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Simple and creative ways to add DIY storage to small areas of your home

From a narrow hallway to a kids' nook, these tricks will maximize any small space!
January 30, 2020 12:56 p.m. EST
January 30, 2020 12:56 p.m. EST
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DIY Producer Sarah Milligan showed us how she transformed small areas of her home, such as her hallway closet and how you can do the same! 

NARROW HALLWAY ENTRANCE

Most entryways don't have a designated closet, making it difficult to have a go-to place for your essentials. If you're in the mood to get crafty with a DIY, the perfect solution is to make a wood frame organizer! Not only will it store your belongings but it can also hold decorative pieces to add more character to your space. 

WOOD FRAME ORGANIZER

MATERIALS NEEDED

  • 19 – 1’ x 2’ x 8’ pieces of framing lumber
  • 1 ½” long screws
  • Power drill
  • Clamps
  • Saw
  • Measuring tape & pencil
  • Sandpaper
  • Stain & Polyurethane (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Cut 18 pieces of framing lumber to 6’ long
  2. Cut 3 x 26” long pieces from the remaining piece of lumber
  3. Lay your 6’ long pieces on a work surface and face the good side down. Use your cut ends to make spacers between each piece.
  4. Measure and clamp your first back piece 3 1/8” from the top of the structure. Pre-drill and screw holes into the back of each piece to attach.
  5. Do the same for the bottom end (you will have to move the spacers), and then for the middle (halfway point).
  6. Flip your organizer over and sand until smooth.
  7. Stain (optional) and add a coat of polyurethane to seal
  8. Add shelves to style as desired!

Featured: FINTORP Rail Black; IKEA, $9.99 | FINTOP Hook Black; IKEA, $4.99/5 Pack | MALMBACK Display Shelf Dark Grey; IKEA, $9.99 | FINTORP Magnetic Knife Rack Black, IKEA, $11.99 | Set of 6 Mighty Chrome magnets; CB2, $11.95 | Black Marble Wall Shelf; IKEA, $109 | SVARTSJON Hook Rack Black; IKEA, $7.99 | Gold Napkin Holder, HomeSense, $7.99

KIDS' NOOK

It's no secret that a play room or kids' room can often get chaotic. With lots of tons of books, toys and miscellaneous items, you might be looking for a way to organize the space. A corner storage seat is a great way to create to tackle  reading space for kids while also making space for toys, puzzles and games!

CORNER STORAGE SEAT

MATERIALS NEEDED

  • KALLAX shelf, 30 3/8” x 30 3/8”, white, $50
  • 1 meter fleece fabric
  • 1 meter batting
  • 30” x 30” x 3” foam
  • 1/2” Plywood cut to 30 3/8” x 30 3/8”
  • Staple gun

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Cut your fabric and batting 4” inches wider than your foam on all 4 sides so that it can wrap around
  2. Lay your fabric on a work surface, right side down, lay batting on top.  Center foam in the middle and then your plywood
  3. Wrap up one side and staple down.  Do the same to the opposite side, and then the other two sides.
  4. Pull the corners tight and staple down.  Add extra batting if you want more padding!
  5. Flip over and ready to use!

Featured: BEKVAM Spice Rack; IKEA, $6.99 | TOFTLUND Rug White; IKEA, $39.99 | FINTORP Rail, 22 1/2” Black; IKEA, $9.99 | SYRLIG Curtain Ring 1” Black; IKEA, $4/10 pack | 

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