Home & Real Estate

Creative Ways to Maximize Space With a Multipurpose Storage Cabinet

Save space in your home with a multipurpose storage cabinet that can be used for multiple purposes. These versatile cabinets are useful for storing anything from clothing to cleaning supplies.

Reclaim counter space with a kitchen door knife block that can hold knives and other bulky tools. Use a framed magnetic board to store jewelry and makeup. Framed corkboards are great for displaying family photos and mementos.

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Use it as a TV stand.

With limited cabinet space, you need creative storage solutions that work hard for your home. For example, a wicker basket adds a textural element to a bathroom counter while holding extra towels and washcloths. Or, a framed ladder has blankets and quilts in your bedroom while bringing in a farmhouse style.

Whether you’re shopping for a TV stand, media console or storage cabinet, it’s important to consider your room’s dimensions and the size of your flat-screen TV. A media console that’s too large can crowd your living room, while a too-small cabinet can leave you with unused space. Look for a multipurpose storage cabinet or furniture that offers function and form, such as ottomans with hidden storage or beds with built-in drawers underneath.

Hang it on the wall.

In tight rooms, storage built into the wall is a game changer. From bed frames with hidden drawers to shelving units that mount inside windows, there are more options than ever to keep clutter at bay.

Clever wall storage solutions make it easy to access everyday items, too. For example, a pantry door organizer lets you hang your most-used cooking utensils where they can be easily seen.

Picture ledges, shallow shelving units, and pegboards make budget-friendly wall storage that doesn’t block your walking path. If you want to add more shelves without taking up floor space, use a platform or table base that can be adjusted in height to accommodate taller objects like storage containers. This way, you can maximize space for books and decor while keeping your collection organized.

Use it as a bookcase.

Using storage solutions that vary in size and form is a smart move in small spaces. For example, a shallow shelving unit is an alternative to cabinets when storing things like pots and pans, and an over-the-door shoe organizer keeps stray shoes or boots organized and out of sight.

Closed doors and drawers take up space that might be better used for other items. Instead, hang slim-profile shelves on the wall to hold books and travel trinkets, or create a pegboard to keep wrapping paper, foil, and parchment close at hand.

Hang it on the back of a door.

Often overlooked, the backs of doors can be a valuable storage spot. Hanging a shelf or rack over the door will free up room on lower shelves and make frequently used items, such as mugs, easier to reach.

Rather than hanging a full cabinet on the door, opt for a slim, wall-mounted unit like this one. It features adjustable shelves that can be customized to fit your needs and won’t weigh down the door frame when open.

Add hooks to the back of a closet door for hats and scarves in your entryway or even in the bathroom for extra toiletries and linens. Or install a pegboard in your garage or workshop to store tools and other gear within easy reach. It’s a great way to keep everything organized and prevent items from becoming tangled.

Use it as a desk.

Decorative furniture that doubles as storage is a smart choice for small spaces. Whether it’s a stool that hides extra towels and washcloths or a flip-top upholstered storage bench, these pieces make a difference in small rooms by hiding away necessities and offering an inviting work surface at the same time.

For kitchens with limited cabinet space, simple add-ons like this narrow shelf can hold a collection of glass canisters that keep oft-used supplies within reach. Other easy add-ons include a mesh file with essential kitchen papers and wraps and a hook or two for hanging utensils.

Varying your storage options helps maximize the potential of any room in a small home. Consider transforming a rarely used closet into a mini office with filing cabinets and a desk for working from home, or use your dining room table as a workspace when you’re not hosting guests.