19 Storage Ideas for Small Spaces

You can’t have a stylish home without adequate storage. Clutter can distract from even the most beautiful decor. But what options do you really have when square footage is limited?

The good news is that you don’t need a ton of floor space to lead an organized life. You just need to prioritize storage space throughout your home design.

Keep reading for some of our favorite examples of storage ideas for small spaces that won’t detract from your personal style. (Of course, these ideas will work for large spaces, too!)

1. Utilize Vertical Bathroom Space

To maximize space and still create usable storage in small bathrooms, over-the-toilet shelves are the perfect option. Floating shelves can also be hung to provide extra vertical storage possibilities that don’t overbear the room size.

You could also think outside the box and invest in accessories like stackable boxes or wall-mounted shelves that can hold toiletries and towels in order to maximize the use of vertical space.

A narrow bathroom with blue and white patterned tile flooring, featuring a white vanity, wall-mounted cabinet, and over-toilet storage — Source: @bayhouse.northernhome via Instagram

Rustic bathroom with open white shelving for towels, bottles, and décor, featuring hanging plants and a vintage distressed wood wall — Source: @bellwheeldesigns via Instagram

Bathroom decor with wicker baskets, a wooden shelf with toiletries, small plants, and a storage box above a white shiplap wall — Source: @foreverhome2035 via Instagram

Minimalist bathroom with a wooden vanity, oval mirror, white toilet, black accessories, and hexagonal patterned floor tiles — Source: @richlandbuilds via Instagram

A small bathroom with a sink, mirror, and a storage rack above the toilet holding baskets and a plant, next to a shower area — Source: @shannahclaws via Instagram

2. Add Extra Storage To Your Vanity

Creative vanity storage can be a great solution for small bathrooms. For starters, you could consider buying a wash basin with drawers. This allows you to combine two items – the vanity unit and the sink – into one product, making it a great space-saving option.

A stylish bathroom with bold geometric wallpaper, a round mirror, a marble vanity, and gold fixtures for a modern and elegant touch — Source: @trinafosterdesign via Instagram

A modern bathroom with a sleek glass shower, a white vanity with ample storage, marble countertops, and minimalist decor for a clean look — Source: @dimatteodesigns via Instagram

3. Organize Items In Visually Pleasing Organizers

Basket organizers come in many sizes and textures, allowing you to customize to your style. The items inside them can be easily coordinated with fabric covers or containers. You can also opt for items in aesthetic organizers — stackable shelves or containers offer a modern touch with easy access for items like books and magazines.

White cabinet with woven baskets, a glass jar containing spools of thread, and a potted plant on top against a beige wall — Source: @ahomehealing.me via Instagram

A cozy bedroom with blue walls, a neatly made bed, and a storage unit with fabric bins, creating an organized and functional space — Source: @kassiacope via Instagram

4. Take Advantage Of Under-The-Bed Storage Space

Beds are also great for storing seasonal clothes and other belongings – find one with built-in drawers under the mattress or install cubbies under the frame to maximize underutilized area. Try investing in under-the-bed organizers and boxes to keep items where they won’t take up precious space on your floor.

A space-saving bedroom with a raised bed featuring built-in cube storage, overhead cabinets, and a cozy yellow and gray color scheme — Source: @bridges_home via Instagram

A stylish shared bedroom with built-in storage under beds, wall shelves, and a floor-to-ceiling wardrobe for a functional and modern design — Source: @eurostyle_design via Instagram

A compact bedroom with a raised bed featuring built-in drawer storage, a floating shelf, and a cozy yellow and gray color scheme for a stylish look — Source: @mrspitsdiary via Instagram

A charming pink-themed bedroom with a loft bed, under-bed storage, cube organizers, and soft decor for a cozy and organized small space — Source: @no40_house2home via Instagram

A stylish loft bed with under-bed cube storage, soft pink and gray decor, star-patterned walls, and cozy accents for a functional small bedroom — Source: @renovating_no_45 via Instagram

5. Add Cabinetry To The TV Wall

For efficient use of space, install a low-profile cabinet below your TV. This cabinet can serve as a multi-functional storage solution, offering concealed space for electronics, media, and other small items while keeping them easily accessible. Opt for a design with sliding doors or drawers to minimize the space needed for opening, making it ideal for tight spaces.

Wall-mounted TV above a white dresser with four drawers, a small plant, and reed diffuser in a minimalist room — Source: @thrifty_clair via Instagram

White dresser with nine drawers beneath a wall-mounted flat-screen TV; a mug and tumbler are on the dresser in a light-filled room — Source: @pennstate1010 via Instagram

A cozy living room with a plaid armchair, built-in shelving, wicker basket storage, and a navy accent wall for a stylish and functional space — Source: @dawsonfamilyhome via Instagram

6. Invest in a Cabinet to Make the Most Out of Any Space

Investing in a versatile, multi-purpose cabinet can transform any small area into a highly functional space. Look for a cabinet with adjustable shelves and modular compartments, which allows for customization according to your storage needs. This flexibility is key in small spaces, where the ability to store a variety of items from books to kitchenware in a single, compact unit is invaluable.

