Awkward Spaces
UK houses are full of leftover geometry: alcoves, chimney breasts, under-stairs triangles, the gap beside the fridge. The useful approach is to fit the leftover, not to buy a 'space-saving' cube that almost fits.
Key buying considerations
Measure twice, including skirting, radiators and the way doors open.
Alcoves are not a standard width
Off-the-shelf cubes leave ugly gaps. A cut shelf or a made-to-fit unit usually looks calmer and holds more.
Under-stairs is a fire and access problem
Do not block meters, stopcocks or escape routes for the sake of a shoe dump.
Depth beats height if you cannot reach
High shelves over a stair are useless without a stool you have nowhere to keep.
Best awkward spaces buying guides
What we would read first before buying awkward spaces.
Buying guide
Storage ideas for awkward spaces in small flats
The most useful storage in a small flat often fits where normal furniture cannot — beside cupboards, behind doors, under beds, inside corners and below shelves.
Buying guide
Corner storage unit guide: shelves and ideas for small rooms
Four corner-storage formats for small rooms, plus a practical measure-up and ways to use an empty corner without buying furniture.
Buying guide
Best slim storage unit picks for gaps beside furniture
Four different ways to use a narrow furniture gap, from open trolley shelves to enclosed drawers and a shallow bedside cabinet.
Recently updated
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