If your home is short on storage, the answer is not always to buy more furniture. In smaller spaces, layout and built-in design choices often have a much bigger impact.
The good news is that a few well-considered design tweaks — particularly in kitchens and bedrooms — can unlock far more usable space than you might expect.
We spoke to the experts about their go-to kitchen and bedroom ideas for maximising compact spaces — including one corner storage solution that can offer up to 70 per cent more usable storage.
Build upwards in the kitchen
When space is tight, Mark Sellars, expert at kitchen manufacturer Wren, says the priority should be using height more effectively.
‘Hidden storage is a vital design choice for small rooms as they conceal clutter and free up worktop space,’ he explains.
For kitchens, that means thinking floor-to-ceiling. ‘Tower or pantry units will maximise on height over width, freeing up more of your floor space. They can be fitted with shelving and drawers, as well as integrated appliances, helping you to reclaim valuable worktop space too. Choose a handleless design for a streamlined look that works perfectly in smaller spaces,' he says.
Mark also recommends using narrow gaps that are often wasted. ‘Slim pull-out base units really are storage saviours,’ says Mark. ‘They’re available in widths starting at just 150mm and will transform unused and awkward gaps into usable storage space for spice jars, cleaning products, mugs and more.’
More tips to help you organise your home:
- What is ‘chaos decluttering’? The bold organising method that delivers fast results
- 6 smart storage ideas that make small kitchens feel twice the size
- 7 things pro organisers say you should ditch from your small space ASAP
Add bespoke wardrobe storage in the bedroom
Wren expert Joanne Dodsworth says smaller bedrooms can benefit hugely from fitted wardrobe solutions, particularly when they’re designed to use the full height of the room.
‘Incorporate top boxes into your wardrobe design for extra storage that goes right to the ceiling. Under-robe drawers can also be added to the bottom of wardrobes for a true floor-to-ceiling storage solution,' she advises.
Joanne also recommends custom internal storage to make wardrobes work harder. ‘A rotating shoe rack will keep your collection organised and within easy reach without taking up too much space. Pull-out trouser racks and pull-down hanging rails are another way to unlock extra clothes storage in smaller spaces.’
When floor space is limited, door style matters too. Joanne notes that sliding wardrobe doors are often a better option than hinged designs, especially if opening doors would block movement. ‘Add a mirrored panel to your sliding doors to bounce light around the room and create a more open feel,’ she suggests.
Use the kitchen triangle to improve flow
In compact kitchens, storage matters, but layout is just as important.
Mark points to the kitchen triangle theory, which focuses on the relationship between the cooker, sink and fridge to create a smoother, more intuitive workflow.
‘While modern kitchens now often include additional elements such as dishwashers, washing machines and kitchen islands, the underlying logic of the triangle should be at the core of your small kitchen design,’ he says. ‘In compact kitchens, this approach helps to minimise unnecessary steps, reduce congestion and create a smoother workflow.’
Make corners work harder
Corners are often underused, but Mark says they can become some of the most useful areas in the home with the right fittings.
In kitchens, he recommends solutions such as LeMans and Lazy Susan units. ‘Lazy Susan systems use rotating shelves which allow you to easily reach stored items even in compact layouts,’ he explains. ‘LeMans units are built with a swing-out mechanism that brings the shelves fully into view, giving you up to 70 per cent more usable storage area.’
Joanne also suggests using corner space more cleverly in bedrooms: ‘Add a lift-up corner cabinet to your bedroom design. It’ll fit neatly alongside L-shaped cabinets, giving you extra hidden storage in a previously unused area.’
Choose multi-functional furniture
Both experts say dual-purpose furniture can make a big difference in smaller homes.
Joanne recommends storage built into bedroom furniture: ‘By utilising the area beneath the mattress or seating, homeowners gain an ideal place to store bedding, seasonal clothing, or everyday essentials, helping to keep the room tidy and uncluttered.’
For kitchens, Mark suggests fold-out surfaces that can be tucked away when not in use. ‘When not in use, they fold neatly away to keep the kitchen feeling open and uncluttered. It’s a flexible design feature that allows homeowners to adapt their space to suit everyday cooking and entertaining, no matter the size of the kitchen.’
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