iving in a small space doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style or function. With a few clever DIY tricks, you can maximize every inch of your home and keep it clutter-free. Whether you're in a cozy apartment, a tiny house, or simply want to make the most of a smaller room, these DIY space-saving hacks are here to transform your living experience.
In this post, we’re diving into 15 genius and budget-friendly space-saving ideas you can try today!
1. Use Floating Shelves to Free Up Floor Space
Wall-mounted floating shelves are a stylish and practical way to store books, décor, or even kitchen essentials without taking up floor space. DIY them using reclaimed wood with IKEA brackets for a custom look.
Different ways to achieve a DIY Floating unit in different rooms
1. Floating Wall Shelves
Best For: Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens
Materials: Wood boards, L-brackets or hidden floating shelf brackets, wall anchors
Tip: Paint or stain the shelves to match your decor. Use concealed brackets for a sleek, modern look.
2. Floating Baskets
Best For: Bathrooms, laundry rooms, entryways
How To: Mount wire or wicker baskets to the wall using screws or command hooks.
Use It For: Towels, toiletries, keys, or dog leashes.
3. Floating Shoe Racks
Best For: Entryways, closets, or under-stair space
DIY Ideas: Mount slanted boards or attach thin rods to hold shoes flush against the wall.
Bonus: Saves floor space and keeps things off the ground.
4. Reclaimed Wood Wall Crates
Best For: Rustic decor, kids’ rooms, kitchen storage
How To: Mount old wooden crates or drawers to the wall for a deep, box-style floating shelf.
Pro Tip: Stack them vertically or in an asymmetrical pattern for a fun visual effect.
5. Floating Wine or Spice Racks
Best For: Kitchens or dining areas
DIY Idea: Use narrow boards with a lip or a rail underneath to hold spices, wine bottles, or mason jars.
6. Floating Bathroom Storage
Best For: Small bathrooms, above toilets, beside mirrors
Materials: Slim wooden or glass shelves with hidden brackets
Use It For: Holding candles, toiletries, and extra toilet paper.
7. Invisible Book Shelves
Best For: Bedrooms, reading nooks, or minimalist homes
How It Works: Screw a metal bracket into the wall and slide a book over it, hiding the bracket. Stack other books on top. Creates the illusion of books floating in mid-air!
8. Mirror with Floating Ledge
Best For: Hallways, entryways, or vanities
How To: Add a shallow wood shelf beneath a wall mirror for keys, makeup, or décor.
9. Wall-Mounted Pegboards with Floating Accessories
Best For: Multipurpose areas like craft rooms or garages
DIY Tip: Attach a painted pegboard and add floating mini shelves, baskets, or hooks. Customize as needed.
10. Floating Corner Shelves
Best For: Small nooks or unused corners
Materials: Triangular cut wood, wall anchors, brackets
Use It For: Books, plants, small decorations.
💡 DIY Tips:
Use stud finders or drywall anchors to ensure your floating storage is securely mounted.
For a clean look, go for hidden brackets or French cleats.
If you rent, try removable adhesive shelves or command hooks designed for weight.
2. Install Pegboards for Vertical Storage
Pegboards aren’t just for garages! Use them in kitchens, craft rooms, or bathrooms to hang tools, utensils, or accessories. Paint them to match your decor and keep things both functional and cute.
Using pegboard for interior design is a smart, stylish, and highly functional way to organize and decorate your space. Here’s a complete guide to help you make the most of pegboards in your home:
✅ 1. Choose the Right Pegboard
Material Options:
MDF or wood: Best for aesthetics and durability.
Metal: More industrial, ideal for kitchens or garages.
Plastic: Lightweight and affordable.
Color:
Paint it to match your décor.
Use neutral for subtlety, or bright colors for a pop.
🏡 2. Smart Pegboard Placement Ideas
Kitchen
Hang utensils, pans, measuring cups, and spice racks.
Add small shelves or baskets for jars and oils.
Home Office
Organize stationery, tools, and even plants.
Mount clipboards, small organizers, or a clock.
Closet or Dressing Area
Display jewelry, hats, bags, or accessories.
Add hooks or mini-shelves for perfumes and sunglasses.
