20 Ingenious Storage Tricks
In a storage rut? Be inspired by Houzzers' storage hacks that are as clever as they are clutter-busting
Sam Briones
22 July 2017
I am a Houzz Contributor and I live and breathe design, fashion and food :) Through the years, I've cultivated my interests through books, blogs, and different websites. Of course it helps that I work as a content writer for different clients. The flexibility in my job has allowed me to learn more about my interests :)
I am a Houzz Contributor and I live and breathe design, fashion and food :) Through... More
With the exception of a very blessed few, it is safe to say most of us can do with more storage. With the amount of stuff we already have, and perhaps the stuff we want to get and keep through the course of time, finding a place to store everything can easily become a problem.
We’ve noticed, though, that a few Houzz members have managed to handle this dilemma brilliantly, and have come up with truly clever storage ideas that have us scratching our heads and saying, “Of course, why didn’t I think of that?!” If you’re looking for a little storage inspiration for your own home, then you may just want to see the following.
We’ve noticed, though, that a few Houzz members have managed to handle this dilemma brilliantly, and have come up with truly clever storage ideas that have us scratching our heads and saying, “Of course, why didn’t I think of that?!” If you’re looking for a little storage inspiration for your own home, then you may just want to see the following.
1. There’s no reason not to use every bit of available storage space. The back of corner cupboards are often wasted. However, the addition of a revolving lazy Susan allows the homeowner to use the entirety of the space.
Browse through images of clever storage ideas
Browse through images of clever storage ideas
2. Using every bit of available space doesn’t need to involve fancy bits of technology. Sometimes, it is really all about being practical, such as utilising the space under an outdoor bench to stash firewood.
3. We love this storage idea of using every step as a separate drawer. The concept will work wonderfully if there is a need to separate and segregate certain items, such as kids’ and adults’ shoes.
4. The homeowner chose to use the space under the stairs differently, but no less cleverly. Instead of having each step pull out, they’ve created pull-out panels, which allow for the vertical storage of shoes and boots.
5. Window seats and benches have some space beneath them that would make for an excellent spot to store extra cushions, blankets, throws or even hats and gloves … for when we ever need them!
6. Architectural features don’t have to be just that. If there is a hollow space within, there isn’t any reason why it can’t be used to store often-used items.
The crosshatch detail found on the exterior of this home gives it lovely detail, but what really blew our socks off was the hidden closet inside. Now, the homeowner doesn’t have to look far to access gardening tools that are used frequently in the space.
The crosshatch detail found on the exterior of this home gives it lovely detail, but what really blew our socks off was the hidden closet inside. Now, the homeowner doesn’t have to look far to access gardening tools that are used frequently in the space.
7. If you have space enough in the cupboard, turn it into a dedicated nook, such as this compact home office. It’s a great use of potentially wasted space, complete with desk, compact stool and upper shelves for those bits and bobs.
8. Don’t be afraid go up the wall, much like the wine storage in this photo. As the room is quite narrow, the homeowner wisely decided to store the wine bottles sideways. To store as many bottles as possible, he’s gone ahead and used the wall in its entirety, creating a stunning look in the process.
9. A rolling ladder is a fantastic way to reach spaces that would otherwise remain unused.
While this homeowner seems to have plenty of empty shelves at the moment, he is making sure his collection of books and other knick-knacks have room to grow, with the help of a rolling ladder, of course.
Another advantage of utilising this clever storage idea is that the height draws the eye upwards, and makes your wall appear taller than it actually is!
While this homeowner seems to have plenty of empty shelves at the moment, he is making sure his collection of books and other knick-knacks have room to grow, with the help of a rolling ladder, of course.
Another advantage of utilising this clever storage idea is that the height draws the eye upwards, and makes your wall appear taller than it actually is!
10. We are forever fans of the hide-and-reveal type of storage. This photo showcases that beautifully, with stunning wood panels sliding to reveal handy storage space.
11. This hidden barbecue idea is easy and effective, making it a winner in our books. Once the barbecue party is over, all the owners have to do is close the door and the whole unit disappears from sight and stays protected from the elements.
12. Colour coding storage baskets makes for easy identification. This storage system doesn’t only make it super simple to put things away, it can also help when you’re trying to find something. If you manage to narrow down where the item is, you could save yourself precious time.
13. Not all storage has to be hidden away. Open shelving is a great option not only for beautiful things you actually want on display, but for items you find yourself reaching for every day. As for the rest of the things that don’t look so pretty? Well, that’s what deep drawers are for.
14. Hooks and hangers are great space savers for those kitchens with limited storage.
Again, there is no need for everything to be hidden away, especially when there is no space to put in closets, drawers or cabinets. A much easier solution is to hang everyday items. An extra bonus in this photo is the magnetic strip to hold knives. The whole system is neat and effective, without taking up too much precious space.
Again, there is no need for everything to be hidden away, especially when there is no space to put in closets, drawers or cabinets. A much easier solution is to hang everyday items. An extra bonus in this photo is the magnetic strip to hold knives. The whole system is neat and effective, without taking up too much precious space.
