Good storage is all about function, as it should be. However, that doesn't mean it needs to sacrifice form. Why shouldn't your storage pieces add something more to your home than a place to organize items? They could be used to add color, shape, pattern, and interest. And that's exactly what the dopamine storage trend is all about.

As a continuation of the dopamine decor trend, dopamine storage is all about filling your home with storage ideas that are as practical as they are playful. Colorful cabinets, bold storage ottomans, playfully patterned boxes – dopamine storage allows you to organize your stuff and to showcase your personality.

These striped canisters from Dusen Dusen are the definition of dopamine storage – they can become organizational features for your bathroom vanity that bring a pop of personality to the space. IKEA's PS cabinet can be a form of dopamine storage – bringing color to your living room while keeping clutter out of the way.

The dopamine storage trend is proof that you don't have to sacrifice your personal style to make your home more organized. Instead of choosing storage that fades into the background, opt for lively alternatives that bring color, character, and excitement to your home. Find our favorite dopamine storage picks below.

Love beautiful design ideas, expert advice, and inspiring decor trends? Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest features delivered straight to your inbox.

As the days get shorter and colder, my motivation starts to nosedive. By the end of a long day, the last thing I want to do is rummage through the fridge trying to work out what to cook.

That’s why, ahead of peak hosting season, I’m adopting the meal-prep bin system to organize a refrigerator. This simple hack uses inexpensive acrylic fridge bins from Amazon to group the ingredients for each meal together, making everything I need easy to find and ready to go.

It’s a quick way to make midweek cooking feel almost effortless, while keeping meal prep and hosting more streamlined when my brain is already feeling cluttered.

When getting a kitchen ready for hosting, decluttering is first on everyone's minds. However, how you organize your kitchen can have a bigger impact.

The meal-prep bin system is simple. Start with clear, lidded plastic bins, such as the Vtopmart bins from Amazon, that are large enough to hold several ingredients. When you unpack your weekly grocery shop, group the ingredients for each meal together in its own bin. For a bolognese, for example, I’ll put the ground beef, garlic, tomato paste, and other ingredients together. For fajitas, I’ll group the chicken with the bell peppers and anything else I’ll need.

That way, when I’m tired at the end of a long day, getting dinner started is as simple as pulling out the right bin and taking it to the prep area. There’s no hunting through the fridge for ingredients and no standing around trying to decide what to cook, the meal is already planned, portioned, and ready to go.

It is a quick hack loved by professional organizers for keeping a fridge organized too. 'Deep bins help you group similar items, like snacks, produce, or condiments, and prevent them from getting lost in the back of the fridge, since you can simply slide the bin closer to you to reach whatever is in the back,' says Julia Foulk, founder at The Organizing Method. 'They’re ideal for maximizing space and keeping everything easily accessible. Stackable containers then allow you to maximize vertical space, making it possible to store more without cluttering each shelf.'

The trick works particularly well when hosting, too. You can group ingredients by course, making it simple to prep appetizers, entrées, and desserts without a jumble of ingredients taking over your countertops, especially if you have decluttered a fridge in advance, too.

Because the bins are made from clear acrylic, you can see everything at a glance, helping prevent forgotten ingredients from going to waste while making it easy to keep track of what you have on hand. They’re also simple to wipe clean between meals, making restocking and resetting the fridge wonderfully straightforward.

What Else to Shop For Meal Prep

To help you create more space in your fridge for holiday entertaining and make the most of your meal prep, I’ve curated a selection of the best fridge organizers for a more streamlined kitchen.

All prices correct at the time of publication.

To help make the rest of your hosting experience as smooth as possible, consider creating a hosting closet so everything you need is to hand when your guests arrive.

Love the latest product news and helpful shopping advice? Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest features delivered straight to your inbox.

We’ve reached that awkward time of year when, in many parts of the country, the weather can’t seem to make up its mind. Mornings can be bitterly cold, only for the afternoon to feel like summer all over again.

That makes switching over and organizing clothes a logistical nightmare. I’m ready to bring out the sweaters and heavier layers, but I still need a few summer pieces within easy reach to see me through those unexpected warm spells.

Rather than cram everything into my closet and make getting dressed a battle every morning, I’m trying an ‘in-between’ basket: A lidded caddy for those lingering summer pieces that keeps them close at hand when I need them, while taking some of the pressure off my clothes storage. These foldable baskets from Amazon are perfect for the job, giving me a neat place to stash seasonal stragglers without committing to a full closet switch-over just yet.

My fall wardrobe swap is a serious undertaking. Every year, I have to ruthlessly declutter my closet just to make all of my sweaters and cardigans fit. There is simply no room in my small home storage to keep my summer and winter clothing side by side.

That makes things particularly tricky in the transitional period, when I need to carefully layer clothing to avoid being too hot or too cold through the day.

Using a storage basket with a lid, from Amazon, means that I can keep some of the summer clothing that would otherwise go straight into my under-bed storage to one side, without awkward cluttered piles laying in limbo on my bedroom chair. The boxes are dust-proof, protecting items from dirt and damage, and are extra-strong (supporting up to 25 lbs) for easy stacking. Rather than leaving clothes out on display for a few weeks, I can keep them folded away neatly.

The best part? Once the weather makes up its mind and the rest of my summer items can go away, the boxes fold flat for easy storage, so I do not have to commit to finding a use for them year-round.

It's a quick, seriously simple fix that makes this awkward inter-season period a little bit more organized.

What Else to Shop

To keep your clothes neat and protected throughout winter, I’ve curated a selection of clever closet essentials that the most organized people rely on to keep their closets in order.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

With your bedroom closet organized, move on to your fall pantry reset to arrange your kitchen for the hosting period.

Love the latest product news and helpful shopping advice? Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest features delivered straight to your inbox.

If there's one thing that every home absolutely needs – no matter the square footage or the design style – it's storage.

Whether store-bought or custom-made, the best storage ideas make homes feel organized with intention. As the year's design trends take a turn towards homes with personality, character, and collected aesthetics, storage trends follow. Rather than viewing storage as purely practical, something to be used but not seen, designers are making storage more interesting, more design-led, and more of a key feature in a room.

1. Antique Furniture Repurposed As Modern Storage

'2027 belongs to antique furniture doing the storing,' designer Hallie Malitsky tells Homes & Gardens. Using vintage pieces goes beyond just aesthetic details; pick the right pieces, and they can be practical additions too. Hallie recommends sourcing antiques that'll do 'double duty' – that is, furniture that brings both soul and increased storage to a space.

'The mistake I see most is treating an antique as decoration rather than putting it to work,' Hallie continues. 'A gorgeous armoire gets used as a piece that collects dust, when it could hold everything from your kitchen cabinets and pantry combined.'

In the room above, for example, designer Emily Winters reimagined this vintage hutch as both an object of desire and a work piece for the dining room. 'It serves as storage for everyday dishes, making table setting easy,' she explains.

This storage trend doesn't only apply to larger pieces of furniture. Vintage decor ideas can also be adapted for storage in modern homes. 'We are experiencing more and more of our clients requesting us to incorporate special family pieces in their overall design, including clever storage solutions,' designer Darci Hether remarks. 'We love using heirloom items that have been handed down for creative, thoughtful storage catchalls.' From antique trinket trays and glass jars to handmade pottery bowls, these vintage details can act as characterful and clever storage solutions for the home.

2. Clever Bespoke Designs to Make the Most of Every Inch

Over the past year, there's been a growing appreciation for homes that feel personal and one-of-a-kind, and we're starting to see storage solutions that reflect that. Designer Alex Spielman of The Little Things brought this perspective to the small living room above. Rather than leaving the underside of the stairs vacant, she put it to use. 'Small footprints require us to leverage every inch. By transforming these challenging angles into custom storage, we free up breathing room in the primary living area. The main space stays uncluttered, while the client gets high functionality and a little bit of fun with a great spot to entertain,' she says.

Custom-built storage is inherently personal, and it can greatly enhance a home's organization. But you can create similar effects with store-bought storage – you just have to work a bit harder to make it look bespoke. IKEA has tons of flat-pack storage solutions that can be made to look custom – like the BILLY Bookcase or the PAX Wardrobe. With some paint, new hardware, and a creative mindset, these mass-made pieces will feel tailored to your home.

3. Surprise Storage that Works Hard Quietly

One of the best forms of storage is the kind that's quiet or hidden at first, and reveals itself as if it's a surprise. This kind of 'surprise' storage is a trend that designer Genna Jacobs Freeman expects to surge in popularity in 2027 – with people craving at-home organization that's not outwardly pronounced, but instead, invisible.

'Invisible storage protects the room’s visual calmness,' Genna explains. 'When clutter occurs, it quite literally becomes an action item, and when you hide it, the room breathes, feels finished, and less like a to-do list.' Invisible storage, then, becomes a surprise element – something unexpected that quietly keeps your home in check.

'Creating invisible storage in a kitchen allows for items to have a home and not live on the countertop or dinner table,' Genna continues. It can come in the form of hidden appliance garages, pull-out pantries, or, as shown above, breakfast nook seat storage.

'The client requested a spot in the room to tuck away cloth napkins, placemats, and table linens specific to this space,' Emily Winters explains of the surprise under-seat storage in the image above. 'This became an easy spot to store these items.'

4. Storage That Makes a Sculptural Statement

According to designer Courtney Klinger, storage is becoming more of a talking point – a detail that's beautifully and thoughtfully integrated into its surroundings rather than an afterthought that's been dropped in. In the cozy living room above, she's incorporated a shelving unit that provides concealed storage below and space for a tasteful display above, but it also acts as a sculptural art piece in itself.

'This millwork piece was designed to not only conceal jarring-colored board games, fussy TV equipment, and entertaining essentials, but to act as an anchor in the space,' Courtney tells me. 'Allowing collected items to be tastefully shown while hiding the mess behind doors is key in providing a balance. Finish the piece off with some interesting hardware, and you have yourself a custom feature. No one needs to know the fuss behind the closed doors.'

