28 Fabulous Built-In Storage Ideas To Free Up More Living Space

As the world continues to navigate the challenges posed by the pandemic, many individuals have found themselves reevaluating their living spaces. With the shift towards remote work and virtual schooling, it’s become clear that our homes may not be optimally designed for these new realities. However, this doesn’t mean we need to abandon our current properties in favor of a larger one.

Instead, we can revitalize our existing space by repurposing underutilized areas and incorporating clever built-in storage solutions.

Maximize Space with a Wall-Mounted Accessories Storage Unit

Maximize Space with a Wall-Mounted Accessories Storage Unit
Photo Credit: jkorsbondesigns

Beyond mere space for decorations, a well-designed wall storage unit offers a unique blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal. This built-in storage solution seamlessly combines storage capacity with artistic flair, liberating your accessories from the confines of boxes, dressers, armoires, or closets. The mirrored door allows for instant outfit coordination, serving as a virtual stylist while also disappearing behind a framed piece of art or a classic border-style wall panel when not in use.

Creatively Maximize Living Room Space with Framed Artwork

Beyond mere aesthetics, framed artwork can serve a functional purpose in home decor. Take, for instance, the example of black-framed art prints adorning a modern-style living room’s brick wall. These pieces not only bring visual appeal but also cleverly conceal an unsightly electrical panel, creating a seamless transition between design and utility.

Furthermore, they provide access to additional storage space through hidden alcoves, perfect for stashing away a collection of CDs, books, video games, or personal electronics – a thoughtful touch that adds practicality to the room’s overall ambiance.

Upgrade Your Bathroom with a Modern MIrror Medicine Cabinet

Upgrade Your Bathroom with a Modern MIrror Medicine Cabinet

For homeowners who struggle to navigate the tight quarters of a compact bathroom, a sleek and modern medicine cabinet can be a game-changer. One innovative solution is the enclosed design, which utilizes empty wall space with two pull-out shelving units featuring stylish metal bars. This clever setup keeps beauty and hygiene products organized and within easy reach, eliminating the need for contortionist-like feats to access everyday essentials.

Upgrade Your Bathroom with an Apothecary-Inspired Wall Shelf

Upgrade Your Bathroom with an Apothecary-Inspired Wall Shelf
Photo Credit: blogspot

Transform an unused wall into a functional open shelving unit, reminiscent of an old-fashioned apothecary’s shop, without the need for a door. The key is to apply a coat of glossy white paint and fill clear jars with essentials, making it easy to locate items even without labels. This clever storage idea allows you to maximize space while maintaining a visually appealing display.

Utilize Bathroom Storage Space with a Recessed Cabinet

Utilize Bathroom Storage Space with a Recessed Cabinet
Photo Credit: houzz

Are you tired of feeling like your tiled bathroom is lacking in the storage department? A stunning recessed cabinet idea can breathe new life into this space by revealing hidden areas that were previously unusable due to pipes, wiring, or studs. With a little creative remodeling, you can transform these blank spaces into a convenient and stylish storage solution for bath essentials such as towels, soaps, creams, and more.

Simply install slim-profile, concealed-hinge doors to conceal your belongings and maintain the sleek look of your bathroom. A great example of this design concept can be found on Houzz.

Maximize Space with Pull-Out Drawers for Toy Storage

When you’re working with compact spaces like sitting rooms with deep walls, finding ways to maximize room potential is crucial. For instance, if you want to reclaim space in your children’s bedroom or repurpose a playroom into a home office, clever storage solutions can make all the difference. In this case, consider implementing pull-out, box-style drawers that cater to young children’s needs.

Strategically placed at an accessible height, these innovative storage units encourage kids to get involved and keep their belongings organized.

Utilize Deep and Floor-Level Shelves for Bathroom Storage

Utilize Deep and Floor-Level Shelves for Bathroom Storage
Photo Credit: diynetwork

Transforming your bathroom storage doesn’t have to involve crawling around on the floor. A more practical approach is to install shelves at a comfortable height, allowing you to easily access bath towels and clothes without straining. To take it a step further, incorporate pull-out storage using handle-style wicker baskets in a color that complements your existing decor. This simple yet effective solution will keep your bathroom organized and clutter-free.

Utilize the Space Under Stairs with Built-In Storage Ideas

Utilize the Space Under Stairs with Built-In Storage Ideas
Photo Credit: blogspot

The concept of storing items underneath stairs is nothing new. In fact, the history of ‘step’ storage can be traced back to various cultures across centuries. Some civilizations employed both portable step-style chests and built-in stair units for storing goods and accessing upper floors and attics. Today, this design gets a modern refresh with two large pull-out units that cleverly combine closet, drawer, and shelf features, perfect for stashing outerwear and footwear.

Organize Your Kitchen with a Pull-Out Drawer

Organize Your Kitchen with a Pull-Out Drawer
Photo Credit: jeffreyfreeman

Are you fed up with the clutter and chaos that comes with storing kitchen utensils on open countertops? Consider implementing a clever cabinet design that marries simplicity with functionality. This innovative concept features a pull-out drawer accompanied by six sleek, stainless-steel canisters seamlessly integrated into the cabinet’s interior.

