Cupboard Shelves
Cupboard shelf inserts are a great way to make the most of our cupboard spaces. Depending on the brand, shelf inserts (made from plastic, metal or wood), are designed to fit easily in your cupboard. Many can expand if needed too. Shelf inserts give you an extra shelf to store your items and can eliminate Jenga-like stacks of dishes. These are great for plates, bowls and mugs.
Save Jenga for game night and try this stacking method for your dishes instead!
Wall Shelves & Picture Ledges
While bookcases are nice, they can take up precious floor space. There are other ways to use your home’s vertical space. Try putting some shelves on a blank wall to store books, small sculptures, paintings or other knick knacks.
Shelves take your displays off your horizontal surfaces like tables, and are perfect to put above a desk, in hallways, living rooms and even for cookbooks in the kitchen.
There are many different styles of shelves available including shelves with invisible mounts that make them appear to be floating and simple picture ledges that are ideal for displaying photos or other artwork.
You can also be creative with how you arrange them on the wall thereby adding another aspect to the visual the shelves/ledges create.
And don’t forget about lighting! There are many inexpensive LED options out there today. A spotlight on your favourite painting can really make a room.
Shelving Unit
If you do want to keep some on-floor shelving, consider its multi-use capabilities! In addition to books, a shelving unit can be used to house pantry items, small appliances or dishes for your kitchen. In the living room, you can use them for artwork and other items you want to display.
The number one rule of shelving units is this: don’t over stuff them! They look so much better if you leave space.
Underbed Storage
The space under your bed is a great spot for tucking items away. Some items are easy to slide under beds on their own. There are also so many kinds of containers today made to wheel under and out easily too. A nice long bedspread or a bedskirt can keep your newfound storage hidden from view.
Underbed storage containers are ideal for out-of-season clothing. Use them for your sweaters in the summer months and for your shorts, summer dresses and sandals in the winter. Your normally overstuffed closet will thank you!
Hooks & Rails
Another way to use vertical space is with hooks and hanging rails. These are great ways to keep your kitchen counters clear of clutter. You can hang your pots from wall or ceiling-mounted rails. There are so many decorative hooks these days that can help give your space some character while giving you a place to hang your hand towels, aprons and oven mitts.
You can also use hooks to store a bicycle indoors without sacrificing your floor space or balcony.
Collapsible Items
Some of the best space savers we’ve ever seen are collapsible. Have extra company coming for the weekend? Bring out those folding chairs. Perhaps consider a dining room table with a removable insert, and make the table as large or as small as is needed at the moment without taking up additional space on a permanent basis.
There are so many collapsible items these days that are easy to tuck away including measuring cups, storage containers and strainers. They take up far less space in the cupboard and help you avoid the avalanche of items falling on you every time you open the cupboard door.
Storage Ottoman
A storage ottoman provides double or even triple duty and doesn’t take up a lot of room. Not only does it make a great footrest, but it can also be another spot to sit when company is over. And it also provides a space for storage that can help clean up clutter and no one will ever see it. It’s the perfect place to store a cozy quilt or comforter for those cold winter nights.
Available in a variety of colours and materials, you can easily find the one that fits your personality as well as your space.
Storage Cubbies
Storage cubbies are great for storing items that you want to keep out of the way, like toys or even storing clothes. Available in a variety of colours and designs, they can provide a stylish way to store items. They can even be found at dollar stores - providing an inexpensive way to store these items.
Hanging Organizers
Hanging organizers are a great way to utilize the space behind your doors. You can use them in a variety of ways. From shoes and clothes to toys and games, they’re a great way to free up closet and shelf space.
Over the Door Shelving Unit
Over the door shelving units are a great way to keep items and clutter off counters to utilize space that wouldn’t otherwise be used. They’re great for bathrooms with everyday clutter and in the kitchen.
