Six Creative Small Space Storage Ideas
Make up for storage scarcity.
We’ve all been there – moving to a newer, albeit smaller, space and we think we’ve gotten rid of our stockpile of unused DVD’s and old clothes. Yet, there we are, standing among our boxes of “essentials” with no hope of storing it. Well fear not! We have rounded-up a few small space storage ideas to use all of those nooks and crannies in your cozy new space to store all of your necessities.
Liven Up the Dead Space
There’s nothing worse than not having enough wall space. Flipping a coin to see whether your bookcase or dining table gets a place can be frustrating, especially when the bookcase could have accommodated many of your storage needs. Guess what, you can have your table and still add a shelf or two. By adding wall shelving, cubbies, or cabinets to unexpected spaces – such as above a table, atop the washer and dryer, over the tub or in the kitchen. You’ll maximize your storage opportunities while creating a more interesting look as well.
Creativity Is Key
While many of us don’t consider ourselves to be the creative type, we can be when it comes to finding necessary storage solutions. What better way to feel accomplished than with a DIY project? Try using furniture that wouldn’t ordinarily be used as storage to stack some of your more display-worthy things. Take the doors and windows off of an armoire to display glassware and linens or put it in the bedroom to show off your scarves, shoes and handbags. Digging into a fun project and getting a bunch of boutique-like storage space? Yes, please!
With the return of the at-home bar, the bar cart is a popular design feature in many styles of homes and apartments. Whether you live in a Soho loft or a rustic bungalow, you can create a savvy stowing space by layering linens, barware, or the unexpected display of trinkets on a clear or metallic bar cart to add flare to your space. And don’t keep it just to bar-like items – since the cart has wheels it can transition into a makeshift workspace or side table depending on your immediate needs.
The closet is easily one of the most cluttered spaces in the house. We always promise ourselves that we’ll purge and clean and sort but somehow we always forget and continue to resort to hastily throwing everything into a hidden corner. Well the days of disasters are over. Look into a customized closet system or create one of your own designs. You can choose to hang shelves, including wire racks, shoe compartments, and multiple bars to utilize as much space as possible.
Slide & Store
The kitchen always commands attention, especially if you enjoy using it. To make the best use of your cabinets and drawers, install pull-out shelving to capitalize on all that empty space beyond the spice rack in the front. With hundreds of Lazy Susan systems, kitchen mixer stands, and DIY racking, pull-out cabinets and drawers are easy to use and will allow you to reach some of your most treasured culinary pieces that were once inaccessible.
Optimize Your Office
The office is usually the helm of your home, and like any headquarters, it needs to be organized and compartmentalized so as to best use your space, whether it’s for business or for blogging. Add drawers, color-coded or patterned boxes, and shelving above and below your desk for increased storage, and use dividers within the shelving and drawers to further organize your office space. Prop up a fun bookshelf or separate desk area for a creative display of your work, framed photos, inspirational artwork or to stow even more of your essentials. With a space this savvy, the storing possibilities are endless!
With over 25-years of experience, Kerrie Kelly is creative director for Kerrie Kelly Design Lab, an award-winning California interior designer, author and contributor; product designer and multi-media consultant, helping national brands reach the interior design market.
