Organization and the Jewelry Armoire

It should be no problem to find just the right style of jewelry armoire to fit into your home -- from Traditional and Country styles to Modern and Contemporary. You can even find Funky or Shabby Chic. Wood finishes and paint colors are almost endless. In addition, if you can't find what you want, you can create it yourself with an unfinished jewelry armoire or applying faux finishes to an existing piece.

Jewelry armoires are generally tall, narrow cabinets with lots of drawer space. You'll find shallow drawers that are great for small pieces of jewelry. Some have ring holders already built in or you can add your own jewelry trays to make just the right configuration for your own special items.

The drawers progress from narrow to wide on the bottom. These larger drawer sizes are great for scarves or lingerie. The best parts of a jewelry armoire are the side pocket doors that can be used to hang your jewelry, especially those long necklaces. The top usually flips opens, as well, to reveal more storage and a mirror.

Many of the jewelry armoire styles come with matching pieces like vanity tables or floor mirrors.

If room is a consideration when buying a jewelry armoire, then consider a wall-mount jewelry armoire or even an over-the-door option. These space savers have all the convenience of a regular jewelry armoire - lots of space for your jewelry - but take of less room.

Most wall-mount options are designed to be hung directly on the wall, so there's no need for special tools or home improvement skills. Some are long and narrow, while others can look like framed mirrors or designer cabinets. By the way, mirrors are often an essential part of the design, so along with jewelry storage you have your own personal dressing mirror.

Over-the-door models are another popular option. Hanging brackets make this a super simple project that adds jewelry storage to any door - bathroom, bedroom or hallway. Just like it's jewelry armoire cousins on four legs, and over-the-door jewelry armoire holds lots of jewelry. Moreover, the dressing mirror is a nice bonus when space is tight.

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There are a variety from the assemble yourself and very affordable to furniture-grade and well, furniture prices. There's also soft, canvas clothes rack that are great for all those extra clothes that need to be stored, as well as whimsical and fun kids wardrobe cabinets. There three I find have the biggest bang for the buck are:

• Buy the best quality you can. You'll find many cheap jewelry armoires and they might be okay, but if you're looking for a piece of furniture that can last, look for the best quality and construction.


• Match the style to your existing furniture. Jewelry armoires come in just about every style of furniture you can find. If you don't want matchy-matchy, them find a piece that will compliment the overall design of your room.


• Choose the jewelry armoire that has the features you need. That means you many of to do an inventory of what you have before you buy a jewelry armoire. But don't worry, if you can't find just the piece to house your 300 pairs of earrings, you can add additional storage with jewelry trays.


• Use it! Take the time to put your jewelry back in the right place. You'll be happy you did that the next time you go looking for your favorite necklace.