Rather than settling on generic and dull storage, take Courtney's advice and look for something artful that can enhance your home's stylistic appeal and organization at the same time.

5. Open Storage to Add Character

'The 'doors-off' decorative pantry has been a hot trend this year, and I don’t think its popularity is cooling down any time soon,' designer Diane Luna says. 'We’re obsessed with arranging copper jars, woven baskets, and Delft canisters along those once-boring shelves, while abandoning conventional storage cubes and builder-standard pantry doors,' she tells me. In a way, this turns the pantry into a stylized room of its own, rather than a chaotic jumble of kitchen necessities hidden behind a door.

An open pantry gives you the opportunity to bring your design eye to this normally concealed spot of the home. Diane sees it as an opportunity to show off family heirlooms – vintage serving trays, old-fashioned jars, or antique bowls. And if you are looking for the perfect decor to add some charm, check out Joanna Gaines' kitchen storage assortment at Magnolia. You're sure to find some heritage-inspired kitchen picks that blend clever storage with timeless style.

6. Baskets, Baskets, and More Baskets

Although storage baskets are not a new trend by any means, we tend to forget all of the ways in which they can enhance organization. Beyond holding blankets in a living room, baskets can benefit any corner of your home – from the kitchen to the dining room, the bathroom, the bedroom, and even the entryway – bringing texture, organic appeal, and clutter control to the scene.

'We don’t see an end to the basket trend!' designer Courtney B. Smith remarks. 'We use woven baskets and trays in every space to corral messes and display collections. Baskets used for storage are as pretty as they are functional. Rather than adding an eyesore to a room, baskets offer an organic layer that adds depth and warmth. They look good while working hard!'

7. Dopamine Storage

You've probably heard of dopamine decor, but what about dopamine storage? According to designer Genna Jacobs Freeman, dopamine storage is all about blending fun with functionality. It refashions eyesore-adjacent storage ideas into exciting home features that enhance organization while bringing a smile to your face.

Like a bright yellow cabinet to store board games or playfully shaped wall hooks for hanging coats, dopamine storage makes ordinary storage objects so much more meaningful, personal, and fun. '[It's] organization that feels as good as it functions,' Genna explains. 'When storage is aesthetically pleasing, it's more enjoyable to use, so it's utilized more often.'

Clearly, boring storage is a fad of the past. In 2027, it's all about storage solutions that make at-home organization something worth celebrating.

Shop The Storage Trends for 2027

Love beautiful design ideas, expert advice, and inspiring decor trends? Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest features delivered straight to your inbox.

It's that time of year when we're all switching, or at least planning to, our warm-weather clothes for winter alternatives. This might look like clearing space in your closet or using underbed storage solutions, but garments that need to be hung up can pose a more difficult problem. How to keep them crease-, dust-, pest-, and moisture-free?

Like most things, the answer lies at IKEA. And like most things at IKEA, it's impressively affordable, too. For just $1.49, the PÄRKLA Clothes Cover is guaranteed to keep precious clothes in perfect condition all fall and winter long.

It's an affordable addition to any closet space that provides instant long-term clothes storage and enduring peace of mind.

I've long dreamed of a dressing room, organized by color and category, and with plenty of space for my summer and winter clothes alike. The reality is, though, that like most of us, this is not something to be realized any time soon. Instead, a fall wardrobe swap is the simplest method for keeping my storage space streamlined.

I rely on underbed storage ideas for this, but never neglect to forget about my hanging space. My black tie dresses, suede jackets, and faux fur coats still need equal protection as fall and winter moisture sets in, particularly when it comes to avoiding any burgeoning mold and mildew throughout the colder months. For this, the IKEA PÄRKLA Clothes Cover is perfect.

I keep these in my closet year-round, but once my winter coats come out, there's plenty of space and empty covers to fill with my summer favorites that likely won't be taken off the rail until next June. With a super lightweight, narrow design, particularly when paired with slim velvet hangers, available at Amazon, they won't bulk up your closet and take up precious hanging real estate.

I use them specifically for those clothing items you should always hang up, like dresses, linens, and outerwear, but they're also ideal for protecting scarcely worn winter wools from moths, and even preventing moths in your closet, full stop.

It's no surprise, therefore, that this simple solution to avoid any clothes storage mistakes is popular among shoppers, with an average star rating of 4.7 stars across 222 reviews.

'Practical and easy to use,' says Sonia, alongside a five-star rating. 'I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the PÄRKLA clothes cover. I decided to give it a try and ended up buying covers three more times to keep my party dresses, coats, and graduation gown.' This highlights their usefulness when storing precious garments, like a graduation gown, long-term.

'The zipper goes all the way down to easily fit items inside, and my clothes feel absolutely protected now.'

As another review details, you don't need one bag per item of clothing, either, making them all the more inexpensive. 'Just what I needed!' enthuses D. 'I purchased a few of these to try them out, and I love them!

'I can fit [more than five]pieces of clothing in each, and the bag colors give my closet a little burst of flair! Very inexpensive, so I will be purchasing more to store out-of-season clothing.'

A couple of reviews also mention how handy these clothes covers are when transporting garments and moving clothes on hangers.

'Very practical,' says Soledy. 'Really good to protect the clothes while travelling by car or keeping in the closet. 100 per cent recommended.'

Leslie agrees, and adds that they're 'great garment bags,' and 'great for traveling on the go.'

At just $1.49, even buying ten at once will cost less than 15 dollars. They're a must-have practical closet organizer that will protect your clothing without costing the earth.

More to Shop

IKEA operates a minimum basket fee of $35, so I've curated this More to Shop section with six other closet and organization heroes to buy in bulk and transform your storage this fall.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

These best storage buys for winter coats ensure your entryway stays calm rather than chaotic.

Love the latest product news and helpful shopping advice? Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest features delivered straight to your inbox.

When you're working with a small kitchen, you're forced to get creative with storage. The kitchen in my New York City apartment is so small that my tiny dining table has been forced to become an overflow zone for pans, cutting boards, and even extra food that can't fit within the confines of the cabinets above my countertop. What I was really missing was a pantry.

I began searching for a clever kitchen storage idea that could give all of my miscellaneous necessities a home. And as it turns out, the perfect solution wasn't something egregiously expensive, custom-built, or even new – in fact, it was none other than IKEA's long-loved BILLY Bookcase.

IKEA's BILLY bookcase has been an iconic piece for decades – an IKEA cult favorite because of its high functionality, sleek design, and usefulness.

But most people use this bookcase for living room storage, not, I as planned to do, as kitchen storage. In fact, my old roommate even had one in the living room of our college apartment – we used it to store everything from old textbooks and notebooks to random trinkets. It never occurred to me that this bookcase could benefit a kitchen until I moved into my current apartment – a place in desperate need of clever storage ideas.

This top-rated bookcase is designed with adjustable shelves that you can position to accommodate the needs of your kitchen. For instance, I'd keep the top shelves evenly spaced for food, but towards the middle and bottom, I'd adjust the shelf spacing to allow room for stacked glassware, cooking utensils, or even wine bottles. Plus, the shelf depth is greater than the width of standard dinner plates, which means you can easily store dinnerware inside.

Unlike the standard BILLY Bookcase, this version comes with doors – a detail that reviewers love. With the doors, you can keep clutter (or, if you're like me, mismatched dishware) out of sight. This BILLY/OXBERG Bookcase is like a freestanding pantry, fit to organize a kitchen and provide extra storage all while keeping things hidden.

Though the bookcase already resembles a custom product, I plan on making it even more distinct by painting it (I'm thinking a rich maroon shade to tap into the year's top color trends) and embellishing it with stylish door hardware (like these rose-shaped knobs from Anthropologie).

How I'd Style IKEA's BILLY/OXBERG Bookcase In A Kitchen

You can store anything you need on the shelves of IKEA's BILLY/OXBERG Bookcase. But if you need some inspiration, here's how I'd make use of its shelves.

More Kitchen Storage Ideas From IKEA

Looking for alternative storage solutions for your kitchen? IKEA has tons to choose from. Find three of my favorites below.

Love beautiful design ideas, expert advice, and inspiring decor trends? Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest features delivered straight to your inbox.

It's the transitional time of year between the warmth of spring and summer and the colder weather of fall and winter. Like most people, I'm looking to switch up my bedding to keep me cozy over the coming months, but the disorganized state of my linen closet has me putting off this seemingly simple task.

In need of a quick and easy solution, I've spotted the Kirkton House Blue Premium Folding Box, available at ALDI.

It's a basic, budget-friendly addition that makes organizing a linen closet easier than ever. And at just $9.99, I'm picking up a few for use all around my home.

It's no secret that transforming tiny linen closet storage from chaotic to calm can feel like a hapless task. One day it's organized, and the next it's in disarray once more. The key, though, is investing in storage ideas that truly stick, which is why I'm picking up the Kirkton House Blue Premium Folding Box, available at ALDI.

With a simple design and open top, it makes grabbing exactly what you need when you need it to make a bed easy. This also avoids any moisture from becoming trapped in your bedding storage, preventing any flourishing mold and mildew over the cold fall and winter months.

Each can be clearly labelled for easy identification with a label maker or Chalkboard Labels, available at Amazon, for a uniform look. To take the organization one step further, I'd suggest using the boxes alongside my free bedding storage trick for large collections − fold each bedding set into one of the matching pillowcases to keep them together before placing into the box.

The plastic design also ensures durability that will last for years to come, meaning you won't need to re-buy any small linen closet storage ideas for the foreseeable future. And, if you do end up switching out your linen closet solutions, the storage box conveniently folds flat for storage, for neatly stowing away until needed.

