Keeping our homes neat and organized can feel like an uphill battle at times. As our belongings accumulate over the years, finding adequate storage space becomes a challenge. Transforming vertical wall space into functional storage areas is an excellent solution for keeping clutter at bay.
Wall storage offers both style and function when designed creatively. From built-in shelving to free-standing cabinets and hanging racks, there are countless ways to maximize wall space for storage needs. We will explore 30 chic and practical wall storage ideas to help tidy up your living space.
Utilize Floating Shelves
Installing floating shelves on walls is one of the easiest ways to add storage. Floating shelves provide an airier, less bulky look compared to traditional shelving. They are a great option for displaying cherished items, books, and accessories in a way that enhances visual appeal.
Look for sturdy wooden shelves in finishes like white-washed, espresso, or natural wood tones. Mount them at varying heights for a dynamic look. Incorporate floating shelves above desks or entertainment consoles to stash items conveniently within reach. Or line several along a wall in a home office, bedroom, or bathroom to neatly corral toiletries and supplies.
Opt for Wall-Mounted Cabinets
Mounting cabinets directly onto walls clears up floor space and makes the most of vertical real estate. Wall cabinets work wonderfully in kitchens, mudrooms, laundry rooms, and bathrooms. Choose cabinetry with enclosed storage or open shelving depending on your needs.
For a contemporary vibe, try sleek cabinets in high-gloss white or muted tones. Or introduce charming farmhouse flair with cabinets featuring frames made of reclaimed wood. Ensure cabinets are securely attached to wall studs for safety and stability. Inserting subtle lighting within cabinets creates a gorgeous display.
Install an Organized Mudroom
Mudrooms help contain clutter that comes in from the outdoors. Creating structured mudroom storage along one wall keeps all outerwear, shoes, bags, sports gear, and school supplies centralized but out of sight.
Use lockers or cubbies to designate individual family member storage zones. Hooks mounted at varying heights accommodate coats and backpacks. Shelving above provides space for hats, gloves, and scarves during winter months. An enclosed bench with cubbies underneath is ideal for shoe storage.
Painting or staining the mudroom wall a bright, cheerful color adds personality. For easy cleaning, use materials like tile or linoleum flooring that can withstand dirt and spills.
Fashion a Rustic Wall Cabinet
For farmhouse flair, craft a wall cabinet from an old window frame. Salvaged window frames are readily available at architectural salvage stores or sites like Craigslist for cheap.
Paint or stain the frame in a subdued tone to let its rustic character shine. Affix sturdy wall brackets to mount the frame. Insert shelving inside the frame made from reclaimed wood planks for an earthy appeal. The glass panes enable you to display favorite dishware or trinkets.
Try this creative storage solution in a kitchen, dining area, or bedroom. Leave the cabinet frame unfinished for a raw, weathered look. The classic charm of a repurposed window cabinet adds cozy ambiance and practical storage.
Get Creative with Ladder Shelving
Ladder-style shelving leans neatly against walls, providing organized storage while conserving floor area. The long shelves are perfect for arranging books, plants, photos, and collectibles. Make use of vertical space in a living room, bedroom, or office.
Seek out wooden ladder shelves with crisscrossing supports for visual interest. For added dimensionality, stagger objects along the shelves at various depths. Incorporate greenery like succulents interspersed between belongings. Painting the back of shelving the same color as the wall gives the illusion it is floating.
Utilize Wall-Mounted Baskets
Incorporating wall-mounted baskets is an easy, affordable way to introduce storage. Baskets work well in bathrooms for holding extra towels, toiletries, and cleaning supplies. Grouped in threes down a hallway, they provide catch-all storage for odds and ends.
Seek baskets in natural materials like rattan, bamboo, jute, or seagrass for an organic look. Opt for woven baskets in white for a light and airy feel. In a bedroom, use baskets to contain clothing or bedding. Paint the back of mounted baskets the wall color for camouflage.
