Tapping Into The Hidden Storage Space In Your Home
Space. Can we ever have enough in our homes? Over the years storage space seems to shrink as life happens. We have children, buy furniture, clothes and lots and lots of stuff. Last I checked, wall stretchers were nowhere to be found. So how about the next best thing: some fresh ideas for storage space where you least expect to find it.
Or reclaim that under-the-stairs space to create a retreat for some hot chocolate and mystery-reading time. Now, if it just had a little curtain...
Here's another wonderful example of under-stair storage.
If your home is starting to bear a strong resemblance to the bookstore around the corner, 1. I'm jealous, and 2. here's a unique way to acquire some additional storage.
The idea of getting rid of even one book pains me to no end. So head for the rafters and get creative!
The idea of getting rid of even one book pains me to no end. So head for the rafters and get creative!
If you don't have additional storage underneath your stairway, how about in the stairway wall itself? This is often an overlooked area, and though small, it is still a potential spot for found storage.
I have a place much like this on a back stairway in my home. I so want to do this! It adds storage and looks great.
How about that upstairs hallway? Interior walls in hallways do not normally have or need insulation. Wouldn't that be a fabulous place to glean a bit of extra storage?
If it's a load bearing wall, perhaps it could be designed with support columns between the bookshelves. Not sure how difficult this would be to add after-the-fact, but if you are contemplating an addition or building a new house, give it some thought.
If it's a load bearing wall, perhaps it could be designed with support columns between the bookshelves. Not sure how difficult this would be to add after-the-fact, but if you are contemplating an addition or building a new house, give it some thought.
I've seen this done in another home, but in that instance, the shelf ran all the way around the room's perimeter. The homeowner had an extensive collection of Dept. 56 lit houses. The shelf was the answer to their desire to display their collection all year.
The pieces on display here work well together because they are similar in nature- sculptural busts or architectural elements.
I think I see some speakers, too. It's good place to get those up and out of the way.
The pieces on display here work well together because they are similar in nature- sculptural busts or architectural elements.
I think I see some speakers, too. It's good place to get those up and out of the way.
If you like to catch up on the news with your breakfast, here's a clever way to work the TV into your decor. I like this much better than having one mounted up high in a corner. You could install some salvaged shutters to close when the TV isn't in use.
Do you have a bay window in your dining room, bedroom or family room? Consider adding a hinged window seat into the bay and have the seat hinged to take advantage of all that space inside. Or add drawers or doors for access to the storage without moving cushions. It's a great place to tuck away extra pillows and blankets.
This may be my favorite pic in this whole ideabook. The not-so-attractive radiator is virtually hidden, and additional seating has been gained. Even the space overhead has not been wasted.
What hidden storage spaces have you found in your home?
What hidden storage spaces have you found in your home?
Consider building bookshelves into that area. It would also be a great place to display collectibles. This stairway even has a door leading underneath for even more storage.