7 Overlooked Areas You Could Be Using for Storage

If you’re ready to get creative with your cleaning and organizing efforts, here are some of the most overlooked areas you could be utilizing for storage. 

1. Behind Doors

You might already have an over-the-door hook in your bathroom for hanging towels and bathrobes, but doors can do so much more for storage throughout your home. In addition to hooks, you can add a hat rack, shoe rack, and toy storage to bedroom doors. In kitchens, look for over-the-door spice racks or pantry organizers. You can also take advantage of over-the-door space in smaller areas such as cabinets, purchasing organizers to corral your baking sheets, cutting boards, food wraps, and more.

2. Blank Walls

A blank wall is intimidating and enticing all at the same time. It’s a great place for displaying works of art, mirrors, and decorative objects, but you can also utilize that space to carve out some extra storage. Whether you want to DIY faux built-ins using IKEA furniture, add an antique medicine cabinet you found at the thrift store, or install shelving for a floor-to-ceiling at-home library, there are so many ways to transform a blank wall into a functional and decorative space.

3. Under the Sofa

If you live in a small space with limited storage options, chances are you’ve already utilized the space under your bed for spare linens, luggage, out-of-season clothing, and other items. However, one commonly overlooked space with similar benefits is under the sofa. Sofas with taller legs might be able to accommodate a shallow storage bin that can be filled with board games, art supplies, scented candles, and other items you may reach for in your living space.

4. Under Your Dresser

The space under your dresser can also be utilized if you’re lacking storage. Use this area to store seasonal accessories (think scarves, beanies, and your collection of thick wool socks that you’d normally have to cram into your dresser drawer) in a low-profile storage container. You can also use the space under your dresser for your jewelry collection, especially those items you don’t wear as often and want to keep stowed away safely in a jewelry box. 

5. Above Your Desk

The area above your desk is great for displaying framed photos of you and your loved ones, inspirational quotes, and other popular office decor items. But if you don’t have enough storage, save space on the wall for some. You can opt for shelves with cute cubby bins and baskets, such as this rustic design with wire baskets and hooks or this contemporary piece with woven baskets. This will give you some much-needed space for office supplies and other frequently reached-for items.

6. Side of the Couch

The side of your couch is another untapped storage opportunity. If you have space for a side table, look for styles with built-in storage, such as a mini cabinet, cubby, or shelf. You can also use stackable lidded baskets, such as this woven one made of natural water hyacinth, to create a mini storage moment. It’s perfect for housing smaller items, or that knitting project you pick up while binging your favorite TV shows. A storage ottoman is another excellent addition to the side of your couch since you can stow items inside of it and use it for extra seating when needed.

7. TV Stand

Even if you hang your TV on the wall, having a piece of furniture under the screen can help ground your space and provide valuable storage. Instead of a traditional TV stand with open shelving, opt for something more storage-forward, such as a credenza, buffet table, or sideboard cabinet. Alternatively, consider upcycling a cool vintage dresser, which will provide you with a ton of storage space. It’s a great place to hide your holiday decor, tablescape essentials, out-of-rotation pet toys, and more.