See-Through Storage: Clear Choice for Maximum Space
Open shelves, glass-front cabinets and more mean you don't have to sacrifice storage for that feeling of spaciousness
I am a freelance editorial and wedding photographer and Houzz contributor based out of Hershey, PA. Come visit me at 'A Nest for All Seasons' where I write about design, photography and modern garden living!
I am a freelance editorial and wedding photographer and Houzz contributor... More »
The average American home is around 2,000 square feet — and when you add a family, it can feel pretty cramped. But take away cabinetry and closet walls to open the space and you lose storage. What to do? Add some storage you can see through! Glass-front cabinets, open shelving, mirrors and even reclaimed windows can be your tool for providing separation without isolation. Read on for some see-through solutions.
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| Does your home have an annoying upper cabinet that blocks your view of the family room? Do you feel cooped up in the kitchen while everyone else is having fun? Don't rip those cabinets down and lose the storage; open them up and enclose them in glass for see-through storage that keeps the view open, the light flowing and the storage intact. |
by mark gerwing
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For an even more seamless look, take out the cabinet frame and install shelving to replace the cabinetry.
To get a similiar look in front of a window, try DIY glass shelving.
To get a similiar look in front of a window, try DIY glass shelving.
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Stealing space from a hallway for storage is a recipe for claustrophobia. A glass cabinet is perfect for showing off accessories while keeping sight lines open. The look is classy and fresh.
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| One small glass shelving unit dramatically opens up this space. This design allows for an extra cabinet, a drawer, a countertop and three shelves, all while visually separating the spaces without cloistering them. |
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| Mirrors are another great solution; they can open up a space by reflecting light and creating the illusion of a larger space. Try using a back-to-back mirror to divide the room. |
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| You might have to look twice at this photo to see all the see-through elements. This space fits a dining room, a living room, a stairwell, a kitchen and a balcony. Why doesn't it looked like a crowded dorm room? See-through storage. Open shelving divides the dining room from the entryway yet leaves the sight lines open all the way to the stairs. The open banisters upstairs add to the light and the feeling of open yet distinct spaces. |
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by Workshop/apd
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| Built-in cabinets are a classic separation between the living and dining rooms in Arts and Crafts homes. Try updating this classic look for your home with open, geometrical cubbies. |
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Adding open shelving near the foot of the tub provides a separation while allowing light to flood the rest of the room.
by Living2Design
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Old windows sometimes show up on Craigslist and might make a terrific see-through divider for your small space.
Getting a good deal on more windows than you need? Craft your own greenhouse.
Getting a good deal on more windows than you need? Craft your own greenhouse.
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| Try creating see-through storage that mimics another piece of furniture in the room. This shelving unit echoes the lines and color tones of the hutch in the background but remains open to light. Wouldn't this look be perfect in that long, narrow open space in your ranch home? Whether you are working with a tiny bathroom, an open living space or a cramped kitchen, see-through storage can be your solution. More: 18 Ways to Make a Small Space Look Larger 7 Big Ideas for Small Kitchens and Baths 6 Ways to Magically Enhance Your Small Space |
Ideabook published on March 19, 2012.
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