Media armoires are dinosaurs in today’s homes. As flat screen TV’s replace older models armoires are filling thrift shops and Craigslist. I wanted to share some fun and practical ways for busy families to make use of these pieces beyond the traditional clothing storage, computer desk.
1. Start with Art: You often see computer desks in armoires but I love this art desk and toy storage. Fabric cork boards and chalkboard make the furniture itself interactive and create a lot of space for toys. A stool could be placed where the blue bins are so that the entire art center can be removed from view when the doors close allowing this to be placed in any part of the house.
2. Make Believe: Create a fantasy world like this amazing market, or something simpler like a kitchen. Rather than a whole play house that takes up more floor space you can contain this pretend space inside the armoire and close the doors to return your room to reality. There is also ample storage for all the toys you need to make believe.
3. Take a seat: Create a self-contained transition zone in a very small space. Shoe storage, jackets, even mittens make this the perfect stopping place on the way out the door. Can you think of a more darling space to learn to tie your shoes?
4. Catch the ball: Putting an armoire on a covered porch collects all of the outdoor toys in a way that is easy for children to be responsible for their own clean-up. It can also be interactive with chalkboard paint, even a dart board mounted on the doors. Keep the clutter out of the garage and put it where your children actually play!
5. Create Art: Have an artistic teen? Or feel artistic yourself? Take an old armoire and create a focal point in your child’s room. Putting a mirror and your teens/tweens accessories inside clear up all that clutter from the dresser and make it a special part of getting ready every day.
Image from Pinterest
Go forth and conquer…Barbara
