How to get savvier about interior storage solutions for a beautiful yet functional living space

 

‘A place for everything and everything in its place.’  This classic saying is worth recalling when organising an interior. Also, it is especially useful for an interior with limited space. Get savvier about interior storage solutions. Before deciding what to do, carefully consider the cost as well as the pros and cons of each storage type.

 

 

 

 

Free-standing Storage Solutions

 

 

This is any storage unit that is not permanently attached to the ceiling, walls or floor. It stands by itself and you can move or arrange it differently as you wish. Free-standing storage units typically occupy floor space, which can be a drawback. However, a favourable feature of this type of storage is that you can remove and move it with you when moving house. So, you get the most value for money.

 

 

If you are someone who moves house often, you probably do not want to invest in storage fittings you have to leave behind. You may need to rearrange storage facilities as your needs change. Luckily, free-standing storage furniture is handy for most storage needs. These include ready-made chests, trunks, filing cabinets, corner china cupboards and sofas or beds with hidden drawers.

 

 

Modular wall units may be units with open shelves and backs. Or, items with open shelves and no backs, plus pieces with sets of drawers. They can also be furniture with combinations of these traits. You can purchase such furniture pieces separately as per your needs and budget. Also, these types of units allow for flexibility in planning for specific space requirements and storage needs. Additionally, you can arrange these types of furniture items back to back. Then, they’ll serve both as a divider and storage facility in a living space.

 

 

Spoilt-for-Choice Solutions

All the mentioned kinds of units are available in a variety of materials such as metal, plastic and wood. Evaluate how such wall units will impact your total decorative style and scheme. Especially, if they cover a large wall area. So, remember to choose your furniture wisely while considering the colour scheme and atmosphere you desire.

 

 

Keep in mind that metal and plastic surfaces may reflect light or have a more modern, contemporary feel. On the contrary, richly grained or dark wood may be heavy in a small room. Also, try sticking to the same material, finish or style of furniture when acquiring them over time.

 

 

Nowadays, we have a vast array of well-designed amenities within grasp. So, keep your eyes open for space-saving and multi-purpose furniture. Above all, this is crucial if you move house regularly. Plus, you don’t necessarily know how much space you will have available.

 

 

When you have ample storage space, you can hang unlikely objects to add interest to the room while freeing floor space.

 

 

Finding other Interior Storage Solutions

 

 

So, you know you have utilised all the conventional storage sources but you still have a storage predicament. Well, think out of the box. Yes, literally take something out of the box. Or, pick it up from the floor and put it on a wall. That empty wall that’s missing something might be the perfect spot to spruce up. Try an innovative, unconventional way to store an item while decorating your wall. Perhaps, with the cost of only installing a few hangers on the wall, you will solve two problems at once. In other words, think of both practical and aesthetic solutions. Decide how you can make objects part of your decor instead of it being frustration and a burden.

 

 

Likewise, a two-storey house may have open and empty space underneath the staircase. Consider how you can utilise this space for storage. Thus, you can neatly store items on shelves and have them visible and at hand while still being out of the way. If you like items to rather be out of sight, it can be a simple matter. For instance, you can enclose the area with hinged doors.

 

 

 

De-cluttering to Simplify Interior Storage Solutions

 

 

 

At times, the concern might not be in finding storage space, but of clearing the clutter. Also, poorly placed shelves which are of poor quality and appearance might hinder the aesthetic of a room. Additionally, the items on the shelves may not be decorative. Again, how can you think out of the box? Can you literally sort out that box that’s been standing on a shelf or the floor for ages? Throw out what you don’t need anymore. Then, neatly pack the rest in a beautiful basket or container. Consider how you can improve the appearance of the room. That is to say, think how storage solutions can contribute to enhancing the space both practically and aesthetically.

 

 

Stacks of games, books or other hobby equipment might not be attractive.  If the clutter is not on shelves but scattered across the room, beautiful baskets or boxes may be the solution. These are decorative yet functional. Moreover, you can lend a note of unity to the decor when you use several similar baskets throughout the living space. Also, you can get really creative with this. For instance, add them in pops of different accent colours that fit into your total scheme. Baskets can hold anything from games and magazines to laundry and blankets.

 

 

 

 

 

Storage of Personal Items in Communal Living Spaces

 

 

Can you perhaps find a place to neatly pack away your..? Although most people have similar basic needs for sleeping, eating and seating amenities, storage can be a very personal matter. Perhaps you and your family own a whole bunch of board games. Or, one person in the family collects postcards. Maybe you like to display a lot of your family photos. Whatever the case, it will be different for each household. Consequently, the storage needs will reflect some special side of your own and your fellow inhabitants’ personalities. Embrace this but remember to be considerate towards your housemates.

 

 

Now I hope you are a bit savvier and more enthusiastic about tackling those storage pet peeves! Happy organising!

 

 

 

 

 

 

You might find these credenzas, transparent storage acrylic boxes, zipper pouches and acrylic trays useful!

 

 Be sure to read the Savvy Storage for a Smart Interior post as well!