If you’ve got stairs, you’ve got untapped storage. The stair wall can be renovated to accommodate a built-in bookshelf, wine rack—or even a tiny office. For secret storage that's out of sight, open the wall and add a door, or sneak drawers into individual steps (an easy DIY if they’re on open stringers).
Related: Trending Now - Painted Stairs
Zillow Digs home on Bainbridge Island, WA
Vertical storage not only solves your where-to-put problems, it can make for attractive design. Whether you opt for hooks in the entryway, floating shelves in the bedroom, or a shelf over a bathroom door, making the best use of your walls will open up your options when it comes to storage.
Related: 7 Clever Ways for Hooks to Streamline Your Life
What’s underfoot? Prime storage space, that's what! With the addition of a platform floor like this one, you're standing on an organizational gold mine. It's perfect for stashing out-of-season clothes, blankets, or even a guest bed. These floating floors are fairly simple to build on your own, with basic power tools and a free weekend.
Most people look right through this unlikely storage spot. In point of fact, your windows could be just right for storing everyday kitchen staples. By installing a narrow shelf along the windows, you allow daylight to pour in, while de-cluttering the cabinets.
Though your cabinets may be chock full with dried goods or dishes, you might be missing out on some prime real estate—just inside. Make the most of the space by installing slim-line spice racks, or adding cup hooks to hang measuring cups and spoons.
Related: Storage Sanity - 15 Ways to Make Your Pantry Functional and Fabulous
Remember when cleaning your room meant shoving everything under the bed? Still a good idea—just refine it to suit your grownup status. Sturdy rectangular baskets are an obvious choice: They hold a ton and look attractive too. There’s also a variety of wheeled options on the market, but DIY-ers ought to be able to fashion their own roll-a-way using casters and reclaimed wood.
Related: 10 Space-Saving Solutions for Tiny Bedrooms
Stock suitcases full of off-season clothing to make more breathing room in closets and dressers. Or take the designer tip of turning vintage valises into furniture-cum-storage pieces. Stack three different-sized cases as a tower table or put two of the same size on wooden block feet beside your bed.
Related: Get Organized - 25 Clever Ideas for Repurposed Storage
Those two feet between the top of cabinets and the ceiling needn’t go to waste. In the kitchen, this area is perfect for pottery or baskets (storage in themselves). One design caveat: Group larger, similar items—unalike, smaller stuff will simply look like clutter.
Related: 16 New Ways to Store Kitchen Necessities
Doors can do double duty with hooks, shelves, and organizer units that attach over the top. Think: a pocketed shoe rack to amp closet space or an extra towel rod for a small bathroom. Just resist the temptation to overload—too much weight can impinge on hinges and damage the door.
Related: 9 Creative Uses for the Back of Any Door
If you're interested in more storage ideas, consider:
9 Closet Storage Tips from a Professional Organizer
Get Organized: 25 Clever Ideas for Repurposed Storage
Even if you've got your heart set on hardwood flooring, it's worth considering the alternatives. Sometimes, materials that only look like wood can be just as good as—or even better than—the real thing. Explore your options now!
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