers (think: Alvin Wayne, The Novogratz, and Jessica Davis) to bring 12 of our favorite style trends to life — each within 120 square feet.

If you’re local to NYC, you still have time to visit us downtown this weekend, May 14 and 15, to experience the space for yourself — plus score some face time with the creators and our editors, experience workshops, and participate in Q&A sessions. Don’t live nearby? No worries! We’re sharing the goodness online, too, with a dedicated landing page where you can check out the event schedule, designer mood boards, and more.

We’re even helping you shop the event for your own home, rounding up some of our favorite Small/Cool products making an appearance in NYC. Up next? Smart storage solutions that prove once and for all you don’t have to sacrifice style at the altar of organized living.

1 / 10
Urban Outfitters
$849.00

Part storage console, part piece of art, this stunning piece from Urban Outfitters is sure to turn heads in any room. Featuring soft curved and rectangular cut-outs, it honestly looks just as good empty as it does when displaying some of your favorite books, trinkets, and collectibles.

2 / 10
Bed Bath & Beyond
$491.99

For a bedroom that's packed with glamour and drama (the good kind — we promise), look no further than this bold nightstand from Safavieh. It feels graphic and edgy, thanks to the black stained wood and raised diamond paneling, which actually disguises two roomy drawers to hide any number of sins.

3 / 10
Lulu and Georgia
$72.00

Trays are such an organizational secret weapon, so it's no surprise you'll see them all around the Small/Cool Experience (and in the homes created by our favorite designers!). They're a great way to add order to the chaos atop a coffee table or console and make even the most random objects feel like they go together.

4 / 10
Open Spaces
$36.00

Turn your bathroom into a literal jewel box with these stunning acrylic storage boxes from modern organization brand Open Spaces. Each comes with a base and a top that can be used together or apart to corral everything from cotton swabs to hair elastics. It goes without saying, but these can also have a life outside of the bathroom as office storage.

5 / 10
Hayneedle
$61.38

Decorative boxes are a great way to style up your shelves with something that is both functional and chic. This matching pair is neutral enough to go with any space and roomy enough to keep items you'd rather hide out of sight (think: television remotes, tech chargers).

6 / 10
The Novogratz
$289.00

The idea of a storage locker may send your mind right back to the halls of your high school, but we promise this piece is much cooler than that. Coated in vibrant, juicy orange, it's the punch your mudroom or bathroom needs to level up both in style and function. The inside boasts four roomy compartments suitable for holding everything from towels and toiletries to extra shoes and outdoor gear.

7 / 10
The Novogratz
$219.00

This stunning nightstand is regal for more than just its name. Designed by the Novogratz, it features elegant regency-inspired details in a crisp white hue that suits nearly any room. The best part? The oversized piece touts two doors plus an open shelf for displaying your favorite sleep accessories or favorite book of the moment.

8 / 10
Urban Outfitters
$799.00

On-trend and especially roomy, this storage cabinet is one piece that you'll find use for for years and years to come. Style it up in your apartment bedroom in lieu of a closet or use it to strategically hide your television in your living room when you're not streaming your favorite series.

9 / 10
Burke Decor
$70.00

This trio of bowls from Burke Decor totally looks like something you'd stumble upon at a chic vintage store. Hand-woven from rattan, they're great for adding (very necessary) natural texture to your room and can house everything from rouge accessories on your dresser to your keys and loose change by your entryway.

10 / 10
Burke Decor
$1499.00

If this desk doesn't scream "I'm the boss," we don't know what does. The clean and modern pillar shape is so unique and different from typically four-legged styles, making it a great option for a home office you want to inject with a bit of designer flavor. Bonus: Those curved legs hide shelving inside, so you can keep all your "office stuff" out of sight and out of mind on weekends.