27 Space Saving Ideas and Tips for Better Organization

27 Space Saving Ideas and Tips for Better Organization

by — Kari Apted
Published on June 21, 2021
Updated on March 18, 2025

“Small rooms or dwellings discipline the mind; large ones weaken it.” – Leonardo da Vinci

Even if you don’t own a lot of belongings, small-home living can make it a challenge to find a place for everything. However, with a little ingenuity and intention, even the smallest studio apartment can be efficiently organized.

From space-saving furniture design to innovative vertical storage ideas, our gallery will provide you with dozens of new storage space ideas. Here’s how to maximize your storage space in every room of your cozy home.

1. Under-The-Sink Storage

Maximize the often-underused space under your sink with stackable bins or sliding drawers. These can neatly organize cleaning supplies or bathroom essentials, keeping them accessible yet out of sight.

Wall-mounted toilet and floating wooden shelves with a vessel sink maximize space in this modern, compact bathroom with smart storage — Source: @dvoe.doma via Instagram

Under-sink storage with pink fabric bins and baskets keeps bathroom essentials organized, maximizing space while adding a stylish touch — Source: @yours_truly_julie23 via Instagram

Rustic bathroom with floating shelves and ladder storage maximizes space while adding charm. Wire baskets keep essentials neatly organized. — Source: @functionalfarmhouse via Instagram

2. Labeled Organizers

Use clear, labeled bins or containers on shelves or in closets. This not only streamlines finding items but encourages keeping everything in its designated place, reducing clutter and saving space.

Organized bathroom cabinet with labeled plastic drawers: towels, nails, dental, face & body, misc., his, hers, refills — Source: @julie_eigenmann via Instagram

Organized bathroom cabinet with clear drawers labeled for toiletries and cleaning supplies, under a sink with a marble countertop — Source: @theneatery via Instagram

Organized under-sink cabinet with cleaning supplies, dishwashing liquids, oils, and a box of allergy medicine neatly stored — Source: @smart.homeorganizer via Instagram

3. Over-The-Toilet Space Saver

Install shelving or a cabinet above the toilet. This vertical storage solution is perfect for small bathrooms, providing extra space for towels, toiletries, and other essentials without taking up floor space.

Bathroom with white shelving above the toilet, displaying decor items, against a dark wall with ocean-themed art — Source: @riverridgehome via Instagram

Over-the-toilet shelving with woven baskets and a potted plant maximizes storage in this compact bathroom while keeping essentials organized — Source: @shannahclaws via Instagram

Wall-mounted toilet and sink save space, while mirrored cabinets and open shelving provide smart storage in this colorful, modern bathroom — Source: @roselynninteriors via Instagram

4. Corner Bathroom Vanity

Opt for a corner bathroom vanity to utilize awkward corner spaces. This design opens up the room and provides additional storage for bathroom necessities.

A corner vanity with a vessel sink maximizes space in this compact bathroom, while wooden tones create a warm and cohesive design — Source: @sunny.hill.home.lidia via Instagram

Small bathroom with patterned walls, white toilet, round sink on wooden countertop, and a mirror above, shelves with plants and toiletries — Source: @the_ramblr_rv via Instagram

5. Under-The-Bed Storage

Slide bins, drawers, or even a roll-out platform under your bed for out-of-sight storage. Ideal for seasonal clothing, extra bedding, or rarely used items, keeping your bedroom clutter-free.

A small bedroom with a storage bed and sliding wardrobe maximizes space while keeping essentials organized in a stylish, functional design — Source: @justmegivingdiyago via Instagram

A loft bed with built-in storage maximizes space in this cozy bedroom, combining style and functionality with soft pastel accents — Source: @renovating_no_45 via Instagram

A space-themed bedroom with built-in storage beds maximizes functionality, offering extra drawers while keeping the design stylish and cozy — Source: @watchtower_interiors via Instagram

6. Pull-Out Furniture

Furniture with pull-out components, like beds or tables, offers space-saving solutions. Use them when needed and tuck them away easily to free up room.

