Before you order a low storage unit, check four things: that its height suits what will sit on or above it, that its width and depth fit the wall and walkway, that the mix of doors, drawers and open space matches what you need to store, and that the top can carry the weight you plan to put on it. After that, look at internal shelf heights, legs or plinth, cable access and finish. Getting these details right is what separates a unit that simply fits from one that works well every day.
Low storage earns its place in almost every UK home. It hides clutter, provides a surface and keeps the walls above free for art, mirrors or a television. Our modern low storage units UK come in many shapes, so this guide focuses on the points worth checking whichever design you choose.
Broadly, a low storage unit is any piece that sits below waist height and offers enclosed or partly enclosed storage. Sideboards, media units, low bookcases, cube units and long benches with storage beneath all fall into this group. They are typically between 40 and 85cm tall and are seen from above as much as from the front.
Low units work in almost every room, though they are most common in the living room as part of a wider scheme of modern living room furniture UK. They also suit hallways, bedrooms, dining rooms and children’s rooms.
Height should relate to what sits on or above the unit. If a television will stand on it, the centre of the screen should sit roughly at eye level when you are seated, which often means a unit of 40 to 55cm. Under a window, the top must sit below the sill. Behind a sofa, a unit at or just below the height of the sofa back looks tidy.
Measure the wall and note doors, radiators and sockets. A low unit generally looks best when it leaves some wall visible at each end rather than running tight from corner to corner. Under a television, a unit wider than the screen gives a more balanced look.
Depth affects both storage and circulation. Most low units are 35 to 50cm deep. In narrow rooms or hallways, a shallower unit keeps the walkway clear. Check that doors and drawers can open fully without hitting the sofa, a coffee table or a radiator.
The front of the unit determines how you will use it. Doors with shelves behind them suit larger items such as games, files and table linen. Drawers suit small things that get lost at the back of a cupboard: chargers, remote controls, batteries, stationery. Open compartments suit items you use often or want to display, such as books, records or baskets.
Many people find a mix works best. A unit with drawers at one end, cupboards in the middle and an open section for a set top box or speaker covers most needs. Our modern sideboards UK sale range includes plenty of examples of these combined layouts.
The inside matters as much as the outside. Check whether internal shelves are adjustable, how much clear height there is between them and whether the cupboards are deep enough for the things you intend to store. Vinyl records, board game boxes and folded throws all have particular size needs.
Soft close hinges and drawer runners are worth looking for, since they reduce noise and wear. Push to open mechanisms keep the front clean but can be triggered accidentally by children or pets.
Units on legs feel lighter and let you see more floor, which can make a small room seem larger. They are easier to clean under and suit mid century and Scandinavian styles. Units on a plinth or sitting directly on the floor feel more solid and grounded, and there is nowhere for dust or lost toys to gather underneath.
Think about your flooring. On carpet, slim legs can sink and leave marks. On hard floors, legs with felt pads protect the surface. If you have underfloor heating, raised legs can allow warm air to circulate.
If a television will stand on the unit, check the maximum load for the top surface and make sure the unit is wide and deep enough for the stand’s base. Many of our low TV units UK are designed specifically with this in mind. For screen sizes and viewing heights, our guide to low TV unit measurements for UK rooms gives practical figures.
For lamps, plants and decorative objects, think about how the top will be used. A long unit with a single lamp at one end and a few objects at the other looks balanced. Leave some clear surface so it does not look crowded.
If the unit will hold electronics, look for cable holes in the back panel or an open back that lets wires pass through. Ventilation matters for consoles and streaming devices, which can overheat in a closed cupboard. A unit placed near a socket saves running extension leads across the floor. Label the plugs before they disappear behind the unit, as it saves time when you need to unplug a single device.
Wood and wood veneer finishes bring warmth and wear gracefully. High gloss reflects light and suits contemporary rooms. Matt lacquer is soft to the touch and shows fewer fingerprints than gloss. Glass tops are elegant but need regular cleaning.
Because low units are seen from above, the top surface gets a lot of attention. Consider how it will cope with mugs, keys and the occasional spill. Coasters and a tray protect delicate finishes.
A low unit beneath a window is a classic arrangement in UK bay windows and narrow living rooms. Check the sill height and make sure the unit will not obstruct curtains or blinds. If there is a radiator below the window, leave a gap so heat can circulate, and avoid placing a unit directly against it, which can damage some finishes.
Long, low pieces can be awkward to move through narrow hallways and around tight landings, particularly in flats and older terraces. Measure doorways, the turn at the top or bottom of the stairs and any lift you will be using. Check whether the unit arrives assembled or flat packed, as that can make a real difference to access.
Because a low unit tends to be a large, prominent piece, its style sets the tone for a whole wall. Simple, well proportioned designs with clean fronts adapt to changing schemes more easily than heavily detailed ones. If you like to update a room every few years, choose a neutral body and bring personality through the objects on top, the lamp you choose and the art above.
Think about handles too. Recessed grips and push to open fronts give a minimal look. Metal handles add a decorative detail and can tie the unit to other hardware in the room, such as curtain poles or lamp bases.
In hallways, a slim low unit gives you somewhere to drop keys and post, with shoes and bags hidden below. In bedrooms, a long low piece can stand in for a chest of drawers beneath a window or at the foot of the bed. In children’s rooms, low units keep toys and books at a height little ones can reach for themselves, which makes tidying up far more likely. In dining rooms, they hold table linen, glassware and serving dishes close to where they are used.
With these points checked, you can order with confidence. You will find low storage, sideboards and media units across our living room ranges at Furniture in Fashion, and we offer free delivery to most UK mainland postcodes.
Most sit between 40 and 85cm. For a television, 40 to 55cm usually puts the screen at a comfortable viewing height when seated.
Around 35 to 40cm keeps walkways clear while still offering useful storage.
Neither is better in every case. Legs make a room feel lighter and are easier to clean under. A plinth feels more solid and stops things rolling underneath.
Yes, as long as it sits below the sill and leaves space around any radiator beneath.
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