Design Cycles: 21 Ways to Store and Style Your Bike Inside
Wall-mounting, hanging or artfully placing bikes isn't just a clever storage solution for small-space living, it makes for cool decor too
Kerryn Ramsey
11 August 2016
Houzz Australia Contributor. Freelance lifestyle journalist and serial renovator, reporting for print and digital articles on architecture, design, travel and business.
Houzz Australia Contributor. Freelance lifestyle journalist and serial renovator,... More
The bicycle is the inner-city dwellers’ best friend. It can get you where you want to go quickly, easily and hassle free. It costs nothing to run, is environmentally friendly and parking is never a problem. However, if you don’t have a garage or shed, storing your bicycle at home means bringing it inside. With a little creative thinking, your bicycle can be safely positioned out of the way and look incredibly cool at the same time. Check out these outstanding examples.
1. Hanging art
Beautifully balanced and positioned, the bicycle in this bachelor pad almost becomes an extension of the existing artwork above it. By placing the bike on the wall in a spacious access way, there’s plenty of room to walk past the handlebars. The extra wide bracket means the bike can be placed or removed in a matter of seconds.
Beautifully balanced and positioned, the bicycle in this bachelor pad almost becomes an extension of the existing artwork above it. By placing the bike on the wall in a spacious access way, there’s plenty of room to walk past the handlebars. The extra wide bracket means the bike can be placed or removed in a matter of seconds.
2. Twin cycles
Two bikes are better than one for cohabiting couples, or even a cycling enthusiast who likes variety. As this is a low-traffic area in this cosy apartment, the positioning of the bikes is perfect. A simple hook system makes the bikes easy to store, making the two floating cycles a lovely representation of the owners’ (or owner’s) passion.
Two bikes are better than one for cohabiting couples, or even a cycling enthusiast who likes variety. As this is a low-traffic area in this cosy apartment, the positioning of the bikes is perfect. A simple hook system makes the bikes easy to store, making the two floating cycles a lovely representation of the owners’ (or owner’s) passion.
3. Red, white and blue
With a little forethought, bikes can be placed in a way that complements the colour palette of the room. Here, the red of the top bike is reflected in the bookcase while the blue of the lower bike complements the throw pillow. The look is integrated and fun.
With a little forethought, bikes can be placed in a way that complements the colour palette of the room. Here, the red of the top bike is reflected in the bookcase while the blue of the lower bike complements the throw pillow. The look is integrated and fun.
4. Playing around
Bikes and play areas naturally go together, but usually outside. The adult bike here is positioned in an internal kids’ playroom, but is out of the way and high enough so small people can pass safely underneath. It adds action to the space and is an inspiration for the littlies to one day ride a ‘big bike’ of their own.
Bikes and play areas naturally go together, but usually outside. The adult bike here is positioned in an internal kids’ playroom, but is out of the way and high enough so small people can pass safely underneath. It adds action to the space and is an inspiration for the littlies to one day ride a ‘big bike’ of their own.
5. Dead space
The space under stairs is often wasted, so this is the perfect place to store bikes. Inspired thinking here has seen one of the bikes stored upside down to maximise the storage area.
More ways to use the space under stairs
The space under stairs is often wasted, so this is the perfect place to store bikes. Inspired thinking here has seen one of the bikes stored upside down to maximise the storage area.
More ways to use the space under stairs
6. Biking to work
Here’s an idea for longer term bike storage for the ‘fair weather’ cyclists among us. While it’s unusual to store a bike in a home office, the placement here fills the space beautifully, given the high ceiling, skylights and clerestory windows. If you can reach over the desk to the bike, even better – a quick bike ride can clear the cobwebs when you’re working towards a deadline. If not, move the desk aside and you’re on your way.
Here’s an idea for longer term bike storage for the ‘fair weather’ cyclists among us. While it’s unusual to store a bike in a home office, the placement here fills the space beautifully, given the high ceiling, skylights and clerestory windows. If you can reach over the desk to the bike, even better – a quick bike ride can clear the cobwebs when you’re working towards a deadline. If not, move the desk aside and you’re on your way.