A white Murphy bed partially pulled down from a wall unit in a room with green walls, a large window, and beige carpet — Source: @navylanedesign via Instagram

A sleek pull-out table extends from the cabinetry, creating a functional workspace that maximizes space in a modern, minimalist office — Source: @atimspa_official via Instagram

A multifunctional office with a Murphy bed and fold-out table maximizes space, offering a seamless transition between work and rest areas — Source: @furniture_wallbeds_design via Instagram

Wall-mounted wooden bench with curved slats, forming a wave-like design, next to a green plant inside a minimalist room — Source: @iris.muriel via Instagram

A hidden swivel TV cabinet maximizes space and functionality, allowing seamless viewing from different areas while maintaining a sleek design — Source: @joa.interior via Instagram

A sleek bed with built-in storage and a pull-out desk maximizes functionality, creating a stylish and efficient space-saving solution — Source: @scanfurnituresolutionsuk via Instagram

A foldable desk with built-in shelves offers a compact space-saving solution, seamlessly transforming from storage to a functional workspace — Source: @hada_smartspace via Instagram

Wooden children's furniture set with two chairs and a table featuring storage compartments on a light background — Source: @nurevsannpolat via Instagram

A minimalist home office with a fold-out desk, chair, bookshelves, and a window letting in natural light — Source: @our_westlake via Instagram

7. Bed With Built-In Shelves

A bed frame with built-in shelving or drawers serves dual purposes. It eliminates the need for additional furniture like bookcases or dressers, freeing up valuable floor space.

Cozy bedroom with built-in white shelves, a bed, soft lighting, and a large teddy bear; books and decor items on shelves — Source: @watchtower_interiors via Instagram

8. Corner Bar Table

Transform an unused corner into a stylish, functional space with a corner bar table. It’s a great way to add storage and display area without encroaching on the room’s open space.

Corner bar with wooden sliding barn doors, a wooden wine rack above with a bottle, in a rustic style setting — Source: @allstarwoodwerx via Instagram

A cozy corner coffee station with floating shelves and a sliding barn door cabinet maximizes storage while keeping essentials easily accessible — Source: @cmhwoodworking via Instagram

A stylish corner cabinet with sliding barn doors maximizes storage while adding a rustic touch, making use of unused space efficiently — Source: @ironwoodfab via Instagram

A compact wooden corner cabinet maximizes storage in small spaces, providing a stylish and functional solution for organizing essentials — Source: @j.bbuilders via Instagram

9. Corner Shelf

Install corner shelves to turn empty wall corners into useful storage. Perfect for displaying décor or keeping daily essentials within reach.

Corner kitchen cabinet with a built-in microwave, two sets of doors, and a plant on top, white shutters on the window beside it — Source: @vargasworkshop via Instagram

A corner sleek kitchen pantry with open black cabinets, neatly organized shelves holding jars, bottles, and spices, next to a countertop — Source: @araxa_kitchens via Instagram

Corner wardrobe with white doors and wood trim, adjacent to a light blue carpeted floor, featuring drawers and a countertop — Source: @willow_and_yew via Instagram

White corner cabinet with bench, open shelving holding decorations, and coat hooks with a teal backpack and black bag hanging — Source: @hardman_woodworking via Instagram

10. Full-Length Wall Shelf

Utilize your wall space by installing a full-length shelf. It’s an elegant way to display books, plants, or collectibles, reducing the need for bulky storage units.

A sleek Murphy bed integrated into a stylish wall unit maximizes space, transforming this modern living area into a functional sleeping space — Source: @multimobeds via Instagram

Children's room with shelves full of colorful toys, books, and stuffed animals around white double doors — Source: @baileyaustindesign via Instagram

Loft room with two hanging chairs, a window, and a color-organized bookshelf filled with books — Source: @laurenspehr via Instagram

Wooden shelves with a diagonal ladder hold books, decor, and kitchenware against a white wall; modern minimalist design — Source: @kokonarchitecten via Instagram

A cozy room with a wooden cabinet, a spiral staircase, and a tall bookshelf filled with items against a wood-paneled wall — Source: @toksmalikdesign via Instagram

11. Office Desk With Mounted PC

Mount your PC or monitor on the wall to free up desk space. This setup not only looks sleek but also provides more room for desk accessories and paperwork.

