Beautiful and clever small closet ideas

In older homes and small apartments it's hard to find great storage and closet space solutions. Don't let the words wardrobe and armoire scare you though! There are some seriously great designs to choose from that give you the storage you need.

via bhg

There are simple, modern, sleek ones that let you close all the doors and not notice any clutter. Most of these have great options for how you can stack and shelve things as well!

We have a very, very small linen closet in our home that could really benefit from a treatment like this.
via Pinterest 

 We've all seen the closet-turned-home office - I still like finding a good one!
via Pinterest via Modern Home Decor

via CasaSugar

Don't neglect small accessories - they need a designated place too. Having these guys piled up in a corner or shelf can really make or break the feeling of chaos.  Clear acrylic boxes or no-frills baskets are a good way to organize small items if you don't have a drawer.

Your walls are your best friends when you live small.  Hang as much up as you can and save precious surface, drawer, and rail space for items that can't go on walls.

via Pinterest via Place of My Taste

via marthastewart

A simple traditional look with more storage necessities than you could ask for! Although this lacks hanging space it can be a great addition to a small closet, or a place to organize craft supplies.

Bedroom Storage

You all know how much I love light and beautiful bedrooms. Today I wanted to share with you what I think can be a tough obstacle for a bedroom - storage space.

I feel like every time I move, the amount of possessions I have to find space for doubles.  It's important to me that I have a way to tuck some of these things away and hide them so my bedroom can stay clean and serene.

If you're like me, and can't afford built-ins, a clever way to "fake" it is to find a piece of furniture that can mimic a built in.  The white credenza in this room sits under the window and is white, just like a built in would be if it existed in this room.

You can also find a lot of storage solutions that double as decor, like old trunks.
2 above via Covet Garden

One space you never want lacking in storage is the closet! I love built in style closets because they feel so luxe and it makes it really easy to store and find items. Not having enough storage space in a closet results in random boxes on the floor or above where you can't reach them or end up not using the contents because it's such a pain to get to them!

via Finsahome.co.uk via Pinterest

When everything has a spot your less likely to keep things you don't need and it's going to save so much time in your day not having to "find" all those missing things!

via House Beautiful

Keep it simple - sometimes, all you need is a few beautiful baskets to create the storage you need.  A guest room may only need a few extra pillows and blankets and baskets can be a beautiful and functional way to fill that need.

Another options is to a bed with built in storage in it! Something like a double storage bed is a great option if you are having trouble finding space to create storage in your room or you just need that extra space. 

The built in storage under the bed gives it a more flush and clean look - I personally don't like to put things under the bed, so it's a great option if you are like me.. There are plenty of different styles of double storage beds that you can choose from. Some have a similar look to multiple drawers or cubbies you can put fabric bins like under the window seat.
The most important factor is not only that the storage is functional, but that you like it, so sometimes it takes a bit of hunting to find a storage solution you like. You want your bedroom to be relaxing and clutter is the last thing that's going to achieve that! Find a storage solution that doesn't distract your eye or take away from much needed rest!

Make your small kitchen work

Small kitchen? No counter space? No cabinet space? I share your pain, and it's probably one of the reasons I don't spend enough time cooking--that and whatever I attempt to make never turns out too well.

One trick that has served me well in the kitchen is to think vertically. I have doubled space in my kitchen by storing things on the walls. I found a long rectangular wooden box, painted it white, and screwed it to the wall, and now it is a great and convenient place to store my spices and things I need to grab quickly.

The wall behind my stove is exposed brick, so i just grabbed some metal hooks and large nails I had loose in the tool box, and pushed them into holes I found already existing in the bricks. It is a great way to hang my skillets and my wok! A magnetic strip screwed under my makeshift spice rack is another great catch-all for knives and utensils I need on hand.

Well utilized kitchen space...

image from California Closets



Storing pantry items in canisters or jars makes them easy to access, keeps them fresh, and the uniformity of the containers instantly adds a look of order. Image from The Kitchn


Even though this kitchen is small, it's compact and set up in an organized way. I love the magnetic spice containers on the fridge.
Image from The Kitchn


Shelves are our friends. Installing shelves is an excellent way to add A LOT of storage space, and allows you to keep counter surfaces clear as workspace. Shelving doesn't have to be expensive either. Image from marthastewart.com


The Ikea Grundtal bars are popping up in small apartments everywhere, the canisters are from Storables, and the galley ledge from Pottery Barn. Image from Not Martha



This idea is really smart, and from none other than Julia Child (thanks Upstart). Outfit a kitchen wall of any size with peg board. You can have it cut to size at a hardware store. After that, you can hang a multitude of baskets, bins, pots, and pans. Top Image from marthastewart.com,
bottom from domino



Kitchen carts can really come in handy for storing small kitchen appliances and provide extra work surfaces. Even better if they're on wheels!
Above two images from marthastewart.com