Build Up, Not Out
With apartments getting smaller and smaller, it’s hard to find space to put everything. You have a couple of clunky shelving units scattered through the space, stuffed to the brim with clothes, books, or other items. We totally get if you don’t want to do too much to a rental property, but we promise that a few of these ideas will have you breathing easier in no time.
1. Floating Shelves
Possibly the most common and easy-to-find method for wall storage, floating shelves are incredibly useful features for any home. You can purchase them ready-to-install, or grab some spare wood and start hammering.
2. Wall Hooks
Maybe the most classic of the bunch, wall hooks make jacket storage easy and efficient when you have a small entryway or hallway space. However, they can be used just about anywhere to keep all your favorite things off the ground.
3. Pegboard
Used more as a space to keep small tools, tape, or other materials, a pegboard is actually quite a versatile tool. You can move the small storage compartments however you need to if you need more room for something, and they can be an excellent space-saver for accessories or first-aid items.
4. Accordion Wall
Essentially, another type of wall hook, accordion walls are useful for their space-saving qualities. You can stretch or squish this device depending on your space, and it usually comes with four or so hooks, so you don’t have to hang up four different hooks.
5. Near-Ceiling Shelving
A fantastic option for any book or trinket collectors, this shelving idea stores things to look at, instead of needing to grab at all the time. You can keep old novels, models, art, or other items, beautifully posed for your viewing pleasure.
6. Wall Nooks
If you’re lucky enough to have a wall nook already in your home, consider yourself lucky. While it's by no means a small project, a little wall nook is the perfect place to store your favorite photos or items in your home. If it’s big enough, you may even be able to make it into a reading nook.
7. Decorative Ladder
Okay, yes, technically this one is on the floor, but it is quite vertical in its design. Using up minimal floor space, a decorative ladder can keep towels, blankets, or other linens from the dank, dark spaces of the closet.
8. Corner Shelves
Like… are you even using that corner? Probably not. A cute corner shelf can be useful or decorative, holding simple things like candles or birthday cards, while still having space for photos or more breakable items.
9. Acrylic Bookshelves
These are more commonly seen in primary school classrooms, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be effective! Pop up some of these shelves in your bedroom or office, and use them as an easy grab method for books, important documents, or other items.
Ricardo Gomez Angel on Unsplash
10. Hanging Rods
Yeah, a hanging rod for a closet. But it doesn’t have to just be for a closet! You can get super creative with hanging rods, incorporating them as storage for non-clothing items. Hang bathroom caddies on a rod to maintain storage space, as a drying area for creative projects, or for plants.
11. Window Shelves
One of the prettier storage options, a window shelf is a great addition to any home. If it's not stolen by a furry friend, you can use the space for plants, candles, or your favorite crystals. To keep as much natural sunlight available as possible, it’s definitely recommended that you don’t fill up the space.
12. Sliding Doors
Doors can be such a hassle, can’t they? They get in the way of the space, opening in a large arcing angle that’s sure to annoy your interior decorating heart. If pocket doors aren’t an option, you can install a small rail system above the doorway to save some space.
13. Built-In Shelves
Again, if you’re lucky enough to have built-in shelves, never let that space go. However, you can create fake built-in shelves relatively easily if you have the funds to do so. After setting up your shelves, you can add trim to the top and bottom of the structures to give the appearance that they’ve always been there.
14. Back Of Door Space
Your door is just a bendable wall, so it is also incredibly useful as a storage option. You can hang a coat rail over the top of the door, make it an area for dirty clothes, or store ready-to-grab accessories there.
15. Wall Rail
For rental-friendly decor, you may want to consider adding a wall rail. These rails can add a touch of charm to your home and will save you from putting countless holes into a wall for the sake of art.
16. Floating Cabinet
Anything from a medicine shelf to a media unit to the bathroom sink, you can save floor space with ease if you choose to go with a floating cabinet. Think about it, they keep things organized and hidden away, so nobody has to see your mess.
17. Wall-Mounted Ladder Shelves
An upgrade from the decorative ladder, these shelves are sturdy and versatile. They can come in just about any material, often have enough space to put storage bins on, and also provide an excellent opportunity to show off your most prized possessions.
18. Ceiling Suspended Shelves
If you don’t want to put holes in the wall but love the idea of putting holes in the ceiling, this is a great option for you. Ceiling-suspended shelves aren’t necessarily different or better than your standard shelving units, but they do have a pretty visual appeal.
19. Hanging Nails
You heard us, just get some nails. Popping some hanging nails into any space is more useful than you may think. They can hold anything from hats to tools to electric cords.
20. Under-The-Cabinet Shelf
Another visually appealing option, this shelving idea is like giving you extra cabinet space. You can put commonly accessed items here—salt, pepper, sugar, teabags, etc, so they’re always right where you need them.