15. Storage for children’s items doesn’t need to be overly complicated. Big plastic baskets are easy to pull out to stash toys and art supplies.
Remember to keep most storage for children accessible for them and, therefore, their height. That way they can be responsible for putting their own toys away, without having to ask for your help.
Remember to keep most storage for children accessible for them and, therefore, their height. That way they can be responsible for putting their own toys away, without having to ask for your help.
16. Drawers that pull out all the way will end up being more organised, and will allow you to store more items, too.
The problem with most drawers, especially the old-fashioned kind, is that you really can’t pull them out all the way or they’ll fall on the floor. Because of this, the contents can end up in a jumble and it can be all too easy to forget the things stashed at the back.
In this photo, however, the problem is eliminated as these drawers have the technology to slide out all the way, without the danger of falling and dropping on your feet. Finally, everything inside the drawer is visible, and accessible as well.
The problem with most drawers, especially the old-fashioned kind, is that you really can’t pull them out all the way or they’ll fall on the floor. Because of this, the contents can end up in a jumble and it can be all too easy to forget the things stashed at the back.
In this photo, however, the problem is eliminated as these drawers have the technology to slide out all the way, without the danger of falling and dropping on your feet. Finally, everything inside the drawer is visible, and accessible as well.
17. Having small divisions and compartments inside bigger storage areas simplifies the task of putting everything away.
Little divisions do wonders for storage and organisation. The homeowner doesn’t end up putting everything away in one huge space and forgetting about it later. Instead, like items are grouped together and made visible, making them very easy to find when needed.
Little divisions do wonders for storage and organisation. The homeowner doesn’t end up putting everything away in one huge space and forgetting about it later. Instead, like items are grouped together and made visible, making them very easy to find when needed.
18. Folding doors take up less space than regular ones, and can add more storage space.
We’re nuts over this folding door surprise – who would have thought that a laundry system would be hidden inside? The folding doors not only allow for easy access, but they lend visual appeal by appearing very much like an inconspicuous wall panel when closed.
Check out these smart multitasking doors with hidden storage
We’re nuts over this folding door surprise – who would have thought that a laundry system would be hidden inside? The folding doors not only allow for easy access, but they lend visual appeal by appearing very much like an inconspicuous wall panel when closed.
Check out these smart multitasking doors with hidden storage
19. It can be tricky to maintain a sleek-looking bathroom, given the number of cleaning and grooming products the average person uses. However, this bathroom manages to achieve that near-impossible feat by storing everything inside pull-out drawers behind a nifty sliding door.
If your bathroom allows for it, do invest in sleek storage that can reduce visual clutter.
If your bathroom allows for it, do invest in sleek storage that can reduce visual clutter.
20. Effective storage is not only about creating space to put things in, it is also making sure things are easy to find and reach.
While this homeowner has managed to create a smart storage solution using sliding doors, what’s really impressive is the extra details that were added to make sure the system really works. In-cabinet lighting allows for better visibility and makes it easier to find things, no matter the time of day or night.
While this homeowner has managed to create a smart storage solution using sliding doors, what’s really impressive is the extra details that were added to make sure the system really works. In-cabinet lighting allows for better visibility and makes it easier to find things, no matter the time of day or night.
Read more:
Clever Hacks for Extra Storage
Smart Storage Solutions for All Spaces
Tell us:
How have you busted clutter at home? Share your tips with us and attach a high-resolution photo in the Comments below.
Clever Hacks for Extra Storage
Smart Storage Solutions for All Spaces
Tell us:
How have you busted clutter at home? Share your tips with us and attach a high-resolution photo in the Comments below.
What are you working on?
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The COS design featuring the fire pit all illuminated looks lovely, ,though I have a problem with the idea of obtaining all the logs the same size so they will look pretty and with all the bending, stacking, positioning and unstacking as well as with spiders that just love under-bench storage. ( @ maudiej!). I have a granite rock outdoor fire pit but the wood is obtained from a pile where the wood cutter dropped it out of sight down the back. No such thing as "pretty logs all in a row" and not about to neatly stack 2 tonne! One would need to purpose order those ptetty neat logs and they would not be inexpensive.
I would love a whole room with shelves for storage...as in Organised Living!
I think I'd have a nervous breakdown if I needed a storage room as in Board and Vellum although I know some who would think they were in organised housewife heaven...and my Nana with her brood of 12 would have probably thought she was if she'd had that much stuff to store.
The nuns in boarding school would have loved it too!
PIC 14..hooks and hangers..GREAT.
PIC 9 Rolling Ladder up to high storage nooks OK for the able bodied...but dangerous. I've fallen from one of those breaking both ankles trying to land on my feet like a cat so not to do my new hip....determined that I was as good as new. Dreaming! I'd hate to have to climb up there to dust or to see what I had up there... even with two good legs.
Some very good ideas and some not so.
Thanks Sam Briones for a really interesting article! I am always stumped for storage ideas in a small space and not always practical putting extra things out in a shed.
I am loving this read, I really like the use of the space in the last picture from Board and Vellum…. This space is so practical, it's amazing how they have made use of all the space without cluttering the room. It's friendly for both adults and the kids. Well done!
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kVJ