Hidden Storage Ideas to Maximize Your Space

The Storage Dilemma: Too Many Things, Too Little Space

It’s a problem we’ve all had to deal with – clutter. From sprawling suburban homes to compact downtown apartments, clutter can be an epidemic. The cure? Get creative with storage that’s hidden in plain sight. Even if you’re settled in a spacious house, there are definite perks to sneaky storage.

Attics and Basements: Not Convenient for Everyday Essentials

Attics and basements are great for storing things that don’t get used very often, like holiday decorations or suitcases, but they’re not so convenient for books, toiletries, linens, craft supplies, or your spice collection. And unfortunately, it’s these everyday essentials that tend to leave spaces messy.

Thinking Outside the Box: Double Duty Storage Solutions

The trick is to start thinking outside the box – literally. For storage solutions that will keep your stuff out of sight yet close at hand, you have to go beyond boxes, closets, and other places dedicated solely to storage. Instead, think about how the things around your home can do double duty.

6 Hidden Storage Ideas to Get You Started

We’ve come up with six hidden storage ideas that will keep your stuff out of sight yet close at hand. From spacesaving staircases to art cupboards, these ideas will get you thinking creatively about storage.

1. Spacesaving Staircases

Stairs take up a lot of space. It’s easy to forget sometimes, since we tend to think of them as a fixed feature of the house, but it’s true. We’ve come up with not just one, but three different ways to turn your stairs into storage space.

* Build drawers into the steps. Depending on how much storage space you need, you could just insert a single, easily accessible drawer in the bottom step, or you could redo your whole staircase into a series of secret drawers.
* Build drawers or a cupboard into the side of the staircase. Turn that often ignored space in the side of your stairs into drawers that are more accessible than those built right into the stairs. Plus, you can up the aesthetic appeal by decorating them as regular drawers, rather than trying to hide them.
* Put in a trap door. If your clients staircase includes a landing, you can use it to create a storage compartment. A trap door in the landing can provide storage space for larger items like duvets, blankets, and pillows, but it’s still easily accessible.

Pro Tip: This goes without saying, but make sure the renovations won’t damage the structural integrity! If extra storage space comes at the risk of a client putting their foot right through a step, it’s just not worth it.

2. The Officeinabox

Is your desk an eyesore? Your home office isn’t something you usually think of as storable, but if your desk is in the way, there’s a simple solution. Put a desk and some shelves in a reasonably sized closet. To hide it away, you can just open and close the door as needed.

* Use an armoire, cabinet, or secretary desk to get a similar clutter-free result.
* A foldaway desk is another option for those who are really pressed for space or just don’t use their desks all that much. You can even find instructions online for making one yourself.

3. Table Tricks

We’re loving these popup storage coffee tables for a sleek piece of furniture with a roomy hidden compartment. But if you’re on a budget, why not try a little DIY?

* Build a simple sidetable with storage. This is the perfect place for storing stationary, remotes, phone chargers, or any other small household necessities.
* Attaching a shelf just above the floor can provide some extra space for books, magazines, laptops, and more. If you’re worried about the shelf looking cluttered, or if you just want your stuff out of view, try attaching a pretty table skirt to keep everything hidden.

4. Use the Whole Closet

Yes, we know – your closet or your clients closet is already at maximum capacity. But before you start sending in angry photos of jam-packed storage nightmares, take a minute to think is that closet really full, or could you be making better use of some of that space?

* Use the closet door. The closet door is a vastly underused resource. Installing narrow shelves is one way to get back some of that space, but to make it even simpler, just attach some hangers to the back of the door and use them to hold purses, scarves, belts, or tank tops.
* Install a second rod. For closets with a high-up rod, consider installing a second rod lower down to double the space for hangers. If you’re looking for a quick fix, you can even buy an adjustable rod that hangs from the original rod.

5. Skinny Shelves

Sometimes there’s just nothing you can do with a space – like that tiny gap between the fridge and the wall. Right? Wrong.

* Build a slim shelving unit that slides out when you need it and stays tucked away when you don’t. This is best as a DIY project, since the amount of space you’ll be working with can vary widely between kitchens.
* Use it to store unopened cans, jars, and boxes, or make it into a creative spice rack. Either way, you can make use of that sliver of space and clear out some of your cupboards.

6. Add an Art Cupboard

No, we’re not talking about a cupboard for art supplies. Art pieces are a decorating staple in any home, but they also take up space that could be used for shelves, cabinets, or closets. Get the aesthetic and keep the extra storage by turning wall art into the front of a hidden cupboard.

* Cut shelves right into the wall. Use hinges to hang your art over the shelves so that it forms the front of the cupboard.
* Use a standing mirror or one mounted on the wall to double as a space for storing jewelry and other small accessories.

Stay Creative: The Bottom Line

We love these 6 hidden storage ideas, and for each one there’s lots of flexibility for adapting it to the needs of your own unique space. But no one solution will work for every space – and that’s where you come in. The best way to start amazing your clients with innovative hidden storage ideas is to start looking critically at home features and furniture that are often taken for granted.

Like any element of design, storage is all about creativity. Have you incorporated hidden storage solutions into your design work? Share your ideas and check out more guides on room-by-room organization!What are some ways to utilize attics and basements for storage?
Attics and basements are ideal for infrequently used items like holiday decorations or suitcases. However, they are not suitable for everyday essentials like books, toiletries, linens, craft supplies, or spices.

What is a spacesaving stairway storage solution?
You can build drawers into the steps, install drawers or a cupboard on the sides, or create a trap door in a landing to store larger items.

How can an office be hidden?
Put a desk and shelves in a closet, use an armoire, cabinet, or secretary desk, or opt for a foldaway desk.

What are some table storage ideas?
Build a sidetable with a hidden storage compartment, add a shelf above the floor, or attach a table skirt to hide contents.

How can I maximize closet storage?
Use the closet door for storing small items by adding hangers, install a second rod at a lower height, or creatively use the closet’s existing space.

What are examples of skinny shelf storage?
Build a slim, sliding shelving unit to fit into small gaps, such as between the fridge and the wall, to store unopened cans, jars, boxes, or create a spice rack.

Can art be used as storage?
Yes, cut shelves into the wall behind hanging art pieces or use a standing mirror or wall-mounted mirror to store jewelry and other small accessories.

Why is creative storage important?
Creative storage solutions maximize space, keep essential items organized and accessible, and maintain an aesthetically pleasing environment.