23 Genius Storage Ideas for Small Spaces
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Illustration: Ellie Schiltz/Getty Images
When space is at a premium, it can feel as though really good storage ideas will only present themselves with the assistance of magic—if you don’t want to simply get rid of all your stuff, that is. While you may need a handyman more than a wizard to make the most of a storage-centric design, there are some steps short of sorcery that you can take to bring tidiness into your home.
If you want everything you own (or plan to buy) to have a designated home within your home, look to these 23 storage ideas for small spaces—which should provide you with both stylish vignettes and peace of mind.
How do I add storage to a small space?
Maximizing storage in a small space is a common goal, but sometimes it feels as lofty as other popular aspirations like “travel the world” and “get enough sleep.” In tight quarters, every inch counts—and, usually, those inches have to pull double duty. A kitchen is often a dining space; a bedroom is commonly an office; and a living room tends to be everything in between. Unless you’re living like a minimalist monk, you’ll have to get creative about what goes where.
“The best approach I’ve found to organizing small spaces is to first live in them for a while before diving into any major changes,” says interiors expert and influencer Alexandra Gater. “Doing this will help you understand how you naturally use these spaces on a daily basis.”
What are some multipurpose storage ideas for my small apartment?
Over time, you might glean that a shelving unit is best for a specific corner, or that hooks are ideal for another. Bins and baskets will likely come in handy, of course, but don’t forget to think outside those boxes too, per architect Rachel Robinson. “Embrace the idea that storage solutions can actually be multipurpose, adding a sense of flexibility and openness,” Robinson says. From a table that doubles as wall art to bookshelves that work as room dividers, read on for our list of the most versatile storage solutions.
Add a shoe rack to an entryway
Gater lives in an apartment that opens to a landing at the base of a staircase, so she needed a shoe storage solution that wouldn’t pose a tripping hazard. She also wanted a spot for sunglasses, keys, and miscellaneous items to grab while heading out the door. To make matters even more complicated? The furnishing she chose had to be narrow in order to match the entryway’s tight footprint. A Hemnes shoe cabinet checked off all the boxes.
“When I redesigned this entryway, I had lived with it being disorganized so long that I knew exactly what needed to change to make it work for my routines,” Gater says. “Because I tailored the solutions to these habits, the space became incredibly functional. Now, nearly a year after the makeover, it’s stayed organized because everything has a designated place.”
Use hooks for vertical wall space
Another highly functional aspect of this entryway? Wall space is maximized. Gater stored her partner’s skis on the wall rather than against it. The skis get plenty of use during the winter, but to keep them out of the way during the week, they’re mounted against the stairway wall—making the most out of an otherwise unused spot. If you’re not a skier, keep the wall-mounting technique in mind for other display-worthy gear, like skateboards, surfboards, or fishing poles.
Make art from a table
When Rachel Robinson was asked to renovate this 350-square-foot apartment in New York City, getting every useable inch out of the space’s tight floor plan was (typical of city living) crucial. So her team came up with a clever solution that makes the small kitchen and dining area highly functional. “Our Murphy table starts as the wood frame for a piece of art on the wall, and folds down to become a table that completely redefines the space as a dining room,” she says. “With other small spaces that need storage, we apply a similar creative approach.”
Shelf dividers
If your small space is a studio, you might be seeking inventive ways to delineate your bedroom area from the living room space without putting up a wall. Stacking crates or even floating an open shelving unit can provide you with some needed division as well as some extra space to stash your pieces.
Fold-down desk
In many small rooms, it would be crazy to consider making space for a full-size desk. But you can’t write that novel in bed (well, you could, but it sure would be nice to sit on a chair occasionally), so either slip a stool under a console table or find a fold-down desk you can affix to the wall.
Wall-mounted seating
If your lease or budget permit it, install a floating bench-shelf low along a wall, or have one fashioned from an inexpensive material like plywood and mounted the way BY Architects did in the room below. Seating that doesn’t clutter floor space? Check.
Kitchen island with storage space
Tuck your extra plates and multiple gadgets you purchased during your celery juice phase in the cabinets of your kitchen island. Never wonder where to store your holiday placemats again.
Hanging bike rack
Go big with a fancy pulley system that draws them up out of view—as Tribe Studio did in the home pictured below—or simply screw some vinyl-coated C hooks into a joist and loop the back tires over them.
Bicycle hanged on wooden wall at house.
Attached butcher block
Not feeling inspired to cook due to too little countertop surface? We hate our ingredients falling to the ground because of a lack of space just as much as you do. But there’s a solution: Attach a butcher block for that much needed extra space. Opt for one with different levels (or DIY this and create your own mini shelving unit).
Pegboard wall
For easy rearranging, good looks, and an abundance of adjustable storage, consider a pegboard wall, like this cheerful peachy one by Position Collective.
Banquette seating
Build a bench in that underutilized corner of the kitchen, top it with a custom cushion, and you’ll only need a round table and two small chairs to make it feel like a legitimate dining area—just be sure it’s the kind of bench you can open from the top, so the storage factor is maxed-out.
Convertible furniture
Instead of opting for single-use pieces, consider adding furniture that can convert easily for use in another way. A drop leaf table can be a console, a desk, or an all-out dining room table, depending on how you set it up. And two consoles, side by side, can be rotated to stand back-to-back for bar-height table seating.
Under-the-stairs storage
Yes, you can opt for glamorous built-ins—or simply get creative with how you arrange furniture in that underutilized nook beneath the stairs. (Just no cupboard bedrooms under the stairs, please.)
Tiered shelving
A quick reminder that shelves don’t only have to be on your walls. Clear away clutter by stacking books and candles on a tiered console table.
Entryway table
An entry table serves as more than a place to throw your keys on. A proper console can house books, arts, trinkets, and even the clothes you refuse to let go of. Nothing says “welcome home” like a perfectly curated and functional entryway table.
Raised platform
If your ceilings are tall enough, consider adding a raised platform to a room (or part of a room, if you’re in a loft or studio) and you’ll be able to stash all kinds of things within it: suitcases, winter coats, or even a whole extra mattress for when unexpected guests appear on your doorstep.
Storage on storage
Nothing is more satisfying than layering storage with—you guessed it—more storage. Top off your bookcase or shelving unit with jars or small baskets to up your organization game.
Built-in nooks
Optimize storage space by taking full advantage of your nooks. Build in a small desk area that meets all of your work-from-home needs, or maybe just add a bit of extra seating with an armchair.
Baskets, baskets, and more baskets
Ah, the love we have for a good basket. It’s unparalleled, truly. Tuck away pretty much anything you don’t necessarily want your guests to see (within reason, friends). Top off your basket with a throw, and no one will ever know that all of your takeout menus are jumbled in there.
A bookcase is not just for books
Not to choose favorites, but stacking bookshelves with more than just books is one of our most coveted decor–slash–storage-space hacks. Use this as a way to clear up space by putting your fave trinkets and objects on display.
Kitchen hanging pots
A great way to declutter your prized countertop space is to hang up your pots and pans. A great excuse to refresh your collection of cookware? We think so.
Floor cabinets
Same part of the apartment, different functionality: Build cabinets on top of the floor, and you’ll be able to easily compartmentalize—and access—clothes and supplies.
Wall hooks
Whether you need space to hang your towels, or you’re looking for a place to hang up your coat, wall hooks are your answer.
Originally Appeared on Architectural Digest
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