Clutter needs solution
By Sheila Long O'Mara -- Furniture Today, February 18, 2002
HIGH POINT — HIGH POINT — It certainly is true that we're born into this world with nothing, but by the time children hit the ripe old age of three, the worldly possessions are bulging from every closet and spilling out from under every bed.
While the old standby Rubbermaid plastic containers go a long way in containing the clutter, consumers today are continually searching for creative storage solutions that provide a means for tidying up, while still blending with existing room décor.
Manufacturers playing in the youth category are continually working to create unique offerings to meet the needs of clutter management.
"The issue is that the rooms aren't necessarily any bigger," said Vasso Unks, director of marketing for P.J. Kids. "There's no place to go but up and under. Kids have so much stuff, and they've got to find a way to put it somewhere to get it out of sight."
P.J. Kids offers a variety of storage units to coordinate with their vast product line. Some of the newer pieces include a sports locker, painted toy chests and handy nightstands with drawers and behind-door shelves.
Unks said the more lively and fun the storage piece, the more likely it is that kids will put away their stuff. "The old Rubbermaid bins and cardboard boxes just don't do it anymore," she said.
Palliser's youth line offers an array of storage options, including under-bed storage. The company's Treasure Bed, which stands 36-inches high and is part of the Breezy collection, features storage underneath and a plethora of other places to stash stuff.
"Two sliding doors reveal shelves for storing clothes or toys or books that children always have in their rooms," said Astrid De Bruyn, product manager for Palliser's youth line. "Cubby holes are included to hold baskets and boxes."
Companies are also addressing the need for media centers in children's rooms. Computers, stereos, TVs and game stations all need a special place to live, and a variety of configurations are available from very simple to elaborate.
| UP THE WALL I.D. Kids makes creative use of storage space by climbing the walls with this study unit that is full of shelves and a multitude of drawer sizes |
| MIND OVER MATTER Canwood's twin-over-twin bunk features under-bed storage drawers for an abundance of clutter-packing space. |
| SHELVE IT This upscale bookshelf from Lea offers plenty of storage shelves and a drawer at the bottom for stashing private items. |
| STASH AND STORE The Breezy collection from Palliser includes the Treasure Bed, full of storage options, and an updated foot locker with cubby holes to store baskets. The bed retails at $399 and the bench for $99. |
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| BIN THERE, DONE THAT The functional bookcase from Northern Concepts International offers shelves and removable bins to store smaller items. |