This type of versatile storage isn't just useful for storing and organizing bedding, either. It will also come in handy for other soft items like storing towels, napkins, and dish towels, and more miscellaneous items like organizing art supplies, or as part of your home office storage ideas.

More to Shop

Whether, like me, you're looking to overhaul your linen closet storage, or are looking to browse alternative, affordable solutions, shop my curated selection of six essentials below.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

If you keep your bedding underneath your bed rather than in a linen closet, make sure you take the time to declutter and organize the area under your bed to keep everything neat and accessible.

Love the latest product news and helpful shopping advice? Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest features delivered straight to your inbox.

A pantry is a hardworking kitchen feature, whether it's a walk-in design or a freestanding cabinet within the main cooking space. It creates a dedicated space for food storage and helps to keep your entire kitchen more organized.

It's easy to get carried away with the more aesthetic decisions, but the primary function of your pantry ideas is to create practical, usable storage – without that, even the most stylish pantry becomes another clutter zone.

The most successful designs balance style and practicality, and interior designers notice a few common pantry design mistakes that disrupt that balance. Here are the mistakes to avoid, and how you can fix them if they sound a bit too familiar.

1. Not Considering How You Need the Space to Function

The Mistake

A pantry design is only successful if it functions the way you need it to. Part of that is understanding how you live and use the space, but also whether you actually need a pantry, or whether your requirements are more aligned with a back kitchen. Start by noting the difference between a larder, pantry, and back kitchen, and which would add the most to your cooking space.

'There is currently a real trend for creating a back-of-house kitchen space, but we think this can sometimes muddy the purpose of the pantry. It needs to be designed either as a really good storage cupboard, or the space should be thought of more as a true back-of-house kitchen,' says Sophie Pringle, Founder of Pringle & Pringle.

'We are increasingly asked for a ‘pantry’ when what is really wanted is a back kitchen – somewhere to prepare food, house appliances, wash up and deal with the mess and overflow that comes with entertaining,' Anthony Earle, Creative Director at Artichoke, agrees. 'Trying to fit all of those functions into a small pantry can quickly make the room hot, cramped and rather impractical.'

The Fix

Before you start designing your pantry, determine how the space needs to function. If food storage is the priority, a pantry is the ideal solution, but if you want space for an extra sink, prep space, and large appliances, you'll need to plan for a larger back kitchen type of space.

If your needs align with a pantry, consider what you want to store and how you want to store it. Some items will need to be easily accessible, so storing them on open shelves within easy view will make day-to-day tasks more efficient.

'Think about the function first and design the space around how it will actually be used. Consider what you need to store, whether you want to hide small appliances, and how often you’ll be accessing the space, then make sure the layout, shelving and services are designed accordingly,' Sophie suggests.

2. Forgetting About Good Ventilation

The Mistake

A pantry is fundamentally a food storage solution, so airflow and maintaining conditions that keep food dry and fresh are really important. This isn't a storage closet, so don't treat it as such. Lack of ventilation encourages moisture build-up, which can cause food to go off (stagnant air becomes a breeding ground for mold), and can increase temperatures, leading to odors and stale food.

The Fix

The simplest fix is to add ventilation during the design process, whether it's wall vents or cutouts in your pantry doors to improve airflow. And location is key. 'Ideally, a really good pantry should also be positioned on an external wall, allowing for ventilation, particularly if it’s being used for food storage,' Sophie explains.

'Good airflow helps to keep the space cool and dry, which is important for storing food, and it is much easier to incorporate at the planning stage than to retrofit later. Ultimately, the pantry should be designed around function first, with the aesthetic details following from that.'

3. Choosing Quantity Over Quality of Storage

The Mistake

A pantry is a functional zone that should enhance a kitchen's flow and function, but successful storage is more about quality than quantity. Cramming in too many large shelves and hard-to-access cabinets will make finding and accessing the ingredients you need feel almost impossible.

'A common pantry design mistake, particularly in hard-working family kitchens where storage space is at a premium, is focusing exclusively on maximising the quantity of storage without thinking through the quality and types of storage that are going to both work well and look beautiful,' says Elizabeth Macfarlane of Macfarlane van der Heul

The Fix

Take the time to plan your pantry layout and the storage styles that make the most sense at each level. If you want to maximize height, you need to make sure you can actually reach the top shelves, so add a rolling ladder or fold-down step (this 3 Step Foldable Ladder from Amazon can be easily stashed away) to prevent baskets filled with ingredients you forget about and leave to go bad.

Take stock of what you need to access most regularly, and what you use only occasionally (such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, or seasonal supplies) so you can prioritize the most accessible areas. Cereal, pasta, flour, and snacks – the food you reach for every day – should be stored at eye level so it's easy to grab. And if it's on open shelving, consider decanting into prettier containers, like these Dark Wood Lidded Canisters from Target or Crate & Barrel's Montana Glass Jars, for a more elevated and organized pantry.

4. Making Pantry Shelves Too Deep

The Mistake

Pantry shelving is one of the most practical storage types, but deep shelves quickly become almost impossible to access. 'Deep, evenly spaced shelves may look efficient on paper, but they often create wasted space and make it difficult to see what is stored behind the first row of items. Things inevitably get pushed to the back and forgotten,' says interior designer Vanessa Katzen.

'Avoid overly deep upper shelves, as it gets very hard to see what is on them,' adds George Miller, Designer at Neptune. Reaching the back of the shelves becomes difficult, and you inevitably end up knocking the items at the front, causing nothing but chaos and more mess.

The Fix

Plan pantry shelving around the items you need to store on them, rather than the other way around. 'I prefer to design pantry storage in layers, with shallower shelving for everyday items and deeper storage reserved for larger appliances, serving pieces and bulk goods,' says Vanessa.

'Incorporating drawers or pull-outs at lower levels also makes the full depth much more accessible. I also vary shelf heights rather than spacing everything uniformly. The goal is not simply to fit as much as possible into the pantry, but to make everything easy to see, reach, and put away. When storage is designed around how you actually use it, you often need less space than you think.'

5. Adding Too Many Cabinet Doors

The Mistake

Your pantry isn't a kitchen, so the pros and cons of open shelving don't apply in the same way. A pantry is function first, and filling these small spaces with lots of cabinets makes accessibility difficult – trying to open different cabinet doors will not only make it tricky to find what you need, but it instantly intrudes on the small amount of walkway you have.

'The point of a pantry is to maximize function and storage for your kitchen in a hidden but easily accessible space. It's supposed to be hardworking, not make you work harder,' says Leah Hook, Founder and Principal Designer at Gray Oak Studio. 'You don't want to walk from your kitchen to a separate room and then have to open another series of doors or drawers to get what you need.'

The Fix

Open shelving at floor level can feel messy and a bit inconvenient, so it makes sense to add some closed storage. Consider what you want to store here – drawers maximize a deep space, allowing you to access items stored towards the back.

'A combination of drawers and open shelving can work really well, so that the things you use most are easy to reach and you can actually see what you have. I also like to keep some of the prettier everyday items on display rather than hiding absolutely everything away. And don’t be afraid to decorate it,' says interior designer Laura Stephens.

If you're storing additional appliances you don't use regularly or seasonal accessories, cabinetry probably makes more sense. But instead of filling your pantry with doors, swap them with a cabinet skirt – Lulu & Georgia's Painterly Stripe Linen fabric is a great option, or for a ready-to-hand design, try Etsy's Striped Cotton Cabinet Skirt. 'Curtained under-counter storage [is great] for hiding away bulkier and less attractive items – the curtain is economical, adds visual interest, and contrasts nicely with the cabinetry in the main kitchen,' adds Elizabeth.

6. Excluding Useable Countertop Space

The Mistake

Pantry designs often focus on storage – as they should. But with so much attention on shelving, drawers, and cabinets, it's easy to forget that a countertop has a use in these spaces, too. 'A pantry without counters is storage without further utility,' Leah explains.

'You want a landing surface to organize your equipment or food and stage your plans, especially during messy kitchen activities. When you pull down the bin of flour, you want a place to put it within arm's reach. You don't want to go back and forth to the kitchen counter when you need to place something down.'

The Fix

The fix is simple – add a countertop, even if it's just a small run along the shortest wall. 'We always encourage clients to design in a generous counter, which gives the pantry an invaluable working surface for unpacking groceries or preparing food,' Anthony says.

It's a detail that turns a simple storage space into a functional pantry. You can bring in the same materials and palette as the kitchen for continuity, or use it as an opportunity to add a different material that didn't make it into your main kitchen design. 'Whether you choose butcher block, stone, stainless steel, or tile, 24" deep countertops at waist height are critical to the overall use of the room,' Leah adds.

7. Overlooking Pantry Lighting

The Mistake

You can spend hours meticulously planning custom storage and a beautiful color scheme, but if you ignore pantry lighting, you won't be able to see any of it. Relying on a single overhead light casts shadows and fails to illuminate your actual storage.

'Make sure you consider lighting – shelves create a lot of shadows from a single overhead pendant and make it hard to see what is on them,' says George. Plus, a badly lit room instantly feels uninviting – a pantry becomes pointless if you don't want to enter it.

The Fix

Approach it like you would your kitchen lighting. An overhead light is fine, but layer it with lower-level lighting designed for each storage area. 'LED strip lighting can help you have light exactly where you need it,' says George. Try these Rechargeable Magnetic Motion Sensor Lights or Dimmable LED Strip Lights as a functional solution for open shelving that adds light without impeding function.

'We like to layer the lighting in a pantry the way we would in any other room,' says Elizabeth. 'A mix of task lighting in the form of directional downlights, ambient lighting built into the joinery, and decorative lighting.' Where there's space, cordless lamps, like this Beige and Gold Portable Counter Lamp from Amazon, are a great way to blend warmth and ambiance with functional lighting.