Adjustable desk with mounted computer tower and monitor arm, situated in a minimalist blue-toned room — Source: @sanket.photos via Instagram

12. Couch With Storage

Choose a sofa with built-in storage under the seats. This hidden space is perfect for storing blankets, games, or books, keeping your living area tidy.

Brown leather armchair with built-in shelves holding books and a rolled towel, set on a tiled patio against a white wall — Source: @shadypop via Instagram

Modern chair with bookshelves and a reading lamp by a window, featuring gray cushions, a laptop, and a cup

13. Floor-Level Drawer

Incorporate drawers into your floor design, particularly under raised platforms or steps. These drawers are ideal for storing shoes, tools, or seasonal items.

Kitchen with white cabinets featuring two wooden pull-out step drawers built into the base — Source: @jtwoodcraftdesigns via Instagram

Open drawer with organized coloring books, markers, and pencils under a cushioned bench with patterned pillows — Source: @santabarbaraneat via Instagram

14. Under-The-Bench Storage

Benches with storage compartments provide seating while concealing items like shoes, bags, or outdoor accessories, keeping entryways neat.

A bright home office with a built-in window bench featuring hidden storage maximizes functionality while creating a cozy and stylish space — Source: @cfdesignandart via Instagram

15. Wall-Mounted Organizers

Use wall-mounted organizers in your office, kitchen, or workshop. They keep tools, utensils, or stationery off counters and desks, creating more working space.

Kitchen tools neatly arranged on a wooden pegboard, including whisks, spatulas, graters, and a toaster on a brown counter — Source: @alexdelduca via Instagram

Shelves with colorful fabric, ribbons, storage boxes, and tools like pliers and scissors organized in a craft room — Source: @ashleyjoneshatcher via Instagram

Tall cleaning cabinet with brooms, dustpan, mop, and cleaning supplies neatly arranged on shelves, light wood floor and glass door nearby — Source: @masterbrandcabinets via Instagram

A cozy sewing room with two sewing machines, a brown leather chair, shelves with fabric, and a pegboard with sewing supplies — Source: @the.over.confidentbeginner via Instagram

A vertical display of various baseball caps with different designs and logos on a white wall — Source: @organizeyes_ via Instagram

Home gym corner with dumbbells, resistance bands, a yoga mat, and fitness accessories neatly organized on a wall rack and shelf — Source: @morethanneat via Instagram

Pegboard displaying colorful toy blasters on a wall; nearby cube shelves hold helmets, books, and decorations — Source: @bluepencilhome

Woodworking shop with organized tools on wall, wooden workbench, and abstract wooden sculpture in progress — Source: @seyoonpark via Instagram

Organized gym storage with shelves of gray boxes, tennis bags, an aqua bag, resistance bands, and a pull-up bar on the wall — Source: @santabarbaraneat via Instagram

Wall-mounted kitchen organizer holding a cutting board, pot lid, scissors, and a sponge with hooks against a gray wall — Source: @mewbiehome via Instagram

16. Cabinet Door Rack

Attach racks or holders to the insides of cabinet doors. This is a smart way to store spices, cleaning tools, or pantry items, utilizing often-overlooked storage areas.

Kitchen cabinet with open doors showing organized pot and pan storage: white cabinetry, stovetop, and oven in the background — Source: @bonnies514 via Instagram

A craft supplies cabinet with open doors reveals organized shelves and drawers filled with jars, paint, stationery, and colorful materials — Source: @masterbrandcabinets via Instagram

17. Floating Shelf

Floating shelves offer a sleek, minimalistic storage solution. They are ideal for places where floor space is limited, like over a desk or in a small kitchen.

Modern kitchen with a large island, bar stools, open shelving, and hanging lights featuring white cabinets and a marble backsplash — Source: @freedom_kitchens via Instagram

Modern kitchen with white cabinets, wood countertops, a breakfast bar with stools, plants on shelves, and a large window view — Source: @paulas.life via Instagram

18. Recessed Coffee Bar

A recessed area in your kitchen or dining room can be transformed into a coffee bar. This keeps your coffee-making essentials organized without consuming valuable counter space.

