Skip to content

Top Navigation

Better Homes & Gardens
Better Homes & Gardens
  • Gardening
  • Home Improvement Ideas
  • Cleaning and Organizing
  • Recipes and Cooking
  • Decorating
  • Holidays
  • Rooms
  • Shopping

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin

Explore Better Homes & Gardens

Better Homes & Gardens
Better Homes & Gardens
  • Explore

    Explore

    • The Only Weed Identification Guide You'll Ever Need: 33 Common Weedy Plants to Watch For

      The Only Weed Identification Guide You'll Ever Need: 33 Common Weedy Plants to Watch For

      Don't let these pesky plants crash your garden party! The first step is to know your enemy. Then you'll know the best way to deal with your weed problem. Read More
    • 6 Small Steps You Can Take Today to Get Organized for Good

      6 Small Steps You Can Take Today to Get Organized for Good

      A professional organizer offers advice on how to tidy up your home without feeling overwhelmed. Read More
    • 5 Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients to Add to Your Smoothie for a Healthy Boost

      5 Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients to Add to Your Smoothie for a Healthy Boost

      Anti-inflammatory smoothies do exist! Instead of blending in boatloads of sugar and artificial ingredients, try these smoothies for inflammation that are stoked with ingredients that may help lower your risk for chronic diseases including cancer, heart disease, depression, and more. Read More
  • Gardening

    Gardening

    See All Gardening
    4 DIY Seed-Starting Pots You Can Make With Items You Already Have

    4 DIY Seed-Starting Pots You Can Make With Items You Already Have

    Upcycle old newspapers, junk mail, and other waste paper to make these easy, eco-friendly containers you can use to sprout new plants for your garden.
    • Flowers
    • Houseplants
    • Plant Encyclopedia
    • Garden Pests
    • Trees, Shrubs & Vines
    • Caring for Your Yard
    • Edible Gardening
    • Garden Design
    • Gardening By Region
    • Landscaping
  • Home Improvement Ideas

    Home Improvement Ideas

    See All Home Improvement Ideas
    What Style Is Your House? The 10 Most Popular American House Styles

    What Style Is Your House? The 10 Most Popular American House Styles

    In a world full of so many different house styles, it can be a little challenging just to narrow down your own home's architectural style, let alone edit the list down to your favorite style or understand the distinctions characteristic to each house style. We'll show you the 10 most popular American house styles, including Cape Cod, French Country, Colonial, Victorian, Tudor, Craftsman, Cottage, Mediterranean, ranch-style, and Contemporary.
    • Home Exteriors
    • DIY Home Electrical Tips & Guides
    • Outdoor Structures
    • Home Remodeling
    • Plumbing Installations & Repairs
    • Remodeling Advice & Planning
    • Flooring
    • Lighting
    • Decks
    • Porches
  • Cleaning and Organizing

    Cleaning and Organizing

    See All Cleaning and Organizing
    A Whole-House Cleaning Schedule You'll Actually Stick To

    A Whole-House Cleaning Schedule You'll Actually Stick To

    Cleaning your home doesn't have to be a daunting, time-consuming chore. The key to managing household duties quickly and efficiently is to design an easy-to-follow routine that includes all the most important tasks. Follow these step-by-step instructions for creating a customized whole-home cleaning schedule.
    • House Cleaning
    • Laundry & Linens
    • Cleaning Tips
    • Closet Organization
    • Organization Tips
    • Kitchen Storage Organization
  • Recipes and Cooking

    Recipes and Cooking

    See All Recipes and Cooking
    21 Baking Essentials Every Home Cook Needs (Plus 16 Nice-to-Haves)

    21 Baking Essentials Every Home Cook Needs (Plus 16 Nice-to-Haves)

    Whether you're a beginning baker just starting out or a master chef looking to declutter, we'll help you set up a beginner's baking essentials kit with 21 tools. For anyone who already owns these handy baking tools, this list may finally provide the motivation you need to get rid of that soufflé dish you never use. Building your baking equipment inventory starts here.
    • How to Cook
    • Chicken Recipes
    • Desserts & Baking
    • Fish Recipes
    • Beef Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Breakfast and Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch
    • Dinner Recipes & Meal Ideas
    • Ethnic Food
  • Decorating

    Decorating

    See All Decorating
    7 Interior Design Trends Everyone Will Be Trying in 2021, According to Experts

    7 Interior Design Trends Everyone Will Be Trying in 2021, According to Experts

    Designers weigh in on the most popular decorating styles, colors, and materials you can look forward to in the coming year.
    • Choosing Color
    • Expert Decorating Advice
    • Fireplace Design Ideas
    • Do It Yourself Magazine
    • Window Treatments
    • Styles & Decor
    • Interior Painting
    • Home Makeovers
    • Small-Space Decorating
    • Traditional Home
  • Holidays