Fashion Industrial Storage with Pipes
Exposed pipes mounted on walls create industrial-chic storage for hand towels, toilet paper, and other bathroom necessities. This project allows you to reuse scrap pipes and plumbing parts creatively.
Attach a wooden board onto the wall first. Then securely screw pipe pieces, elbow joints, and flanges into the board in your desired arrangement. Paint pipes black or bronze for a cohesive look. Slip on wire basket organizers or affix floating shelves onto the pipes for storage.
The steampunk vibe of an industrial wall adds edgy flair. Extend the system across the room or keep it contained depending on space.
Display Collections in Glass-Front Cabinets
For showcasing cherished collections elegantly, glass-front cabinets are just the ticket. The transparency of glass allows items to be viewed clearly while protecting them from dust and damage.
In dining rooms, glass cabinets are ideal for exhibiting china, silverware, and barware. Display prized souvenirs and artifacts in a home office or living area. Illuminate cabinet contents with interior lighting on glass shelves.
Seek out quality wood cabinets with inset glass panels across the front. Paint the frame a bold tone that pops against neutral walls. The richness of wooden cabinets contrasts beautifully with light contents behind glass.
Maintain Order with Pegboard
The array of small hooks covering pegboard walls enables a customizable organizational solution. Tailor this easy DIY wall to meet your specific storage needs. Pegboard works great in garages for hanging tools, in utility rooms for aprons and kitchen items, or in craft nooms for supplies.
First, cut a sheet of pegboard to fit your wall space. Paint it an energetic tone for a burst of color. Arrange hooks and add shelves as needed for your belongings. Categorize items by type, with designated areas for each. The grid pattern of pegboard makes it easy to group like objects.
Stash Items in Wall Niches
Carving out wall niches provides compartments for tucking away belongings. This built-in storage method makes smart use of dead space between studs. Wall niches work especially well flanking fireplaces in living rooms or bed headboards in bedrooms.
Illuminate niches internally with discreet lighting for a soft glow. Or place artwork and decor in niches to adorn the wall. Paint the interior of niches a bold contrasting color to become a focal point.
Niches offer versatile solutions for hiding electronic cords, stowing remote controls, displaying books, and more. Tailor niche placement and dimensions to your storage needs.
Integrate Secret Spots Behind Mirrors
Take a cue from old Hollywood and conceal storage discreetly behind mirrors. When mounted over dressers, vanities, or console tables, mirrors effectively disguise small compartments.
Affix wood or metal strips along the inside edges of the mirror to hold it out from the wall slightly. This creates a shallow channel to tuck away slim items. Conceal jewelry, watches, sunglasses, tie clips, cuff links, and more behind mirrors.
A mirror’s reflective surface disguises the items stored within neatly. For safety, ensure the mirror or frame is securely attached to the wall. A mirrored wall concealing special treasures adds a dash of refined mystery.
Organize Entryways with a Wall Unit
Welcome guests in style while staying organized with a customized entryway storage unit. Streamline storage for outerwear, bags, umbrellas, shoes, and accessories all in one place. Built-in cubbies, cabinets, and hooks keep clutter out of sight.
Try combining materials like wood frames, marble countertops, metal grilles, and mesh for depth. Incorporate seating like a bench or stool for removing shoes easily. Use baskets to sort items conveniently.
Paint or finish the wall unit to match other furnishings in the entry for cohesion. The customized storage will make a refined first impression and prevent chaos at the front door.
Stash Goods in Stair Storage
Often the space beneath staircases goes unused. This awkward area can be transformed into functional storage space. Built-in cabinets and drawers maximize every square inch to hide household supplies, linens, or sports equipment.
Take measurements to construct storage precisely within the triangular cavity. Add sliding drawers for ease of access. Paint the surrounding walls and cabinets the same crisp white to convey spaciousness in shadowy stairwells.
Under-stair storage also decreases clutter in other areas of the home. The compartments tuck discreetly behind closet or cabinetry doors under the steps.
Display Collections on Slatwalls
The slotted surface and integrated hooks of slatwalls are ideal for showing off prized possessions. Hang artwork, photographs, wall décor, or sentimental objects from slatwall hooks to exhibit them individually.
