Almost any space can be used for storage

Homes change with us. New routines take shape, hobbies come and go, and different seasons bring different things we want to keep close. And even though the physical space we live in usually stays the same, many of its corners hold more potential than we first realise. With this in mind, storage expert Ewa Magnusson shares simple ways to make the most of the spaces we already have.

One of the most valuable insights is that storage isn’t just about cupboards or designated rooms — it’s about seeing the potential in the home as a whole. Many homes contain small pockets of space that quietly sit in the background: the area under a staircase, the slope of a ceiling, the wall beside a doorway or a narrow recess. These places often remain unused simply because they don’t match standard measurements or traditional expectations of where storage “should” be.

But when we start looking at our surroundings with fresh eyes, these overlooked areas reveal surprising possibilities. With thoughtful storage solutions, they can become practical, beautifully organised parts of everyday life — helping the home feel more balanced and easier to live in.

“Most spaces can be used for storage if the solution is adapted to the measurements. When you design storage around the space — rather than fitting ready‑made pieces — new opportunities appear, even in places you might not have considered,” says Ewa Magnusson, storage expert at Elfa.

A space under the stairs can become a dedicated zone for shoes, sports gear or household essentials. Sloping ceilings can be fitted with shelves and baskets that follow the room’s contours. Even a narrow pantry can provide overview and ease when the layout is tailored to the room’s proportions.

Simple ways to uncover hidden storage potential at home

1. Look up – and down

Floor space often steals the spotlight, even though height offers just as much promise. Walls, sloping ceilings and the area above doors often hold untapped potential — especially when storage is designed to match the room’s dimensions.

2. Explore passageways and in‑between areas

Hallways, corridors and the space under staircases are typically seen as transitional areas. With the right solution, they can also function as subtle, efficient storage zones that support daily routines without interrupting the flow of the home.

3. Open the doors you rarely open

Storage rooms, cleaning cupboards and pantries can easily become catch‑all spaces. These are often the areas where well‑planned, adapted solutions create the clearest, most immediate improvement.

4. Start from daily life — not from square metres

Notice the points where everyday life gets a little less smooth: shoes without a place, sports equipment left out, cupboards where finding things takes effort. These small signals often reveal where extra storage would make the biggest difference.

5. Think flexibly and long‑term

Storage that can be adjusted, expanded or reconfigured over time makes it easier for the home to evolve alongside you, rather than around you.

“Most homes hold far more storage potential than we first assume. When we start using the small gaps, corners and in‑between areas, the home begins to work in a completely new way. With the right storage solutions, almost any space can be used for storage,” Ewa concludes.

If you want to explore the storage potential in your own home, Elfa’s online planning tool allows you to test ideas and visualise solutions — available at elfa.com/plan.