Creative Solutions for Storage

A challenge for many homeowners is to find sufficient storage space. One option is to downsize, and eliminate some of your stuff. Another option is to move to a larger home. The third option is to get creative with the space you already have, and find storage in unexpected places and ways.

Pot Shelves

Homes with vaulted ceilings may have pot shelves. Pot shelves are typically considered a decorator item or dust catcher. It is someplace to display artwork, silk plants or knick-knacks. Yet, pot shelves can do double duty for storage. Place an interesting looking trunk on the shelf for aesthetic value. Inside the trunk, store holiday decorations, or other items that you rarely need to access. In bedrooms, doors can be fitted to pot shelves, to provide horizontal, out of the way storage.

Under Beds

When purchasing beds for children's rooms, consider beds that double as dressers. Instead of a bed frame, the mattress rests atop a bank of drawers. For traditional beds, containers can be purchased that slip beneath the bed and utilize the wasted space. Under bed drawers can also be purchased, that easily roll under the bed.

Designer Boxes

Store your items in plain sight. Utilize decorator boxes or tins to add color and design to your rooms. Inside the containers you can store small items. Game pieces, office supplies, kitchen gadgets and toiletries can all tuck into pretty containers. Tins can be utilized to store dry pet food, flour, sugar and other dried food stuff.

Double-duty

Purchase furniture that does double-duty. Hollow footstools can be a great place to store extra blankets or linens. Choose coffee tables or end tables that provide storage space. Instead of a traditional television stand, use a cedar chest. Cedar chests provide excellent storage for quilts or seasonal clothing.

Hanging Racks

Utilize the walls by installing pot racks. A pot rack can free up an entire kitchen cabinet, and is also a handy place to keep the pots and pans. Some pot shelves include shelves for additional storage or a place for knick-knacks. Under the counter mug racks will keep coffee cups close at hand, while freeing up a kitchen shelf. Under counter appliances will also free up space in the kitchen.

Baskets

Large baskets with lids can be used as tables or room accents. They also provide extra storage space. Narrow baskets can be placed along the top or bottom shelf of bookcases to provide additional "drawer" space. In the bathroom, baskets can provide additional storage space for towels, washcloths or toiletries. A small bathroom with no cabinet space can instantly gain storage with a few strategically placed baskets.

Resources

• Under bed drawers
• Beds with drawers
• Pot racks