As a craft organization expert who has helped hundreds of crafters transform their creative spaces over the past 15 years, I've developed strong opinions about what works-and what doesn't-when it comes to craft storage. Today, I'm diving deep into one of the most persistent options on the market: the Sauder Harbor View Craft Armoire.
The Evolution of Craft Storage
Remember when we all stored our crafting supplies in repurposed kitchen cabinets and plastic tubs? Craft storage has come a long way! The Harbor View represents an interesting middle ground in this evolution-it's not a custom-built solution with all the bells and whistles, but it's definitely more specialized than your average bookshelf.
What makes this piece stand out is how it blends into your home. Unlike modern craft-specific furniture that screams "craft room," the Harbor View maintains the appearance of traditional furniture while secretly housing your creative arsenal. It's like the Clark Kent of craft storage-conventional on the outside, but with hidden superpowers.
What's Inside the Harbor View? Let's Break It Down
Door Storage: The Good and The Limited
The inside door panels feature shallow vertical storage pockets that are perfect for:
- Cardstock and paper storage
- Thin materials like vinyl sheets
- Flat embellishments and stickers
However, if you work with bulkier materials like yarn or fabric, these door compartments won't be your best friend.
The Main Cabinet: Spacious But Challenging
With approximately 16-20 inches of depth, the main cabinet offers substantial storage volume. But here's where my experience with hundreds of crafters comes in handy-without adding your own organizational systems, this depth creates what I call the "black hole effect."
The Black Hole Effect: Items migrate to the back, disappear from sight, and you eventually forget they exist. I've literally had clients rediscover supplies they purchased twice because they couldn't find the first set!
The Work Surface Reality Check
The pull-out work surface provides approximately 1,500-1,700 square inches of space. For perspective, that's about:
- 70% of what a dedicated craft table offers
- Only enough space for working on one project at a time
- Insufficient room for laying out multiple elements
From my experience, most serious crafters end up using the Harbor View primarily for storage while maintaining a separate table for actual crafting.
What's It Made Of? (And Why It Matters)
The Harbor View uses engineered wood with particleboard core and laminate finishes. This construction has real implications for your crafting life:
- At 150-180 pounds when empty, you won't be moving it frequently
- It's reasonably durable but vulnerable to moisture damage (watch those water cups!)
- The cam-lock fasteners can loosen over time with repeated opening/closing
I've seen these units last 5+ years with proper care, but they're not heirloom pieces that will survive decades of heavy use.
Real Talk: How Crafters Actually Use This Piece
After interviewing dozens of Harbor View owners over the years, I've noticed a fascinating pattern I call the "half-open life cycle":
- Honeymoon Phase: Everything is perfect! You close the doors after every session, supplies are organized by color, and you take pictures to show all your crafty friends.
- Reality Sets In: You leave the doors open during active projects because, let's be honest, who wants to pack everything away mid-inspiration? But you still close up when company comes over.
- Acceptance Phase: Eventually, those doors stay open permanently. Accessing your supplies becomes more important than hiding them away.
One client told me, "I bought it to hide my 'craft problem' from my husband, but now it's basically an open shelf unit with doors I never close!" This contrasts with more specialized craft furniture where owners tend to actually use the closure features long-term.
Craft-Specific Limitations You Should Know About
Different crafting styles face different challenges with the Harbor View:
For Paper Crafters:
The limited workspace makes it difficult to spread out multiple 12×12 layouts or view several pages simultaneously.
For Sewing Enthusiasts:
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but this unit is virtually impossible to use with modern sewing machines due to workspace depth and height limitations.
For Mixed Media Artists:
The enclosed design means inadequate ventilation for alcohol markers, solvent-based media, or heat tools.
The Organization Reality
The Harbor View reflects an older organizational philosophy that prioritizes hiding supplies over accessing them easily. Modern craft organization has shifted toward visibility-think clear containers and open access.
In practical terms, this means you'll need to invest in additional organizational components:
- Clear bins for visibility
- Drawer dividers for small items
- Possibly pull-out systems for back areas
One client cleverly installed battery-operated LED lights to illuminate the back of her cabinet-genius but necessary because of the design limitations!
The True Cost for Serious Crafters
Let's talk money. Beyond the initial purchase price, most serious crafters end up investing:
- $75-150 in bins, dividers, and containment systems
- $100-300 in additional workspace solutions
- Potentially $150-300 in supplemental storage for overflow
When you add these costs up, the price gap between the Harbor View and more specialized systems like the DreamBox narrows considerably. It's like buying an "affordable" printer only to spend a fortune on ink cartridges!
Where the Harbor View Truly Shines
Despite my critical analysis, this piece excels in several scenarios:
- Multi-function rooms: If your craft area doubles as a guest room or dining area, the ability to completely close away your crafty chaos is invaluable.
- Design-conscious crafters: When you need your craft storage to match existing furniture or maintain a specific aesthetic, the Harbor View offers that traditional look.
- Occasional crafters: If you craft sporadically rather than daily, the concealment benefits outweigh accessibility concerns.
A client who uses her dining room for both family meals and scrapbooking told me, "The Harbor View saved my marriage-my husband doesn't have to see my scrapbooking supplies during dinner anymore!"
The Bottom Line: Is It Right For You?
The Sauder Harbor View occupies a unique position in the craft storage ecosystem-bridging general furniture and specialized craft systems. Here's my honest assessment after years of working with crafters:
Consider the Harbor View if:
- You need to hide supplies completely in a multi-use space
- Traditional furniture aesthetic is a priority
- You craft occasionally rather than daily
- Budget is a primary concern (but remember the add-on costs!)
Look at alternatives if:
- You craft frequently or for long sessions
- You need extensive workspace
- Accessibility is more important than concealment
- You work with larger equipment or bulky materials
Your Turn: Making It Work For You
If you already own a Harbor View or are determined to make it work, here are my top professional tips:
- Maximize visibility: Add battery-operated lights, use clear containers, and label everything
- Create zones: Designate specific areas for different supplies rather than mixing everything together
- Implement the "one-touch rule": Items you use most frequently should require just one step to access
- Supplement wisely: Pair it with a dedicated work table that complements your primary crafting activities
What storage solutions have worked best for your crafting style? Share your experiences in the comments below-I love seeing how creative people organize their creative supplies!
About the Author: With 15+ years of experience organizing craft spaces for everyone from occasional hobbyists to professional artists, I've seen it all when it comes to craft storage. My passion is helping creative people find storage solutions that enhance their creativity rather than hinder it.