8. Not Thinking About How the Pantry Color Works With the Main Kitchen

The Mistake

Function is the priority in a pantry, but it should still feel like a beautiful space that adds something special to your kitchen. 'One of the biggest mistakes is treating the pantry as purely functional and forgetting that it is still part of your home. It’s very easy to fill a pantry with shelves and cupboards and end up with a rather cold, utilitarian space, when it can be a lovely opportunity to introduce color and personality,' says Laura.

The Fix

There are different routes you can take with your pantry design depending on how it reads with the rest of your kitchen scheme – choose a warm neutral color and let texture do the talking, such as wall paneling or decorative millwork. Alternatively, you can color-drench your pantry in a deeper hue as a small confidence zone in the corner of a more neutral kitchen. Try to keep it simple and avoid using too many different colors and patterns – the storage still needs to be easily seen.

'A pantry is a wonderful place to have a little fun with color because it’s often a smaller, more enclosed space. Beautiful joinery, a lovely paint color, and good lighting can make it feel like a considered room rather than an afterthought. The practical elements still need to work, of course, but there’s no reason a pantry can’t have the same sense of character and joy as the rest of the house,' says Laura.

9. Choosing Bold Design Over Function

The Mistake

Following on from color, too many busy patterns or different colors can make a small pantry feel chaotic. 'There is so much color going on with food, spices and herbs that this space is the most important for a well-considered color scheme. It can quickly feel busy and cluttered, so take your time. Don’t rush this area,' says Katherine Channell, Founder and Head Designer at Katherine Jane Design Studio.

The same applies to tiles – on the walls and floors. 'A pantry is one of those spaces where people can be tempted to over-design the floor because the footprint is small. A highly patterned tile, a contrasting border and a completely different material can all sound appealing in isolation, but combined with shelving, cabinetry, jars, bottles and all the visual activity of a working pantry, the room can very quickly become busy,' adds Grazzie Wilson, Head of Creative at Ca’ Pietra.

The Fix

The easiest way to fix this pantry design mistake is to take a more pared-back approach. In a tiny space, avoid pattern altogether, but in a pantry that can handle it, keep the colors and patterns tonal so it feels calm and considered. 'My solution would be to come up with three or four colors max,' Katherine suggests. 'I love using warm tones for this area, accessorising with wood and then often a pop of color. This allows you to bring in wicker baskets, which are functional and beautiful.'

For the floors, take a more subtle approach. 'If the pantry sits directly off the kitchen, continuing the same material through both spaces is particularly effective,' says Grazzie. 'It makes the architecture feel calmer and more intentional, and it allows the pantry to feel like part of the kitchen rather than somewhere that has been decorated afterwards.'

10. Forgetting to Plan Electrical Outlets

The Mistake

A pantry has evolved from being a simple food storage space to a more functional food prep zone. For many people, this includes housing small appliances and often using them within the pantry to avoid cluttering kitchen surfaces. And forgetting to include electrical outlets will become an issue down the line – even if it's just to charge up cordless devices or plug in additional lighting.

The Fix

During the design process, when you're planning out where different storage needs to be located, plan for electrics. Ideally, one above the countertops within easy access, and another hidden within closed storage if required. Try to take an elevated appraoch – outlet switches make a difference, so choose stylish designs that fit into your scheme. Anthropologie's Isabella Bee Switch Plates and Merritt Enamel Switch Plates are stylish options.

A pantry is a wonderful feature to have in your kitchen, so make the most of the space by getting the design right. Start with the functional details, like storage styles and lighting schemes, then plan for the visual elements that give it character. 'Have fun and remember it’s not just storage,' Katherine adds. 'It’s an extension of your home, so treat it with importance!'

Love beautiful design ideas, expert advice, and inspiring decor trends? Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest features delivered straight to your inbox.

We’re officially entering ‘soup season’, when cooler temperatures have us reaching for hearty stews, comforting soups, and slow-cooked favorites. But as the days grow shorter and darker, finding the energy to cook from scratch every night can become a challenge.

That’s where Souper Cubes (available on Amazon) come in. This clever food-storage solution helps reduce waste by dividing leftovers into individual portions before they go into the freezer, making them easy to store, defrost, and reheat whenever you need them.

They’re ideal for everything from soups and stews to pasta and rice, helping to make meal prep simpler during the busiest time of year and beyond.

I’m always looking for simple meal-prep essentials that make cooking feel a little easier. As a cookware editor, I spend so much time in my kitchen that, by the end of a long day, there are plenty of nights when I want dinner to involve little more than opening the freezer and turning on the oven.

Previously, I found myself relying on bulky glass food-storage containers, scooping whatever was left into one large dish where sauces, sides, and grains would inevitably get mixed together. Not only did that make reheating uneven, but it also meant defrosting more food than I actually needed.

Souper Cubes, at Amazon, are changing the way I think about leftovers. Instead of freezing everything together, I can portion sauces, grains, sides, and even individual servings of soup separately, then pull out exactly what I need.

I am not the only one who loves this simple freezer organization hack, either. Our Ecommerce Content Director, Lindsey Davis, has sworn by Souper Cubes for years. She shares, 'I love soup season, but storing my big batches of home-cooked soup was always tricky. Leakproof pots take up so much space in the freezer, and I don't like freezing in bags – it's fiddly, and I'm trying to reduce single-use plastics in my home.

'Souper Cubes have given me an easy and efficient system for storing my soups and stews. I find the one-cup trays perfect for portioning, and once frozen, I transfer them to some BPA-free freezer bags (these Oggi ones on Amazon are a good price) and stack them neatly in the freezer with little wasted space. I estimated I could get four times the number of prepared meals in my freezer by making this switch – plenty to see me through fall.'

Made from food-grade silicone, this kitchen storage must-have is a simple way to make a kitchen less toxic, too, helping to cut back on BPA-containing plastics in your home. They're a no-brainer in my eyes.

What Else to Shop

From Souper Cubes sets to affordable alternatives, these are the winter food-storage staples you need to see you through the busiest cooking months of the year.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Not every portioning organizer is worth your money. Allow me to de-influence pantry restocks for you to save you time, energy, and money in the long run.

Love the latest product news and helpful shopping advice? Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest features delivered straight to your inbox.

As a Cookware Editor, I have accumulated quite the collection of pots and pans. Between pieces I’m testing and tried-and-true favorites I can’t part with, my kitchen cabinets are packed to the brim.

That collection finally caught up with me the other day, when a cabinet shelf gave way under the weight of my best non-toxic cookware. Apparently, even sturdy stacks of cast iron can be too much for a few flimsy shelf pins.

I was in desperate need of a better solution, and luckily, I found one at Amazon: An adjustable, heavy-duty pan stand that slots neatly into a cabinet to offer reinforced support. It’s sturdy enough to hold even my heaviest Dutch ovens and bakeware, giving me considerably more peace of mind.

From my prized Le Creuset Modern Heritage Dutch Oven to my Hexclad Saute Pan, I own a lot of heavy-duty, high-quality cookware. They outperform more affordable options by a landslide, with their heritage craftsmanship to thank for delivering easy, delicious results night after night.

However, that craftsmanship means these pans are far from lightweight. Whether they are solid cast iron or tri-ply stainless steel, they are heavy enough on their own, let alone stacked together on a shelf. Really, I should have seen the collapse coming – the pins supporting my pan storage were holding on by a hope and a prayer.

When they nearly all came crashing down, I knew something would have to change. The answer is getting rid of the shelf entirely and replacing it with a standing cookware organizer from Amazon instead. The adjustable rack is designed to hold heavy cookware, with each shelf supporting up to 10.6 lbs. They are movable, too, to accommodate any pan and its lid without stacking, preventing scratches, chips, and damage in kitchen storage.

Because the stand holds one pan per shelf, it will also make organizing pots and pans a breeze. I will no longer have to take things out of the cabinet to reach a pot in the very back corner, for example.

When it comes to organizing and decluttering kitchen cabinets, this is one of the best investments you can make. It helps protect your heirloom cookware for years to come while making everyday cooking a little more streamlined. What’s not to love?

What Else to Shop

From clever storage solutions to the care tools I swear by, these are the essentials I keep on hand to clean, protect, and care for every type of cookware.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Running short on storage elsewhere in your kitchen? Consider the experts' tips for using vertical storage to save space.

Love the latest product news and helpful shopping advice? Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest features delivered straight to your inbox.

Throw blankets are a staple in my household during the fall and winter months. Once temperatures dip below 70 degrees, my blankets are out – draped across every piece of furniture, stashed in baskets, and spread across the foot of my bed.

With such a large collection that feels like it doubles every year, I've started thinking about the best storage ideas for my throw blankets. Woven baskets are the obvious choice, but they take up so much of the precious floor space in my small living room, and while one is cute, multiples are clutter. And while I could stash extra blankets in a closet, I don't want to hide away all the pattern and texture they can add to a room – the details that made me buy them in the first place.

After tirelessly searching for something to keep blankets out of the way but still easily accessible and on display in my home, I found the winner: ALDI's Sohl Blanket Ladder.

No longer are blankets strewn all over my house, stashed in closets, or shoved into large baskets on the floor. With this handy blanket ladder, my throws finally have a home of their own. This ladder provides vertical storage in a clever, design-driven way – making use of my blank walls and freeing up floor space at the same time. If you layer several blankets on each of its rungs, it can even double as a chic wall decor idea – bringing texture, depth, and color.

My favorite thing about this blanket ladder has to be its price – at just $24.99. I have been eyeing up buys that are double, even triple, so this feels like a steal.

Though I plan on using it in my living room, this blanket ladder can go anywhere you need it to. Use it in a small bedroom as a 'chairdrobe' alternative, in an entryway as a coat rack, or even in a bathroom as a towel holder. However it's used, this ladder will help you make the most of your space – providing clever, space-saving storage without sacrificing style.

