Floor-to-ceiling shelving makes use of vertical as well as horizontal space.
Creativity is a must when attempting to organize a small home. Think vertically as well as horizontally to ensure you maximize all space available to you. Storage need not be simply utilitarian; some options are quite attractive as well. Find a wide assortment of decorative baskets and containers at home design stores. Does this Spark an idea?
Seating With Storage
A banquette with built-in storage serves dual purposes as both seating and extra storage space. Banquettes are bench-like seating fixtures that are built into the wall. Dining rooms benefit nicely from a banquette as do bedrooms where a banquette placed under a window creates an instant reading nook. Use the storage space below for blankets, towels and table linens. Not only will you obtain storage with a banquette, but it also saves floor space as you needn't worry about clearance to pull the seats in and out.
Library Shelving
Add extensive storage for decorative objects, books, photograph albums and small decorative storage boxes with floor-to-ceiling library-style shelving. Library shelving is essentially wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling bookcases. Utilize a mounted ladder on sliders to provide access to the entirety of the shelving. For added closed-door storage, incorporate cabinets on the lower portion of the shelving unit. Create large slots in the shelving to house televisions and stereo equipment, keeping the room tidy.
Fold-up Desks
Antique gentlemen's chests or secretary's desks make excellent and practical additions to a small home with storage challenges. The furniture can serve as a desk, bar side table for table linen storage and much more. Chests and desks of this variety have a fold out surface which typically locks up and in place. Inside the unit are multiple shelves, drawers and nooks for storage. Many also have additional drawers built in to the base of the unit, similar in appearance to a bureau. Because the writing surface folds up, it hides any clutter contained inside. Additionally, the footprint of the piece is smaller when folded closed.
Tags: small home, storage space