With this solution, you’ll enjoy swift and effortless access to your tools when prepping or cooking, all while keeping your countertops tidy and grease-free.

Open Up Your Room Space with Built-In Bookshelves

Open Up Your Room Space with Built-In Bookshelves

Classic bookshelves with a timeless twist, these built-ins seamlessly blend traditional design elements with modern functionality. The rich wood stain evokes a sense of nostalgia, effortlessly complementing a wide range of interior themes – from rustic and farmhouse-inspired to sleek and contemporary. By repurposing your favorite belongings from free-standing shelves, you can unlock additional storage space along a room’s perimeter, creating a more streamlined and organized atmosphere.

Utilize Custom Cabinet Doors to Conceal Open Shelves

Utilize Custom Cabinet Doors to Conceal Open Shelves
Photo Credit: onekindesign

While open shelves offer several benefits, they can also pose some drawbacks. For instance, dust accumulation can become a problem over time. Additionally, if the shelves are installed around a television or other focal point, they may draw attention away from the surrounding space. To mitigate these issues, homeowners might consider using custom cabinet doors that conceal the shelving entirely.

This approach allows you to maintain the functionality of the storage while creating a seamless visual appearance that blends with the surrounding decor.

Utilize Space in a Small Laundry Room with Custom Shelving

Utilize Space in a Small Laundry Room with Custom Shelving

In this compact laundry room, clever design has transformed the space into a functional and organized haven. One notable feature is the repurposing of an entire wall above the washer/dryer set, now serving as a custom open-faced shelving unit that offers both cubby holes for storing small items and a section with an adjustable tension bar perfect for hanging laundry. This creative solution not only creates additional storage but also maximizes the use of vertical space.

Similarly, in other areas of the home, using clear containers and wicker baskets on hard-to-access shelves can greatly enhance their efficiency.

Improve Bathroom Sink Storage with a Modern Hanging Vanity

Improve Bathroom Sink Storage with a Modern Hanging Vanity
Photo Credit: inspirerend-wonen

One of the most overlooked yet frustratingly inefficient storage areas in a home is often found in the bathroom, specifically beneath the sink. In older style homes, this space can be particularly challenging, as it’s typically limited to either pedestal models with zero storage capacity or inset sinks that share a small storage area with other pipes and infrastructure. More modern designs, however, offer a refreshing alternative.

Take, for instance, sleek wooden hanging vanities that provide not one, but two expansive drawers for storing all manner of bathroom essentials, freeing up precious counter space and keeping the room tidy.

Maximize Desk Space with a Built-In Cabinet and Printer

Maximize Desk Space with a Built-In Cabinet and Printer
Photo Credit: southernliving

A desk-centric solution for printers can be particularly beneficial, as they often require significant real estate. By incorporating a built-in cabinet with a pull-out printer and filing shelves, you can reclaim valuable space. This setup not only provides a convenient means of storing papers and supplies but also helps to reduce the accumulation of dust on the printer itself, which is crucial for maintaining optimal print quality over time.

Expand Storage Space with Kitchen Cabinet Spice Racks

Expand Storage Space with Kitchen Cabinet Spice Racks
Photo Credit: crown-point

A characteristic of many prefabricated kitchen cabinets is the generous amount of space between shelves and doors, often leaving ample room for creative storage solutions. Take, for instance, this image that showcases the perfect spot for a wooden spice rack – but don’t be limited to just wood; vinyl-coated or stainless steel wire racks can also serve as a stylish and functional addition.

The idea behind this design is not just to provide an aesthetic appeal but to offer flexibility in organizing your kitchen.

Make a Space-Saving, Wall-Mounted Ironing Board Cabinet

Make a Space-Saving, Wall-Mounted Ironing Board Cabinet

Say goodbye to the frustration of dealing with a finicky portable ironing board that refuses to cooperate! One clever solution is to transform a narrow wall space near a bedroom or walk-in closet into an ingenious ironing board storage cabinet. This clever design not only keeps your ironing board neatly stowed away but also incorporates a discreet, high-mounted wall socket, freeing you from the hassle of tripping over cords and keeping your workspace tidy.

Make the Most of Your Kitchen with Hidden Appliance Cabinet

Make the Most of Your Kitchen with Hidden Appliance Cabinet
Photo Credit: designdazzle

Small- and medium-sized kitchen appliances don’t have to hog precious counter space when you’ve got a clever counter cabinet on your side. Instead of cluttering up shelves or drawers with spices, food, or glassware, why not repurpose the lower section as discreet appliance storage? The game-changer here is a panel door equipped with lift hinges, allowing for seamless access to these appliances whenever you need them.

Access Kitchen Bins with a Built-in Pull-Out System

Access Kitchen Bins with a Built-in Pull-Out System

In many kitchens, trash and recycling bins are an unwelcome eyesore that not only takes up valuable space but also disrupts the aesthetic appeal of the room. The solution lies in integrating these essential features seamlessly into your kitchen design. One innovative approach is to combine a pull-out drawer with a cleverly designed cut-out wooden bin-holder, allowing you to stash away your bins beside the sink.