How I'd Style ALDI's Blanket Ladder

ALDI's Sohl Blanket Ladder can help you organize your home in more ways than one. Here's how I plan on styling it in my home this fall.

Shop More Blanket Ladders

While there's so much to love about ALDI's Sohl Blanket Ladder – its practicality, its sleek design, and its low price – I've found three more that are well worthy of a spot in your home, too. Shop them below.

ALDI's Sohl Blanket Ladder has made it possible for my many blankets to become decor details in my living room. Hung from the rungs on the ladder's frame, my blankets are kept off my furniture but still in close reach. Their stylistic appeal shines in a way that wasn't possible when I had them stashed in storage baskets, too.

Storage capabilities aside, consider this blanket ladder a clever way to decorate for fall – style it with your favorite fall throws and watch as it brings character, charm, and quiet organization to your home.

Love beautiful design ideas, expert advice, and inspiring decor trends? Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest features delivered straight to your inbox.

In a small living room, all your furniture has to work hard, and if it can double as something else? Even better. An ottoman can't just be an ottoman (all that wasted storage potential!); it needs to be functional too, and IKEA's new PS Ottoman with Storage balances both style and function perfectly.

IKEA's PS collection is designed with small spaces in mind, so clever storage ideas feature throughout. And while color and playfulness are central to the range, the storage ottoman is one of the more livable pieces, a versatile design that will add plenty of interesting texture.

Like all good small space furniture, the practicalities are hidden. Open the 'lid' of this ottoman and the design is totally hollow, making it the perfect living room storage idea for blankets, board games, books, or even shoes if needed.

Its rattan texture can add depth and dimension, and its two-toned colorway can bring a level of coziness and warmth. Plus, its mushroom-inspired shape is refreshingly different and undeniably fun. It's the kind of furnishing that'll stand out among the rest without overpowering your space.

This storage ottoman also has a perfect rating, with only 5-star reviews. One sums it up perfectly: 'A beautiful, high-quality ottoman with plenty of storage space. As soon as the PS collection was released, it caught my eye, even though at first glance it isn’t one of the most eye-catching pieces in the collection. I have it in my bedroom, but it would also fit perfectly in the living room or anywhere else. It adds warmth and texture to the space, while also serving as a true design statement piece. I love it.'

IKEA's PS Ottoman With Storage is evidence that storage furniture that's equal parts stylish and practical does, in fact, exist. This piece can give clutter a proper home, keep your space organized, and look good in the meantime.

Shop More Storage Ottomans

Between its price, its style, and its storage capabilities, IKEA's PS Ottoman With Storage is a true gem. Find a few more that are equally worthy of a spot in your home below.

Between its whimsical shape, its alluring texture, and its purposeful design, IKEA's PS Ottoman with Storage is the ideal small living room piece. It's not as bold as some of the other pieces in the collection, but that makes it one of the most timeless.

Love beautiful design ideas, expert advice, and inspiring decor trends? Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest features delivered straight to your inbox.

As rainier fall weather threatens our outdoor seating, it’s time to start thinking about bringing soft furnishings indoors. Even under furniture covers, cushions can become damp and moldy from condensation, or attract pests looking for a cozy place to nest over winter.

The problem is that these bulky, awkwardly shaped cushions aren’t exactly easy to store. Basements and garages may offer extra space, but they can also be prone to humidity, pests, and often offer precious little usable storage.

My solution? Hanging vacuum storage bags from Amazon. They compress bulky cushions to roughly half their original size while keeping them safely off the floor, making use of vertical storage to save space. It’s a simple storage trick that can make the end-of-season tidy-up considerably easier.

Most of the time, cushion storage comes down to folding them as tightly as possible into a box and calling it a day. However, not only is this a terrible waste of space when your home storage is already cramped, but it can misshape your cushions and still leave them susceptible to mold and damp, not to mention musty smells.

Vacuum storage bags are easily one of the best options for keeping your cushions in top condition and reducing their storage footprint. However, keeping the cushions flat can still prove tricky when they span the length of a two-seater sofa and above.

Hanging vacuum storage bags offer a clever workaround. By making use of rails, hooks, and other vertical storage points, you can keep bulky cushions off the floor while freeing up valuable shelving for boxes and other seasonal items.

The Vacbird bags from Amazon do double duty as vacuum compression bags and hanging garment protectors, while also providing a dustproof barrier. Made from five-layer PA+PE material with an airtight valve, they help protect cushions from moisture, dust, and pests, keeping them in good condition from the moment you pack them away until warmer weather returns next spring.

What Else to Shop

From smart space-saving storage to moisture protectors, these are the essentials your fall and winter storage zones need to see you through to next summer

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

No space inside your home? Worry not. We have a host of backyard storage ideas you can use as inspiration.

Love the latest product news and helpful shopping advice? Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest features delivered straight to your inbox.

The back-to-school rush affects all of us. Between packing the kids’ lunches and trying to prepare your own, time feels tighter than ever, with hectic evenings often spilling into even busier mornings.

Meal prepping can take some of the pressure off, but there’s one familiar problem. You pack fresh vegetables, sauces, or other wet ingredients alongside pasta, bread, or grains, and you can end up with a soggy lunch by the time you’re ready to eat.

That’s where the IKEA HAVSTOBIS Bento Lunch Boxes come in. With divided compartments for easy portioning, leak-proof lids, and non-toxic glass bases, they make it simple to prep ahead while keeping different foods fresh and separate. It’s a small non-toxic kitchen upgrade that could make the back-to-school routine considerably more manageable, without compromising come lunchtime.

It is no secret that dividing up food types is one of the best food storage tricks to extend the life of your food. By keeping ingredients separate, there’s less chance of everything turning mushy or losing its texture as lunchtime approaches. These slimline, stackable bento boxes make that easy, with two asymmetric compartments that keep different foods neatly divided without the need for multiple containers.

Made from non-toxic borosilicate glass, they’re a practical choice for both home and work meal prep. They’re safe to use in the microwave and oven, and are ideal for organizing a fridge and freezer, so you can move meals from prep to storage to reheating in the same container without creating a pile of extra washing up.

The glowing five-star reviews speak for themselves. 'They do not look very large, but there is more than enough space for a meal. Excellent for work,' comments Sheena, while Timothy adds, 'Bought two of these for a salad bar we had and they were perfect. Very solid glass and good sealing lid. Keeps leftovers longer in your refrigerator.'

So far as organizing snacks goes, I think this simple yet sleek solution might just be one of my favorites.

What Else to Shop

From food storage to reduce food waste to on-the-go essentials, these IKEA picks will help you reach the $35 minimum home-delivery total while taming your kitchen storage during back-to-school chaos.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

With your kitchen taken care of, turn your attention to organizing your kid's room for back-to-school success.

Love the latest product news and helpful shopping advice? Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest features delivered straight to your inbox.

As a complete foodie, I don't mind spending a little extra on high-quality ingredients for scratch cooking. What I can't stand, however, is reaching the end of the week only to find my vegetables have already started to spoil.

It turns out the problem wasn't what I was buying, but how I was storing it. The way you organize your fridge has a huge impact on how long fresh produce stays at its best.

That's why I started using IKEA's KLIPPKAKTUS storage baskets. Their ventilated design encourages airflow around produce, helping to reduce excess moisture that can speed up spoilage, while keeping my fridge looking neat and organized. Now, far less of my farmers' market haul ends up in the trash.

No matter where you shop or what you cook with, choosing food storage that can reduce food waste should be a priority for all of us. Not only does it help to stop unnecessary waste at home, but it also prevents wasting money.

While buying the best quality produce you can plays a part in its longevity, how you store it can help prolong its life, often keeping it beyond the best before dates on the label. The key is to avoid the common refrigerator organizing mistake of jamming too much into one space, limiting airflow.

'Overstuffing your fridge blocks proper airflow, which can cause uneven temperatures and lead to food spoiling faster,' explains Alicia Sokolowski, President and Organizing Expert at AspenClean. 'Allowing space between items helps maintain consistent cooling and keeps food fresh for longer.

'To maintain proper airflow, avoid stacking items too close to each other and keep space clear around vents. Grouping similar foods together also makes it easier to find what you need and reduces the chances of items being forgotten or going bad.'

The IKEA KLIPPKAKTUS Storage Basket does the job perfectly. With ventilation holes around the base, it promotes even air circulation, so even those at the bottom stay fresh and free from condensation. The clear plastic is easy to clean and helps me keep an eye on the contents without having to take everything out, too.

Unlike the crisper drawer in my fridge, the handles make it easy to pull out and set on the counter as I cook, streamlining the whole process. It's a certified win from the moment I get home from the market to putting dinner on the table.

What Else to Shop

When shopping online at IKEA, you'll need to reach a $35 minimum order to qualify for home delivery. To help you hit the threshold, I've rounded up a few of my favorite IKEA food storage and organization essentials that will make your kitchen even more functional.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Another reason your food might be spoiling prematurely is an overly cluttered fridge. These simple tips for decluttering a fridge can help to improve airflow and reduce waste.

Love the latest product news and helpful shopping advice? Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest features delivered straight to your inbox.

Though temperatures don't show any sign of dipping just yet, cooler fall nights are fast approaching. So, while it's unlikely that you'll be reaching for the thermostat anytime soon, your attention may be turning to transforming your sleep space for the colder months.

Once you do switch your duvet or comforter for something a little more lofty, the last thing you'll want to find next summer is your summer bedding musty and moth-eaten.

These Cedar Hanging Fragrance Blocks, available at Walmart, provide natural protection to prevent moths, musty odors, and a build-up of mold-causing moisture.

While getting rid of moths is difficult, preventing them in the first place, before you spot any signs you have moths in your home, is far simpler. And with the Cedar Hanging Fragrance Blocks, available at Walmart, it's easier than ever.

The eight-piece cedar block set includes four solid cedar blocks and four hanging blocks for versatile use − perfect for protecting the clothes in your closet and your bedding, whether stored in boxes, under your bed, or in a chest of drawers.

