One of the biggest problems for people when "small space decorating" is storage. Even for collectors it can easily become a problem, no matter what size space they are working with. I try to do two things with collections:

Use them in "new" ways to create storage

or

Store them in new ways to be able to use them as decorative accents AND for their original use.

Here are some things I have done to maximize storage in my spaces, and still be able to keep my collections.

1. I use clothes as decorative accents - hats as lampshades, scarves as pillow covers. Even shirts rolleds up in a bowl as storage and colorful accents. I can still wear this stuff, but it takes up no room in closests or dressers.

2. Stacked books have become the legs to small tables, or the small table itself.

3. Wall space has been used to hang a collection of mailboxes that where then used for storage.

4. Hung platters and plates on the wall instead of artwork. These are hung using ribbon cradles so they can be removed and used, then rehung. I also have a set of measuring cups hanging off cup hooks on the wall with a frame around them. They look like art but are easy to use when needed.

5. I do a lot of both repurposing of furniture AND using items to make "storage furniture". Dresser drawers were put in wheels and stowed under the bed. A bookshelf became a lighted plant stand, a suitcase became a footstool with storage.

6. I am working on a kitchen island right now made from two bar stools with backs. I will lay boards across the leg slats on both set of rungs and make small shelves there for storage.

7. Clear or white glassware is my best friend. I use my cups, bowls, plates, jars etc. as the centerpiece for my table. I alternate the design about monthly, still having use of my stuff when wanted but not really "storing" it anywhere.

8. Humble chicken wire makes a great storage unit. I saw this last weekend, where a door was covered with chicken wire and then hooks were hung off the wire holding lots of things, including baskets holding stuff. This I will be doing myself soon. You might think this would only "work" in real primative decor, but that wasn't true in this case. The baskets hanging off the wire were very contemporary making the end result look this way as well.

9. I am using a blanket chest as a coffee table and have filled the inside with all my gift wrapping supplies, so it doubles as my gift wrapping station.

10. And this last one is a little odd. I keep some of my Christmas trees up year around, decorated in themes that suit the decor of the rooms they are in. I don't have to store the ornaments, take down or set up the tree, and I, the Christmas Crazy that I am, get to "see" Christmas year round.

Hopefully this will stir some creative small-space storage ideas beyond baskets and crates, although I really like THEM for storage as well. Have I shown you how I store my cookbooks? :)

Reprinted with permission.