We’ve all been there, filling that one cupboard to the brim, closing the door and praying it stays shut. Having plenty of places to store our possessions is vital, especially when space is short, and while stacked bookshelves and open shelving can look fantastic, what about all those things we don’t want out on display? We’ve found 10 great options for keeping them all out of sight!
Think creatively about unused corners in your home. An alcove can be easily adapted with shelves and a curtain, while space under the stairs can become a closet or shelf – both without taking up precious floor space!
When space is tight, it’s good to use those high-up areas to store bits and pieces you don’t use often
1 MIX AND MATCH A multipurpose shelving unit allows you to customise storage to suit your needs. Opt for a cabinet or drawers to keep clutter at bay, and display more beautiful pieces on top. For similar shelving, try String
2BESPOKE PIECES Benches with built-in storage are an excellent alternative to chairs in a dining space and can be tailored to suit a particular spot in your home. Plump up with cushions and seat pads to create a super-cosy nook. Try Lozi Designs for a wide range of storage options
3 TUCKED AWAY For those without an entire room to devote to an office, a small desk area concealed within a wall of built-in cabinetry could be the ideal solution. At the end of the day just close the doors and forget about it all! Finer carpet tiles in Silver Grey, £5.99/tile, Carpetright. Go Modern has a wide range of floor-to-ceiling storage options
4 HIDDEN DEPTHS Pull-out storage for underneath the stairs means you can reach the back of the cupboard with ease and stay organised, with a rail for coats and a shelf for shoes. Best of all, when closed, it all simply disappears. Try Sharps for similar pull-out designs
5 BEAUTIFULLY ARRANGED For many of us, a well-organised pantry is right up there on our wish list. This larder cupboard is ticking lots of boxes, with a mix of drawers, adjustable-height shelves – perfect for bigger items – and plenty of storage in the door. Suffolk larder, £3,515, Neptune
6 BOXED OUT Tucking cubbyholes beneath the stairs is a great way to utilise unused space. Try Neville Johnson for similar storage
7 BED HEAD Built-in floor-to-ceiling storage wrapped around the head of the bed puts every inch of space to good use. An inset shelf takes the place of a bedside table and creates a handy nook for your glasses and book. Find similar bedlinen at Loaf. Create your own custom cabinetry at Tylko
9 VANISHING VANITY Fitted wardrobes don’t just have to be about storing your clothes. This cleverly designed option includes a hidden dressing table and shelving for toiletries and trinkets – while the original fireplace recess provides a handy spot to store a stool. Hammonds offers a fitted wardrobe design service
10 NARROW MARGIN Even the smallest of spaces can be put to work; this slim shelving behind a partition wall looks spa-like and is the perfect spot for tucking away towels when not in use. For a similar bath, try Victorian Plumbing, and Bisque for a similar towel rail HB FOR STORE DETAILS SEE WHERE TO BUY PAGE
8 CURTAIN CALL A clothes rail and low chest of drawers can transform an alcove into a stylish wardrobe. Complete the look with a beautiful pair of linen curtains – a simple way to keep personal possessions out of sight without having to call the builder! And there are no awkward doors to take up space either. Try Ikea for a similar wardrobe unit and Zara Home for linen curtains