How to Make Hidden Storage Space

If you’re looking for extra space around your home to put things in but can’t seem to find any, don’t despair. Although you may not realise it, your home is full of hidden storage space; you just have to know where to look for it. Here are some handy tips to help you find it and to show you how to make the most of it.

Spaces in the walls

Behind your drywall and panelling lie countless hidden spaces nestled between the two-by-four studs. While some are filled with pipes, wiring, and sheet metal duct work, others are wide open and ready to be put to use. If your home is new or under construction you may already know where these spaces are. If not it’s just a matter of taking the time to do a little investigation to find out where you can re-open these spaces. Once you know where they are you can open them up into space saving shelves or convert them into storage cupboards.

Choose functional space

When you are buying new furniture, always think about its function as well as how it will look when you get it home. How it will work for you practically is often more important.

For example, when you buy bookcases or other types of furnishing with shelves; make sure these items have five or six shelves. Two or three shelves per item are just wasted space and don’t forget to reach upwards. You have all that space between the floor and ceiling, why waste it with a couple of long horizontal shelves when you can fill it with a taller row of shelves and use your space more economically. 

Furniture that hides

Murphy beds, chairs, tables, cots - anything that folds up and can be stored away, hung on a hook or slid under a bed saves space.

From a low-tech drop-leaf table to a high-end, built-in, pop-up countertop that conceals small appliances in a kitchen island; your imagination and budget are the only limits to creating double-duty furnishings but do remember that if you choose fold out furnishings like a Murphy bed that you will need to keep the floor space empty for when it is in use.

New house space

After choosing both your home plan and builder, carefully review your home plan with your builder.

Keep an eye out for hidden space that can be utilized. Some of the most common places you’ll find hidden space are under staircases, among unusual curves or angled walls, and inside walls that hold recessed fireplaces or cabinetry.

If you can’t find enough hidden space to create a shallow closet, there might be just enough space for a niche to display a favourite collectible, artwork or mirror.

Ceiling space Two important lessons can be learned from pot, pan and wine racks. Firstly, things can be stored right out in the open, and secondly, items can be hung from ceilings. Incorporating the same basic methodology; make use of decorative hanging racks; you’ll work down from the top of the ceiling, cleverly disguising storage as display space.

Roof space

Don’t forget attic space is great for storing things but do remember with all the insulation up there, to take into account the year round temperature and how this will effect whatever you are storing.