When square footage is at a premium, it can feel as though storage solutions will only present themselves with the assistance of magic (if you don't want to get rid of all your stuff, that is). But thanks to the tiny home movement, no wands or wizards needed—storage ideas for small spaces are in greater supply than ever. Yes, some require a handyman—the power of a well-made built-in cannot be overstated—but others are as easy as a simple rearrangement. Below, we've rounded up twenty particularly smart and easily adaptable storage ideas for small spaces.
Shelf Dividers
If your small space is a studio, you might be trying to find inventive ways to delineate the bed "room" from the living "room" without putting up a wall. Stacking crates or even floating an open shelving unit will provide you with extra space to stash things while you're splitting things up.
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.
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).
For easy re-arranging, 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. 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.
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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 (within reason, friends) you don't necessarily want your guests to see. 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 Not Just for Books
Not to choose favorites, but...stacking bookshelves with more than just books is one of our most coveted decor/storage space hacks. Use this as a way to clear up space by putting on display your fave trinkets and objects.
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.
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.