7. Cycling for fitness
It makes perfect sense to store a bike in a home gym – some stretching exercises, a run on the treadmill and then some fresh air and scenery on a nice long bike ride could be just the ticket. An oversized shelf to store the bike makes it easy to grab and go. And the hammock is a nice touch – and a great spot to take five after one returns from a ride.
It makes perfect sense to store a bike in a home gym – some stretching exercises, a run on the treadmill and then some fresh air and scenery on a nice long bike ride could be just the ticket. An oversized shelf to store the bike makes it easy to grab and go. And the hammock is a nice touch – and a great spot to take five after one returns from a ride.
8. Wheels of industry
Bikes on the wall look perfectly at home in a warehouse conversion. They hark back to the machinery that once filled the building and, in this case, they act as a smooth counterpoint against the rough-hewn wooden wall. Note that extra bikes are cleverly stored in the dead space under the stairs.
Bikes on the wall look perfectly at home in a warehouse conversion. They hark back to the machinery that once filled the building and, in this case, they act as a smooth counterpoint against the rough-hewn wooden wall. Note that extra bikes are cleverly stored in the dead space under the stairs.
9. Mix ’n’ match
This home studio/office is so full of eclectic elements that the bike looks right at home on the wall. Stored nice and high, so it’s out of the way, the shape of the frame and wheels of the bike are mirrored in the forms of the clock and lamps below. An up-to-the minute look that completely utilises this space.
See more of this interesting property
This home studio/office is so full of eclectic elements that the bike looks right at home on the wall. Stored nice and high, so it’s out of the way, the shape of the frame and wheels of the bike are mirrored in the forms of the clock and lamps below. An up-to-the minute look that completely utilises this space.
See more of this interesting property
10. The disappearing bike
A pushbike would be out of place in this chic sitting room, so it’s cleverly stored in the void overhead. A pulley system makes the bike easy to raise or lower with minimal effort. And when it’s time for a ride, the open glass doors give easy access outside.
A pushbike would be out of place in this chic sitting room, so it’s cleverly stored in the void overhead. A pulley system makes the bike easy to raise or lower with minimal effort. And when it’s time for a ride, the open glass doors give easy access outside.
11. Mastershelf
This bespoke shelf neatly and effectively stores a bike and helmet. Placed near the front door for ease of use, there’s still enough space for people to pass by. When you’re in a hurry, it only takes seconds to grab the bike and be on your way.
This bespoke shelf neatly and effectively stores a bike and helmet. Placed near the front door for ease of use, there’s still enough space for people to pass by. When you’re in a hurry, it only takes seconds to grab the bike and be on your way.
12. Completing the look
When it comes to a modern industrial look with concrete walls, a bike can become a fitting artwork. It’s positioned in the middle of the wall so it balances the space perfectly. There can be no doubt that the room would look a little bare when the bike was actually being used.
When it comes to a modern industrial look with concrete walls, a bike can become a fitting artwork. It’s positioned in the middle of the wall so it balances the space perfectly. There can be no doubt that the room would look a little bare when the bike was actually being used.
13. All that glitters
Sometimes a bike is so at home in a room that it just feels wrong when it’s missing. Here, the bike has become a permanent artwork, jazzed up with a gold finish. It might not improve your health, but it sure is good for the aesthetics of the room and your own viewing pleasure.
Sometimes a bike is so at home in a room that it just feels wrong when it’s missing. Here, the bike has become a permanent artwork, jazzed up with a gold finish. It might not improve your health, but it sure is good for the aesthetics of the room and your own viewing pleasure.
14. A new angle
A rack that holds a bike at 90 degrees to the wall can work perfectly well in the right position. It can’t be in a high-traffic area and is generally designed to be positioned in a corner. The extra-wide hallway here is great for this option, making it easy to hang and remove a number of bikes.
A rack that holds a bike at 90 degrees to the wall can work perfectly well in the right position. It can’t be in a high-traffic area and is generally designed to be positioned in a corner. The extra-wide hallway here is great for this option, making it easy to hang and remove a number of bikes.