    Holidays

    See All Holidays
    International Women's Day: The Powerful Story Behind This 111-Year-Old Tradition

    International Women's Day: The Powerful Story Behind This 111-Year-Old Tradition

    What began as a small movement, has grown into a global holiday dedicated to celebrating the strong women in our communities.
    • Valentine's Day
    • Mother's Day
    • Easter
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July/Memorial Day
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • New Year's
    • Juneteenth
    • Hanukkah
  • Rooms

    Rooms

    See All Rooms
    Living Room Furniture Layout Ideas

    Living Room Furniture Layout Ideas

    Get tips for arranging living room furniture in a way that creates a comfortable and welcoming environment and makes the most of your space.
    • Bedroom Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Bathroom Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Kitchen Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Living Room Decorating and Design
    • Dining Room
    • Home Office
    • Kid's Rooms
    • Baby Nursery
  • Shopping

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. BHG.com
  2. Decorating
  3. Storage Solutions
  4. Organization Tips
  5. Slivers-of-Space Storage

Slivers-of-Space Storage

Caitlin Sole headshot
By Caitlin Sole June 08, 2015
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin FB
entryway
Think there's no way you can pack another inch of storage into your house? Think again and explore these overlooked spots that can provide a sliver of storage just where you need it. Plus, BHG contributor and Apartment Therapy founder Maxwell Ryan gives his tricks for carving out more storage from every room.
Start Slideshow

1 of 20

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Entryway

entryway

Maxwell says: Fake a foyer by stationing a console table next to the door (a waist-high shelf works, too). Then hang a mirror and hooks for bags, jackets, and keys.

About Maxwell Ryan: Maxwell is the founder of Apartment Therapy, the uber-popular website devoted to stylish living in small spaces, who recently added BHG contributor to his resume. Look for his column, "Apartment Therapist," in the magazine several tiimes a year!

1 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 20

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Living Room

101793533

Maxwell says: A coffee table with a shelf or two doubles (or triples) the available real estate for books, magazines, games, or whatever.

2 of 20

3 of 20

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Kitchen

Slivers of Space

Maxwell says: A commercial-style pot rack is a win-win-win. It saves space, makes your gear accessible, and looks restaurant chic.

3 of 20

Advertisement

4 of 20

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Bedroom

Warm Color Accents

Maxwell says: Park a bench at the foot of the bed. If your bench doesn't have storage under the hood, stack lidded baskets on the floor below it.

4 of 20

5 of 20

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Bathroom

bathroom

Maxwell says: A tray of pretty toiletries on the toilet tank makes a bathroom more personal and luxurious. Plus, it's just plain handy.

5 of 20

6 of 20

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Doors and Windows

shelving

Door-Frame Storage

Frame a doorway with bookcases or shelves to turn wasted space into storage. Spring for built-ins, or get the same function with freestanding units. This solution works best for less-frequently used passageways, such as pantry or laundry room doors, rather than main entries. The shelves will affect traffic patterns and how you can manuever large items through the doors (so if you're going the built-in route, make sure it's not around a door you may need to move large appliances or furniture through; freestanding shelves can be moved for these instances).

6 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 20

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Doors and Windows

102023356

Seat and Storage

The space around windows can also be tapped for storage, as well as extra seating. Built-ins allow for customization, but you can also get this look with tall freestanding bookcases and a bench. To create a built-in look with freestanding pieces, take careful measurements to ensure you get pieces that fit just right, and look for bookcases that go to the ceiling.

7 of 20

8 of 20

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Walls

jewelry

Bedroom Vanity

Use a wall-mount desk to stash jewelry and bedroom extras. The cabinet can be outfitted with hooks to corral necklaces, and the flip-down desk can act as a vanity table. A unit like this folds up neatly, concealing any clutter, and takes up only as much space as is needed to mount it on the wall. To find a similar unit, search for wall-mount desks or wall-mount laptop desks online.

8 of 20

9 of 20

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Walls

wall storage

Command Center

A wall-mount desk also works well in an entryway or mudroom. You can rest your laptop or tablet on the flip-down desk to do last-minute e-mails and schedule or weather checks as you're heading out the door. The cubbies can house pens and paper for jotting notes.

9 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 20

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Walls

picture frames

Bulletin-Board Wall

Frame chalkboards, pegboards, and magnet boards to form an all-in-one bulletin board for your walls. For message boards, cut pieces of thin wood to fit into picture frames and coat with chalkboard, magnetic, or dry-erase paint, or cut sheets of metal and cover with thin fabric to use as magnet boards. Similarly, cut squares of pegboard and outfit with hooks and cups to organize keys, writing utensils, and pads of paper. The frames will provide an orderly, unified look to the message boards.