Choosing a cabinet with a sleek, minimalist design can help maintain a sense of openness in the room.

White bathroom cabinet with four drawers, a decorative sign reading "Relax Soak Unwind," and a small gray sculpture on top — Source: @barrattscollaton via Instagram

Tall kitchen cabinet with drawers open, revealing pantry storage with various items, white cabinets and a glimpse of a laundry area — Source: @barrattscollaton via Instagram

A white corner cabinet with open and closed shelves, holding towels, a candle, reed diffuser, small plant, and decorative items — Source: @riverridgehome via Instagram

A functional mudroom with built-in white cabinets, a wooden bench, cubby storage, and a sliding ladder for easy access to upper storage — Source: @shopskout via Instagram

Corner bathroom cabinet with shutter doors and open shelves, holding baskets and toiletries, beside a fern and a bathtub — Source: @riverridgehome via Instagram

7. Consider Seating To Your Closet

Put a bench in the closet and add plenty of closet organizers or shelf dividers. You can also make use of tall cubbies and baskets in order to keep things neat and organized.

Or, if you have some floor space available, consider investing in a shoe shelf with a bench. It’ll give you extra storage for your shoes while providing an additional seat when needed.

A stylish closet with a repurposed dresser, open shelving for shoes, hanging space, and woven baskets for a functional and organized setup — Source: @builds_by_kristen via Instagram

8. Customize Storage With Modular Shelves

Modular shelves can help you get organized and make the most of your square footage. With these customizable storage options, you can create customized cabinets, drawers, and shelving units specifically designed around your unique items and needs.

Organized closet with clothes hanging, folded items on shelves, wicker baskets, shoes below, and curtains partially open — Source: @heatherelizabeth98 via Instagram

Closet shelves with organized handbags and clear boxes containing various pairs of shoes — Source: @horderly via Instagram

Closet with neatly arranged clothes on hangers, folded clothes on a shelf, and storage baskets under a small window — Source: @serenityathomedetroit via Instagram

Compact laundry room with labeled white storage bins on shelves, a small sink, and washing machine; soap containers are on the counter — Source: @theorganizedlife via Instagram

9. Diversify Storage With Racks & Organizers

If you live in a small space, diversifying your storage is key to adding much-needed order without the bulky furniture pieces. For starters, having a hanging shoe rack takes up no floor space and provides handy storage for shoes or other items.

You can further diversify your storage with items like a hat rack for all those caps cluttering your shelves, add-in drawers for kitchen gadgets you don’t use often, and a few extra hooks here and there to hang aprons, bags, or other accessories – even decorative items if you want to give more character to your home!

A neatly organized closet with color-coordinated clothes on hangers, shelves with folded jeans, shoes, and boxes on the floor and top shelf — Source: @lmnt_designs via Instagram

Storage room with black shelves holding various colored plastic bins and boxes, some greenery, and a basket on the side — Source: @serenityathomedetroit via Instagram

Closet with dresses, tops, and hanging shelves storing rolled-up blankets and clothing with hangers evenly spaced — Source: @simplicite.by.bre via Instagram

A neatly organized closet with hanging clothes, shoes on a rack below, and storage boxes on the floor — Source: @sucursalcielo via Instagram

Closet with neatly hung shirts, belts, and ties; shelved boxes above and colorful caps organized on the left wall — Source: @horderly via Instagram

A modern bedroom with a built-in closet featuring a dresser, hanging space, and a sliding door for a clean and organized small-space solution — Source: @littleredindustries via Instagram

10. Get Smart With Hidden Pull-Out Storage

If you’re having trouble finding storage options for your small space, pull-out storage could be the answer to your problem. From pull-out pantries and pull-out shoe shelves to pull-out hampers and pull-out wine racks, all these storage options are cleverly hidden right inside a seemingly tight place like beneath a staircase or in between a wall of cabinets.

A pull-out pantry shelf filled with various food items, adjacent to a green door, and surrounded by plants and bookshelves — Source: @steinysgotiny via Instagram

Compact kitchen under a staircase with white cabinets, a coffee maker, and a pull-out pantry — Source: @barrattscollaton via Instagram

A tall, narrow pull-out pantry filled with jars, spices, and canned food is next to a stainless steel refrigerator in a modern kitchen — Source: @totallymaddesigns via Instagram

White closet with a pull-out shoe rack filled with various shoes next to a wall mirror and hooks — Source: @doneanddonehome via Instagram

A creative hidden pantry with pull-out shelves, seamlessly integrated into a vibrant, floral-wallpapered space for stylish and efficient storage — Source: @simplyhannahlee via Instagram

11. Utilize Base Cabinets

Base or floor cabinets are great for utilizing otherwise unused space such as beneath furniture or near baseboards, and they offer a great way to store items while keeping them out of sight.

