Unique Home Storage Ideas By The Experts
Nobody likes clutter. However, clutter can very quickly build up in your home – especially when your home is on the smaller side. No matter how small your home may be, you should never allow it to hold you back from meeting all of your storage needs. Even the smallest of homes can incorporate some clever storage solutions to help keep all of the pesky clutter at bay.
Interior design expert Ryan McDonough at MyJobQuote.co.uk has teamed up with a range of home improvement, interior design, and organisation experts to create this list of 12 unique home storage ideas. With so many ideas to choose from, it’s easy to create a storage solution to suit you, allowing you to keep your home neat, tidy, and clutter-free.
Staircase Storage
First, on the list, we have staircase storage. Staircases come in all different styles and shapes. No matter what type of staircase you have, you can find a way to turn it into storage. “I often find staircases can be utilised in far more practical ways than they typically are," says Karen Miller, interior design specialist at Miller Design Group.
One great idea when it comes to staircases is using the space beneath them. This is often unused space due to its awkward shape. However, you can turn this space into a bespoke storage solution. Consider building some shelves or a cupboard into the space where you can store and hide away bits of clutter.
Miller also suggests another idea - installing drawers into each step. “This is a perfect solution for any home with a space crunch. Not only does this method provide additional storage, but it also aids in keeping a neat and structured appearance," explains Miller.
Wooden Crate Shelves
Wooden crate shelves are a great DIY storage idea, and they're super simple to make and install. Jonathan Faccone, interior designer and founder of Halo Homebuyers, says, “These can be stacked in various configurations and painted in different colours to add visual interest while also serving as practical storage for smaller items.”
You can store many things on crate shelves, including small ornaments, plants, books, and anything else that's cluttering up your home. With the freedom to paint and design them in any way you want, they work great in most rooms. Alternatively, you can keep them as they are for a more rustic vibe.
Hanging Baskets
“For those with limited floor space, hanging baskets can be a game-changer," says Raf Michalowski, interior designer and founder of Meble Furniture. “They can be hung from the ceiling or attached to walls and are perfect for storing fruits and vegetables in the kitchen or toiletries in the bathroom.” You can get hanging baskets in a range of styles and sizes to suit every taste and all home designs.
“I recommend using woven baskets for a natural and stylish look", Michalowski continues. "This will help you save counter or shelf space while also adding a unique element to your home.” This is a great way to store several items without taking up any additional floor space.
Hidden Storage in Furniture
If you're limited on space in the home, you can add more storage through the use of multifunctional furniture. Invest in furniture pieces with concealed storage, such as ottomans with removable tops, coffee tables with hidden drawers, or beds with lift-up mattresses," says Anu Kurup, interior designer and owner of Persimmon Design. “These pieces blend seamlessly into your decor while providing extra space.”
The more of these multifunctional furniture pieces you can add to your home, the more hidden storage space you can have. Hidden storage is excellent for helping you to keep your home clutter-free.
A Window Seat
A window seat with hidden storage is a brilliant addition to any home. Pulkit Damani, home improvement expert at OffbeatBros.com, says, "For the book lovers out there, think about adding a storage bench right in front of your bedroom window. This is a fun way to organise your bedroom.”
“Not only does it offer a cosy spot to sit and enjoy a good book, but it also comes with storage cubbies and compartments underneath. It's ample space to store a collection of books you plan on diving into, all while soaking up some sunshine," Damani continues. You can purchase window seats from many home retailers and at various online stores. They come in a range of sizes and styles, so it's easy to find something that suits your home.
Ladder Library
“I've always loved repurposing old wooden ladders as bookshelves," says Benjamin Stenson, certified home improvement expert and founder of Norsemen. This is a great way to store your books and showcase them in a new way.
“Simply secure it horizontally on the wall, and each step becomes a shelf for your books, plants, or decorative items. It's not just functional; it adds a rustic charm to your space," Stenson explains. You can even customise the ladders by giving them a lick of paint. That way, you can ensure it matches up with your other furniture items. Black or white painted ladder shelves can provide a striking look, or you could choose to go bold and paint them a bright colour such as yellow, red, or even pink.
Think Vertically
Vertical storage is something which is very effective but often overlooked. “The space above kitchen cabinets, wardrobes, and even doors can provide extra storage space if used effectively. Installing a shelf, or a series of them, can turn dead space into an attractive, accessible storage area," says Kerry Sherin, consumer advocate at Ownerly.
Walk around your home and look up. Identify all of the unused space above cabinets and in other higher up areas of the home and consider how these spaces could be transformed into bespoke storage solutions. Vertical storage is perfect for hiding away those less frequently used items that may be taking up room in other areas of the home.
Pegboard Organisation
“Using a pegboard to organise your cleaning supplies is a unique and efficient way to keep your home clean and tidy", suggests Doug Van Soest, co-founder of SoCalHomebuyers. “To use a pegboard to organise your cleaning supplies, simply attach the pegboard to the wall in a convenient location. Then, add hooks and shelves to store your cleaning supplies.”
“You can also use pegboard baskets and bins to store smaller items", the expert continues. "A bonus tip for using a pegboard efficiently is to group similar items. For example, you can group all of your brooms and mops, all of your cleaning products, and all of your cleaning supplies together.” This creates an effective way to organise and store everything, making your regular cleaning routine much easier.
Hollowed-Out Books
According to Dominick Femia, home improvement expert at dominickfemia.com, you can create secret storage by hollowing out old books. This is a great little trick as it not only makes use of all of those old books that you have lying around, but it also provides a great hidden storage solution.
“Stack them on shelves, and you'll have an inconspicuous spot for valuables or small items", explains Femia. For an added touch of drama, consider grouping together books that are similar in colour. This will allow you to create a more uniform display.
Vacuum-Sealed Clothing Bags
“One of the smartest storage solutions I have come across is using vacuum seal bags for storing seldom-used clothing," says Ross Robinson, interior designer and owner of Rosstopia. “We all have clothing that is either seasonal or reserved for certain activities, such as travel. The very same vacuum seal bags used in suitcases work just as well in your closet," Robinson continues.
“The clothing is packed more compactly and can be stored out of sight inside a storage cube. The clothing stays clean, dust is minimised, and you won’t ever have to worry about moths eating expensive clothing.” This is a great way to protect and store the clothes that you don’t use as often.
Magnetic Strips
Magnetic strips are a great tool for storing any item that contains metal. For example, a magnetic knife strip is great for storing all of your knives on the wall. This will allow you to free up some of the space that would otherwise be used up in a drawer.
“Install magnetic strips on the walls or inside cabinet doors to hold and organise metal items such as knives, tools, or spice jars. This keeps these items easily accessible and frees up the drawer or countertop space," explains Shlomo Cherniak, owner of Cherniak Handyman Services.
Fireplace Storage
“Have you ever thought about repurposing that old, unused fireplace?” asks Ryan Fitzgerald, interiors expert and owner of Raleigh Realty. There are so many things you can do with an old fireplace. It’s brilliant for creating some wonderful storage hacks.
“Turn it into a unique storage nook. Whether you're a wine enthusiast or a bookworm, it's an unexpected spot to store your favourites," Fitzgerald suggests. “You can still set up, say, a tablet or something alike with a digital firepit for the allure of it.” This means that you can still create the illusion of a real fire while repurposing the actual fireplace as a handy storage solution.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are many things you can do in your home to create additional storage. Consider implementing some of these in your home and see just what a difference it can make. When your home is clutter-free, it will feel much more comfortable and create a much more enjoyable environment for you to live in.
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