Creative Storage Ideas for Small Spaces

Small-space living isn’t without its advantages—it’s cozy, easy to clean, and makes finding anything that’s gone missing a whole lot easier. Anyone who’s in?tight quarters?knows that living in a little nest has its disadvantages too, especially when it comes to storage.

Fortunately, there are all kinds of genius?storage ideas?for small spaces that you can incorporate to make the most of your square footage. From art to ottomans, so much in your home can be transformed into additional storage with a little time and creativity.

Stow Stuff in an Ottoman

Investing in a good storage ottoman or revamping an old one is a no-fail way to store the miscellaneous items floating around your living room that can never seem to find a good home.

And because it’s equal parts function and form, it’ll do double-duty, functioning to warm up your aesthetic and increase your comfort at the same time, it keeps your clutter out of sight.

Get Artistic

Another beautiful blend of form and function is turning wall space into jewelry storage as an art piece. Keep your precious stones safe (and tangle-free!) without taking up any of the surface real estate that’s so valuable to small-space living.

Get some ready-made shadow boxes, or you can create them yourself with a little elbow grease and DIY magic. Either way, you and your home will look better for it.

Keep Things Under the Bed

Under-the-bed storage?is often one of the first options people turn to when in need of storage solutions, but shoving things under there without a structure in place that keeps them organized can quickly turn into a big chaotic mess.

Fortunately, there are plenty of?affordable pull-out drawers, customizable containers, and dividers specifically made to store your items neatly under the bed. Deciding to invest in one is one of those organizational decisions you would wish you had made it years ago.

Store Items in the Coffee Table

Living rooms have a knack for overflowing with remotes, magazines, crafts, etc.?until you feel like you’re drowning in clutter. If this sounds familiar, consider this super easy storage option. When it comes to hiding items in plain sight, little rivals the power of coffee table storage.

Make a Makeshift Closet

A small-space dweller is all too aware of the struggle that comes from a lack of closet space. If you’re among those who wished you had a bigger closet, try this idea on for size. A makeshift closet like this one can be painted and polished and can keep your clothes organized and look great while doing it. Even better, it can also function as a clever room divider if you’re in a studio apartment.

Try Sassy Shelving

With a bit of time and ingenuity, floating shelves can be more than just organizational. They’re super easy to install and, if you take just a few minutes to arrange everything, the display can look all kinds of beautiful.

Float Some Cabinets

Speaking of cabinets,?if you can make yours float, it is a genius way to maximize your storage tenfold. It's better than filling up an already cramped space with tables and dressers for additional storage. Floating cabinets can store nearly anything you can imagine without taking up any floor space or overwhelming your aesthetic.

Tuck Away Shoes

Due to their bulk and abundance,?shoes?can be a significant headache for cramped quarter organization. But with some creativity, tucking them away in even the tiniest of spaces is doable.

A dresser with pull-out drawers like these is a storage fiend’s dream come true. It’ll look great in your living room, provide extra surface area, and keep the order you’re craving

Give Your Fireplace a Function

Try this clever idea for those who have a fireplace that doesn’t function or one that’s never used. Fireplaces are a surprisingly chic and effective way to store books and magazines to candles and photos. To take it to the next level and paint the interior for a colorful accent.

Tease Space Out of a Teeny Tabletop

Even the teeniest of tables can be made into an uber-effective storage solution. And this Scandinavian-inspired table is a perfect example. Check out how to assemble it at?Sugar & Cloth. It is minimal, stylish, and sophisticated, and it’ll keep coasters, cards, and papers neatly tucked away until you want them.