Savvy storage solutions

The festive season is the ideal time to plan a spring clean, and if you are not sure where to put your belongings, it’s worth investing in some clever storage solutions. 

Getting your home in order with practical ways to store your belongings doesn’t have to be boring. To make your life easier, we’ve put together a range of storage solutions for every room of your home. 

Use door space 

In kitchens, you can use the back of doors for a spice rack or hanging cleaning essentials out of the reach of children. You can also use the back of the door in the bedroom to store accessories, shoes or cosmetics. 

Think vertically. There's a lot of wasted space around doorframes so you could build deep shelves to store books or plants. 

Keep it concealed  

The best storage ideas for small spaces are the ones you don't notice right away. My Furniture’s Aria Coffee Table and Storage Ottoman set can be used to hide away blankets, toys and magazines, or as a footrest. 

A tidy bedroom contributes to a sense of calm and can help you sleep better so opt for a storage bed, whether that’s an ottoman bed that lifts up with built-in storage underneath, or a bed with drawers. The space can be used to hide away spare bedding, suitcases and clothes. A small chest of drawers also works as a bedside table. 

In children’s rooms, you can make the most of space by choosing a high sleeper bed with space underneath for a book nook, a desk for homework, or a space to play. 

Think about storage when renovating  

If you are renovating your house, think about building storage space into the walls. Cubbyholes in the bathroom wall will create space for all of your toiletries, without using up valuable room around your bath or shower. If you can't fit your pots and pans into your square cabinet, consider installing a corner pullout cabinet system. It will easily open and close. 

If there’s one place in the home that’s difficult to keep tidy, it’s the hallway. To tackle the clutter of shoes, coats and umbrellas, think about creating some bespoke cupboard space in the hall to hide it all away. 

Dimitri Pappas, Director of My Furniture said: "My Furniture has created some new, savvy storage solutions to clear the clutter from home and mind. If you have a spare piece of wall, consider floating storage shelves.  

“Our Inga mirrored shelves keep the floor clear and create a striking look, while providing welcome additional storage.  

“A tidy bedroom can help you sleep better, and our range of storage beds free up space and provide a handy storage solution for extra bedding, suitcases and clothes. We’ve included a gas lift mechanism for easy opening." 

Children's bedrooms or playrooms 

Children’s bedrooms need lots of storage solutions, and they all need to be easily accessible. Try to find ways to make storage multifunctional such as a window seat that also has drawers underneath to store toys or a desk with plenty of hidden storage. IKEA’s Komploment Multi-use Hanger is supposed to be used to store scarves and accessories but it could also work for storing small soft toys. 

Look for toy storage ideas that can be adapted as your child’s needs change. Cuckooland’s Vox Tuli Bookcase & Toy Storage has four open shelves to separate toys, games and books. 

Make sure toys are easily accessible for children by putting them on shelves at eye-level or in small storage boxes they can easily pull out. 

You could also build cabinets around the TV to keep wires and plugs out of sight and give your living room an added storage area. 

Use storage within storage 

Adding storage boxes and baskets to drawers and wardrobes for smaller items such as underwear or belts will help keep the space tidy. 

When it comes to the kitchen, use every inch of space. A thin pull-out cupboard, with multiple shelves or racks, offers the ideal solution and makes food supplies easy to view and reach. Don’t forget to use gaps. You could install narrow shelves in the area between the fridge and cupboard to store tins. 

Display your belongings 

If you don't mind having some of your clothes out on display, opt for open wardrobe ideas like a clothes rail. Having your clothes visible rather than hidden away in a wardrobe might also make it easier to see what you have and come up with new outfit ideas. 

You could also transform a spare piece of wall, or corner of the room, with some intelligently designed, floating storage. My Furniture’s Inga floating mirrored shelves offer a useful storage drawer, with a concealed handle underneath, while keeping the floor free from obstruction. Use it for homeworking, as a dressing table or for simply tucking away bits and pieces. 

With well-thought-out storage solutions you can make every inch of your home work for you. 

ESPC magazine

This article appeared in the December 2022 issue of the ESPC magazine. Find out more about the ESPC magazine and read the latest issue online.