Organizing

I Just Need Some Space!

Savvy, low-budget tricks to give your space-challenged areas some breathing room

I am a former magazine editor specializing in travel and design. I just completed my first remodel, turning my crumbling 1941 kitchen into a beauty of grays, whites and natural wood. If I could, I'd sleep on the countertop. That's how much I love it. You can also read my parenting blog on Baby Center http://blogs.babycenter.com/author/sschoech/

I am a former magazine editor specializing in travel and design. I just... More »

Bookmark

Embed

Another bedroom sure would be nice. And I wouldn't mind an office of my own, a master bath, and one of those giant laundry rooms. Alas, we don't all have the space or the moola to add a little pop-out or build an extra floor. Sometimes you have to make do with the space you have.

But that doesn't mean we have to live cramped little lives. Its just means we have to be more inventive with our use of space. In a McMansion maybe a door is just a door, but in a little home it must do double duty. Here are some clever ways to increase your living space without adding square footage.

by Marie Newton, Closets Redefined

Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »

A place for everything and everything in its place. Having an organized closet or pantry can double its capacity. Make use of all that wall space and hide stuff in drawers.

Private Comment

by The Stow Company

Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »

An organized closet makes for an organized mind. Or it at least makes it easier to get dressed in the morning. Staggered hanging bars can double the amount of space you have for clothes and leave some extra footage for drawers or shelves.

Private Comment

by ducducnyc.com

Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »

If floor space is at a premium, get stuff off the floor. Like your bed. If you sleep in a queen you can gain 40 square feet of space by turning it into a loft.

Private Comment

by SPACE Architects + Planners

Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »

Bunk beds add sleeping space while conserving floor space. Throw some built-in storage into the mix and you've really got a winner.

Private Comment

by Witt Construction

Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »

Doors are often a waste of space. You can't put furniture in front of them. You can't hang stuff on all of them. But you can turn them into bookshelves, increasing your wall space and your knickknack-placement possibilities.

Private Comment

by Bruce D. Nagel Architect

Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »

A sliding bookshelf door doesn't even need the space to swing.

Private Comment

by Stonebreaker Builders & Remodelers

Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »

Under-stair bookcases can give you tons of room in a space that would otherwise just be creating echoey footsteps.

Private Comment

by Case Design/Remodeling, Inc.

Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »

Have enough bookcases already? This under-the-staircase reading nook is a snug hideaway.

Private Comment

by Buttrick Wong Architects

Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »

If your literary life is under control elsewhere, how about a bar under the stairs? This could also be a craft nook, a laundry area, or storage for toys. So long as it's not wasted space, let your imagination run wild.

More:
18 Ways to Make a Small Space Look Larger

Houzz Tours: Tips for Small Space Living and Renovatio n

7 Big Ideas for Small Kitchens and Baths

Private Comment

Browse more staircase photos »

Comments

mmsalg says:

I love nooks and crannies and using small spaces effectively and beautifully. The book shelf-door-hidden room combo is awesome. Thanks again Houzz for so much inspiration. Take a look at another space transformer. Part bookshelf, table, desk and bed http://blog.custommade.com/2012/02/more-than-meets-the-eye-transform-your-ideas-about-adjustable-furniture/

Small spaces don't have to be crammed and claustrophobic. You can have anything made to fit your space and your needs and still look stylish, homey and fabulous.

3 months ago · Like

patscats2 says:

Wow, lots of innovative ideas here. Love the bunk beds with the stairs also serving as storage. Neat.

3 months ago · Like

Brandon Smith says:

great ideas...but I think there's a typo. Lofting a queen bed will save about 40 square feet...not 400.

3 months ago · Like

Samantha Schoech says:

Thanks for catching that typo. You're right, it's 40 square feet.

3 months ago · Like

Peter Medvin says:

Another space saving idea is Zoom-Room, the electronic, remote controlled, retractable Murphy Bed. Unlike traditional Murphy Beds, you can put a flat screen TV or bookshelves in front (saving even more space) - and you can't tell there's a bed in there. Check it out at www.Zoom-Room.com.

3 months ago · Like

Choptank Closets, llc...and More says:

Thanks for the great pics and ideas. Peter --I especially like the murphy bed from Zoom Room. My company uses the style called the Parker Library--which has book shelves that slide to the sides and then allow the bed to be pulled down. It is a fantastic way to get a room to have dual purpose.

3 months ago · Like