7 Sneaky Storage Ideas for Small Spaces
Whether you live in a tiny apartment or a small family house, you probably have a small room or corner you don’t quite know what to do with. Well, we’re big believers in coming up with storage solutions for small spaces to make the most of them! And adding storage doesn’t have to mean adding an entire new shelving system or purchasing a big ticket item, like a credenza; all it takes is rethinking your spaces with the right pieces.
If you have a small space in need of some rethinking or want to optimize your storage options in a small space, read on! We’re outlining some of our favorite small space hacks, as well as some great design tips for small apartments to help you maximize your space.
Read on for 7 of our favorite storage solutions for small spaces.
1. Work Storage Into Your Entry
Looking for interior design ideas that will breathe new life into a small entryway? Use a small desk or narrow console table in your entry as a functional storage piece and catchall. Just make sure it has a drawer or two! This gives you a place to stash mail and on-the-go accessories, like sunglasses, hats, and totes.
The surface can hold a tray for keys, a table lamp, and a mirror for those last-minute outfit checks before you dash out the door. And opting for a furniture piece with an open base means you can also maximize the space beneath for baskets or shoes.
2. Choose a Multipurpose Coffee Table
For a busy space like your living room, consider working storage into your coffee table. (Storage coffee tables are such great workhorses for small spaces that they’re first on the list of essentials in our small apartment furniture checklist!)
If you’re wondering how to choose storage furniture, know that there are some great storage coffee tables out there that offer hidden storage. But you could also opt for a two-tiered table which allows you to stash trays, magazines, and coasters on the lower shelves. A repurposed trunk or a coffee table with a lid is great for stowing away big books, board games, and even kids’ toys. And a coffee table with drawers are stylish design details that can also keep remotes, wine openers, and other small items out of sight.
3. Find New Use for Nightstands
No need to relegate a nightstand to just your bedroom. Pull one into your living room to use as a side table. One of our best home storage solutions for small spaces, nightstands are a great way to pack in extra storage without adding clutter.
Most nightstands come with two or three drawers, so you’ll have extra storage space for everything from additional cords and candles to throw blankets and games. On top, you’ll have room for a lamp as well as a place to put down a drink.
4. Add Seating with Storage
Super-functional storage benches and ottomans are perfect in any living room, but especially if you’re short on living room storage space.
Giving you both style and storage, these benches serve as pretty and comfortable seating when you have guests over and also as hiding spots for anything and everything. Try using a storage bench under a living room window to create a reading spot, or tuck it behind your sofa.
5. Go Big with Baskets
Easy to tote around, baskets are storage catchalls. They’re the easiest of our small space storage ideas to implement and they can be easily brought to a larger space if you move!
Looking for ways to organize with baskets? They’re very handy if you have kids that tend to spread out their toys across the living room; stashing them in baskets makes clean-up easier and will help conceal what can be a mess on the floor. Plus, baskets tuck nicely into cubbies or can be set on the floor by a chair to hold blankets and books.
Try multiple baskets spread out in one room on the floor for a few storage touch points.
6. Make Your Bed Do Double Duty
If you’re working with small square footage, a platform bed with drawers or one with storage space underneath can help you make the most of an otherwise unused space in your bedroom.
It’s a great small-space solution for stowing away winter bedding, clothes, and extra sheets, linens, and pillows.
7. Rethink a Bookshelf
We love making use of shelves for small spaces to add storage space vertically. Try an open bookcase beside your bed instead of a nightstand or table. This ups your storage (literally) by making use of wall space that’s often left empty next to your bed.
Essentials—like an alarm clock, your iPhone, bedtime reading, and a glass of wate—can go on the lower shelves, while books, jewelry boxes, and even clothes can be stored on the upper ones. And since most open bookshelves are narrow, you’ll also be saving floor space.
Hi, where did the leather chair in pic 3 come from? Thanks!
It’s from CB2.
I love the desk in #1. Can you tell me where it’s from?
It’s from Crate & Barrel!
I love the bed frame in #7–can you tell me where that’s from?
It’s the Dondra Teak bed from CB2.
Where is the round white coffee table from? I love this for a storage idea!
Hi Chelsea – it’s a great way to add storage without adding more furniture! This coffee table is from CB2 but unfortunately they recently discontinued it. They do have some similar options and West Elm is another good place to try!
Where is the wooden tray on top of the coffee table from?
Hi Andrew – It’s actually part of the coffee table! A lid to the hidden interior storage!
Hi Modsy,
Where did the storage trunk in number 4 come from?
Hi Luca – thanks for asking. It’s the Acacia Storage Bench from CB2. Happy Styling!
Can you tell me where to find the art, rug, and shelves in the first picture? Also, any details on the blue pant color in the last image? Thank you!
Hi MJ, thanks for asking! Here are the links to all the products: Art | Bookcase | Rug | Paint
In case you didn’t know, you can see all these products in a 3D model of your home and shop them with exclusive discounts through Modsy!
Where did the woven small ottoman come from.
Hi Lynn, thanks for asking! If you’re referring to the ones in the first image, they are Braided Jute Poufs and you can check them out here.
Where is the grey couch from??? Love it
We love it too! That would be the Maxwell from Interior Define.