Most often slatwalls are used in garages to hang tools, but they work beautifully in homes too. Try a slatwall in a hallway to display hats and bags. Or install one in a child’s room to hang up bikes, scooters, and favorite toys.
Paint the slats bright colors like red or turquoise for a lively pop of color. Coordinate slatwalls with surrounding décor for a pulled-together look. The orderly hooks keep everything neatly arranged.
Conceal Clutter with Rolldown Shutters
Rolldown shutters offer a quick way to tuck clutter out of sight while retaining accessibility. With shutters rolled up, display favorite objects on shelving or in cubbies. When it’s time for company, simply unfurl the shutters to conceal everything.
In home offices, rolldown doors camouflage cords, files, and supplies neatly. Use them in media cabinets to hide electronics components and DVDs behind closed doors. Try bamboo shutters for an earthy look or sleek metal shutters for contemporary flair.
Install on closets to cover clothing and accessories when guests arrive. With just a tug, shutters roll down and instantly tidy up rooms by hiding necessary items.
Build a Rustic Wall Hutch
A wooden hutch offers traditional farmhouse appeal and abundant storage options. Construct one yourself or repurpose an old cabinet into a wall hutch. Paint it in chippy white, soft gray, or robin’s egg blue for timeworn character.
Display treasured dishware, flowers, or framed photos inside the hutch. Open shelving up top accommodates baskets, boxes, or cans store pantry goods. Enclosed cabinet storage down below provides space for extras out of sight.
In a kitchen, stashing cooking equipment and dry goods inside a hutch clears precious counter space. The charming nostalgia of a homemade hutch adds cozy flair while organizing kitchen items or dining accessories.
Maximize Space With Wall Beds
For small homes and apartments, wall beds allow you to maximize living areas by day that convert to bedrooms by night. Beds fold vertically into cabinets, disappearing completely to allow daytime use.
Seek cabinetry finishes that blend with existing décor, like white Shaker-style or rich wood tones. Ensure beds feel stable and secure when extended. Integrate the bed, cabinet, and mattress into the wall for a seamless look.
Wall beds combined with a trundle or built-in storage drawers optimize every inch. During the day, utilize the space as an office, reading nook, or living area. At night, pull down the cozy bed for sleeping.
Display Favorite Things in Glass Curio Cabinets
Glass curio cabinets highlight cherished possessions like collectibles, mementos, and heirlooms. Their transparent panes showcase contents beautifully while protecting them behind glass doors. Curio cabinets add a hint of refinement to any room’s décor.
Illuminate interiors with built-in lighting to really make items sparkle. Try open-backed cabinets to adorn both sides for a light, airy feel. Incorporate mirrored backing for added depth and brightness.
Paint or finish the cabinetry frames in rich hues like navy, emerald, or burgundy for an elegant focal point against neutral walls. The glass-enclosed treasures become the highlight of the room.
Corral Kids’ Gear on Wall Hooks
In children’s rooms, wall hooks allow little ones to reach their coats, bags, and belongings with ease. Hooks installed at kids’ heights keep items orderly yet accessible.
Whimsical hooks like animal shapes, sport balls, or colorful hooks engage youngsters. Mount a row of hooks above a storage bench or dresser. Assign one hook per child to promote responsibility for their items.
For classrooms or playrooms, designate separate hook areas for backpacks, jackets, and arts and crafts. Durable metal hooks withstand daily use and frequent rearranging by kids. Keeping belongings off the floor helps maintain neatness.
Showcase Collections with Plate Rails
Plate rails provide the ideal display perch for prized plates, crockery, or collectibles. Mounted just below wall-hung cabinetry, plate rails are both decorative and functional. The organized rows and columns keep items neatly corralled.
Wooden rails offer warmth and a classic look, while sleek metal rails appear more modern. Incorporate interior lighting above rails to illuminate your treasures beautifully. Coordinate rail color with cabinetry finishes for visual flow.
