Chairs would seat the family, but provide no storage. Be creative with small spaces. Store and display at the same time. A collection of antique plates can be displayed in a nook above a refrigerator. An open shelf can house a collection of teapots or cookbooks.
Cabinetry often offers good-looking display cubbyholes for a wine collection.
Store with creativity. Rustic baskets stacked on a countertop or nestled on open shelves offer storage for everything from towels to tea bags.