Creative shelving can also prove invaluable in smaller spaces; think beyond bookcases and look into wall-mounted shelves and corner shelves that fit tight against walls with the clever use of brackets and other hardware.

A modern wardrobe with hidden under-cabinet drawers, sleek white and wood finishes, and built-in storage for a minimalist and functional design — Source: @jimsharplesfurniture

Open toe-kick drawer under white kitchen cabinets with black handles on a tiled floor — Source: @serenityathomedetroit via Instagram

12. Use a Pegboard to Hold Pots & Pans

A pegboard is a perfect solution to maximize efficiency and creativity when stashing away frequently used tools, pots, and pans. By adding several hooks to pegboards and attaching them to a wall near your kitchen counter or tool bench, you can easily hang up those important kitchen utensils or small tools that you often use but don’t have enough space to store neatly.

Kitchen corner with pots and pans on a pegboard, an air fryer on a counter, a mini house, plants, and a window with blinds — Source: @acozylittlenest via Instagram

A kitchen pegboard with neatly arranged utensils, including graters, whisks, spatulas, and a toaster on a wooden counter — Source: @alexdelduca via Instagram

Kitchen corner with pegboard shelves holding mugs, jars, and decor — Source: @joannajwestwood via Instagram

13. Make Room in the Kitchen With Wall-Mounted Shelves

To maximize kitchen space, consider adding some wall-mounted shelves for food and kitchen equipment.

Floating shelves are an additional excellent option – use them to store plates, dinnerware, kitchen ingredients, and utensils, allowing them to be instantly accessible when you’re cooking.

Minimalist kitchen with cream cabinets, black countertop, microwave, stove, sink, shelves with decor, and a glass fruit bowl — Source: @acton.life.and.home via Instagram

A stylish tiny home kitchen with open shelving, compact storage, and a lofted sleeping area, maximizing space with a modern, functional design — Source: @aspiretinyhomes via Instagram

Cozy kitchenette with pastel green fridge, white cabinets, microwave, and shelves displaying plants, set against patterned wallpaper — Source: @chemical_babe via Instagram

Small kitchen with a white fridge, sink, microwave, green tiled backsplash, shelves with bottles, and a small window — Source: @cletile and @concept_renovations via Instagram

Minimalist kitchen corner with wooden shelves, jars of grains, hanging cups, a coffee machine, and wall-mounted lamps — Source: @highstakesy via Instagram

Cozy kitchen with patterned tile, wooden counters, green stove, hanging utensils, plants, jars, and a tiger cutting board — Source: @windlass_and_tiller via Instagram

14. Pick a Minimalist Take on Cabinetry

Consider adding minimalist shelves and cabinets with seamless handles to build sleek, modern storage capacity. This look is chic and functional, suiting all types of minimalist design needs while maximizing the available space. You’ll gain storage that enhances the look rather than detracts from it and maximize value for your space.

Modern kitchen with glossy grey cabinets, an electric stovetop, oven, and a countertop with a dish rack and knife block — Source: @emslondonflat via Instagram

Modern kitchen with beige cabinets, black tile backsplash, wooden countertops, plants, a washing machine, and a sink with dishes — Source: @renovatingno.64 via Instagram

15. Keep The Washing Machine Snug

Are you looking for creative ways to store your washing machine in a small space? You can always build a washing machine cabinet or recessed area. It may require some remodeling, but it can be the perfect addition to an underestimated corner or alcove of your home.

If you don’t have the time or money to invest in this large project, you can also go for something less labor-intensive and add a supply shelf above the washing machine!

A compact laundry room with overhead shelves, labeled storage bins, and a wooden countertop over front-loading machines for an organized space — Source: @freshfarmhousefeels via Instagram

A stylish laundry space with hidden washer and dryer behind cabinet doors, wooden countertops, and overhead storage for a clean, functional look — Source: @inthetudorhouse via Instagram

Stacked washer and dryer in a small laundry room with light blue walls, white cabinets, and a sink with a mirror above — Source: @masselitecarpentry via Instagram

Laundry room with a washer and dryer under a black countertop, red backsplash, white cabinets, and a glass door leading outside — Source: @master_cabinets via Instagram

Laundry room with stacked washer and dryer, gray cabinets, a dog on a bed in a kennel area, and decor on a countertop — Source: @melissawilliamsonhomes via Instagram

Compact laundry area with stacked washer and dryer, shelves with jars and decor, potted plant, and dog bowl on the floor — Source: @sprucecreativestudio via Instagram

A compact laundry room with stacked washer and dryer, plants, and a wooden cabinet, with laundry bags hanging on a nearby wall — Source: @thelongawaitedhome via Instagram

16. Build a Coffee Table With Extra Storage

If you are looking for creative storage solutions in a small living room, why not invest in a coffee table with trunk storage? This way, your coffee table can double up as a space to store various items like books, magazines, and even extra bedding – perfect for keeping your home tidy while still enjoying its subtle style.

