Floating shelves and cube storage: how to organise and style vertical storage spaces

Small spaces don’t have to mean constant clutter. If you constantly struggle with loose items that don’t have a place, investing in better storage solutions is the first step in creating a tidy home. Maybe you don’t have built-in wardrobes or space for large cabinetry, but luckily, many vertical storage solutions work in a space of any size.

Professional organiser Frankie Taylor from The Home Crew Concierge Services has helped countless Aussie homes optimise and organise their storage. From styling cube storage to shelving advice, she’s got some tips on how to organise with little floor space.

The classic cube storage and how to style it

Cube storage is a classic solution for small spaces as you can stack it against a wall and often customise the size. But you must get it right to maintain a clean look and feel.

“Open shelving can make a space look cluttered and cramped,” Taylor says.

To counter this, her tip is to minimise the number of open shelves and use opaque cube organisers, such as baskets or tubs, to hide clutter and keep a clean look.

“In a 4×4 cube unit, block out the three bottom rows with baskets that you can fill to the brim. Use the top row to display a few items such as books, candles or decorative art,” she says.

Keep the organisers in similar colours to create a cohesive look.

You can also experiment with different layouts. Stacking cube units vertically can maximise wall space while arranging them horizontally suits spaces with lower ceilings.

Labelling will be your best friend when using opaque organisers.

Taylor says: “Don’t hesitate to use labels in the pantry, in the laundry, in the garage or even in the wardrobe. Labelling organisers helps to remember where the small items go.”

Maximising vertical space with clever shelving

When floor space is limited, vertical storage solutions like shelves become invaluable.

“Where there is no space to store something on the floor, go up. Wall shelves work well above other pieces of furniture: the bed, the dresser, above the TV, even above the toilet.”

Whether you’re using floating shelves or adjustable modular shelving units, these can hold books, small plants, or decorative items without taking up floor space. For example, if you don’t have space for a big bookshelf, slot a few floating shelves above existing furniture, hallway, or home office to display and store your books.

Remember not to overcrowd your shelves, as this can quickly make your space look cluttered and full.

Other storage and organisation tips for small spaces

Keep your important or sentimental items on open shelves and other often-used items in cube storage units. Otherwise, Taylor recommends using as many hidden organisers as possible. Some hidden storage ideas include:

• Under-bed storage tubs can hold shoes, clothing, spare bedding, and even office supplies.
• Behind-the-door hangers and hooks are great for clothing you use daily.
• Desktop organisers that double as monitor stands.
• Drawers with dividers to keep small items organised, especially in the kitchen and bathroom.
• Multipurpose furniture, such as sofas and ottomans, can include interior storage space for items you’re not using all the time.

Get started by decluttering

Before diving into storage solutions, decluttering is essential.

Taylor recommends starting small: “If you are stuck with where to start, start with what’s in front of you within arm’s reach.”

When in doubt, don’t overthink it: if you haven’t used it for a while, throw it out.

Start with a small area when decluttering so you can stay motivated by your progress and move on to other areas. If you’re constantly picking up an item that doesn’t have a home, consider how often you use it and find a place for it accordingly.

“The more frequently an item is used, the more easily it should be retrieved,” Taylor notes.

Transforming small spaces with well-thought-out storage

Whether you’re organising your bedroom, living room, kitchen or bathroom, having suitable storage options is the first step in creating an inviting and clean space.

Maintaining a cohesive look and feel in your storage cubes and shelves and recognising what to store in hidden storage will help you organise, declutter, and create functional and stylish spaces where cleaning is easy and things don’t constantly go missing.