Your home looks messy because you're not using the eight secret storage spots interiors experts like me find essential. Here's exactly where and how to do it...
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Ever feel like your home is bursting at the seams, but you have run out of storage options? Think again. Whether you’re living in a cosy flat, a bustling family home, or something in between, there are plenty of clever storage opportunities hiding in plain sight.
One key thing to flag before we begin: please declutter your home before starting the organising process. That way, you’ll know exactly how much space you need for the items you’re keeping.
Your future self will thank you.
My favourite storage spots include...
That boring blank wall
Every home has one: that dull, and empty space that seems to serve no purpose. Until now.
Instead of continuing to stare at it or leaving it bare, transform it into a vertical storage hub with a series of shelves or a mounted pegboard with hooks ideal for hanging everything from accessories and bags to kitchen utensils and tools. Pegboards are especially handy because they allow you to rearrange shelves and items whenever you fancy a change of scenery.
For a stylish finish, paint the pegboard in the same colour as the wall. Blockdesign.co.uk sells a wide selection worth checking out.
The back of doors
Doors offer a wealth of real estate that’s often forgotten about. They work especially well in rooms that tend to accumulate clutter, such as bedrooms and living rooms.
Consider transforming the dead space either in front of or behind a door into a compact bookcase/display shelf for rotating sentimental items and ceramics. Simply measure the width of your door and attach short floating shelves. Ikea has a great selection.
Another smart option is to add floating shelves above or on the walls surrounding the doorframe. A word of caution: the higher up you go, the greater the risk of creating a dust trap, so be selective with what you want to store up there.
Under the stairs
If you’re lucky enough to live in a home with stairs, you’re sitting on an untapped treasure trove. That area under the stairs is perfect for built-in cupboards, hidden drawers, open shelving, or even a compact home office.
And don’t overlook the stairs themselves. These days, you can find storage nooks or pull-out drawers built right into each tread. No, really.
No major renovation budget? Stackable storage bins placed neatly under the stairs can work wonders too. Ikea offers a selection at budget-friendly prices.
The headboard
Your bed is probably the largest piece of furniture in your bedroom - and yet, for many of us, the prime space at the head of it is doing… absolutely nothing.
Many modern headboards come with hidden storage compartments for books, charging cables, eye masks, and even spare bedding-features you might not even realise you have. If yours isn’t one of the modern few, don’t worry. You can easily mount a floating shelf above your bed or repurpose an old bookcase by turning it on its side and pushing it up against the wall behind the bed as a functional and stylish alternative.
If your bed doesn't have a headboard, or you're looking for a more custom approach, try mounting a shelf (or two) where a headboard would typically go. Fill it with items usually stored on the bedside table such as books, alarm clocks and a water jug.
Under the bed
Yes, yes; under-bed storage is nothing new. But have you truly maximised every ounce of space down there?
Instead of stuffing random boxes that collect dust, try vacuum-sealed bags or even empty suitcases you have lying around, especially the ones that sit idle once holiday season is over. Just remember to label what’s in each bag or suitcase. Trust me.
Bed frames with built-in drawers are ideal, but if yours doesn’t have them, bed risers are an often-overlooked solution. They can instantly add up to 30cm of storage height. We love the bamboo versions available at essentialaids.com.
Existing shelves
Yes, you read that correctly: your storage areas can contain even more storage.
Think shelves with narrow baskets to conceal the everyday bits and bobs you'd rather keep out of sight. We love the wicker selection at laredoute.co.uk. Or consider ottomans and footstools with hidden compartments, perfect for stashing away blankets, toys, or books.
It’s simple yet effective for storing items that don’t need to be accessed daily, but still need to stay within easy reach.
Window sills
Often dismissed as just a place for potted plants or the occasional cup of tea, window sills are one of the most underutilized storage areas in the home. But with a little creativity, this slim strip of space can do a lot more than frame your view.
Think of it as a built-in shelf that doesn’t take up any floor space. In the kitchen, use it to store cookbooks, spice racks, or even hang herbs in jars for a vertical garden effect. In the bathroom, it can create a boutique hotel vibe space for rolled towels, skincare products, or a stylish toiletry tray. In the bedroom, window sills can become platforms for curated displays of candles or books.
If your sill is wide enough, you can even turn it into a functional mini nook: a desk, vanity, or coffee station. Add a few baskets underneath, and you've turned a forgotten ledge into a storage-savvy statement.
The side of cabinets and fridges
Last but not least, we have the narrow sides of your kitchen cabinets or fridge that are often left untouched, but that are the perfect spots for slim racks, magnetic strips, or command hooks. Use them to hang utensils, cutting boards, calendars, tea towels, or even spices.