White storage box with an open wooden lid in a living room, near a brick fireplace with a TV on the mantel — Source: @theknotspecialists via Instagram

17. Get A White Shelf For A Seamless Look

Adding white shelving to a small space can be a clever way to make the most of any limited square footage. A white shelf in particular can help create a seamless look that won’t add to the clutter of the room.

f you opt for a white bookshelf, be sure to stick with coordinating white hues or other light colors; this will ensure your shelving system has less visual clutter and fits in with the overall aesthetic of the room.

A modern living space with a cube storage unit, fabric bins, and open shelves for a stylish and functional organization solution — Source: @toritheorganizer via Instagram

A cozy living room with built-in bookshelves, warm lighting, and a beige sofa, creating a functional and inviting space with smart storage — Source: @toritheorganizer-20200406-gb0c9t via Instagram

18. Organize & Label Pantry Essentials

A pantry space with labeled organizers is an ideal way to store items in the kitchen, bedroom, or even office. You can find organizing systems that come in colorful designs and handy features such as adjustable shelves so you can customize each organizer according to your needs. If you’re working with limited countertop space, opt for transparent wall-mount organizers.

Modern kitchen pantry with neatly organized shelves containing jars, bottles, and containers, featuring dark cabinets and a white countertop — Source: @araxa_kitchens via Instagram

A neatly organized pantry with jars of grains, canned goods, and bottles of oil in a white cabinet with a wire mesh door — Source: @built.on.love via Instagram

Organized kitchen cabinet with labeled containers for spices, baking supplies, and bottles, alongside utensils and mugs on a marble counter — Source: @her.candid.canvas via Instagram

A well-organized pantry with black-framed doors, labeled bins, glass jars, and baskets, creating a tidy and efficient storage solution — Source: @leannepulliam via Instagram

Organized pantry with labeled shelves, jars, and baskets filled with snacks, pasta, canned goods, and condiments — Source: @morethanneat via Instagram

Kitchen pantry with white shelves, organized with white bins and various items, and a trash bin on the floor — Source: @iorganize.co via Instagram

White pantry with open shelves, various food items, cutting board, small sink, toaster, and storage drawers along one wall — Source: @kitchensbyemanuelsydney via Instagram

Organized pantry with clear containers, canned goods, pasta, cereals, and a bread box on white shelves — Source: @space_and_soul via Instagram

Organized pantry with neatly arranged spices, canned goods, and packaged foods on shelves and in baskets — Source: @time4organizing via Instagram

A neatly organized pantry with labeled wicker baskets and shelves stocked with various food items, snacks, and drinks — Source: @morethanneat via Instagram

19. Mount It On The Wall

If you’re looking to make the most of your garage space, wall-mounted storage could be a great solution. Whether you have pegboards with racks and shelves, or just hanging wall racks, it’s a great way to store items out of the way in a garage that previously seemed too small to properly organize.

Wall racks help you make optimum use of vertical space and are an ideal solution for narrow areas in the house; great for display purposes like displaying knick knacks or souvenirs from trips as well as being especially suitable for storing books, gardening supplies, and similar items.

Corner shelf with shoes, bags, and a butler statue holding a tray; white walls, light wood floor, and dark accent wall with plants — Source: @designed_with_plants-20200303-o3lvea via Instagram

A neatly organized garage with wall-mounted storage hooks, shelves, and cabinets, maximizing space for tools, cleaning supplies, and equipment — Source: @garageflex via Instagram

Garage wall storage with hanging helmets, chairs, a cooler, and mesh bins containing balls — Source: @simplysimplisticod via Instagram

How do you store clothes in a small space?

Clothing can take up far more room than many people realize. This is true even if you own a relatively small wardrobe!

You can save room by prioritizing hanging space for items that absolutely shouldn’t be folded. Everything else can be stored on shelves, in totes, or in a dresser.

If space is really tight, consider moving out-of-season clothing to a rented storage unit or garage. While you’ll need to swap out items a couple of times per year, you’ll have much more space for your favorite items in your closet.

Are closet doors necessary?

There are pros and cons to removing your closet doors. On the one hand, removing a closet door can make the entire room feel larger. On the other hand, closet doors help hide unsightly clutter and can even protect items from dust and light.

If you choose to remove a closet door, be sure that everything inside is well-organized and presentable. Keep light-sensitive items in opaque storage totes for added protection.