15. Contrasting effect
The red bike against the green wall, seen in this home full of treasures, once again elevates this type of storage solution into the realm of artwork. This retro bike is a perfect addition to this vintage, old-world space. It’s a great option for real bike lovers, as the bike is almost exalted as if on an altar.
The red bike against the green wall, seen in this home full of treasures, once again elevates this type of storage solution into the realm of artwork. This retro bike is a perfect addition to this vintage, old-world space. It’s a great option for real bike lovers, as the bike is almost exalted as if on an altar.
16. Under water
When space is tight, all options must be explored in the search for storage. While the bathroom is an unusual place to keep a bike, it works here because the bike fits so well. Completely out of the way and snug under the concrete sink, this is an inspired use of minimal space.
See what else you can do with a small bathroom
When space is tight, all options must be explored in the search for storage. While the bathroom is an unusual place to keep a bike, it works here because the bike fits so well. Completely out of the way and snug under the concrete sink, this is an inspired use of minimal space.
See what else you can do with a small bathroom
17. Clean machine
This hallway makes an ideal spot to store a bike, while adding a pop of colour to an all-white space. Just make sure no-one else is picking up the bike when you’re having a shower!
This hallway makes an ideal spot to store a bike, while adding a pop of colour to an all-white space. Just make sure no-one else is picking up the bike when you’re having a shower!
18. Post bike
A timber post is a handy device to store a bike, tipping it up to save space in an open-plan area. The bike also works as an assist in demarcating the sitting and eating areas.
A timber post is a handy device to store a bike, tipping it up to save space in an open-plan area. The bike also works as an assist in demarcating the sitting and eating areas.
19. Fireplace freewheeler
Since the fireplace juts out, there’s a little space for a bike to be placed out of the way in in this living area. The row of framed artworks adds distraction and helps settle the bike in the room, while the bike stand keeps the bike upright and difficult to knock over.
Since the fireplace juts out, there’s a little space for a bike to be placed out of the way in in this living area. The row of framed artworks adds distraction and helps settle the bike in the room, while the bike stand keeps the bike upright and difficult to knock over.
20. Smart bike storage
This post, called a Velo Column, is spring-loaded so it can be placed pretty much anywhere in the house. Once in position, it can hold two bikes, one above the other. Here, the green backdrop looks fantastic against the bikes – but if it doesn’t work, it’s an easy job to release the post and try it another position.
This post, called a Velo Column, is spring-loaded so it can be placed pretty much anywhere in the house. Once in position, it can hold two bikes, one above the other. Here, the green backdrop looks fantastic against the bikes – but if it doesn’t work, it’s an easy job to release the post and try it another position.
21. Size matters
This solution utilises the best of both worlds – a collapsable bike stored in a purpose-built cabinet with room for a helmet on top. The bike is completely out of the way, but very easy to access when the open road calls.
TELL US
Would you hang up your bike inside as decor, even if you had space to store it away? If so, share a photo of where you’ve put it in the Comments section.
MORE
Read through more fun Houzz stories
This solution utilises the best of both worlds – a collapsable bike stored in a purpose-built cabinet with room for a helmet on top. The bike is completely out of the way, but very easy to access when the open road calls.
TELL US
Would you hang up your bike inside as decor, even if you had space to store it away? If so, share a photo of where you’ve put it in the Comments section.
MORE
Read through more fun Houzz stories
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Being an avid bike rider during the summer months, I'd always leave my bike inside my condo suite since I was too lazy to put it back in storage and retrieve it every time I wanted to go biking. I hated the fact that it would take up so much space in the front hallway. After seeing the photo for number 11, I might actually get something installed on my wall so that I can hang up my bike. Great ideas and photos.
Kelly
The Furnishr Team
I need to know where to purchase some of these ideas.
I want to keep my old bike (light) but also need to bring my new bike inside (security reasons, and it is 45 lbs) and need to figure out how to do so without them being in the way. I will be using the newer bike to commute to work so ease of retrieval is key.
Love this article and some of the suggestions but for the most practical storage of bikes consider a fold up bike - they are growing in popularity and ideal for small storage spaces, Check out my favourite site on fold up bikes at www.foldingbikecritic.com
Andy