As they're crafted from naturally aromatic cedarwood, they offer a safe and chemical-free method to protect clothing from mold, moisture, odors, and moths, and are safe to use around both children and pets.

Once the scent dwindles and fades, each block can also be easily restored with light sanding, helping to reduce waste and be more sustainable at home.

If you're currently in the process of making your home less toxic, these cedar blocks are a non-toxic mothball swap, too. Therefore, you won't be left needing to get rid of the smell of mothballs come spring and summer next year.

'I buy this set of cedar blocks for my closets every spring when the weather is warmer, and my winter clothes need protection from moths,' says verified reviewer Dolores. 'The cedar scent is pleasant and not overpowering like moth balls. I highly recommend them!'

Another, SarahJane, assures that they 'smell so good,' adding, 'I've been using cedar in my closets since I was a kid and my grandpa would cut big hunks to put in our closets. He knew that cedar would draw out moisture and keep any smells at bay.

'These cedar planks are cut smoothly and fit nicely in my drawers. The hanging ones are unobtrusive while providing the same benefits. Love them!'

What to Shop

For more solutions to keep your warm-weather bedding smelling fresh and moth-free next spring, I've rounded up a selection of top-rated pest-repellent and storage favorites to shop below.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

It's not just your summer bedding you need to think about come fall − our pro-organizer tips for storing summer clothes away make the transition seamless.

Love the latest product news and helpful shopping advice? Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest features delivered straight to your inbox.

Since I moved apartments in the spring, I've been trying to find the right storage solution for the tiny entryway. There's no closet, and it's simply too narrow for a standing coat rack, so when I come home, there's nowhere obvious to store my coat and bag.

In desperate need of an effective entryway storage solution – something that looked chic and didn't take up floor space. Unexpectedly, I found the perfect buy in the kitchen section of IKEA.

The IKEA HULTARP Kitchen Rail is technically a kitchen storage idea; a polished brass wall-mounted bar that's meant to hold oven mitts, pans, mugs, and other kitchen accessories. But I knew I could make it work as the perfect storage idea to help me maximize my small entryway – giving my coats, bags, and keys a proper place to hang.

At just $12.99, this rail is an absolute steal. Not only that, but it's good-looking, too. I especially love the polished brass finish and the modern rustic look. It can make your entryway storage look so much nicer, leaving you with a space that's stylish, organized, and thoughtfully designed.

Plus, this HULTARP Rail is such a practical wall storage idea. If you're like me and you live in a small space, the last thing you need is more furniture and decor cluttering your floors. This rail keeps the floor clean by utilizing bare walls. It provides a storage solution that just makes sense for small spaces.

The HULTARP Rail has glowing reviews and a 4.7-out-of-5-star ranking on IKEA's site. Reviewers remark on how fantastic and versatile it is, and though many call it a 'real workhorse' and 'a cute addition' for the kitchen, its use potential spans the entire home. Though the entryway is my chosen spot, other reviewers have mounted the rail in laundry rooms, small bathrooms, and even pantries – proving its adaptability to the needs of your home.

'You won't be disappointed,' one reviewer asserted. I couldn't agree more. Having this rail has completely changed the functionality of my small entryway for the better.

How I'd Style IKEA's HULTARP Rail for the Entryway

If you're interested in mounting IKEA's HULTARP Rail in your entryway, here's how I'd style it to maximize your space.

How I'd Style IKEA's HULTARP Rail for the Kitchen

Despite my vision of the HULTARP Rail as an entryway organizer, it was designed for the purpose of kitchen storage. So if you plan on using this in your kitchen, here's what you need to make the most of it.

The HULTARP Rail isn't the only versatile storage solution I've bought from IKEA. Just recently, I decided to turn IKEA's LACKO Plant Shelf into a hosting station for my patio, and let me tell you – it has totally transformed the functionality of my outdoor living space.

Love beautiful design ideas, expert advice, and inspiring decor trends? Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest features delivered straight to your inbox.

In a small dorm room, your bed often doubles as a desk, sofa, and storage space, making it all too easy for clutter to pile up. Whether you're lacking a nightstand or have minimal shelving, a disorganized dorm room can quickly become overwhelming and may even make it harder to relax and get a good night's rest.

Enter IKEA's STICKAT Bed Pocket: The simple and affordable way to keep a shared bedroom organized.

It's the essential I wish I'd had on my dorm room checklist before I started college, and it costs just $7.99.

Before heading off to college back in 2018, I did put together a checklist, plus a dorm bedding checklist, but neglected to think about organizing my bed. With a small nightstand that quickly became filled with items cluttering my bedside table, this was a mistake I soon lived to regret.

To avoid the same small bedroom storage mistakes as me, the STICKAT Bed Pocket, available at IKEA, is just what you need.

With a generous size and three separate pockets, there's plenty of space to keep all your essentials close at hand, like your headphones, book, or charger. It can also be conveniently hung over either the side or the end of your bed, for a flexible small space storage idea that suits any bed frame type.

Of course, the best bed storage ideas are also easy to clean. The STICKAT pocket can be wiped with a damp cloth or hand-washed at 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

And, for a whole room makeover to perfect your dorm room (or a small bedroom for kids), it will also pair with any other piece from the BARNDRÖM collection, such as the BARNDRÖM Duvet Cover or BARNDRÖM Cushion.

The discreet design won't get in the way of any dorm room Feng Shui, either, instead working almost behind the scenes to organize a cluttered bedroom for better sleep.

What to Shop

If you're planning on making a purchase from IKEA, you'll need the contents of your basket to surpass $35 for home delivery. As you'll likely only need one STICKAT Bed Pocket (or two, if you're buying one for your roommate), I've rounded up a selection of other essentials that I'd buy for my dorm room space if I had my time at college again.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

If you're pondering when to start packing for college, definitely don't leave it all to the last minute. Our experts advise giving yourself around two to four weeks to evaluate what you have and pick up any essentials you don't.

Love the latest product news and helpful shopping advice? Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest features delivered straight to your inbox.

Our coffee corner sees a lot of action. From morning coffee to brewing for guests, it is one of the busiest spots in our tiny kitchen, and the clutter surrounding it attests to the fact.

Since adding one of the best coffee makers to our worktops, there is always a mess of filter baskets, steaming wand cloths, and milk jugs. The clutter creeps, too, making my whole kitchen feel more overwhelming.

There is no space in my drawers to keep it all safe, which is why I am turning to the IKEA ÖBONÄS Wall Shelf to save the day. Originally designed for shower storage, this $6 essential suctions onto the tile and holds all the essentials out of the way, creating the perfect coffee station in my small kitchen.

Given that I am working with a small kitchen in a rented home, I am very limited in what I can do with the space. My kitchen storage is already stretched to its limits, so using vertical storage to save space is my only option.

This affordable, renter-friendly coffee bar organization idea will completely change the space, stashing all the essential accessories out of the way while I am brewing, yet keeping them within easy reach.

I have used several of the IKEA suction storage hooks and baskets before to organize my bathroom, from the TISKEN hook for holding my speaker in the shower to the TIKSEN toothbrush holder, and never had an issue with the strength. So long as they are applied to a clean, dry surface, they have clung on with no complaint.

Originally designed for use in the shower for practical soap and bottle storage, the tough plastic is easy to clean and can grip onto surfaces such as glass, mirrors, and tiles. All you need to do when cleaning a kitchen is unscrew the container from the suction cup for easy cleaning. No need to reinstall the entire product each time you clean.

It can hold up to two pounds of weight, making it perfect for a coffee canister, too. It's one of those clever, low-cost upgrades that frees up valuable counter space without compromising on style or convenience.

What Else to Shop

If you are planning to order from IKEA online, then you will need to make up a $35 spend to qualify for delivery. To help reach the threshold, I have curated a selection of storage essentials I love that work hard in your kitchen so you don't have to.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Smart, hardworking storage is one of the best ways to reduce visual clutter in a kitchen. This has the knock-on effect of cooking feeling less stressful, creating a more soothing start and end to each day.

Love the latest product news and helpful shopping advice? Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest features delivered straight to your inbox.

A kitchen should, first and foremost, be convenient. That means storage is neat, counters are clear, and appliances are easy to use. In a small kitchen, however, it is easy to be overwhelmed and struggle to achieve any of the three.

In my tiny cook space, my air fryer was always getting in the way. A bulky, dual-drawer model, it is too big for my limited counter space, and too awkward to put anywhere but at the front of a cabinet. As I don't use it every day, it gets in the way of my everyday kitchen storage. It's a constant inconvenience.

That was until I installed a pull-out cabinet organizer from Amazon in my awkward corner cabinet, giving me instant, easy-access storage that didn't break my back to use. Here's why I wish I did it sooner.

Kitchen corner cabinets are awkward at best. Unless you invest in a custom pull-out system, they're notorious for wasting space, with bulky appliances and cookware disappearing into the back, only to be forgotten about.

Rather than continue to struggle organizing a corner cabinet, I picked up a simple pull-out drawer organizer from Amazon. While it's designed to sit at the front of a cabinet, I installed mine deep in the back corner so it slides forward into the accessible part of the shelf. It now holds my air fryer, but it's just as useful for stand mixers, slow cookers, or other bulky appliances you don't reach for every day.

It works because I have all the items I use weekly directly in reach. When I need my best air fryer, it is easy to lift my baking trays (organized with a handy Joseph Joseph tray organizer from Wayfair) onto my counter to slide the tray out. Previously, because of its weight, I had to lift the whole air fryer out to reach the trays behind. This is a far quicker solution.

By tucking larger appliances away, I can keep counters clear without making them any harder to access. It's a simple upgrade, but it's easily one of the smartest investments I've made in my small kitchen.

