Trying to find the perfect solution to small spaces isn’t always easy. After all, you have awkward sizes to work with and always more stuff than seems to fit.
Custom designed storage solutions help you create the perfect option every time. From designing for extra shelving in mind above your kitchen cabinets to accessories to divide a large drawer, small spaces don’t have to suffer from no storage.
Often times, pre-fabricated solutions just don’t work. They’re too bulky and end up giving you less room than before. Before you give up, try a few of these options to make your small space larger.
Turn Seating Into Storage
One of the more popular solutions for small spaces is to turn your seating into storage. Many ottomans double as extra storage, but did you know you can also design chairs, benches and tables with storage space? For instance, a bar chair in your kitchen might sit tall enough to have a few small shelves below the seat. A bench with comfy cushions works as a sofa and storage solution.
For a few ideas for your own design, Better Homes & Gardens lists 14 creative ways to turn your furniture into storage.
Floating Cabinets/Shelves
You don’t always have space for cabinets that sit on your floor, but what about that open area above your sofa or behind the toilet? A floating cabinet can fit in almost any space as long as you have a little room on your wall. Consider a series of smaller cabinets or blocks for storing books, toiletries, games or anything else you want.
Of course, floating shelves also help to maximize space in small areas. The great thing about cabinets and blocks is they also double as shelving.
Custom Sizing
Want traditional cabinets and bookshelves? No problem. Custom sizing is the best solution for small spaces. For instance, if you have a tiny kitchen, use thinner cabinets and maximize your space with accessories. Need inspiration? See our post 8 Tricks For Doubling The Space In Your Cabinets to see how organizers, baskets and other solutions make even small cabinets seem large.
Use Vertical Spaces
How often do you just look at the horizontal spacing for maximizing your space? While typically you store things horizontally on shelves or in cabinets, think about all the vertical spacing you’re missing out on. For instance, the kitchen featured in this post’s image doesn’t have to stop with just cabinets.
Frequently used pots could hang on the side of the upper cabinets. Floating shelves on the sides of the cabinets near the window work great for herbs or collectibles. Even the brick wall could be used for hanging a mop and broom.
Think vertically and you’ll be amazed at how much more space you have. For instance, if you want a bookcase, consider having shelves that don’t sit flush with the door. Leave a few inches of space and you could add file organizers to the inside of the doors for storing important documents, comic books, remotes or anything else you want.
Remove Doors
Doors aren’t usually a bad thing, but when it comes to small spaces, they can get in the way quickly. Maybe you’d love to have a custom-designed bench with drawers in built-in. However, the door leading to the next room makes it impossible for you to have a bench as long as you need. Take down the door and replace it with a decorative curtain. As long as you still have room to walk, it’s the perfect solution to small spaces.
Separate Rooms With Shelving
For small spaces that blend several rooms into one, consider dividing your rooms with storage. Floor to ceiling shelving helps you not only add space, but separate your rooms. They work as walls and can be relatively thin or wide enough to hold anything you need. For a more decorative option, staggered shelving gives you a variety of different size shelves and it looks great too.
Ready to design your own space-saving solutions? Contact us today to find out how we can help turn your small spaces into larger ones.
