7 genius hidden storage ideas for Sydney apartments
De-cluttering is always a good idea – we all have too much stuff – but there are some other simple ways to make your apartment more streamlined and spacious. First, pinpoint your priorities – do you need a home office, or a more efficient kitchen? – then put these ideas to work.
Space saving in the bedroom
Under-bed storage is a no-brainer – if you have the right sort of bed frame, of course. Drawers or units on wheels are best for storing things you use regularly because they’re easy to manoeuvre; otherwise, look at units with tops to keep dust bunnies at bay. There’s a good choice of under-bed storage at Ikea that you can buy online.
Building or buying a headboard that serves as storage space for books, lighting or just about anything is another valuable space-saver – just google ‘headboard storage’ and you’ll find plenty of inspiring ideas. You could also invest in a bed that incorporates ‘behind the bed’ as well as ‘under-bed’ storage.
Pull-down beds certainly free up floor space – however, they’re probably most practical when used in a spare bedroom rather than every day. They come in single to king sizes; check out Wallbeds Australia for a great selection of designs. You can even put them away with bedlinen in place, ready for your next overnight guest.
Image Source: 3dzip.org
Hidden space – behind closed doors
You can use the back of any door in your apartment for extra hanging space. Over-door shelves, hooks and organisers are ideal if you don’t want to drill holes in the door – check out eBay for ideas and stockists.
Laundry can be stashed in a large soft bag on a hook rather than in a floor-hogging basket and hanging pocket shoe organisers can be used for a lot more than shoes.
Image Source: luxebathandbeauty.com
Clever storage ideas that are off the wall
Shelves are useful in every room in your apartment. Small, shallow shelves can fit into corners or tight spaces and with a bit of creativity, can be a decorative feature.
Larger, deeper shelves can hold storage bins or baskets that hide a multitude of clutter – try Japanese store Muji for stylish cloth and wire containers. Don’t be afraid to use the full wall height; you can put lesser-used things on the top shelves and install them around and above the TV and entertainment unit. Floating shelves that have hidden brackets create a sense of space – the Shelving Shop has a wide selection.
Image Source: homebunch.com
Workspace is optimum space
As computers and work equipment get smaller and slimmer, it’s easier to find a spot in your apartment to set up a workable home office. You can turn a built-in cupboard into a workspace that you can shut away when you’re relaxing, install a wall-mounted desk top and shelves in the hallway or in a corner, or have a custom-made unit that folds away. Check The Reno Guide for inspiration.
Image Source: ikeahackers.net
Better organisation in the kitchen
If your countertops look crowded, check what you can hideaway under the sink, store in kitchen-wall organisers or put on shelves. Ikea and Howards Storage World offer well-designed in-drawer and in-cupboard storage units that will maximise space in the smallest kitchen – and hide unsightly garbage bins.
Image Source: inspiredbycharm.com
Handy storage ideas in the bathroom and laundry
Portable units that are designed to sit above toilets or laundry appliances can store towels, toilet paper, bathroom products, laundry products and more – in space that would otherwise be unused. We like the selection at Matt Black.
Image Source: homedepot.com
Double-duty furniture with hidden storage space
Furniture that provides invisible storage maximises space in your apartment’s living area, bedrooms and even kitchen. Ottomans work as stools and foot-rests that can be used to hide a variety of small bits and pieces; cushioned benches with under-seat storage work as stylish window seats or lounge furniture; and if you have a balcony, wooden benches with under-seat storage also do double duty. Have a look at Temple & Webster.
Image Source: hgtv.com
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