What Else to Shop

One thing people with tidy kitchen cabinets never do is underestimate the power of a good organizer. I've rounded up my favorite cabinet storage solutions to help restore order, maximize space, and make even the most chaotic cupboards easier to use.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Before you start reorganizing your space, take the time to declutter your kitchen first. There's little point in creating storage solutions for items you never use, and clearing out the excess will make it much easier to build an organization system that actually lasts.

Love the latest product news and helpful shopping advice? Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest features delivered straight to your inbox.

Summer is the ideal time to head out on a bike ride or spend the afternoon gardening, but if your garage is a cluttered mess, getting out the front door or into your backyard can often feel like more trouble than it's worth. And as we head into fall and things go back into storage, the clutter only gets worse.

When it comes to organizing this typically chaotic space, I've found that hanging solutions − just like Rubbermaid's FastTrack Garage 12-Piece Steel Multipurpose Storage Rail System, available at Lowe's − help to maximize the space and make the most of vertical storage.

It's a simple, cost-effective way to organize a garage once and for all.

Of all items in a garage, bicycle storage ideas for sheds tend to pose the most problems. As bikes are such bulky, heavy, and cumbersome items, the last thing you'll want is an equally awkward storage system to match. Instead, the Rubbermaid FastTrack Garage 12-Piece Steel Multipurpose Storage Rail System, available at Lowe's, makes it effortlessly easy to organize a garage with too much stuff.

Equipped with rails, hooks, and more, it's conveniently designed to grow as life changes − simply add more accessories to the FastTrack Rail as and when you need it for a tailored fit to different storage needs. Featuring a heavy-duty steel construction, the storage system is capable of withstanding up to 1,750 pounds, so it's a reliable option for storing other heavy items, like organizing DIY tools, machinery and shovels, as well as bikes. Each locking hook can support up to 50 pounds, meaning you can safely hang them up off the ground without having to worry about them falling off.

This 12-piece set includes three 48-inch FastTrack rails, three cooler hooks, two multi-purpose hooks, two utility hooks, and two ladder hooks. It's also available in sizes from 32 to 84 inches, and in sets of one to 24 pieces, though many of these are currently out of stock, proving the popularity of this storage system.

If you're not up to scratch with the essential DIY skills every homeowner should know, the FastTrack Storage Rail System is also effortlessly easy to install.

'Super easy to install and versatile,' assures Matt alongside a five-star review on the Lowe's site. 'It’s very convenient that there are so many different hangers available for this rack system.'

Another similar review from Scottie adds, 'Sturdy and versatile. Love the system. Versatile enough to fit and install, and looks clean enough for the garage or the laundry room in the house. Ample hooks are included to hang everything from a 40-pound mountain bike to a stroller to yard tools.'

With this storage rail, paired with the golden rules for a clutter-free garage, this usually disordered space will be transformed from chaotic to calm in next to no time.

More to Shop

Whether you're decluttering a garage or looking to organize a garage when you downsize, shop from a curated selection of essentials below.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

For some celebrity inspiration, Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling's bike storage turns a bicycle into an entryway showpiece.

Love the latest product news and helpful shopping advice? Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest features delivered straight to your inbox.

In many ways, my New York City studio apartment is a perfect space. It’s in a quiet building on a quiet street, it has tall ceilings and large windows, and its separate kitchen makes it feel so much bigger than it actually is. That said, there is one major downside – my apartment has hardly any storage.

Okay, there are a few cabinets in the kitchen and deep windowsills (if you can even count that as a storage idea), but otherwise, there’s no defined space to put clothes, shoes, handbags, books, and other miscellaneous objects. I thought about buying a rolling rack, but I quickly shot down that idea because I'm self-aware enough to know that it would always look messy. I even considered hunting for an antique armoire at the local flea market – another idea I dismissed because I knew it would be impossible to get a piece like that up my three flights of stairs.

After a few weeks of tirelessly searching for practical, functional, and good-looking storage for my small space, I finally came across the winner: IKEA’s PAX Wardrobe.

For my storage-less apartment, the PAX Wardrobe is a heaven-sent furnishing – giving me ample space for not only clothes and shoes, but for everything else that's been in need of a proper home, too. It makes sense for storage-deficient small bedrooms and shoebox-style apartments, but regardless of the size of your home, this wardrobe can effectively organize the space.

I see it working wonders in a mudroom – providing organization for hats, gloves, coats, and any other outdoor gear that usually gets tossed about. Since it's sold with several drawers, I'd recommend assigning drawers to family members so they know exactly where to stash their belongings when they enter the house. And since this wardrobe features a slide-out mirror, you can easily check your outfit before heading out the door.

What makes the PAX Wardrobe so desirable is that it's customizable – almost like you're getting a custom-made closet designed specifically for your space. It's sold in two sizes and three different colors. It'll ship with the frame, two doors, and interior elements that you can determine how to install – depending on your space's needs. And since it ships unassembled, you don't have to worry about mathematically angling it through your home before finding its resting spot.

I plan on making my PAX Wardrobe look less like a flat-pack furnishing and more like a bespoke piece by refashioning both its interior and exterior with design-driven details. If you want to do the same, shop my styling picks below.

How I'd Style IKEA's PAX Wardrobe

IKEA's PAX Wardrobe is one of the most practical solutions I've come across for adding a closet that looks custom without the custom price tag. It's sold with lots of interior features that you can install to your liking, and it can fit so much – from hanging shirts and folded pants to shoes, accessories, home supplies, or whatever else you need. Plus, you can even incorporate your own elements (like my suggestions above) to make it feel custom-made.

Sure, this wardrobe unit is an investment, but it's much cheaper than commissioning bespoke joinery, and I'm convinced it's totally worth it.

Love beautiful design ideas, expert advice, and inspiring decor trends? Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest features delivered straight to your inbox.

You've survived the summer break, but now the back-to-school rush is looming, and any hope of slow, stress-free mornings is starting to slip away.

It doesn't have to be that way. One of the biggest morning bottlenecks is getting everyone dressed, which is why these $24 Amazon packing cubes can make such a difference. Simply plan outfits, pack each day's clothes into a separate cube, and place them somewhere your child can easily reach.

It's a simple trick to organize a kid's room that encourages independence, cuts down on decision-making, and helps everyone get out the door a little faster.

This unconventional organizing method is simple. At the start of each week, select dress-code-friendly outfits for your child and pack each, with the appropriate extras such as hair ties, socks, etc., into the cubes. The weekday labels make them easy to arrange on a shelf or in a basket for your child to grab each morning.

The method is an easy way to encourage independence once your child is old enough to dress themselves, and can be a fantastic way to introduce your child to chores. The task can improve fine motor skills, help introduce routine, and offer a sense of autonomy.

These small accomplishments start the day with a sense of achievement. This, in turn, can help start the day in a better mood.

What Else to Shop

There is more to solving the rush than organizing your kids room for back-to-school success. These organizers are perfect for creating organized zones throughout your home to make the school run simpler for you all.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Looking for some more permanent upgrades to beat the morning rush? Consider these back-to-school mudroom upgrades.

Love the latest product news and helpful shopping advice? Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest features delivered straight to your inbox.

There is one thing I’m always trying to find more of in my small kitchen: counter space. Between preparing meals, setting down groceries, and dealing with the inevitable pile of dishes, even a few inches of extra room can make the whole space feel more functional.

That’s why I was immediately drawn to IKEA’s LILLHAVET multifunctional dish rack. At just $19.99, this compact kitchen organizer is designed to fit over the sink or sit on the countertop with its removable draining tray, giving you more flexibility than a traditional dish rack.

It may look like a simple kitchen essential, but its clever, space-saving design makes washing up feel a little less chaotic – especially if you want to declutter kitchen countertops or have a small kitchen with limited countertop space.

A Clever Way to Use Sink Space

Most dish racks take up a surprising amount of room. Once you add dinner plates, glasses, mugs, and cutlery, they can quickly dominate a countertop – and that is particularly frustrating in a small kitchen where every surface needs to work hard.

The LILLHAVET dish rack offers a more flexible alternative and is replacing the traditional dish rack. You can place it directly over the sink so water drips straight into the basin, or use it on the countertop with the included draining tray underneath.

That over-the-sink design is what makes it especially useful. Instead of losing valuable prep space to a bulky dish drainer, you can make use of an area that would otherwise sit empty.

The rack is also narrow enough to fit comfortably beside a sink without overwhelming the countertop. Measuring approximately 18¾ inches long and 6¾ inches wide, it has a slim profile but still holds up to five plates at once.

Despite its compact size, the LILLHAVET is designed to accommodate more than just plates. Its metal rack provides slots for dinnerware, while the removable plastic section can hold cutlery and collect excess water.

I particularly like that the design keeps different items separated. Plates can stand upright rather than being stacked in a pile, while glasses and mugs can be placed alongside them. This allows more air to circulate around each item, helping everything dry more efficiently.

The rack is made from steel with a protective coating designed to help prevent rust, while the draining tray and cutlery holder are made from polypropylene plastic containing at least 20% recycled material.

It also comes in a dark anthracite finish, which gives it a more streamlined, modern appearance than the shiny chrome dish racks that can make a kitchen counter look cluttered.

The Flexible Design Makes It Ideal for Small Kitchens

The LILLHAVET’s biggest advantage is that it can adapt to the way you use your kitchen. If you need as much countertop space as possible, place the rack over the sink and allow water to drain directly into the basin. If your sink is too small or you prefer to keep the rack beside it, use the included draining tray to protect the countertop.

The individual pieces can also be separated, which gives you more options when you have a larger load of dishes. You could use the metal rack for plates and place the draining tray elsewhere for glasses or mugs.

That flexibility makes this feel less like a basic dish rack and more like a small kitchen workstation. IKEA also designed the LILLHAVET to be combined with other accessories in the same collection, allowing you to create a more organized setup around the sink.

