5 Clever Storage Ideas for Small Spaces

When you’re working with limited indoor space, getting creative and innovative about how you arrange your household goods is essential. Without a proper system that takes into account the restricted room space, life can become needlessly stressful and overcomplicated. Not to mention cluttered.

Fortunately, making the most of smaller spaces is something that’s been trending upward for a couple of years now, and during that time, plenty of amazing and highly effective storage ideas have gained recognition. You don’t need to live in a mansion to feel the luxury of easy movement, organization, or spaciousness—you just need to consider your storage solutions more carefully.

From kitchens to bathrooms and everything in between, we’re going to prove that small spaces don’t have to feel small. At least not without the right approach. Let’s get stuck in!

Photo by Dane Deaner on Unsplash

Why clever use of storage is essential for smaller spaces

Before we look at some clever storage solutions for smaller home spaces, let’s pause for a moment to discuss why they’re so important. For example:

  • More indoor space – Yes, it might be obvious, but it’s such a big win that it’s worth writing about. Having more indoor space is no small accomplishment, and it’s one you will tangibly appreciate every day in your home, especially if you spend a lot of time there.
  • Less clutter and mess – When your home storage system is on point, less stuff ends up lying around and creating a mess. You get the luxury of hiding it all away in conveniently positioned storage units that feel natural and intuitive in your home.
  • Clear home, clear mind – There’s a lot to say for the clarity and peace of mind that come with better home storage solutions, especially in often busier areas like the kitchen and bathroom. Don’t underestimate the power of a clean, spacious, and clutter-free environment!

Taking innovative, creative approaches to the interior layout of your home is a rewarding experience that you can reap the benefits of every day. 

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What are five clever storage ideas you can implement in small spaces?

Figuring out how to kit out your smaller indoor spaces can be a challenge, especially if you lack experience in home interior design.

But not to worry. We’ve done the work for you.

Here are our top five clever storage ideas for small kitchens and bathrooms that everyone should try:

1. Invest in multipurpose furniture

Buying multipurpose furniture is one of the simplest and most effective things you can do to improve the spaciousness of a cramped room.

By minimizing the amount of furniture in your space, you automatically maximize the rest of the room’s moveability. Plus, there are loads of beautiful multipurpose furniture pieces available today that make this kind of investment both fun and rewarding (and sometimes even cost-effective)!

Some of the best multipurpose furniture to invest in include foldable kitchen tables, storage benches, nesting tables, multifunctional bathroom stools, and multifunctional bathroom vanities. 

2. Be innovative in your use of cabinetry

Cabinets are a cornerstone feature in every kitchen and bathroom space, and yet, so often, they are underutilized. With the right fittings and layout, you can use your home cabinets to extend the spaciousness and liveability of your home without changing too much in terms of external appearance. 

If you are ready to upgrade your kitchen or bathroom cabinetry game, talk to a professional. Interior designers and cabinet experts can help you create a plan for your home cabinets and cupboards that fit the atmosphere of your home while enhancing the amount of room you have within it. 

3. Use floating shelves 

In the right context, floating shelves can be the determining factor between a cramped kitchen or bathroom and a comfortable one. They don’t take up any floor space, and you can go all the way to the ceiling with them if you choose.

One of the best parts about floating shelves is that they can go just about everywhere, and they always look good. They’re a great way to display photographs and trinkets, keep your favorite novelty coffee mugs within easy reach, or stop your bathroom products from taking over the shower floor.

Plus, floating shelves are very affordable and relatively easy to install if you have basic DIY skills. Don’t sleep on the humble floating shelf; it can be a game-changer. 

4. Embrace home customization 

When it comes to enhancing indoor storage space, few changes are as instantly effective or transformative as home customization. Personalized cabinetry and tailored storage solutions designed specifically for your home will always be the golden standard of storage ideas for small spaces. 

Fortunately, home customization such as this is much more accessible than it used to be, and the current market is full of exciting materials, styles, and color options to explore. Similarly to how a custom-made outfit will simply fit your body better, a custom-made storage unit or cabinet will simply fit your home better.

5. Optimize your kitchen and bathroom spaces

Ultimately, being clever about storage in small indoor spaces such as kitchens and bathrooms is about optimization. Think shrewdly about where you place your furniture items and ask yourself seasonally (or even more frequently) what can be done to improve the look and feel of these crucial home spaces.

Change it if something feels too big, bulky, or does not bring you joy (we’ll never forget you, Marie Kondo!). Life is too short to endure discomfort in your own home when better solutions exist. 

Photo by Patrick Perkins on Unsplash

Create Order In Small Spaces

Whether you live in a small apartment or a full-on tiny home (or even just want to create a bit of extra space around the house), there are always ways to enhance the storage solutions in your home.

Kitchens and bathrooms are often the main culprits for collecting clutter or feeling cramped, but with these inventive ideas, it doesn’t have to be that way. 

With clever cabinetry, floating shelves, multipurpose furniture, home customization options, and optimized layouts, anyone can help their home feel bigger, more comfortable, and more accommodating to the beautiful chaos of life. 

Jeff and Kate’s Journey to a Dream Bathroom Remodel

Jeff and Kate found themselves grappling with a bathroom that felt outdated and cramped, mainly due to an oversized linen closet diminishing its potential. Amidst its flaws, a beacon of comfort shone through – a steam shower that promised the allure of relaxation and luxury. Yet, they yearned for more.

Embarking on a transformative journey, they envisioned a bathroom not merely as a space for daily routines but as a sanctuary embodying warmth, sophistication, and modernity. They dreamed of heated floors that would greet their feet with gentle warmth on chilly mornings and a steam shower unit that would envelop them in a comforting fog, turning their bathroom into a spa-like retreat.

In their quest for openness, Jeff and Kate opted for base cabinets, allowing the room to breathe and inviting in an illusion of more space. They chose white or lighter tiles for the shower to counteract the absence of natural light, ensuring the room felt bright and welcoming. The initial idea of a barrier-free shower was adjusted to include a shower curb, blending practicality with their aesthetic vision.

Elegance was in the details – Kohler Devonshire series faucets and accessories added a sophisticated touch, while porcelain tiles mimicked the luxurious appearance of marble on the walls. The floor tiles, finished in matte for safety, promised a secure footing without sacrificing style. And for an added measure of safety and convenience, they considered incorporating grab bars, seamlessly integrating them into the design to maintain the bathroom’s sleek appearance.

Jeff and Kate’s journey reflects the transformative power of thoughtful design, turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. Their new bathroom, a blend of functionality, luxury, and aesthetic appeal, stands as a testament to their vision of creating a space that not only meets their needs but exceeds their dreams.

In the end, Jeff and Kate’s bathroom remodel went beyond mere aesthetics; it became a narrative of transformation, where every selected element contributed to their story of creating a sanctuary within their home. This tale of rejuvenation and attention to detail serves as inspiration for all who seek to transform their spaces into reflections of their aspirations and desires.