10 Inventive storage ideas
16th Nov 2023 Home & Garden
4 min read
Roll up your sleeves, grab a storage bin or two, and let's explore the world of clutter-free living
We've all been there—living in a home with clutter that seems to multiply overnight. It's like our belongings have a secret plan to stage a hostile takeover of every square inch of our living space. But fear not, for in the battle against clutter, ingenious storage ideas can be your secret weapon.
From the nooks and crannies of your home to the grandest of rooms, we're about to embark on a journey through ten inventive storage solutions that will not only tidy up your living space, but also add a touch of creativity to your surroundings.
1. Staircase storage: step up your game
If you're blessed with a staircase, you're also blessed with ample storage potential. Those often-neglected spaces under the stairs can be transformed into stylish and practical storage solutions. Consider installing pull-out drawers, shelves or cubbies to stow away shoes, books, or even your pet's toys. This not only maximises the use of this otherwise underutilised space but also adds a touch of elegance to your home's interior design.
2. Overhead garage storage: raise the bar on organisation
The garage can easily become a catch-all for your household's clutter, from tools and sports equipment to holiday decorations. But don't despair; overhead storage racks can come to the rescue.
"By mounting sturdy racks to the garage ceiling, you'll free up valuable floor space"
By mounting sturdy racks to the ceiling, you'll free up valuable floor space and create a perfect spot for those items you rarely need but don't want to part with. Now, your car can once again share the garage with the stuff that truly matters.
3. Ottoman empire: dual-purpose furniture
Storage can be stylish too. That's where ottomans with hidden compartments step in. These multi-functional pieces of furniture not only provide a cosy spot to put your feet up, but also open to reveal spacious storage areas.
Ottomans provide a cosy spot to put your feet up and open to reveal spacious storage spaces (credit: Max Rahubovskiy (Pexels))
Stash away blankets, board games, or anything else that needs a home while keeping your living room looking uncluttered. It's a storage solution that blends seamlessly with your décor.
4. Mirror, mirror on the wall: concealed cabinets
Mirrors can do more than just show your reflection. Consider installing mirrors that double as hidden cabinets. These wall-mounted wonders are perfect for concealing toiletries in the bathroom or jewellery and cosmetics in the bedroom.
Wall-mounted mirrors with hidden cabinets are perfect for concealing toiletries in the bathroom (credit: Sanibell BV (Unsplash))
The best part? They look like regular mirrors, so your secret stash remains safely under wraps.
5. Headboard heaven: sleep on it
In the bedroom, the headboard isn't just for resting against; it can be a great storage solution too. Opt for a headboard with built-in shelves or cabinets to keep your nighttime reading, alarm clock, and other essentials within arm's reach.
"Opt for a headboard with built-in shelves or cabinets to keep your essentials within arm's reach"
It's a smart way to declutter your bedside tables and add a touch of elegance to your sleeping quarters.
6. Pegboard possibilities: wall-mounted versatility
When it comes to kitchen and garage storage, pegboards are the unsung heroes. These perforated boards can be mounted on walls to create a versatile storage system.
Pegboards can be mounted on walls to organise everything, from pots and pans in the kitchen to tools in the garage (credit: Antonio Manaligod (Unsplash))
Use hooks, pegs, and hangers to organise everything from pots and pans in the kitchen to tools in the garage. The best part? You can easily rearrange your setup as your storage needs change.
7. Slide-out pantry: kitchen convenience
Kitchen cabinets can become chaotic battlegrounds of canned goods and cereal boxes, but a slide-out pantry can bring order to the culinary chaos. These tall, narrow cabinets have shelves that pull out for easy access to your dry goods.
"Kitchen cabinets can become chaotic, but a slide-out pantry can bring order"
Say goodbye to rummaging through shelves in search of that elusive spice bottle; the slide-out pantry brings your kitchen organisation to the next level.
8. Faux book storage: secret agent shelving
For those who love the allure of hidden compartments, faux book storage is a classic choice. These book-shaped boxes can be stacked on your bookshelves, blending in seamlessly with your literary collection.
Faux book storage can blend in with your literary collection while concealing your most treasured possessions (credit: Pixabay (Pexels))
Little do onlookers know, they conceal your most treasured possessions or important documents, ensuring your secrets remain hidden in plain sight. Of course, if you want something more traditional then check out these bookcases from Home Detail UK.
9. Floating desk: workspace in the air
Small spaces often require creative solutions, and a floating desk is the perfect example. These wall-mounted workspaces provide an area for your laptop or paperwork while taking up minimal floor space. Plus, they often come with storage shelves or compartments, keeping your workspace organised and stylish.
10. Ladder storage: climb the storage ranks
Don't let that old ladder gather dust in your garage; repurpose it as a unique storage solution. Lean it against a wall, and it instantly becomes a trendy shelving unit.
You can use a ladder as a trendy shelving unit (credit: Piotr Musioł (Unsplash))
From displaying plants in your living room to organising towels in the bathroom, the possibilities are endless. It's a quirky and practical storage hack for the trendsetters among us.
Banner photo: 10 inventive storage ideas (credit: Andrea Davis (Unsplash))
Keep up with the top stories from Reader's Digest by subscribing to our weekly newsletter