Adventure2day

Creative Storage Ideas to Solve Small-Space Problems: Use Your Windows

2022-12-18T16:58:00.001-08:00

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Use Your Windows

JOHN GRANEN

Natural light helps brighten dark corners and make tight rooms feel bigger. But windows can also gobble up walls that could otherwise serve as potential storage spots. To maximize both light and storage capacity, consider hanging shelves or racks across windows to keep pots, pans, and everyday dishes accessible.

Creative Storage Ideas to Solve Small-Space Problems: Hide Electronics

2022-12-18T16:57:00.004-08:00

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Hide Electronics

GREG SCHEIDEMANN

For small rooms, countertop and work-surface space come at a premium, so you need to be strategic about what you store out in the open versus tucked away somewhere. When stored out on the desktop or counter, large tech pieces, like printers and scanners, can take up a lot of real estate that could be better used for items you use more frequently. Put these electronics away inside right-sized drawers to keep them out of the way until you actually need them.

Creative Storage Ideas to Solve Small-Space Problems: Don't Discard Potential Storage

2022-12-18T16:56:00.009-08:00

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Don't Discard Potential Storage

MICHAEL PARTENIO

To maximize small-space storage, choose furniture pieces that provide hidden storage in unexpected ways. Here, a bathroom stool isn't just a spot to sit. It also features a bottom drawer that pulls out to reveal extra towels, washcloths, and bath products.

Creative Storage Ideas to Solve Small-Space Problems: Smarter Jewelry Storage

2022-12-18T16:56:00.004-08:00

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Smarter Jewelry Storage

ADAM ALBRIGHT

Small items, like jewelry and makeup, can be difficult to store even in larger spaces. Because these items typically include a range of pieces in various sizes, an organizer with uniformly sized compartments may not be the best solution. To save valuable drawer and shelf space, look to walls for extra storage areas. Outfit an empty frame with a piece of cork or a metal sheet with decorative holes, and use pins or hooks to hang necklaces and bracelets. For makeup, attach magnets to the back of each product and store them vertically on a framed magnetic board.

Creative Storage Ideas to Solve Small-Space Problems: Open Up Storage

2022-12-18T16:55:00.005-08:00

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Open Up Storage

PHILIP HARVEY

Cabinet doors take up square feet that may not be available in small spaces. Instead, opt for narrow open shelves to gain extra surfaces to store frequently used items, like plates and glasses. To keep the shelves looking tidy, be strategic about what you store there and leave plenty of open space between stacks of items.

Creative Storage Ideas to Solve Small-Space Problems: Pare Down

2022-12-18T16:55:00.001-08:00

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Pare Down

ADAM ALBRIGHT

Living in a small space can encourage you to get back to basics and edit your stuff down to the essentials. With fewer items to store, you can avoid overcrowding and use limited space much more effectively. Declutter your home by storing only what is necessary for your family—a set or two of towels, for example—and replacing items as they get worn or damaged. For the items you decide to keep, maintain easy access by subdividing open spaces for better organization.

Creative Storage Ideas to Solve Small-Space Problems: Use Vertical Spaces

2022-12-18T16:54:00.004-08:00

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Use Vertical Spaces

MARSHALL JOHNSON

Utilizing vertical space, like behind-the-door storage, is a smart solution for tight quarters. Those precious square feet can be put to good use, especially for storing small items that would otherwise clutter up rooms. A variety of slim wire baskets—better to keep contents in view—lines the back of this door to corral gift-wrapping essentials.

Creative Storage Ideas to Solve Small-Space Problems: Combine Cabinet Types

2022-12-18T16:53:00.009-08:00

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Combine Cabinet Types

ADAM ALBRIGHT

Not all storage works the same: Cabinets, drawers, and open shelves each serve a purpose to stash different types of items. Especially in heavy-traffic areas such as bathrooms, mixing up your options can help you store things more effectively. Varying your storage solutions in small spaces allows you to make the most of every inch.

Creative Storage Ideas to Solve Small-Space Problems: Research Helpful Add-ons

2022-12-18T16:53:00.004-08:00

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Research Helpful Add-ons

JACOB FOX

Cleverly designed products can solve a variety of storage woes, and many of them work wonders in small spaces to keep clutter at bay. Look for single-storage items that can help you find homes for those things that are used daily but can easily live out of the way. Hairdryer holders that mount inside cabinet doors and specialized clothes bins are just a few helpful examples.

Creative Storage Ideas to Solve Small-Space Problems: Rely on Double-Duty Furniture

2022-12-18T16:52:00.006-08:00

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Rely on Double-Duty Furniture

JOHN GRANEN

Pieces that can work in a variety of ways are a great fit for small-space storage. Home offices, for example, can be difficult to create out of limited square footage, but strategically placed bookshelves can serve as storage and desk space. Here, a small stool tucks under the work surface, while small bins and baskets keep necessities stylishly contained.

