Storage Spaces For Small Spaces

Design Notes

What to do when you don’t have the luxury of square footage? How can you create storage when there is not much room to begin with? Can you make small spaces work for you? These are good questions that we have helped our clients answer numerous times. While it may pose more challenges than a larger home, it is possible to have the storage you need to keep everything you need on hand. Small is not bad; in fact, it comes with multiple benefits, and a good design can help you maximize what space you do have to build a home that is exactly right for you. Let’s talk about some creative storage solutions for small spaces.

Using Your Wall Space

Walls are the one thing every house has in common, and they can offer the greatest potential for effective storage solutions in your home. Think of them as a clean slate that you can fill with whatever you need to store the essentials, especially the items you use every day.

Built-ins are the perfect way to maximize your wall space, especially in unique areas like the stairwell and living room.
Hooks: A simple way to use the space near the entry. It is perfect for hats, coats, and even backpacks. It keeps items off the floor and within easy reach for quick in-and-out traffic flow. Pair it with a bench, and you have an immediate mini-drop zone.
Floating shelves: Whether in a kitchen, laundry room, or home office, they are a great design tool for storing essential items. Adding decorative boxes can give the shelves a clean look and add storage.
Cabinets: A wall of cabinets provides increased storage for a variety of items in multiple sizes, while keeping everything neat and put away. Consider adding floor-to-ceiling cabinets in a bedroom or home office to maximize your space.

Often overlooked, walls can give you the extra storage space you need and free up other areas of the home.

Storage Bins

Storage bins can be your best friend when you’re looking to maximize your current layout. Available in a wide variety of sizes, they can contribute not only to storage but also to the aesthetics of the room.

Baskets: from oversized to narrow, baskets add warmth to any space with their natural feel and look. They are perfect for storing blankets and shoes in the bedroom or living room, and towels in the bathroom.
Containers: Their stackability and varying sizes make them useful for storage and organization in many areas of the home. Closets and under-the-bed storage can now be used fully because everything is separated into different categories and is easily accessible.
Boxes: Decorative boxes can add a pop of fun to any space and provide a unique storage opportunity. They can be put under beds or sit elegantly on a shelf and used for a variety of purposes.
Glass jars: Because glass is a natural material that pairs with just about any style, they are the perfect way to store everyday items in multiple areas of the home. Place cotton balls, hair ties, or Q-tips neatly away on the counter, or keep your flour and sugar on a kitchen shelf. You can even incorporate them into the design while still gaining storage.

Drop Zone

No matter the size of a home, a drop zone can be made to accommodate any space effectively. Having a few hooks above a simple bench with decorative baskets or boxes immediately provides storage in the entryway without obstructing traffic flow. Floating shelves are another great option above a bench, you can lay important items such as keys, or letters that need to be mailed right by the front door. A drop zone is always an effective way to give you more space without consuming too much square footage. See our gallery to discover the many possibilities.

Furniture

When space is limited, it is always best to choose furniture that doubles as storage. By selecting pieces that serve multiple purposes, you can gain the extra space you need without compromising the room’s design.

Coffee tables are a great addition to the living room, but one with a hollow compartment is even better. DVDs, remote controls, and even blankets can easily fit inside, giving you access to them whenever you need them while keeping them out of sight when not in use.
Dresser: Every bedroom needs a dresser, but what about using one instead? Dressers can be purchased at a similar height and give you a place to put your clothes and your alarm clock.
Floating vanities: This is an excellent option for the bathroom because you get the vanity you need with a bonus storage area. Using baskets or decorative boxes underneath keeps needed items within reach but tucked away until you are ready to use them.

When shopping for furniture, always consider multi-functionality. Every piece should have a purpose, and more than one is optimal.

Maximizing Your Corners

Kitchens often have underutilized corners. A well-planned shelf or narrow cabinet can make use of all the space in a corner, rather than wasting it. Including a blind corner that pulls out lets you access the items easily, and they can also be put away. Open shelving is another great option that prevents the space from looking cramped but allows you to gain more storage. Floating shelves are always elegant, and you can put things like cookbooks and everyday items, like measuring cups, on them.

Creative Solutions For Your Home

Our specialty is helping our clients get the most out of the space in their homes, regardless of size. We like thinking outside the box to find the creative solutions you need. It is our pleasure to create a design that not only reflects the homeowner’s personal style but also gives them the functionality they need for their daily routines. Your home has more to offer than you realize. Schedule a design appointment with us and let us help you discover what is available to you. With more than 20 years of experience and serving over 15 counties, we know a thing or two about space!

byJan Blanton/onFebruary 7, 2021/updatedJanuary 28, 2026/inDesign Notes

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