Expert: Jamie Novak - 12/16/2005

Question
Hi Jamie,

Our house was built in 1925.  Typical to that era, the closets and basement storage areas are not very big or well designed for storage.  Do you have suggestions of how I could make the most out of small spaces?  My husband and I do not have a LOT of stuff, but we do have just enough to make it a challenge to put things away and keep those same things accessible.

Thanks!

Answer
Great question and one I got often. Here are some ideas, I hope they help.

·   Use your vertical space. For example, go with a bookcase that goes floor to ceiling instead of a shorter one that just catches clutter ontop.

·   Multipurpose furniture. An example is an ottoman that opens for storage or a trunk or chest doubling as a coffee table.

·   Use the backs of room doors and the insides of cabinet doors.

·   Use the perimeter of the room. Install shelves eighteen inches below the ceiling on all or some of the walls.

·   Store items under the bed.

·   Hang items like pots and pans.

·   A decorator table with a floor length tablecloth disguises storage area underneath.

·   Don’t want to use a closet as your makeshift mudroom? Try placing an armoire in or near the entryway. The doors can still hold hooks and the shelving and hanging space will be much appreciated. If adding an armoire would make the walkway too narrow, see if it is possible to recess the armoire into the wall.

·   Another alternative to the no mudroom dilemma is to place a baker’s rack in the entryway. The shelves and cabinets should do the trick.

·   Try an armoire for small spaces, As a craft area, As a home office, As a work and tool area, As a bar, as a gardening area, As a laundry station etc.

·   Another creative storage solution for the living space is to substitute a trunk for your coffee table; it offers a large amount of storage in addition to making a distinct statement. An ottoman with storage inside and a tray on top makes a table when needed and extra seating at other times. A small chest of drawers works well as an end table.

·   Instead of buying new you can modify an existing coffee table or end table to make it more functional. Place a basket, container, or rolling bin beneath the table to make use of the previously wasted space.

·   Store spare towels in the bathroom. Short on space? Here are some creative storage options. Roll the towels so you can fit more on the shelf. Store rolled towels in a wall-mounted towel rack or a wine rack. You can also purchase a towel stand, which fits about ten folded towels, or stand rolled towels on end in a basket.

If you need any clarification or would like more ideas please go to my website www.JamieNovak.com and join our Yahoo group, there you can get lots of ideas! Plus get my clutter challenge that is chock full of tips and ideas, there is n-o ch-arge. Good luck! Jamie