28 Clever Space-Saving Solutions and Storage Ideas

Whether your home is big or small, there are plenty of creative ways to maximize your space. Do you have a nook under the stairs or a quirky corner you don't know what to do with? Get ready to think outside the (storage) box and let these clever, editor-approved ideas inspire you.

Starting with this cottage-style home in California. Instead of a traditional foyer, a built-in bench, baskets and hooks create a mini mudroom to drop shoes and bags when you walk in the door.

The entrance to this 100-year-old home doesn't leave much room for entryway furniture. The solution: a narrow floating shelf to drop keys, sunglasses, mail and more.

The main bathroom in this bungalow used to be a utility closet. After converting it, the homeowners installed a sliding barn door to maximize space in the adjoining bedroom.

Say goodbye to clunky drying racks! If you have a lot of delicate items that you don’t put in the dryer, a pull-down rack, like this one, is any easy way to save space in your laundry area.

Sometimes what’s not in a room helps it look larger. There's no trim here (besides baseboards) to help the ceiling appear taller.

The kitchen in this 1,090-square-foot home left little room for food prep. Enter a narrow butcher-block-top island with storage underneath.

The first two steps of these stairs have clever drawers that offer storage for items used for the kitchen and living room, like table linens, extra blankets and decorative pillows.

This 1,400-square-foot bungalow is home to three kids, so a play space is a must. With no dedicated play room, storage units in the dining room are filled with toys so playtime can start as soon as mealtime is over.

Designer and host of Help! I Wrecked My House Jasmine Roth loves incorporating hidden storage into her projects. Here, she turned an under-the-stairs nook into a play space for daughter Hazel, with a door that looks like a hutch.

These built-in bookshelves provide both open and closed storage. They're an ideal spot to house books and display photos and knick-knacks, making them functional and stylish.

An empty drawer in this laundry room was customized to hold an ironing board. Open the drawer and pull the board out when you're ready to remove wrinkles, then close the drawer when you're done. If you don't have a drawer to spare, a wall- or door-mounted board could be right for you.

Turn an office, den or family room into an extra bedroom with a Murphy bed. When guests leave, fold it back up and get some much-needed floor space back.

Tucked between two closet doors, this built-in mini bar offers plenty of space for bottles and barware with open shelves and a lower cabinet. Cheers!

A rainbow of baskets are colorful and handy spots to stash everyday clutter, like extra scarves, hats, orphaned gloves and more. Wall hooks and a bench with cubbies help your drop zone look clean instead of chaotic.

This DIY rolling unit is a multipurpose storage piece. Stow away pet gear, roll it into a playroom to corral toys or use it in a mudroom to clear clutter.

This kid's bedroom features a space-saving double whammy. Bunk beds (to maximaze floor space in a small room) and built-in shelves (for books and toys).

Turn any room into a home office with a hidden desk area. When it's not in use, fold up the desk top and use the chair for extra seating.

This may look like a typical nightstand, but the drawers are specifically designed to fit shoes so you can free up some closet space.

Every inch of space under the stairs is put to use in this apartment with built-in cabinets and drawers.

A custom pantry maxed out the storage space in this contemporary kitchen. Plentiful drawers, cabinets and compartments help stow away kitchen essentials while keeping them close at hand.

Surprise! The side of this island has hidden shelving for cookbooks and other kitchen accessories.

An over-the-toilet shelving unit turns unused space into a stylish spot for plants, lotions and hand towels.

A built-in shower shelf allows lets you keep necessities in an easy-to-reach spot. If a bathroom redesign isn't in your plans, a wall-mounted shower caddy is a budget-friendly option.

Cabinetry and shelving extend to the ceiling in this shoe-lover's haven to maximize storage for every pair. There are also custom compartments to hold jewelry, hats and clothes.

This storage unit is made to contain the unwieldiest of craft supplies. (Glitter, we're looking at you.)

This ottoman has a lid that lifts to reveal hidden storage for extra throw blankets and other essentials — so you can put your feet up and relax in an uncluttered space.

This pet nook is a clever use of the space under stairs. Dogs and cats will love curling up in this cozy spot, and the drawer is actually a hidden feeding station. Two paws up!