cff HOW TO ADD STORAGE TO SMALL SPACES | Simple and Serene Living

HOW TO ADD STORAGE TO SMALL SPACES

Monday, August 23, 2021

If you are like me and live in a small space, you know the value of storage. I live in an apartment that is less than 600 square feet, and not only do I have to find storage for my personal things, but I am also running an Etsy vintage shop and have to store those items as well.

When you live in a small space you have to learn to think outside the box.

The Bedside Table

Most people picture a small table consisting of a drawer and an underneath shelf when they think of a bedside table. 

bookshelf as bedside table
(image credit Maya Goldfine)

A bookshelf is one idea to use beside your bed. Open bookshelves visually take up less space and if you have items you want to hide from view you can add baskets for storage.

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similar shelf  similar storage baskets  similar record player

In my bedroom, I have added an antique cabinet beside the bed. You can read about my find here

I love that it has a nice long drawer where I can stash the things that I need next to my bed and my chair while hiding them from view. The bottom part of the cabinet has plenty of space for storing some of my Etsy shop inventory. 

antique cabinet in cottage style bedroom

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similar cabinet  similar Baldwin lamp 
exact Victorian picture  similar basket

Wall Hooks

Wall hooks are a great way to max out your vertical space in a small space. I have two sets in my apartment. One is in the front hallway, where depending on the season I hang coats, hats, scarves, and a basket for mail.

front hall metal coat hanger

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similar mail basket  similar iron coat rack

The second wall rack is in my bedroom and it is a great place to hang necklaces and totes. This frees up space in my closet and in my drawers.

I originally bought it for the front hall, but right after I purchased it I found the metal hanger and so decided to paint this one and use it in the bedroom.

hanging coat rack used for jewellry

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similar coat rack  exact tote

Use Dressers In More than One Room

Dressers make wonderful storage pieces in small spaces, and there is no reason that they have to be confined only to the bedroom. I have one in the living room, one in the bedroom, and one in the bathroom. 

This dresser was originally my great grandparents, and I have used it in several different rooms in several different homes. It now makes a great storage place for linens in my living room.

antique dresser as storage in small space living room

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similar clock  similar dresser
similar terrarium  exact green houseplant pot

Utilize Corners

When you live in a small home you need to utilize every space, and corners and nooks and crannies are valuable real estate.

I'm lucky enough to have built-in bookshelves in the corner of my bedroom. I'm always thinking about ways I can use them better, but for now, they house books, jewelry boxes, and decor pieces. 

BUILT IN BOOKSHELVES


If you don't have built-ins, freestanding shelves will work just as well. 

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Thinking outside the box, when it comes to storage, might be all that you need to keep your small space neat and organized.

How to add storage to small spaces


Read more Home Decor posts.

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Comments

  1. Thanks for sharing these ideas Laura; I'm always looking for ways to eek out more storage space!

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  2. We have a teeny, tiny holiday home (I think it's around 600 feet too) and storage space is always an issue. There's just never enough so thanks for your tips.

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  3. Yes, it is very important to access and use vertical storage, whether with hooks or whatever means we have.
    Brenda

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  4. Great ideas, I like the hanging items on the wall idea. My head is spinning with ideas now.

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  5. I love that dresser that was your grandparents. That is a beautiful piece. Living small you need to utilize every place you can for storage. Have a great week. xoxo

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  6. I really like how you utilize the dressers. What a smart space saving, stylish tip. I am always looking for ways to better organize our small apartment cottage. Thanks for the help.

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  7. I love your blog, its filled with great posts. Love the different hanging ideas on the wall.

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  8. I remember living in my first apartment in NYC - it was 400 sq. ft!I used to joke that I could sit in one chair and reach everything I owned! Using space wisely was critical for survival. Your ideas are practical and pretty!

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