Studio Apartment Storage Ideas

Space is at a premium in studio apartments, which often means built-in storage is limited or nonexistent. To avoid spending money on a costly storage unit, look for opportunities to add storage in your studio apartment without sacrificing valuable floor space. As you plan storage solutions, keep in mind the size and amount of items you will need to store. Does this Spark an idea?

Wall Shelves

If your studio has high ceilings, you can install high shelves on the wall for storage. For items such as books, photos and other items that double as elements of decor, leave shelves open. If you need to store boxes, bins and other less attractive items, you can install fabric curtains from the ceiling to the bottom of the shelf to hide the items and add a pop of color to your apartment. In either situation, high shelves draw the eye upward, increasing the perceived height of the room and creating the illusion of additional space.

Make Use of Hallways

Sometimes a studio apartment will have a long entrance hallway that is used only for walking through to the rest of the space. Convert hallways to storage areas by installing tall, shallow shelves that run from floor to ceiling. On the shelves, store books, magazines, small items, and even out-of-season clothing. Use colorful boxes to store small items and add visual interest. Use warm lighting in the hallway to light the shelves and avoid the feeling of a cramped bookstore.

Hang Kitchen Items

In studio apartments, kitchen storage is often limited. Instead of taking up cupboard space with pots, pans and plates, look for wall-mounting storage units. You can hang pots and pans in a row on the wall using simple hooks, and you can find low-profile racks for plate storage. Install hooks on cupboard bottoms to hang coffee mugs, and consider using a utensil board to keep commonly used items within easy reach.

Dual-Use Furniture

In a studio apartment, look for furniture that doubles as storage. Instead of purchasing a standard coffee table, you can add storage space by using an antique trunk in front of your couch. Turn file cabinets into stylish side tables by covering them with a structured fabric tablecloth. Buy cubes with hidden storage to use as ottomans and additional seating, and look for furniture with hidden shelving underneath.

Stacking Units

In the oddly shaped nooks of your studio, place stacking baskets or boxes to increase storage space. Look for heavy-duty containers that will retain their shape even when they hold bulky or weighty items. If you need to access the items, you can buy individual stackable drawers; when placed together, the display can act as a piece of art and a storage system in one.