Built-Ins That Add Storage: Mudroom Benches, Window Seats, and Media Walls
The best built-ins solve a daily problem: the pile of shoes by the door, the TV cords, the wasted bay window. Here are five that earn their space.
The built-ins that add the most storage are the ones that solve a problem you deal with every day. In most homes that means five places: a mudroom or entry bench for shoes, coats, and bags; a window seat with storage underneath; a media wall that hides the cords and electronics; bookcases on either side of a fireplace; and the dead space under a staircase. Each turns wasted or cluttered space into something useful, and done right, each looks like it came with the house.
1. The mudroom or entry bench
In a region with eight months of rain, the entry takes a beating. A built-in bench with cubbies or drawers below, hooks above, and an upper shelf for baskets gives every person a spot. Use durable, moisture-resistant materials near the floor, and a finish that wipes clean.
2. The window seat
Bay windows and bump-outs are often the most underused spots in a house. A window seat with lift-top storage or drawers holds blankets, toys, or out-of-season gear, and it becomes the favorite seat in the room. Plan for the heat register if there is one below the window; it may need to be rerouted through the face of the seat.
3. The media wall
A built-in around the TV hides the components, routes the cables inside the wall or cabinet, and gives the room a finished focal point instead of a black rectangle on a bare wall. Plan ventilation for the electronics and access to the back for future changes. New outlets or low-voltage runs are handled by a licensed electrician.
4. Fireplace bookcases
The alcoves beside a fireplace are made for bookcases. Closed cabinets below and open shelves above is the classic layout. Keep the required clearances from the firebox; your fireplace's manufacturer and local code set them.
5. Under the stairs
The triangle under a staircase can hold pull-out drawers, a coat closet, or open shelving. It takes careful measuring because every piece is a different height, which is exactly the kind of work a site-built piece handles better than anything off the shelf.
What makes a built-in look original
- It is scribed to the wall, not pushed against it
- Its trim matches the room's baseboard, casing, and crown
- Shelves are sized so they do not sag
- The paint or stain matches the surrounding trim
Have a spot that needs a bench, a window seat, or a media wall? We build them on site to fit. See Built-In Shelving