Smart Storage Solutions for All Spaces
Find out how to take chaos to task with these clever storage hacks
We’re constantly struggling with space issues. Nothing ever seems to completely fit in. Too many clothes, too many shoes, too many utensils, too much linen … and no space to accommodate it all. The good news is that space can be created out of thin air. Read how.
Behind a faux wall in the living room
If there is a bit of room to spare in your living room, install top-to-bottom customised shelves and cover them up with camouflaging doors that make it all blend seamlessly with the surrounding walls. We all love open shelves, but they are a little high on maintenance and add to the cluttered look. The cupboards with this treatment won’t just add to the very put-together look of the room but will also be a great storage solution for everything you might need in this area – from the entertainment unit, music system, CD cases, to wires, cushions, books and magazines.
If there is a bit of room to spare in your living room, install top-to-bottom customised shelves and cover them up with camouflaging doors that make it all blend seamlessly with the surrounding walls. We all love open shelves, but they are a little high on maintenance and add to the cluttered look. The cupboards with this treatment won’t just add to the very put-together look of the room but will also be a great storage solution for everything you might need in this area – from the entertainment unit, music system, CD cases, to wires, cushions, books and magazines.
In the furniture
Ottomans are great hacks for storage. Deep tufted ones with shelves at the bottom, open or closed, offer a quick stash to storing anything from magazines, books, blankets or shoes. And of course, all this functionality comes in fancy shells. Take your pick.
Ottomans are great hacks for storage. Deep tufted ones with shelves at the bottom, open or closed, offer a quick stash to storing anything from magazines, books, blankets or shoes. And of course, all this functionality comes in fancy shells. Take your pick.
In the kitchen
This is one area that can never have enough storage. We Indians love our spice bottles, our small containers for every concoction, multiple options for basic utensils – and of course we never throw anything out. And it all needs to find space here. Modular cabinetry is the best bet, but also go for pull-out shelves and drawers. It’s a great way to squeeze out more from a spot.
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This is one area that can never have enough storage. We Indians love our spice bottles, our small containers for every concoction, multiple options for basic utensils – and of course we never throw anything out. And it all needs to find space here. Modular cabinetry is the best bet, but also go for pull-out shelves and drawers. It’s a great way to squeeze out more from a spot.
15 Flavour-Filled Storage Ideas for Herbs and Spices
Kitchen Storage: How to Pack a Punch
Try and find an unobtrusive but an accessible space to hang your essential pans and other kitchen accessories so that they don’t eat up too much of counter space.
In the bathroom
Consider having a full wall of shelves to store up everything from toilet paper rolls to towels and toiletries. This is an easy option to install – it’s low on cost and very high on value. Just do make sure you use a shelf material that can withstand the humidity and the moisture from this space.
Consider having a full wall of shelves to store up everything from toilet paper rolls to towels and toiletries. This is an easy option to install – it’s low on cost and very high on value. Just do make sure you use a shelf material that can withstand the humidity and the moisture from this space.
And who said pull-out drawers were just for the kitchen? In case a full wall dedicated to shelves is just not possible, this option works well too. The beauty of a pull-out drawer is that it not only hides a lot of unsightly clutter but that it can also be squeezed into reasonably small in-between areas like the nook between the cabinet and the floor.
Under the stairs
Those who have a staircase within their homes can utilise this space by installing drawers and closets. And an apology of a cupboard case won’t do. If designed and fitted well (as shown in the image), this can prove to be a very useful space to store everything from crockery to bedding and other home accessories.
Those who have a staircase within their homes can utilise this space by installing drawers and closets. And an apology of a cupboard case won’t do. If designed and fitted well (as shown in the image), this can prove to be a very useful space to store everything from crockery to bedding and other home accessories.
In the bedroom
More is always less when it comes to clothes, bags and shoes. Invest in a walk-in closet if possible, or if you have one of those regular indents in the wall for an almirah – get a customised one which offers different shapes and sizes of shelves inside. And never, ever underestimate the potential of a good-sized hangar space. The key to clever wardrobe storage is segregating according to need and maintaining an order.
15 Dream Closets to Admire
More is always less when it comes to clothes, bags and shoes. Invest in a walk-in closet if possible, or if you have one of those regular indents in the wall for an almirah – get a customised one which offers different shapes and sizes of shelves inside. And never, ever underestimate the potential of a good-sized hangar space. The key to clever wardrobe storage is segregating according to need and maintaining an order.
15 Dream Closets to Admire
In patios and lounges
Whether for the insides or for the outside, benches are great at adapting to any nook they are placed in. But they work even better when they are assigned with some storage space. Use lined baskets under the benches for a beach-style look or simply have trunk bench storage. These work wonders in children’s rooms – they lap up and store away all sorts of toys, board games and clutter.
Whether for the insides or for the outside, benches are great at adapting to any nook they are placed in. But they work even better when they are assigned with some storage space. Use lined baskets under the benches for a beach-style look or simply have trunk bench storage. These work wonders in children’s rooms – they lap up and store away all sorts of toys, board games and clutter.
Under the floor
I bet this hasn’t occurred to you. Well, slide it and hide it! Did you know, many of the traditional houses of yore in India used to maintain such spaces for keeping their high value items? Agreed it is a bit tough to fashion such an option in a contemporary modern Indian home but you do think it is a good idea, right?
I bet this hasn’t occurred to you. Well, slide it and hide it! Did you know, many of the traditional houses of yore in India used to maintain such spaces for keeping their high value items? Agreed it is a bit tough to fashion such an option in a contemporary modern Indian home but you do think it is a good idea, right?
Next time you feel like a hoarder, look more closely at your home spaces. There are so many ideas one can employ and create spaces one can use as storage.
Read more:
Extreme Storage: Ideas to Store Your Shoes
Kitchen Storage: How to Pack a Punch
Tell us:
How have you maximised storage in your home? Share your tips with us in Comments.
Read more:
Extreme Storage: Ideas to Store Your Shoes
Kitchen Storage: How to Pack a Punch
Tell us:
How have you maximised storage in your home? Share your tips with us in Comments.
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If your passage area is wide enough, consider putting in slim shelves on one side and covering it with a well-finished sliding door. Many a times, we overlook this hallway while it can be great storage option for shoes, umbrellas, coats and even toys that kids need handy for their outdoor play time.
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