Clever Storage: Sneaky and Savvy Ways to Stash Your Stuff
Finding a place for items in need of a home is easy when you go for one of these unique but super-sensible ideas
When did we get so much stuff? And where exactly are we supposed to put it all? Irrespective if you’re a hoarder or a neat freak, we need somewhere to put our things, and sometimes the built-in-robes or corner pantries do not cut the mustard. From mundane paperwork and linen to novelty items and collectables, these ideas will help combat clutter no matter what kind of living situation you’re in.
Outside the box. Storage boxes are usually stacked in cupboards or on shelves, however if you’re looking for a unique way to work with your boxes, perhaps you could consider attaching them to the wall. A great idea for displaying knick-knacks or shelving books, you could also create light boxes to exhibit your treasures in a contemporary fashion.
Recycled racks. Repurposed furniture, such as pigeon holes, library card catalogues and wooden palettes/crates, are fun approaches to creating additional shelf space. So why not build a display for your hallway or feature shelving for your living room? Re-using furniture, such as industrial items, breathes new life into these pieces, which often have ample storage space and can hide your clutter in an eco-friendly way.
Stairways to storage. Keep rooms uncluttered by maximising storage space underfoot and taking advantage of your stairway. Inserting drawers into the stair risers is a great way to store untidy items, such as shoes and umbrellas, or even opposite-season clothes and accessories. This is a particularly clever fix for a home that’s short on storage.
Concealed cavities. Toiletries, towels and rolls of toilet paper can easily turn your bathroom from a sleek space into a common washroom. But just because you want to keep your bathroom tidy and stylish doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice on practical necessities. Rather than having exposed shelving and racks around your bathroom, investigate areas where you can insert concealed shelving, like in this home, for easy access. The added benefit is keeping the contents dry and clean.
More: 10 Ways to Add Extra Storage to Your Bathroom
More: 10 Ways to Add Extra Storage to Your Bathroom
Old ladders. If you need some shelving but you don’t want the average bookshelf you could try something interesting, like in this office, that does the job and makes efficient use of your space. It’s an easy DIY project with a unique look – all you’ll need are two ladders of the same size, and a few planks of wood.
Island ideas. Island benches are often relished for the storage space within, but why not look at how shelving in this space can create a new display area for prized kitchen possessions? Without sacrificing large amounts of internal storage, you can still build a focal point that also offers easy access to your favourite cookbooks, placemats, vases and other kitchen items you’d like close at hand. This is a particularly strong design element to add a splash of warmth and colour into light, white kitchens.
Beneath the bed. Any number of things can be stashed under our beds to be forgotten about and collect dust, so try to face the problem head on and find a way to maximise the space and minimise this clutter in a stylish way. Though the concept isn’t radical, integrating storage such as roll-out drawers under the bed is a tidy and practical method for smaller rooms where there is no space for extra drawer units or shelves. Be it toys, clothes or extra bed sheets, any number of items can be placed in this designated storage, and you’ll finally be excused for hiding things under your bed.
More: 14 Savvy Ways to Boost Your Bedroom Storage
More: 14 Savvy Ways to Boost Your Bedroom Storage
Suit yourself. Perhaps you’ve been wishing to add a vintage touch to your house but weren’t sure how. Well here’s your opportunity to tackle your storage conundrum at the same time. A collection of two or three vintage suitcases stacked on top of each other is a quick fix for storing odds and ends. Vintage suitcases commonly come in pastel, earthy or subdued colours and complement each other and their surroundings well. Sourcing the suitcases should be relatively easy from any number of antique or second-hand stores, or on sites such as eBay. Save yourself the trouble of constantly packing and unpacking the suitcases by using them to store items you may not need to readily access such as extra linen, paperwork, clothes, memorabilia or old toys. This solution is perfect for bedrooms, living rooms or children’s playrooms.
Read more on injecting vintage flair into your home
Read more on injecting vintage flair into your home
Above board. Not all your storage options need to take up precious floor space or be hidden behind cupboard doors. Take a look around your rooms and fixtures and consider if there is an opportunity to create space for storage and possibly a focal display at the same time. Be it a wicker basket in a cosy corner, a hanging rack in the kitchen or shelving over a doorway or high up on a wall (like in this room), there are many places you can add a practical storage solution when you just can’t fit another set of drawers onto the floor space.
Step inside this junk room-turned-craft room
Step inside this junk room-turned-craft room
Antique assets. Just because it’s old doesn’t mean it can’t be put to use. In the kitchen or not, beautiful or unique antique pieces not only add character but are the Mary Poppins of the storage world, able to hold a surprising number of things and providing display opportunities for the more presentable keepsakes. I use my antique sideboard to store my illustrated cookbook collection and teapots.
SHARE YOUR IDEAS
Tell us about the unusual places you stash your stuff in the comments section.
MORE
10 Clever Ways to Find Extra Storage at Home
20 Storage Ideas That Say “Now, Why Didn’t I Think of That?”
Hidden Agenda: 15 Cleverly Concealed Kitchen Storage Spaces
Storage Dilemma: Do You Hide Your Things … or Show Them Off?
SHARE YOUR IDEAS
Tell us about the unusual places you stash your stuff in the comments section.
MORE
10 Clever Ways to Find Extra Storage at Home
20 Storage Ideas That Say “Now, Why Didn’t I Think of That?”
Hidden Agenda: 15 Cleverly Concealed Kitchen Storage Spaces
Storage Dilemma: Do You Hide Your Things … or Show Them Off?
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