This thoughtful arrangement enables effortless access as needed, and then neatly tucks them out of sight, restoring the kitchen’s original charm.

Under-Stair Storage Unit for Dining Room Essentials

Under-Stair Storage Unit for Dining Room Essentials
Photo Credit: danielsremodeling

When it comes to built-in cabinetry beneath the stairs, there are numerous options to consider. One such example is a wall unit designed to store dinnerware and linens on wide shelves or within drawers, conveniently located near your dining room table. This thoughtful design eliminates any potential distractions for your guests during meals, as the tall sliding door blends seamlessly with the surrounding wall when closed.

Multipurpose Room with a Fold-Down Bed and Office Space

Multipurpose Room with a Fold-Down Bed and Office Space
Photo Credit: busyboo

When living in a compact space, finding creative ways to multitask is essential. A clever storage wall can seamlessly adapt to different purposes, providing an ingenious solution for maximizing limited real estate. By day, this versatile space transforms into a functional home office setup with a portable desk, and at night, it effortlessly morphs into a cozy bedroom.

The area’s versatility is further enhanced by hidden cabinets, under-cabinet lighting, and a fold-down bed, making it an ideal retreat for relaxation.

Modern Recessed Bathroom Shelving with Glass Shelves

Modern Recessed Bathroom Shelving with Glass Shelves

By repurposing an non-load-bearing wall, a stunning recessed bathroom shelving space was crafted. The process involved removing concrete blocks to create a new alcove wall at the interior edge of the remaining blocks, which was then paired with glass shelves and a wooden base. This unassuming area was transformed into a luxurious storage spot, complete with small, glossy tiles in a matching hue and a recessed overhead light, perfect for showcasing decorative elements.

Create More Bathroom Storage with a Sliding Cabinet Solution

Create More Bathroom Storage with a Sliding Cabinet Solution
Photo Credit: decorpad

Consider repurposing a bathroom cabinet to declutter other storage areas in your home. This approach allows you to store bath and health-related items without dedicating a bedroom or hall closet for this purpose. Moreover, it eliminates the need to worry about cluttered floors or having to transport dirty clothes or wet towels around the house.

Maximize Efficiency in the Kitchen with Pull-Out Shelves

Maximize Efficiency in the Kitchen with Pull-Out Shelves
Photo Credit: myplumdesign

In high-pressure kitchen environments where multiple individuals are working together to prepare and plate meals, step stools and ladders can become a recipe for disaster. To mitigate this risk, consider investing in a built-in cabinet featuring pull-out shelves that place essential items within easy reach. Once tasks are completed, the sliding shelves retract behind a seamlessly integrated door, maintaining a clutter-free and organized kitchen space.

Maximize Space with a Floor-to-Ceiling Pull-Out Pantry

Maximize Space with a Floor-to-Ceiling Pull-Out Pantry

Pull-out pantries are no longer limited to kitchen applications, as they’re increasingly being incorporated into bathrooms and powder rooms. This clever storage solution takes advantage of narrow wall spaces and gaps between cabinets, eliminating the need for standalone medicine cabinets or vanities. The straightforward design enables quick access to essentials, making it an ideal addition to bath and powder room layouts.

Enjoy Effortless Laundry Sorting with Built-In Hampers

In some homes, kitchens are equipped with washer and dryer hook-ups, offering a convenient solution for laundry management. For larger kitchens, existing lower cabinets can be modified to create pull-out drawers for hamper storage, providing a discreet and accessible spot for family members to sort dirty laundry throughout the week. This innovative setup eliminates the need to lug or drag hampers around the house on wash day, making laundry day a breeze.

Utilize Space Beneath Stairs with Pull-Out Drawers

Utilize Space Beneath Stairs with Pull-Out Drawers
Photo Credit: tinyhouseswoon

While traditional staircase designs often focus on providing a means of vertical transportation, custom designs like this one demonstrate that there’s more to stairs than just ascending and descending. In fact, even if the space beneath your stairs is limited or compromised by wiring and pipes, you can still capitalize on the area for storage.

A simple yet effective solution is to install pull-out drawers under each step, providing a convenient place to stash items without sacrificing the functionality of your staircase.

Access Items Easily with a Tilt-Out Kitchen Cabinet Design

Access Items Easily with a Tilt-Out Kitchen Cabinet Design

The struggle is real when it comes to lower kitchen cabinets without drawers – they can be a true pain point. The traditional design often forces us to bend down or search for hidden treasures at the back of the cabinet, making it frustrating to find what we need. However, this tilt-out design cleverly solves this problem by allowing us to effortlessly access those hard-to-reach items, such as cutting boards and racks, with just a simple flip-down motion and a gentle pull.

The result is a seamless experience that makes cooking and meal prep a whole lot easier.

Create a Window Seat Reading Nook with Storage

Create a Window Seat Reading Nook with Storage
Photo Credit: blogspot

A room with side-by-side windows presents a unique opportunity to combine relaxation and storage. One way to take advantage of this is by installing a window seat with built-in shelves, creating a cozy reading nook and rest area. This setup can be further enhanced by adding pull-out drawers that provide additional space for storing art supplies, extra books, or even a blanket.

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