Plate rails work wonderfully in dining spaces to exhibit decorative china. But use creatively in any room to gracefully show off your favorite pieces.
Conceal Clutter with Pocket Doors
Pocket doors provide an ingenious way to tuck away clutter when closed, while freeing up floor space when open. These doors slide discreetly into cavities built into walls rather than swinging out. Use pocket doors to hide bulky furniture, home office clutter, laundry rooms, or walk-in closets.
Ensure pocket door tracks and hardware operate smoothly. To save time, purchase a ready-made pocket door kit with all necessary components. Decorate the doors with full-length mirrors, floating shelves, or accent tile for added style.
With the touch of a finger, pocket doors disappear into the walls, instantly clearing surface space and concealing belongings. Their versatility and convenience is hard to beat.
Create a Command Center
Command centers are centralized hubs for organizing busy family life. Mount a large bulletin board or dry erase board on one wall for calendars, to-do lists, school events, and reminders. Include shelves and racks for stashing keys, sunglasses, phones, and other daily essentials.
Position the command center in an area like the kitchen, entryway, or mudroom that family members pass through frequently. Customize hooks, trays, and baskets for each person to corral their stuff. Top with wall-mounted cabinets for extra storage capacity.
The designated spot allows everyone to come and go efficiently while staying on top of schedules and household management. Maintaining organization helps reduce daily stress.
Take Advantage of Wall Safe Storage
For security, wall safes offer discreet, out-of-sight spots to stow valuables. Most feature digital keypads, combinations, or biometric fingerprint access. Recessed models fit flush into walls concealed by artwork or mirrors. Free-standing safes can be bolted to studs or hidden inside closets.
Fireproof safes provide reliable protection for crucial documents, cash, passports, external drives, and small valuables during disasters. Choose safes with interior shelves to organize items neatly. For ready access, install near beds or home office workspaces.
The peace of mind knowing your most precious belongings are securely stored is priceless. Wall safes tuck discretely into the background until needed.
Showcase Favorite Photos
Turning special photographs into wall art is an easy DIY project that adds personalization. Arrange a salon-style photo collage or display frames in appealing asymmetrical groupings. Mix and match frame sizes, colors, and orientations.
Choose wide outer frames and thin inner borders to place focus on the images themselves. Arrange around doorways or cover entire accent walls with cherished snapshots. For rotating displays, incorporate removable mounting putty or hooks.
Photos layered creatively transform plain walls into an ode to precious memories. Outlining arrangements with painter’s tape first allows you to adjust compositions before hanging.
Adorn with Wall Sconces
Sconces provide atmosphere while offering handy ledges for stashing small items. Seek unique sconces with character, like antique gas lamps converted to electric or sleek midcentury modern styles.
Flank vanities with sconces ideal for holding jewelry and watches as you get ready. Arrange bedside sconces for books, glasses, phones, remotes, and other nightstand necessities. Even install sconces near entryways to hold keys, sunglasses, and wallets coming and going.
Their ambient lighting and convenience make sconces a smart multitasking addition for both illumination and storage. Choose plug-in electric sconces for easy installation.
Opt for Wall-Mounted Desks
In compact rooms, wall-mounted desks conserve precious floor space. Desks attach securely to the wall, either folding down when needed or fixed in position. This liberates area below for storage units or other furniture.
Look for sturdy desks that will withstand daily use and pulling. Allow adequate clearance so the desk can open fully without hitting other objects. Install task lighting, bulletin boards, and shelving above for a complete workstation.
During working hours the desk supplies a practical spot for using laptops or writing. When closed up, it disappears tidily onto the wall freeing up square footage.
Add Architectural Interest with Molding Shelves
For a built-in look without costly renovations, install molding planks onto walls with cleats for DIY shelving. Cut molding strips to desired shelf lengths. Paint or finish the molding and trim to match existing tones. Affix sturdy cleats onto wall studs, then secure molding shelves onto the cleats.
The trim detailing adds warmth and architectural interest to plain walls on a budget. Floating molding shelves work wonderfully for