Interior Design
7 Clever Shelving Ideas to Maximise Storage in a Space-Starved Home
Don't let space limitations hinder your storage options. These homeowners found smart solutions to their storage needs
If there’s one thing I’ve learnt from renovating my own home, it’s this: When you’re starved for space, you need to think outside the box. These ingenious ideas incorporate some awesome ideas that maximise storage potential and vamp up the practical and aesthetic quality indoors. From mirrored shelves to built-in walls, each one of these ideas is practical and so achievable. Storage doesn’t have to be boxy horizontal shelves after all. Glam up your home with these smart design tricks and twists.
2. Create a lattice style feature wall
Call it what you like, lattice or trellis style storage adds a certain je ne sais quoi (effortless flair) to any space and especially in the living room where you probably do most of your entertaining.
The interlaced structure or pattern of diamond-shaped spaces provides a non-conventional spot to display books or other collectibles without being Plain Jane and boring. Just remember to get your designer to build horizontal shelves within the lattice structure so you can display photos and frames easily.
The lattice offers a more sophisticated design to conventional boxed storage but is versatile enough to be used in most design schemes from contemporary to Scandinavian to traditional styled homes.
Call it what you like, lattice or trellis style storage adds a certain je ne sais quoi (effortless flair) to any space and especially in the living room where you probably do most of your entertaining.
The interlaced structure or pattern of diamond-shaped spaces provides a non-conventional spot to display books or other collectibles without being Plain Jane and boring. Just remember to get your designer to build horizontal shelves within the lattice structure so you can display photos and frames easily.
The lattice offers a more sophisticated design to conventional boxed storage but is versatile enough to be used in most design schemes from contemporary to Scandinavian to traditional styled homes.
3. Custom design shelves to add privacy
So you’re privileged enough to live in one of the swanky apartments in Singapore but you realise that lots of glass walls can also limit your storage options, not to mention your privacy.
No, you don’t have to put your life on display or keep your drapes closed all the time. Create a storage wall in a strategic spot like in this home that doubles up as a privacy screen without blocking out too much light.
This is perfect for photos, travel mementos and even bedtime reading matter. The in-built mood lighting adds functionality to the unit and creates a lovely warm glow. And I love how the shelving mimics the curves of the indulgent round bed.
So you’re privileged enough to live in one of the swanky apartments in Singapore but you realise that lots of glass walls can also limit your storage options, not to mention your privacy.
No, you don’t have to put your life on display or keep your drapes closed all the time. Create a storage wall in a strategic spot like in this home that doubles up as a privacy screen without blocking out too much light.
This is perfect for photos, travel mementos and even bedtime reading matter. The in-built mood lighting adds functionality to the unit and creates a lovely warm glow. And I love how the shelving mimics the curves of the indulgent round bed.
4. Reflect light with mirrored storage
There was a time when I used to collect teapots and jugs – don’t ask me why though. I was fascinated by these vessels and having a mirrored storage wall like this one would have been a great way to show off my collection.
I love how the mirrors help to distribute light in this small home while creating the perfect spot for this homeowner’s collectibles.
There was a time when I used to collect teapots and jugs – don’t ask me why though. I was fascinated by these vessels and having a mirrored storage wall like this one would have been a great way to show off my collection.
I love how the mirrors help to distribute light in this small home while creating the perfect spot for this homeowner’s collectibles.
5. Create a storage wall with sliding doors
If you’ve got the space, it’s a really good idea to apportion one long wall for storage. I get that concealed storage works for some but it also leaves a home looking pretty sterile. A really good way around this is to create a sliding door that slides into place when you want to hide clutter. This is also an excellent way to have the TV and entertainment paraphernalia out of sight.
If you’ve got the space, it’s a really good idea to apportion one long wall for storage. I get that concealed storage works for some but it also leaves a home looking pretty sterile. A really good way around this is to create a sliding door that slides into place when you want to hide clutter. This is also an excellent way to have the TV and entertainment paraphernalia out of sight.
6. Go open concept in the kitchen
If you’re an avid wine drinker who loves to entertain or enjoy a drink after work, why not use this as a feature in your kitchen? Open wine racks are brilliant because they make use of overhead counter space.
You could even incorporate some storage for wine glasses or other alcohol depending on how much you’d like to display (even empty bottles look pretty). Now all you need are some canapés, music and close friends around for a glass or two.
If you’re an avid wine drinker who loves to entertain or enjoy a drink after work, why not use this as a feature in your kitchen? Open wine racks are brilliant because they make use of overhead counter space.
You could even incorporate some storage for wine glasses or other alcohol depending on how much you’d like to display (even empty bottles look pretty). Now all you need are some canapés, music and close friends around for a glass or two.
7. Utilise under-the-stairs space
The conventional way is to box up the area under the stairs for a bulky unit or you could do what this family did and put in asymmetrical shelves for family photos, books or collectibles.
Add some lights to the mix and you’ve got a practical space for the kids to sit and read in too. Now that’s clever!
TELL US
Where have you incorporated some clever shelfie ideas in your home? Share your thoughts in the Comments box below.
The conventional way is to box up the area under the stairs for a bulky unit or you could do what this family did and put in asymmetrical shelves for family photos, books or collectibles.
Add some lights to the mix and you’ve got a practical space for the kids to sit and read in too. Now that’s clever!
TELL US
Where have you incorporated some clever shelfie ideas in your home? Share your thoughts in the Comments box below.
Structural pillars are very often an eyesore. Instead of admitting defeat or trying to ignore the unusable space, you can work around the issue quite literally by creating your very own bookworm’s dream.
One of the apartments I used to live in had a massive pillar like this that really annoyed me because it blocked the light. I wish I had seen this before because this is really one idea I would have jumped at using.
The easiest way to do this is to round up your favourite books and mount a shelf around the pillar. For an even better effect, colour code your books so your display blends in with your decor scheme.