The other day I showed you some super cute small houses, and judging from the comments and some emails I received, it’s not surprisingly an idea many of you are embracing. I’ve been thinking about what it is I like about small houses. Maybe it’s simply nostalgia. As a little girl I loved playing in playhouses with my sister and friends when I was little. Pretending we were about to have a dinner party, deciding what to cook, how to set the table. Remember the Easy Bake Oven? Such fun times.
I also love a challenge. It’s easy to have enough storage if your house is 5,000 square feet, but you definitely need to be creative with a small house. I’ve put together some new and not-so-new ideas for you, and remember, you don’t have to have a small house to utilize some of these concepts.
Although I like the idea of storing items on a ladder, when I take a good look at this picture I think it would start to bother me to have the ladder taking up that much floor space. It’s a nice thought though.
While researching some ideas, one thing I noticed was oftentimes putting an idea like this together is not inexpensive, but definitely worth it. Even if you have a nice size bedroom, this is a fabulous use of space that any child would love.
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The depth of these shelves see to be about four inches, and just look at how much stuff can be stored! This is an area often overlooked in bathrooms. I’m not sure I’d want the toilet paper front and center like this, but that’s just me ;).
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Cut a table in half and secure it to some shelving. Great idea, but this doesn’t give enough working space. Maybe something a little larger? What do you think?
The area under staircases has so much potential. This is only one idea that wouldn’t be too expensive to do. If you’d like to see some more, check out my Pinterest Board here.
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This item is from Ikea, and I believe it comes in black and brown. I’m thinking about getting it for the cabin. Fisherman has a habit of leaving about 4 pairs of shoes by the entryway, and it kinda drives me nuts. Problem solved.
Shallow storage that takes up only a few inches is super efficient. If you have some empty space like this in your kitchen, check out the how to in the link below.
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This small space isn’t lacking in color and character. To amp up the storage possibilities, make sure the ottoman has storage within. If you’re going to have a side table, make sure it affords some storage potential like this one.
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Reading nooks/trundles are fabulous for small spaces. This design really makes great use of the nearby wall, creating a perfect spot for some books and decorative items.
Nesting tables are a small rooms best friend. Get some in glass or acrylic, and it’s even better. I’ve even seen some cocktail tables that use this same concept.
Speaking of which, glass,mirrors or acrylic furniture is a perfect choice for small spaces. They add very little visual weight and appear to disappear in the space, creating the illusion of a larger room.
I’m a big fan of covering tables with cloths and utilizing the area underneath. I did just that in my craft space and it really helps to keep the space looking neat and organized, even when it’s not!
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I always loved the look of banquettes. It doesn’t matter if you have a huge kitchen or not, I would totally have one of these in my kitchen if the space allowed. Have storage in the benches for items like tablecloths, seldom used appliances, cookware, etc.
Rather than have knives taking up counter space or an entire drawers, check out the tutorial on how to build one of these awesome under the cabinet drawers. Are you paying attention Fisherman??
So what do you think? Are any of these ideas something that you would consider doing? Do you have any tips to share on organizing small spaces?
Manuela@A Cultivated Nest says
Those are all great ideas! I think that’s one of the few loft beds that I like. I love the way they incorporated stairs to the side. Doesn’t seem to take up much space and seems a whole lot safer than the ladder I see on most of these beds!
Brenda Kula says
I’ve ALWAYS wanted a kitchen banquette, so I’d go for that absolutely! Love all the ideas. You know how I love small spaces with organization.
Brenda
Kimberly says
I love so many of these ideas!
I’ve lived in a small home for the last ten years
and I never want to go back to large home living.
Amy @ StowandTellU says
The drawers under the bed idea is like the greatest thing since sliced bread for me, especially if it helps eliminate one of the dressers. Thesr are all great stoage ideas, any one would help declutter a small or large space for that matter. Pinning.
Poppy says
Doreen, I love your selection of bright and colourful photos that illustrate all these great storage ideas for small spaces around the house. I pictured a beautiful banquette in our breakfast nook when designing our home, but my husband shied away from the permanence of the built in with regards to seating. I have three antique brass nesting tables that belonged to one of the women my mother cleaned for, and they have served us very well as they are super flexible and mobile. And that Ikea shoe drawer, in white, I have been lusting after for the longest time, but as we don’t have an Ikea here on the island, we resort to kicking off our shoes, literally, into the storage closet/cantina, which tends to become a danger zone after a while, as we trip over our own shoes, when in a hurry; how ironic is that?!!
Thanks for this entertaining and informative post that is both pretty and practical!
Poppy
banquette, nesting tables, ikea shoe drawer,
Cheryl @ The Creative Me and My McG says
These are all great ideas for living in a small space. My favourites are the drawers under the bed. I think built-ins in a small space provide the largest amount of storage. We are looking to downsize soon and storage is the part that makes me the most apprehensive.
Ceciia says
I actually like the desk idea but I was wondering if the space was big enough too. I guess it would be if that’s all you had room for! The children’s rooms look like fun and I love the reading nook – I’d love to have one but I don’t think it will ever happen…oh wait! Never say never! :o)
Hope you have a good week!
hugs,
Cecilia
Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouse says
I love your ideas! I have already drawers under my bed, something I decided to have when living in a small appartment near Paris!
Vashti Quiroz-Vega says
I love these ideas Doreen! I fell in love with a glass writing table (it looks like a work of art), but in a simple, elegant way. I love the way the glass table in your picture disappears into the space. I think I’m going to get it for my new place. Very helpful ideas here. 🙂
Doreen says
I’m going to look forward to see what you come up with Vashti! I hope you plan on posting some pics 😉
Vashti Quiroz-Vega says
I sure will! 😉
Cathy@My1929Charmer says
I have a small home and am always looking for creative ways to add storage. I have a banchet in our kitchen which opens for storage, and you know it has never worked for us. I think it’s because we are “arm” chair people. Sitting on a bench with no arms just doesn’t feel right. I love the storage under the stairs… great idea! Thanks for stopping by and liking my junkin finds!
Aidakeith says
Hi Doreen, thank you for dropping by and leaving a lovely comment. You have a collection of space saver ideas. I like the little storage in between the fridge and the cupboard. That could work for me. I will be checking your Pinterest.
Hope you have a good week.
Blessings,
Aida
Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow says
These were fun to view…love that bed / reading nook combo ( the white bed with blue and white bedding ) So pretty! 🙂
Angela says
These are excellent ideas! I’ve always wanted one of those pull out pantry/spice racks next to the frig! Now to just get my honey do to build it! ~~Angela
Shirley@Housepitality Designs says
I love all these wonderful organizational solutions and small spaces…..pinned away Doreen…love this post!
Carol says
What amazing small house storage solutions.
The one I would like to try for us is that pull our spice rack by the fridge. We have just enough space at the side of our refrigerator that we could actually do that. It is amazing how many small things could fit into that narrow space.
I love living in a small house – it is just the two of us and it is cozy. If we were still in our big house, I don’t think we would even use the upstairs now.