A compact coffee nook with built-in storage and a farmhouse-style sink creates a functional and stylish space-saving solution in the kitchen — Source: @thisfulllife5 via Instagram

19. Kitchen Countertop Organizers

Use tiered or vertical organizers on your countertop. They help in categorizing items while keeping them accessible, reducing clutter.

Kitchen with a spice rack and utensils organized on a marble countertop, window view of hills and water in the background — Source: @zohahomeliving via Instagram

20. Work Desk With Storage

Opt for a desk with built-in shelves or drawers. This integrated storage solution keeps your workspace organized and can even eliminate the need for additional storage furniture.

Craft room with fabric in white shelves, a blue abstract painting on the wall, and a small window — Source: @jackiegillies via Instagram

Modern minimalistic home office with a built-in desk, shelves, a black chair, and a window view in light colors and tidy setup — Source: @scanfurnituresolutionsuk via Instagram

21. Drawer Dividers

Implement drawer dividers in your kitchen, office, or dresser. They help in segregating items, maximizing drawer space, and keeping contents orderly.

Organized kitchen drawer with utensils: grater, peeler, knives, scale, egg slicer, whisk, can opener, pizza cutter, measuring cups — Source: @organizeyes_ via Instagram

Open drawer with a hairdryer, round brush, comb, and hair clipper on a hexagonal tile floor background — Source: @simply_reorganized via Instagram

22. Pantry Racks & Organizers

Install racks or use stand-alone organizers in your pantry for efficient food storage. These help in categorizing items and making use of vertical space.

A neatly organized pantry with labeled containers, canned goods, snacks, and a bread box on white corner shelves — Source: @space_and_soul via Instagram

A well-organized refrigerator with clear containers of fruits, vegetables, cheese, drinks, and a carton of milk — Source: @time4organizing via Instagram

23. Tiered Dinnerware Divider

A tiered divider in your cabinet allows you to store plates and bowls more efficiently. This setup maximizes cabinet space and makes it easier to access your dinnerware.

Stackable shelf organizers maximize cabinet space, keeping dishes neatly arranged and easily accessible for a clutter-free kitchen

24. Under-The-Stairs Cabinet

Convert the space under the stairs into a storage cabinet. It’s an excellent spot for storing bulky items, seasonal decorations, or even creating a mini-library.

Wooden cabinets under a staircase with white railing and red carpeted stairs on a polished wooden floor — Source: @artandwoodcardiff via Instagram

A cozy under-stairs bedroom with built-in storage drawers maximizes space, creating a functional and inviting retreat in a small area — Source: @olivierhomestyling via Instagram

Modern office with a wooden loft structure, red tile floor, and built-in staircase, illuminated by natural light from a window — Source: @proyecto_veta via Instagram

25. Recessed Shelf

Incorporate recessed shelves into walls, particularly in bathrooms or hallways. They provide storage without protruding into the living space.

A cozy built-in nook with hidden storage and shelving optimizes space, creating a functional and stylish reading or relaxation corner — Source: @bma_architectural_group via Instagram

26. Kitchen Island With Pegboard

Add a pegboard to the side of your kitchen island. It’s a creative way to hang utensils, pots, or pans, saving drawer and cabinet space.

Modern kitchen with a large island on wheels, pegboard sides holding colorful bags, and a vase of flowers in the background — Source: @sustainablekitchens via Instagram

27. Toy Crate Boxes

Use stackable crate boxes for toy storage. They can be labeled and easily moved around, keeping children’s play areas organized and flexible.

Playroom with organized storage bins, LEGO displays on colorful shelves, a small play table, toy vehicles, and a road-patterned rug — Source: @simplyblessedjourney via Instagram

What is space saving furniture?

Space saving furniture is designed to maximize floor space and may have integrated storage features. Some pieces are smaller than traditional furniture and serve dual purposes, such as a chair that folds out into a twin-sized bed.

How to increase storage space in a kitchen?

Think of your small kitchen as a three-dimensional area to uncover extra storage space options. Add hooks and storage racks to walls and ceilings to multiply your usable storage zones. Don’t forget to put hooks inside your cabinet doors to make those areas more functional.