Kids’ Room or Playroom
Use bins and hooks for toys, art supplies, or costumes.
Helps teach organization with a fun, visual system.
Garage or Workshop
Classic use: tools, cords, and gear sorted and visible.
Add labeled zones for easy retrieval.
Living Room or Entryway
Create a vertical indoor garden with planters.
Hang keys, mail, sunglasses, or artwork.
3. Accessories to Use with Pegboards
Hooks (straight, curved, multi-tool)
Bins or baskets
Shelves
Pegboard cups for pens, scissors, etc.
Zip ties, clips, or magnetic holders (on metal pegboards)
4. Styling Tips
Mix open + closed storage: Combine pegboard with cabinets or drawers for a clean look.
Symmetry and spacing: Plan your layout before drilling; use masking tape to visualize.
Themed zones: Group items by color, function, or frequency of use.
Add lighting: LED strips or clip-on lamps to highlight your pegboard wall.
5. Installation Tips
Mount on wall studs or use spacers to keep it off the wall (for hook clearance).
Use wall anchors if no studs are available.
- Frame the pegboard for a finished, built-in look.
3. Under-the-Bed Storage Drawers
Turn the space under your bed into a secret storage zone. Use old drawers, baskets, or build custom rolling boxes to store off-season clothes, shoes, or linens.
See fabric Under Bed Storage without rollers here
4. Fold-Down Desks for Home Offices
Need a workspace but short on room? Build a DIY wall-mounted, fold-down desk that tucks away when not in use. Great for small bedrooms or studio apartments!
5. Over-the-Door Organizers
Make use of the backs of doors with shoe organizers, baskets, or towel racks. They’re perfect for storing pantry items, cleaning supplies, or even accessories.
6. Magnetic Spice Racks
In small kitchens, counter space is precious. Use a metal board and magnets to create a DIY spice rack on your fridge or wall. It’s functional and modern-looking.
Mount a metal board on your wall or fridge and use magnetic spice containers. This saves counter space and looks sleek.
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See more Magnetic Spice Racks here.
7. DIY Corner Shelving Units
Corners are often wasted space. Build custom triangular shelves to fit corners in your bedroom, kitchen, or bathroom for added vertical storage.
8. Hanging Pot Racks for Kitchens
Free up cabinet space by installing a DIY pot rack on the wall or ceiling. This keeps bulky cookware within reach and adds rustic charm to your kitchen.
9. Foldable or Nesting Furniture
DIY folding tables, shoe rack, stackable stools, or nesting side tables that you can tuck away when not needed are perfect for multipurpose spaces.
10. Hidden Storage Benches
Create your own storage bench using plywood or repurpose an old trunk. Place it in the entryway, under windows, or at the foot of the bed to store shoes, blankets, or books.
11. Tension Rod Dividers in Cabinets
Use inexpensive tension rods to divide kitchen cabinets or drawers. Perfect for organizing cutting boards, pans, or even cleaning bottles under the sink. It comes in different sizes and lengths.
12. Wall-Mounted Laundry Drying Rack
A fold-out drying rack mounted on your wall is a game-changer for small laundry areas. DIY one using wood slats and hinges that folds flat when not in use.
13. Stackable Crates for Modular Storage
Customize wooden crates with paint or stain and stack them to create flexible, vertical storage units for books, toys, or pantry items.
Ideal for bedrooms or dorms, collapsible storage bins help keep essentials easily accessible and clutter at bay.
14. Multi-Use Furniture with Hidden Storage
Build (or hack) furniture like ottomans, coffee tables, or bed frames with hidden compartments for a double-duty solution that saves space.
15. DIY Closet Organizers
Maximize small closets by creating custom shelving, hanging rods, and cubbies. Use inexpensive wood, wire racks, or even IKEA hacks for a tailor-made fit.
Final Thoughts
Living in a small space doesn’t have to feel cramped or chaotic. With these 15 DIY space-saving hacks, you can reclaim valuable square footage while adding personality and function to your home. Plus, they’re all budget-friendly and easy enough for beginner DIYers.
Ready to tackle your small space? Try one (or all!) of these hacks and let us know your favorite in the comments below!
Want more small-space ideas? Check out our Small Space Design ideas post!
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