Maximising Small Spaces: Storage Solutions with Style
- Barradale Design
- May 21, 2025
- 3 min read
In homes of all sizes, smart storage is essential but in compact spaces, it’s a game-changer. Whether you're living in a city flat, a charming cottage, or simply working with awkward room dimensions, great design can help you live beautifully and practically.
At Barradale Design, we believe that small spaces don’t have to feel cramped. With thoughtful layout choices, multi-functional furniture, and a touch of creativity, you can make the most of every inch without sacrificing style.
Here’s how to maximise storage and flow in a small space while keeping things elegant, calm, and clutter-free.
🛋️ 1. Furniture That Works Harder
Choose multi-functional furniture that offers hidden storage and flexibility:
Ottomans or benches with lift-up lids: Great for hiding away blankets, toys, or seasonal items.
Beds with built-in drawers or hydraulic lift mechanisms: An ideal solution for storing linens, luggage, or out-of-season clothing.
Extendable dining tables: Perfect for entertaining in a small kitchen or open-plan space.
Nesting tables: Stylish and compact, use them as side tables, then tuck them away when not in use.
Tip: Always measure carefully. Choose pieces that are proportional to your room and avoid bulky frames.
🧱 2. Built-In Storage: Tailored, Tidy, Timeless
Bespoke built-ins are the secret weapon of small-space living. Designed to fit your home exactly, they make use of otherwise awkward nooks, alcoves, and ceiling height.
Consider:
Floor-to-ceiling wardrobes with internal organisation for wardrobes, shoes, and accessories.
Wall-mounted shelving in alcoves or above doorways for books and decor.
Built-in banquettes with hidden bench storage for dining areas.
Slim cabinetry in hallways or under-stair spaces, ideal for coats, bags, or utility items.
Design note: Painting built-ins in the same colour as your walls helps them blend in, keeping the room feeling open.
📐 3. Layout Matters: Make Your Space Flow
In small spaces, layout is everything. Think about how you move through the room and arrange furniture to support that movement.
Leave breathing room: Avoid overcrowding; less is often more.
Float furniture when possible: Pull sofas or chairs slightly off the wall to create a sense of depth.
Use rugs to visually zone open-plan areas into living, dining, or working spaces.
Opt for open-leg furniture (like mid-century styles): These pieces feel lighter and airier than solid bases.
🧺 4. Stylish Storage That’s Meant to Be Seen
Not all storage has to be hidden! In fact, open or decorative storage can add charm and character to a room when styled well.
Woven baskets, stacked or placed on shelves, offer texture and conceal clutter.
Glass-fronted cabinets or open shelving can be used to display favourite books, ceramics, or plants.
Ladder shelves or leaning racks make great use of vertical space without feeling heavy.
Styling tip: Group items in odd numbers, vary heights, and mix materials for a balanced, lived-in look.
✨ 5. Use Vertical Space and Go Up!
When floor space is limited, look up.
Add hooks or peg rails for hanging coats, bags, and accessories.
Install over-door racks or top-shelf storage in wardrobes.
Use high shelving in kitchens or bathrooms to hold items you don’t use daily.
Bonus: Vertical design draws the eye upward, helping the room feel larger and more open.
📦 Final Thoughts: Small Space, Big Potential
Small spaces invite creativity. With the right approach, what seems like a limitation becomes an opportunity to curate a home that’s not just functional but full of character and calm.
At Barradale Design, we specialise in creating interiors that work for real life. Whether you’re downsizing, designing a garage conversion, or refreshing a tricky corner, we can help you find clever solutions that blend form and function beautifully.
