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.”
