7 Clever Ways to Use Built In Cabinets Beyond Kitchens and Closets

Let’s be honest—when most people hear "built-in cabinets," their minds go completely straight to the kitchen or maybe the master closet. Makes sense. Those are simply the go-to spaces where cabinetry clearly shines.

But what if we told you that built-in cabinets could be the secret weapon for nearly every room in your home?

Yup, we said it!

At Catalina Closets, we’re big believers in stretching the possibilities of your square footage. Built-ins aren’t just about storage—they’re also about style, efficiency, and even transforming the way you live in your space.

1. Entryway Command Centers

You know that pile of shoes, jackets, keys, mail, and even those dog leashes that collect near your front door? Well, let’s do something about it!

Custom built-in cabinets in the entryway can actually act as your hidden hero. Slim shoe pullouts, those vertical cubbies for backpacks and purses, hooks for jackets, and even a small drawer for mail and keys. And now, voila! Suddenly your entrance looks intentional, not chaotic.

Organization tip: Label cubbies or add color-coded baskets for each family member—a quick, visual way to keep things tidy.

Design note: We also keep it sleek here with our frameless cabinetry—clean lines, soft-close doors, and matte finishes that blend into your hallway or make a statement, depending on your vibe.

2. Living Room Built-Ins That Aren’t Boring

Forget those outdated entertainment centers of the 90s! We’re talking modern, custom built-in cabinets here designed to completely enhance your living room—not overwhelm it.

Think:

• Floating media shelves with hidden cable routing

• Flanking cabinets around a fireplace

• Tall built-ins with a mix of open shelving and also closed storage for games, books, or those candles you keep hoarding

Plus, creative built-in cabinet uses like these help you keep the room clutter-free while adding a tailored, finished look.

Style idea: Match your cabinet finish with your wall color for a minimalist feel, or even go bold with a contrasting woodgrain texture!

3. Home Bars (Cheers to That)

Have an unused nook or extra wall in your dining room? That’s a built-in bar just waiting to happen.

With modern built-in cabinetry, you can have:

• Upper glass-front cabinets for glassware

• Under-counter storage for bottles

• Pull-out trays for mixing drinks or serving snacks

And it doesn’t have to scream “man cave.” We’ll also help you select finishes that complement your existing decor—whether that’s soft neutrals or deep, moody hues.

Function tip: Add LED under-cabinet lighting for ambiance (and better drink mixing).

4. Window Seats with Storage

One of our favorite built in storage ideas? Window seats. Not only are they charming, but they also provide that sneaky storage underneath.

Great for:

• Kids' toys

• Extra blankets

• Board games

And even better? They create a cozy reading nook or a sunny spot for sipping coffee.

Wisconsin scenario: Picture a warm woodgrain cabinet seat in a snowy Madison sunroom—with storage for your flannel throws and puzzles for snow days.

5. Built-Ins for Home Offices

The home office isn’t going anywhere. But the paper clutter, those ugly filing cabinets, and stacks of random tech gear? We can make those disappear (at least visually).

Built-in shelving solutions for home offices can include:

• Overhead storage for books and bins

• Hidden drawers for cords and office supplies

• Pull-out printer trays

Bonus: Add a fold-down desk feature or integrate a hidden wall bed if your office doubles as a guest room.

Design tip: Keep your office modern and calming with frameless cabinetry in soft taupe or textured white oak.

6. Bathroom Storage That Doesn’t Feel Clunky

Bathrooms are often overlooked when it comes to multifunctional home storage. Let’s fix that!

Custom built-in cabinets in a bathroom can:

• Tuck away extra toilet paper (because let’s be real, no one wants that on display)

• Store cleaning supplies out of sight

• Organize personal care items so mornings feel less chaotic

We also design bathroom built-ins that feel like furniture, not filler—think floating vanities, linen towers, and recessed medicine cabinets with clean, frameless finishes.

7. Reading Nooks & Bonus Spaces

That awkward corner by the stairs? The weirdly shaped alcove in the hallway? Definitely prime real estate for creative built-in cabinet uses.

You could add:

• Built-in bookshelves

• A mini library wall

• A bench seat with drawers below

Catalina Closets works with your room’s dimensions to make these nooks work harder—no cookie-cutter solutions here.

Organization tip: Use open shelving above closed cabinets to keep things airy while hiding the not-so-pretty stuff (looking at you, extension cords).

Combining Function + Style = Small Home Magic

Especially in compact homes around Dane County, smart storage is truly a game-changer. But why settle for something purely practical when it can be beautiful, too?

Our custom built-in cabinets are made locally, designed specifically for your home, as well as styled to match your aesthetic—whether that’s Scandi minimalism, modern farmhouse, or clean contemporary lines.

No two Catalina Closets installs are the same. And that’s exactly the point.

Let’s Create a Home That Works Smarter

Built-ins aren’t just for closets and kitchens. They’re for anywhere clutter creeps in and beauty gets crowded out.

And whether you’re dreaming up a home bar, a cozy reading nook, or storage that doesn’t scream "storage," we’re here to help! Catalina Closets brings 50+ years of combined experience designing modern, frameless storage solutions that actually work for real life.

Ready to reimagine your space?

Let’s chat. Your home deserves storage that’s as smart as it is stylish.

Schedule your free, no-pressure consultation today — we’ll bring the ideas and the tape measure.

Catalina Closets | Custom Built-In Cabinetry & Modern Storage | Proudly Serving Madison, Dane County, and Wisconsin Dells