14 Hidden Storage Spaces Around the House

Under the Stairs

Do you have an under-the-stairs closet, but shy away from using it because the space feels too cramped? Install shelves and a few office organizers to create an instant work station. Keep the closet doors on to conceal the space when it's not in use, or remove them for easy access.

Near the Ceiling

Extend shelving or upper cabinets all the way to the ceiling to stow bulk items and items you rarely need. Keep a step stool nearby to access the space.

The Kitchen Island

Sure, it's great for extra prep space, but your island can do so much more. Turn a basic kitchen island into storage central with these creative (and easy!) DIY add-ons.

Behind the Door

With a little installation time and a few pieces of hardware, you can transform a bedroom closet door into extra wardrobe storage. Use a combination of hooks and bars to organize jewelry, tomorrow's outfit, or accessories. Use the back of a catchall closet for gift-wrap storage, or enlist a pantry door to keep spices and aprons at the ready.

• More Behind-the-Door Storage Ideas

Empty Kitchen Wall

Utilize an empty section of wall in your kitchen as a storage space with a bookcase pantry. Watch and see how!

Below Base Cabinets

Build shallow drawers into the toe-kick spaces (those 3- or 4-inch spaces below base cabinets) in your kitchen or bath. Platters, cookie sheets, and towels store nicely there. Outfit each drawer with a touch-latch release so you can easily open it with a light tap of your toe.

Under the Sink

Equip your cabinets with features that maximize storage. For deep cabinets, install pullout shelves or baskets that use all of the space; for tall shelf spaces, use stacking platforms. Corner cabinets -- classic space wasters -- should be fitted with lazy Susans or three-fourths circle-shaped shelves.

Along Slim Walls

Turn a sliver of wall into a household command center. Install shallow built-ins and a bulletin board that provide extra storage without taking up an inch of floor space.

Above the Toilet

Keep bath essentials within arm's reach. A trio of clean-lined shelves above the toilet taps into unused space and offers storage for decor and short stacks of towels.

• 24 Smart Ways to Store More in Your Bathroom

By the Entry

Turn the space by the back door into a mini mudroom. Adding a few hooks, a bench, or a boot tray keeps often-used items neat and accessible.

Within Furniture

Incorporate storage into the furniture you buy. Coffee tables with storage compartments can hide back issues of magazines, and kids' rooms gain the equivalent of an additional dresser when a captain's bed with drawers underneath is substituted for the usual box spring and mattress. A front hallway bench can hold gloves, scarves, and hats.

Pass-Through Spaces

If you don't have a dedicated work space, hide office essentials within a bank of hallway or kitchen cabinets. A charging station, a bill sorter, and office supplies are concealed behind cabinet doors in this setup, while a pullout shelf in a drawer provides easy access to a printer whenever it's needed.

Under Laundry Machines

Install drawers underneath the washer and dryer. Many brands sell drawers that can be installed below front-loading machines. These drawers are perfect for storing detergent and other laundry supplies. Adding drawers not only boosts storage, it also saves your back by raising the machines to an ergonomic height.

Over the Car

Even in garages where parking is a tight fit, there is room for storage -- just look up! Install wall-mount cabinets in the space above the parked car's hood to keep items organized and off of the floor.

Tip: Use closed cabinets rather than open shelves to keep contents from rolling off shelves and landing on your car.