Clutter is a common problem of modern life. Whether your home is large or small, finding places for all of your furniture, decorative items and sentimental pieces can be a challenge. Fortunately, modern design schemes are moving away from large, bulky, single-purpose items. Today's décor is designed to save space and de-clutter even the smallest home.

Multi-purpose Furniture

In most homes, the single biggest space waster is single-purpose furniture. Choose ottomans, coffee tables and even armchairs that feature built-in storage. Or think outside the box, replacing your coffee table with an old army trunk or a collection of open cubes. Baskets are decorative and elegant while also providing a place to store items ranging from magazines to oranges.

Space-saving Electronics

Many of today's flat-screen TVs can be mounted directly on the wall, eliminating the need for a television stand. Microwaves, coffee makers and other appliances are available in under-cabinet models, freeing up valuable counter space. Slim-line DVD players, stereo systems, laptop computers, and other entertainment devices take up only a fraction of the space that their ancestors used. Consider going wireless whenever possible to remove the clutter created by cords and wires.

Think Vertically

Although a room's footprint is rapidly filled, most homeowners have a great deal of unused wall space. Open shelving is easy to install, allowing infrequently used items and decorative pieces to be moved off of tabletops and desks. Consider hanging a pot rack from your kitchen ceiling, clearing bulky items out of your cabinets. Install a vertical shelving unit over the toilet to de-clutter even the smallest bathroom.

Invest in Organizers

Inexpensive organizers are readily available for drawers, closets and cabinets in every room of the house. Some organizers are made from molded plastic while others are fully customizable. Shower caddies can be mounted in the corner of most bathtubs and are large enough to hold the entire family's soaps and shampoos.

Use Your Doors

Over-the-door storage units are available for holding shoes, ties, and even towels. Think outside the box to create your own door storage for other items. A multi-level wire basket can store plates and bowls, while an old metal ring belt makes an excellent display rack for heavy jewelry.

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Save Space in Your Kitchen With Kitchen Furniture