Creative Storage Ideas to Solve Small-Space Problems: Include Out-in-the-Open Storage

2022-12-18T16:52:00.001-08:00

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Include Out-in-the-Open Storage

BLAINE MOATS

Closed doors and drawers aren't the only way to effectively store items. Smaller spaces may necessitate using spots that are in plain view. Consider grouping same-size items—here, rolls of essential kitchen papers and wraps—in a decorative storage piece that blends with the style of the room. A mesh file keeps aluminum foil, parchment paper, and other cooking items at hand.

Creative Storage Ideas to Solve Small-Space Problems: Scale Down Shelves

2022-12-18T16:51:00.001-08:00

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Scale Down Shelves

JOHN BESSLER

Small spaces don't offer a lot of room for overly large furniture, especially small bathrooms. Look for sized-down pieces that still offer plenty of storage potential, like this open three-shelf unit. It offers just enough space for extra towels and toiletries, as well as pretty display space.

Creative Storage Ideas to Solve Small-Space Problems: Stagger the Shelves

2022-12-18T16:50:00.005-08:00

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Stagger Shelves

Uniform, boxy shelving units can overpower a small room and make it feel smaller than it really is. Instead, look for ladder-style pieces with shelves that get narrower toward the top. This can help lighten a room's look and feel, as well as provide useful storage for items in various sizes.

Creative Storage Ideas to Solve Small-Space Problems: Clear Off the Floor

2022-12-18T16:50:00.001-08:00

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Clear off the Floor

GREG SCHEIDEMANN

Clutter can be a constant battle in small spaces, but clever storage solutions can help keep your rooms clean and calm. Try the strategy used here to gain valuable spots to stash essentials: Mount small cubes or rectangular shelf units on the wall for open storage. With no doors to open and close, you don't need to leave extra clearance space around the units. A wall-mounted light fixture keeps the tabletop surface free for books, glasses, and more.

Creative Storage Ideas to Solve Small-Space Problems: Don't Ignore Nooks

2022-12-18T16:49:00.004-08:00

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Don't Ignore Nooks

BRIE WILLIAMS

Shelves don't need to take up long expanses of horizontal space to be useful. Especially in small spaces, a short length of shelves can efficiently meet your storage needs. Here, a narrow stretch of wall with open shelves provides easy-access storage for dishes and cooking essentials that are used most often.

Creative Storage Ideas to Solve Small-Space Problems: Add Incremental Storage

2022-12-18T16:49:00.000-08:00

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Add Incremental Storage

STACEY BRANDFORD

To gain more storage out of small spaces, consider simple add-ons to basic storage solutions. Take this narrow shelf addition, for example. This small, notched-back shelf offers just enough room for glass canisters that store oft-used items close at hand.

Creative Storage Ideas to Solve Small-Space Problems: Hide Your Storage

2022-12-18T16:47:00.005-08:00

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Hide Your Storage

ANNIE SCHLECHTER

Not all items are pretty enough to be stored in clear view. To maintain a cleaner look, utilize hidden storage that keeps things out of sight but still accessible. Furniture tricks, like this flip-top upholstered storage bench, can stylishly disguise items you'd rather not display.

Creative Storage Ideas to Solve Small-Space Problems: Substitute Closet Space

2022-12-18T16:46:00.004-08:00

18 Creative Storage Ideas to Solve Your Small-Space Problems

Jessica Bennett

Updated on May 23, 2022

PHOTO: BRIE WILLIAMS

Living in tight quarters shouldn't hold you back from meeting your storage needs. With the right strategies, it's easy to live small and store well. We'll show you how to organize your home with creative storage ideas for small spaces.

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Substitute Closet Space

KAT TEUTSCH

Many small homes lack sufficient closet space, which can make entryway storage, in particular, quite the challenge. To make up for a storage scarcity around your front door, outfit the space with a variety of hooks and open shelves to create a customized dropzone that works for your family. Use bins or baskets on the shelves to sort belongings by family member or type of item.

Storage Ideas for Small Spaces: Benches

2022-12-16T23:51:00.003-08:00

Benches

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Design Ideas

Consider multiple storage ottomans to create flexible seating options in a small space (plus all that extra storage!)
Lacking a traditional entryway? A bench immediately defines this zone just by placing it near the door.
Add a storage bench at the end of a bed to stash clothes or shoes nearby.

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Fleming storage bench

Dodd storage ottomans

Slim cubby benches

Tyler storage ottoman

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Stumped on Storage?

Design a custom cabinet to your exact dimensions and with a variety of doors, drawers and open spaces.

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Storage Ideas for Small Spaces: Shelves & Wall Mounted Storage

2022-12-16T23:50:00.006-08:00

Shelves & Wall-mounted Storage

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Design Ideas

Shelves don’t need to take up the length of a wall to be useful. Make the most of a narrow nook or tight corner.
Doors and drawers can take up extra feet. Opt for narrow or short shelves to gain extra storage space and have items within close reach.

