Whether you live alone or have kids, one thing is for sure: There's no such thing as too much storage space. Most of us would happily say yes to more—especially if it's well organized. An extra closet can go to waste if it doesn't have useful storage inside. Crafting custom storage solutions–like a bespoke closet, built-in bathroom shelving, or a decked-out mudroom—to suit your needs is the dream, but it's not always possible unless you're renovating or building your dream home from scratch. Luckily, you have other options in the meantime beyond living with the mess or throwing everything out.
You can DIY storage solutions that look practically custom if you put a little thought into the dimensions and finishes. These simple storage ideas will help you make the most of the square footage you have right now. With a few clever tricks, you can equip your laundry room, bathroom, kitchen, and garage—even your hallway—to work harder and hold all of your stuff neatly. Try decanting your cleaning supplies into bigger, prettier containers or installing smart shelving to corral pots, pans, and clothing. We even found a way to hide your spices behind wall art. (Think medicine cabinet but better.) Our designer-approved storage solutions are sure to inspire your next weekend DIY project. Employ one of the clever ideas below and you'll suddenly find yourself with a home that's tidy, organized, and easier to relax in.
Transfer your detergent pods and other laundry essentials into something a little prettier than the original packaging, like a glass apothecary container. Not only is it a more stylish solution, but they'll be out and ready to use whenever you need them.
If your bathroom is snug and doesn't include a linen closet (or a single cabinet for that matter), you can keep fluffy towels close by with an additional shelving unit. Here, 2LG Studio took advantage of a free corner and installed a hotel-style towel rack.
When you have a stylish, minimalist wall mount, even road bikes can double as decor—especially if you paint a statement wall or accent nook in a corresponding color as designer Regan Baker did here. Bonus: Elevating your wheels clears space on the floor, which instantly makes your room look neater.
Whenever possible, add clear labels to storage solutions so you can decern what's inside a box, bin, or bag. Here, designer Christopher Barrett created a makeshift pantry with baskets and labels that help home cooks know where to find exactly what they need.
It may sound like an oxymoron, but cleaning supplies can be a big mess. Keep them organized by installing a wall-mounted wire rack to hang brooms and mops, then stash sprays in a caddy you can tote when you clean. Don't have a linen closet? A tall cabinet will do the trick, as seen in this space designed by Emily Henderson.
If you nearly topple over a tower of mugs every time you go to pour your morning coffee, you need a better system. Install a peg board on an open wall to hold everything you need instead of cramming it all into a cabinet. Here, designer Marianne Evennou used a long and lean one to hold cups, straws, and various other brewing equipment.
Take a cue from your favorite boutique and add a vintage-style rolling rack to your closet or bedroom or even a quiet hallway. Not only will you gain extra storage, but you can use the rack to plan your outfits for the week. How's that for organized?
If cabinet space is scarce in your kitchen, look to the ceiling for extra storage. A pot rack is an old-school kitchen classic, and it can be a beautiful addition to your room while doubling your space to stash your cookware.
Magazine racks and bookshelves can add a lot of visual interest to a reading nook, but they can also take up a lot of space. If square footage is minimal, use the walls for book storage instead. These slim, white shelves blend in seamlessly and act like pockets to hold books in securely.
There's nothing better in design than when form and function collide—and that's exactly what this clever solution achieves. Hidden discreetly behind a hinged piece of artwork is a roomy spice storage rack you can fill to the brim.
Installing custom bathroom shelves can be a pain—and may not even be a possibility if you rent your apartment or home. Instead, roll up a tiny bar cart or étagère to give linens and toiletries a place to rest. It's also a good spot for a bouquet of fresh flowers.
No real closet to speak of? No problem! Instead, place all of your bedroom storage furniture in one area of your room and "wall" it off with a luxe curtain panel (or two), as seen in this space designed by ETC.etera. Not only will it keep the clutter out of sight and out of mind, but it'll lend the effect of a chic dressing space where you can live out your fashionista fantasies.
Now here's a garage that cleans up nicely. Interior designer Annie Selke worked with Gladiator Garage to add workstations, wall storage, shelves, and lockers for a delightfully organized look. Mimic it in your space with dedicated zones that cater to your most-used items, like a section for garden tools.
Storage solutions can add charm and style to your space. Here, designer Leanne Ford used old metal drawers and wire baskets to keep things organized while lending aesthetic appeal.
Keep all your spices and dry cooking ingredients (think: pasta, rice, and flour) in reach by trashing the packaging and transferring everything into the same stylish containers. Bonus: This setup will allow you to shop in bulk for some of your goods, which can save you money and cut down on your carbon footprint.
Design is bound to be more kid-friendly and fun in a playroom. You can make wilder choices, like the graffiti-print upholstery and neon artwork 2LG Studio used here. However, if there's one thing you do need to take seriously in the playroom, it's storage. The built-in cabinets and shelves under this bench help keep things tidy and, because they're at kid level, teach little ones to straighten up.
Use drawer organizers to keep each item in its place. Lucite trays like the ones in this drawer designed by Emily Henderson have a sleek, barely there look.
Bedrooms often lack storage space. If you're out of ideas, look under your bed. Long, narrow baskets are a stylish option for corralling anything you want to keep hidden, like out-of-season clothing, extra linens, or toys.
The space under your kitchen sink is prime real estate for storing cleaning supplies, trash bags, and other odds and ends. But what happens when your cup (cabinet) runneth over? Well, you could eke out a bit more room with this fun hack. Swap the traditional cabinet drawers for a more forgiving swath of fabric. Not only will you gain a bit of extra wiggle room for whatever you're storing down below, but it can be a fun way to add a pop of pattern or color.
If your living room doubles as a media room, you can make it feel formal and entertainment ready without having to compromise. While not technically storage, we love how this art panel slides over the TV to keep it under wraps when guests are over.
Hadley Mendelsohn is the co-host and executive producer of the podcast Dark House. When she's not busy writing about interiors, you can find her scouring vintage stores, reading, researching ghost stories, or stumbling about because she probably lost her glasses again. Along with interior design, she writes about everything from travel to entertainment, beauty, social issues, relationships, fashion, food, and on very special occasions, witches, ghosts, and other Halloween haunts. Her work has also been published in MyDomaine, Who What Wear, Man Repeller, Matches Fashion, Byrdie, and more.
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