lead: Smart solutions to create an space

Here are some clever ideas to help you squeeze more storage within your house and give it a clutter-free look

Pooja Khanna Tyagi

Whether you live in a compact home or a spacious bungalow, there is always too much of stuff and less space for storage. Therefore, it is advisable to integrate some useful storage solutions for all extra items so as to give the home an organised and clutter-free look. Here are about 10 popular ways to create additional storage within your home.

Beds with built-in storage

Storage beds are space-savers as these increase the functionality of the bedroom and make optimum use of the space below the bed. These beds function as an additional wardrobe for storing extra things like seasonal clothing, spare bedding, extra towels, etc. The different types of built-in storage beds that are available in the market or can be carpentered are hydraulic beds, beds with provision for box storage and beds with drawers.

Go for floating shelves

Open shelves can be easily fixed on blank walls in materials like glass or plywood. These shelves not only look good but are a great way to store or display books, accessories, toys, etc. The best part about open shelves is that these are handy to store items that need to be accessed on a daily basis and do give the decor a bulky look.

Introduce narrow cabinets

Narrow cabinets are ideal to create some sort of storage within passages, unused corners or walls of the home. The depth of these cabinets range between 8 and 12 inches and can be used for storing items like medicine boxes, stationery or other daily essentials.

Create storage within the headboard

Make clever use of the headboard of the bed by incorporating display shelves or make provision for enclosed storage. Such headboards are ideal for compact bedrooms and should be designed to match the overall decor of the room.

Install floor-to-ceiling cabinets

This is the most efficient way to make use of your vertical space. Floor-to ceiling cabinets can be introduced within the kitchen, library, children’s study area or consider floor-to-ceiling height wardrobes for the bedrooms. Storage items that are sparingly used should be stored at a height above 7 feet from the floor level.

Introduce a slim pull-out

Narrow gaps ranging between 6 and 8 inches are often overlooked within a kitchen. Do not close these gaps by panelling them but make optimum use of this gap by introducing a bottle pull-out. This modular kitchen accessory provides an excellent opportunity for storing bottles, spices, other kitchen ingredients or even cleaning supplies.

Create under-stair storage

Those who have a staircase within their homes can utilise this space by installing drawers, closets or fitted pull-outs according to the staggering height of the stair soffit. The under-stair area provides space for ample storage and is a great solution for storing shoes, extra bedding and suitcases.

Partition with cabinets

If you want to create a partition within a room so as to divide it into two distinct areas, introduce a cabinet with provision for storage instead of a solid brick wall or a wooden partition. This arrangement will not only ensure privacy but also make space for additional storage.

Storage within window seats and benches

The area below window seats and benches create an excellent spot for storing extra cushions, blankets, towels and books.

Hooks and hangars

Hooks and hangers work as efficient space savers for compact kitchens.

If there is no space to put the kitchen crockery within the drawers or cabinets then consider hanging them on hooks or hangars, which also makes these items easy to access.