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Linear wall-mounted nightstands

Foshay wall shelves

Enzo Wall Shelf

Staple double wall shelf

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Tiny Tip:

Uniform shelving can overpower a small room. Try staggered shelves to lighten the look and feel of a space.

Storage Ideas for Small Spaces: Console Tables & Cabinets

2022-12-16T23:49:00.003-08:00

Console Tables & Cabinets

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Design Ideas

Consoles are typically shallower than traditional accent tables or cabinets. Take advantage by popping it into a tighter corner.
Not enough room for an end table? Position a console table behind a sofa for extra surface area.
Think outside the box and get double duty out of a console by using it as a desk, bar or prep station.

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Bowen console tables

Kenwood console cabinet with ceramic top

Hudson console table

Dahl console bookcase

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Storage Ideas for Small Spaces: Closed Storage

2022-12-16T23:48:00.002-08:00

Closed Storage

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Design Ideas

Closed storage conceals items so clothes, pots and pans, books and more can all live happily together behind closed doors and drawers.
Not all closed storage functions the same: Doors and drawers serve different purposes to better accommodate certain items. Opt for a mix of storage types within one unit, if possible.
Consider door panels made from frosted glass, perforated metal or wood slats. These styles hide items but add visual interest.

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Hover wall-mounted cabinets

Kenwood bar cabinet with ceramic top

Keaton media cabinets

Linear media cabinets

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Storage Ideas for Small Spaces: Open Storage

2022-12-16T23:44:00.009-08:00

Storage Ideas for Small Spaces

The key to creating a balanced space while storing items is to use a mix of solutions. See ideas for small space storage below and shop a curated list of products.

Open Storage

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Design Ideas

Open bookcases with thin, clean lines add to the loftiness of a small space.
Go as tall as possible to maximize vertical storage.
Consider thin width and depth to maximize usable area. Many of our bookcases are only 12 inches deep to fit into tight corners.
As you style an open bookcase, try grouping similarly sized items for a balanced look.

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Beam bookcases

Slim bookcases

Etting bookcases

Woodwind open-back bookcases

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Space-saving Furniture Ideas

2022-12-16T23:44:00.003-08:00

Space-saving Furniture Ideas

Maximizing square footage is a must in small spaces. You can use your space efficiently with multi-purpose and space-saving furniture, and you don’t have to sacrifice on style thanks to our modern, timeless designs.

Extension Tables & Drop-leaf Tables

Extension and drop-leaf tables provide the best of both worlds: a larger table when you need it, and a smaller footprint when you don't. Most of our extension tables have built-in leaves so you don't have to worry about storing additional pieces. These modern tables also work as extra prep areas if you're tight on counter space in the kitchen.

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Stackable Chairs

Stackable chairs are perfect for seating needs on the fly. Easily store and stack chairs away when not in use, and pull them out whenever needed. Plus, these chairs are lightweight so they’re easy to move.

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Small Sleeper Sofas & Convertible Sofas

These aren’t your average sleeper sofas. Each sleeper is designed to be comfortable enough to be a primary bed, meaning you get a sofa and bed in one piece of furniture. Convertible sofas often take up less space than a traditional sofa and offer a stylish spot for overnight guests.

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Storage Benches

Store everything in a stylish bench or ottoman. Not only will it conceal small items, but it can also function as an extra seat, surface or spot to rest your feet. Easily movable and designed to complement a variety of styles, our benches and ottomans will be the hardest working pieces of furniture in your space, large or small.

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Shelves & Ledges

Go vertical! If you’re short on floor space, modern shelves and ledges make it easy to maximize open walls. Create a built-in look or unique arrangement to store items and display photos or artwork.

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Top Five Tips for Small Spaces

2022-12-16T23:43:00.003-08:00

Top Five Tips for Small Spaces

There are a lot of ways to stretch your square footage. These top five small space tips will help you get the open, airy look you want with the hard-working functionality you need.

Think Light & Bright

Lighter colored fabrics and finishes make a space feel larger, as does furniture that's up on legs versus flush with the floor. Light means more than just lighter colors; it also means light and airy designs or a lighter scale of design. Opt for round accent tables to maximize maneuvering and clear glass tabletops to keep the entire room in view. Adding a mirror will always make any size room feel larger and brighter.

Maximize Vertical Space

If you can't go wider, go up! Take advantage of vertical space to maximize storage and get the bonus of drawing the eye upward. Storage with open shelving or minimal design will help keep your space feel more open and less busy.

Choose Multi-purpose Products

Modular sectionals, small sleeper sofas and multi-purpose storage are all great starting points for anchoring a small space. Not only do they offer double duty in your current home, but the modern style and function of our products will last for years, no matter the space you're in.

Use the Rule of Thirds

Furniture scale is a key small space consideration. Think less about making everything small and instead keeping furniture and decor proportional. A good rule of thumb is making sure an anchor piece (like a sofa in a living room or a bed in a bedroom) does not exceed two-thirds of the wall behind it.

Edit, Edit, Edit

Finally, evaluate incoming pieces to make sure they are useful and meaningful in the space.

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