Stylish storage ideas- for every room
Restore order with storage ideas that fuse style and function

For style leaders and design lovers.
Thank you for signing up to LivingEtc. You will receive a verification email shortly.
There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.
We've gathered up some of the best storage ideas we've seen from interior designers and architects. From space maximising shelving to sliding doors and shoe baskets, there are ideas both big and small for every room in the modern home, so you can start the new year in an orderly fashion.
TALL ORDER
Next time you’re passing through your landing, spend a moment considering its potential. Are you making the most of the space? You could take a leaf out of this homeowner’s book with bespoke bookshelves that run right to the ceiling (check the height of your books and ask your joiner to space the shelves accordingly). Don’t forget about the space above the doorway either — it’s another neglected niche.
GET THE LOOK Hector Pleat wall lights, Original BTC. For bespoke bookcases, try Neville Johnson.
IT'S A WRAP
A slate grey shelving system ensures that the TV doesn’t dominate this plush living room belonging to Massimo and Jessica Minale, owners of home fashion label Buster + Punch. Note the couple’s skilful use of black Nero marble panelling, which helps to move the eye around the space.
GET THE LOOK Bespoke shelving, C. Bros Joinery. For similar marble, try Nero Marquina, The Marble & Granite Centre.
A PLACE FOR EVERYTHING
Savvy storage is the key to stopping your home’s entrance becoming a dumping ground. Think hooks for coats (including kid-friendly, low-hanging ones), baskets for shoes and, if you don’t have the budget for built-in seating, a simple slimline bench. The secret to success here is that the storage blends with the walls so it feels part of the design.
GET THE LOOK Bespoke shelving and coat hooks, Hut Projects.
ON A ROLL
There’s little doubt that an ordered working environment has a positive impact on your well-being and a tall free- standing bookcase like this one is brilliant for achieving that. Consider going bespoke if you have an awkward space to fill – a carpenter will be able to advise you. Make like these homeowners and inject a library vibe with a rolling ladder so you can access the top shelves.
GET THE LOOK Bookcases, Jesse. Try the Library Ladder Company for a bespoke ladder.
SPLASH OF SUNSHINE
It’s always summer in Skye McAlpine’s kitchen, where cheerful yellow cabinets make the space feel warm and welcoming even on the greyest of days. Wooden shelves create a vintage vibe that’s enhanced by the tools of Skye’s trade as a cook and food writer. This simple approach to styling shelves never fails, with glass jars of different shapes and sizes coming together to create a beautiful, unified look.
GET THE LOOK Kitchen design by Ben Pentreath.
STEP UP YOUR STORAGE
Conceived as a series of plywood boxes with treads that double up as bookshelves, a staircase like this is perfect when space is limited and you don’t want to use valuable floor area. ‘Lighting was important, especially as we chose a solid-ply balustrade to suit the simple aesthetic of the bedroom and shade the staircase from the main bedroom lighting,’ says David Money of David Money Architects. ‘The solution was cabinet lights embedded in the inside face of the balustrade, illuminating individual treads and the brick wall.’
GET THE LOOK Staircase, David Money Architects. Saltbak rug, Ikea.
DOUBLE DUTY
Colour is used to lessen the impact of storage in this busy space that doubles as a study and cloakroom. The moody hue throughout makes it look and feel more open and less cluttered. It also lends the free-standing furniture a sense of permanency, which is perfect if your budget won’t stretch to built-in.
GET THE LOOK Walls and storage unit in Down Pipe by Farrow & Ball. Try Ikea for a similar storage unit.
WALK THROUGH
Interior designer Suzy Hoodless has squeezed a dressing room en route to the en suite here. If space is tight, use sliding doors to save on the floor area you’d need to leave clear for swing doors. Make sure your en suite is well ventilated: this is crucial in all bathrooms to prevent mould growth and particularly important in a set-up like this to avoid damp problems in the dressing room.
GET THE LOOK Interior design by Suzy Hoodless, with dressing room in Theatre Red by Little Greene.
PAD OUT
A little fabric goes a long way in this tailored master bedroom created by Wolf Lewitt Interiors, where upholstery lends a soft touch to plain wardrobe doors, instantly elevating them from ordinary to extraordinary.
GET THE LOOK For a similar upholstered wardrobe, take a look at Hill Upholstery & Design. Curtain fabric, Osborne & Little. Rug, Tim Page Carpets.
CURTAIN CALL
Jordan Cluroe and Russell Whitehead of 2LG Studio agreed that they wanted to keep shoes behind a curtain in their dressing room. That way, they had the option to hide them or have them on view.
GET THE LOOK Joinery, RISE collection designed by 2LG Studio for John Lewis of Hungerford in Early Lavender by Mylands. Neon yellow latex curtain, The London Curtain Girls.
The Livingetc Newsletter
For style leaders and design lovers.
Shining a spotlight on the now and the next in home design and decor, Livingetc is the UK's best selling high end and contemporary home design magazine. As a brand, Livingetc showcases the world's very best homes, breaks and makes the trends, and has access to leading international designers for insight and ideas. It was first published in 1998, and is currently edited by Pip Rich.
-
-
Dorit Kemsley's hallway is the perfect example of why you shouldn't neglect "in-between spaces", say designers
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star showed off her statement wallpapered hallway recently - here's why designers love the idea
By Hugh Metcalf Published
-
The best dark green sofas - make your love for this timeless color official with one of these 9 picks
Find the perfect dark green sofa to fit your space and your budget
By Amy McArdle Published
-
25 bathroom trends for 2023 - from the color to the quick buy that is making a big design splash this year
The bathroom trends for 2023 include the warmth of honeyed tones to the quick storage fix everyone needs now. Design experts explain how to use these new ideas in your own space
By Pip Rich Last updated
-
Design-forward living room ideas to give your home a refresh
Living room ideas from our favorite homes, filled with designs and trends to inspire
By Amy Moorea Wong Last updated
-
Bathroom tile ideas – 23 creative ways with color, pattern and installations
Use these bathroom tile ideas to add texture, pattern and even a touch of glamor to this very important room
By Hebe Hatton Last updated
-
16 living room wallpaper ideas that'll convince you patterned wallcoverings are the way to go
These brilliant living room wallpaper ideas offer up inspiration for how to apply print, pattern and texture to different areas of your scheme
By Hugh Metcalf Published
-
Crittall-style doors – 20 ideas that prove this timeless trend is here to stay
Fall for the charm of crittall-style doors, windows and room dividers all over again with our gallery of the best ideas
By Lotte Brouwer Published
-
Florist Angela Maynard on how to care for dried flowers and how to style them in a modern home
Knowing how to care for dried flowers means you can have stylish arrangements that last for years. Author and florist Angela Maynard shares her tips
By Angela Maynard Last updated
-
15 cozy living room ideas – how to create a stylish den-like space in your home
These cozy living room ideas are sure to make you want to curl up, surrounded with throws and cushions, no matter what the time of year
By Hebe Hatton Last updated
-
Bathroom wall tile ideas – from bold and bright to subtle and sleek
Bathroom wall tile ideas are what give your bathroom personality, adding color, texture and depth – here are our favorite looks
By Hebe Hatton Last updated