A Simple Upgrade for a More Organized Kitchen

Kitchen organization does not always require a major renovation or a complicated storage system. Sometimes, the most useful upgrades are the small, inexpensive additions that make everyday tasks easier.

The LILLHAVET dish rack helps keep wet dishes contained, frees up countertop space, and makes better use of the area around the sink. Its compact footprint also makes it a practical choice for apartments, studio kitchens, dorms, or any home with limited countertop space.

Of course, it is designed for smaller dish loads rather than a full family’s worth of washing up. If you regularly wash large pots, pans, and multiple place settings by hand, you may need additional drying space. But for everyday dishes – or as a compact secondary drying rack – its slim design is a smart solution.

If the LILLHAVET isn't the perfect match for your space, there are plenty of other well-designed dish racks worth considering. Here are a few of my favorite alternatives.

Shop Alternative Dish Racks

I am, regrettably, very easily influenced, so when I saw countless picture-perfect images of aesthetically organized pantries, I was always going to jump on the bandwagon.

Now, however, after several years of trying to maintain my food storage like it is a Pinterest board, I am finally letting the aesthetic go in favour of creating a cook space that works with me, not against me.

The best place to start? With the Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, available at Amazon. These non-toxic airtight storage gems come with scoops for easy use, keeping cooking simple and food fresher for longer.

Don't get me wrong, there can be plenty of benefits to aesthetic organizing tricks. They can make a small kitchen look more luxurious and, in the right space, create a calm, cohesive feel. But if you're dreading weekly refills, struggling to store bulky refill bags, or finding it harder to grab ingredients while cooking, it's a sign your system is working against you. More often than not, the most organized kitchen is the one that's designed for convenience, not just appearances.

The Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers have become my go-to for adding practicality back into my kitchen. The sturdy BPA-free plastic design means I am not worried about shattering glass should I drop or knock them (a godsend for someone as clumsy as me), while the airtight silicone seal helps keep food fresher for longer, fending off staleness and pests.

The smallest detail is the included serving scoops, but they are easily my favourite. When retrieving ingredients for cooking and baking, I do not have to dig around for another spoon and pile up the washing up in the sink. It's a quickgrab-and-go system that speeds up midweek dinners.

For those of us who are still concerned with pretty kitchen storage, the clear sides have a similar appeal to the rounded glass jars every Instagram-worthy home seems to use. The difference is that they feature matching latch lids instead of wooden tops, creating a more airtight seal to keep food fresher for longer.

Better still, their square shape makes far more efficient use of shelf space, allowing you to fit more into your cabinets without awkward gaps. In my small kitchen, making use of every inch is a must, and these containers do exactly that.

They're a simple swap that makes your pantry look better while being more efficient.

What Else to Shop

There are several food storage tricks that extend the life of your groceries and improve the workflow of your kitchen. These are my picks for improving practicality from day to day.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

When organizing your food storage, be sure to avoid these common kitchen storage mistakes to improve the flow of your workspace, not hinder it.

Love the latest product news and helpful shopping advice? Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest features delivered straight to your inbox.

Good storage is essential in any home, but finding a solution that effortlessly combines both style and function can sometimes be tricky.

Yet, with a natural charm, handwoven finish, and chic, statement shape, the FLÅDIS Basket from IKEA somehow balances both in perfect measure, with shoppers snapping up multiple to tidy different spaces all around their homes.

It proves that the beauty of the best storage ideas lies in their versatility.

No home fails to benefit from using storage baskets properly: Minimizing visual clutter, making the most of vertical storage, and corralling miscellaneous items that often end up strewn across countertops.

This simple yet oh-so-effective storage idea is a staple that works in any space, and IKEA's FLÅDIS Basket is one of the best woven storage baskets I've found.

Braided from seagrass with sturdy handles, it's portable, flexible, and pretty enough to leave out on display in your bedroom, living room, shelves, or entryway.

The unique design offers plenty of space for bulkier items − like storing towels and linens, blankets, bedding, and cushions − as well as smaller odds and ends which tend to get lost or misplaced.

That same adaptability is proven by all the clever ways shoppers have used the FLÅDIS Basket around their homes.

For example, alongside her five-star review on the IKEA site, Stefanie shares how she used hers as a planter in her living room and 'loved how it looks,' while another shopper adds, 'I use this basket on top of my laundry machines to hide my laundry detergent and supplies. It is so pretty, and I have had lots of compliments!'

Plenty of people have bought more than one, too. 'Have several of these,' says Phoebe. 'Never realized before I got them in the mail that they can all fit inside of each other, which is a great storage trick for the empties. Hope they never stop making these. Great for magazines.'

Others note that it makes for the 'ultimate garden basket,' dog toy storage for organizing pet supplies, yarn storage, and even a 'nice cat basket.' And the best part? If you're too tired to tidy, it also makes the perfect catch-all basket − simply pop out-of-place items straight into it, and sort them once you have the time or energy.

More to Shop

Interested in shopping for more storage baskets and solutions to overhaul your living room storage, make your entryway storage look nicer, or utilize space-saving ways to use vertical storage? Browse a curated selection of top-rated favorites below.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

If you're curious about what storage makes a home look expensive in 2026, opt for color-drenched picks and floor-to-ceiling shelving.

Love the latest product news and helpful shopping advice? Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest features delivered straight to your inbox.

As kitchen design gets more relaxed and built-in cabinetry mixes with freestanding pieces, the humble kitchen hutch is making a comeback. Full of character and offering a place to display your favorite wares, it's a furniture piece designers are excited to see back in our cooking spaces.

But it's a kitchen storage idea that goes beyond just functionality, doubling as a beautiful focal point and creating space for both essentials and decor. And the key to the success of this freestanding furniture is in the styling. To help you curate a beautiful kitchen hutch that's as pretty as it is practical, we've turned to interior designers to discover their hutch styling tips – and why they say it's a kitchen trend that's here to stay.

Hutches and dressers were once a staple in every kitchen. Shelves would be filled with ceramics, from plates and servers to teapots and butter dishes, while closed storage at the bottom would be utilized for dry ingredients and the lesser-used items that didn't need to be on display.

They were hardworking features of a kitchen, which evolved to blend aesthetics with functionality. And that's exactly why they are enjoying a revival this year. As trends continue to showcase the growing desire for freestanding kitchens that feel lived-in and personalized, a hutch is the missing piece.

'The main appeal of a kitchen hutch or dresser is that it acts as a standalone piece of furniture, bringing warmth and character to the space. I always look for antique or vintage pieces, as their imperfections are my favorite part. It is also the perfect opportunity to paint the piece a fun, standout color that complements the rest of the room,' says interior stylist Melanie Marshall.

It's especially appealing in kitchen styles that lean less modern and minimal. From country kitchens to coastal schemes, a hutch offers a visual relief from continuous built-in cabinetry, creating a more collected, characterful design.

'I love a kitchen hutch because it's a great way to break up all of the built-in cabinetry. Kitchens can start to feel really boxy, so introducing a furniture piece adds new tones, textures, and shapes that make the room feel much more layered and collected,' says interior designer Cathryn Lindsey.

'It also creates an opportunity for open shelving without losing valuable upper cabinets. You can mix beautiful decorative objects with functional pieces, giving the kitchen more personality while still providing practical storage for glassware, serving pieces, or china.'

How to Style a Kitchen Hutch

1. Treat Your Hutch Styling like a Bookshelf

The way you style a hutch differs from how you style your other kitchen storage. It requires a balance between kitchenware and decorative elements, especially if you want it to create a more personalized feel in your cooking space.

'I treat it more like styling a bookshelf than stocking a cabinet. Layer in a small piece of artwork, a framed photo, a stack of books, a ceramic vase, or a vintage object so it doesn't read as shelves filled with dishes,' says Cathryn.

Try to strike a balance between your favorite kitchenware and collected pieces you want on display. 'The mix of functional and decorative pieces is what gives a hutch its charm and makes it feel like it has been collected over time rather than styled all at once.'

2. Display Special Pieces, Rather Than Kitchenware You Use Daily

The mistake a lot of people make when styling a hutch is filling it with the plates and bowls they use daily. But this approach leaves your hutch feeling empty most of the time, with awkward gaps that make it feel unfinished, so displaying unique and lesser-used pieces works best.

'I love using a kitchen hutch to display the pieces that feel a little more special: vintage crystal, heirloom china, pretty serving bowls, bar accessories, or linens you pull out when you're entertaining. I usually avoid styling it with everyday dishes that are constantly being used, because empty gaps in the shelves can make the whole display feel unfinished,' explains Cathryn.

But it's not just about ensuring the display always looks good. It's an opportunity to keep your special kitchenware somewhere you can see it every day, rather than being hidden away in a drawer. 'I encourage clients to choose unique and special items they love on display here. Items that spark stories and jog memories are firm favorites in my eyes,' Katy adds.

3. Pick a Subtle Color Scheme

If you're struggling to style your hutch in a way that feels effortless yet cohesive, opting for a subtle color scheme can help. 'Obviously, choosing colors that work together helps. I personally love yellows and blues together,' says interior designer Katy Cronk.

If you've chosen a traditional wooden hutch, the color scheme will apply to the items you choose to store here, but it can also incorporate the hutch itself for a more playful feel. In this design, Katy had painted the hutch a vibrant shade of yellow, pairing it with mainly blue-ware plates and servers, with a few cabbage-ware pieces. It feels bold and characterful but still with a sense of traditional style.

A hutch is the perfect piece to bring charm and interest to your space. It balances functional storage with space for decorative displays, exactly the look this year's trends are championing. Styling a hutch doesn't have to be complicated. In fact, the less perfect, the better, as Katy explains. 'I think it’s great when dressers don’t look too perfect; I love an informal, characterful dresser that invites questions and interest.'

Love beautiful design ideas, expert advice, and inspiring decor trends? Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest features delivered straight to your inbox.