10 of 20

11 of 20

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Walls

101911724

Work and Play

When space is tight, look to walls for organization and storage. Many different materials have a wall application and can be utilized for message centers and information organizers. Stick-on cork tiles craft an instant bulletin board. Use colored tapes to mark off squares to create zones for specific projects or to-dos (chores, work, school, etc.). Here, a ledge separates the cork bulletin board from an expanse of chalkboard to create an art space for kids in this adult office. The wall-mount rail systems corral chalk, art paper, and hooks for tote bags.

11 of 20

12 of 20

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Beneath Stairs

100630999.jpg

Stairway to Storage

Look to the space beneath your stairs to add function. Consider what purpose would best suit the room where your staircase is positioned. For example, if your staircase is between the living room and dining room, turn the space into a buffet or bar area. Guests can grab drinks and appetizers while they mingle before dinner.

12 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 20

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Beneath Stairs

Cain basement - stairs

Basement Improvement

If the space beneath your stairs is already being tapped for storage, albiet disorganized storage, take it to the next step with storage units that fit beneath your staircase to help streamline storage. A custom built-in, like this shelving unit, will maximize space, but you can get a ready-to-assemble version by scouting out shelving units that are available in different heights. Buy a taller unit that will fit beneath the top of the staircase, and a shorter matching unit to tuck next to it.

13 of 20

14 of 20

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Beneath Stairs

Family Friendly Entry

Stepped Up

Full-size closets can often be squeezed beneath straight-run staircases if there isn't another staircase beneath it. But for L-shape, or return, stairways, there isn't enough height for a closet. Rather than leave it unused, carve out the space beneath the landing for drawers to store sporting gear and shoes in an entryway.

14 of 20

15 of 20

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Backs of Doors

towels

Linen Organizer

You might not use table linens in an everyday setting, but when an occasion calls for pulling out tablecloths and cloth napkins, leave your iron behind. Infrequently used linens often get buried on a shelf or in a drawer, causing major wrinkling. Drape linens on the bars of an over-the-door towel rack to keep them looking freshly pressed and ready for company.

15 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 20

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Backs of Doors

Utility Matters

Easy Cleanup

Do cleaning products end up in a jumbled mess beneath your kitchen sink or at the bottom of a cabinet? Move your cleaning supplies to a more easily accessible spot by installing caddies or bins on the back of a door. Organize the compartments by product type, and you'll know exactly where to go for the floor cleaner, dusting spray, or whatever you might need.

16 of 20

17 of 20

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Clever Slivers

100446447

Closet Work Space

If a closet isn't doing you much good as a storage space, turn it into something you will use, such as an office or a crafting zone. Outfit the space with a desk and plenty of storage. To make it even more functional, add outlets for lamps or hardwire a pendant fixture to provide adequate task lighting.

17 of 20

18 of 20

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Clever Slivers

couch

Make Space

Finding extra storage in a small living room, where space is already limited, is tricky. To make space for a bookcase, move your sofa away from the wall a foot or two and slide a bookcase behind it. Use the top shelves for frequently used items, and stash seasonal items on the hidden lower shelves.

18 of 20

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 20

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Clever Slivers

laundry closet

Laundry Sorters

Shave time off your laundry-sorting routine by adding built-in sorters. Place mesh bags on hooks on the wall above your laundry hamper for socks and undergarments. On laundry day, you can just pick up the bag and toss it in the wash. Placing both socks in a bag when you take them off means fewer singleton socks.

19 of 20

20 of 20

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Clever Slivers

bathroom

Going Up

Bathrooms often have small footprints but plenty of unused vertical space. A tall but narrow cabinet can be used to store toilet paper, towels, and toothbrushes. Look for a model that has both closed storage (such as cabinets and drawers) and open shelves to both conceal items and provide easy access to everyday items.

20 of 20

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Caitlin Sole

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 20 Entryway
    2 of 20 Living Room
    3 of 20 Kitchen
    4 of 20 Bedroom
    5 of 20 Bathroom
    6 of 20 Doors and Windows
    7 of 20 Doors and Windows
    8 of 20 Walls
    9 of 20 Walls
    10 of 20 Walls
    11 of 20 Walls
    12 of 20 Beneath Stairs
    13 of 20 Beneath Stairs
    14 of 20 Beneath Stairs
    15 of 20 Backs of Doors
    16 of 20 Backs of Doors
    17 of 20 Clever Slivers
    18 of 20 Clever Slivers
    19 of 20 Clever Slivers
    20 of 20 Clever Slivers

    Share & More

    Tweet Email Send Text Message
    • Better Homes & Gardens BHG Logo Products at Walmart
    • Better Homes & Gardens BHG Real Estate Real Estate Services
    Better Homes & Gardens

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Books from Better Homes & Gardens
    • Help
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithBH&G is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Better Homes & Gardens. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.bhg.com

    Sign in

    View image

    Slivers-of-Space Storage
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.