Whether you live in a tight space or you simply have too much stuff, there are some real design geniuses out there that have come up with ways to free up space.

With many people trying to downsize and the tiny home movement taking off, there are now all sorts of design ideas and furniture pieces that play more than one role or tuck and fold away when they’re not needed.

Here are 20 of our favorites:

1. Put away your pet

Aww, we’re kidding, pets are the best.

But occasionally they come with their own furniture that can take up lots of your floor space.

Double up on function by looking into these clever hideaways that also act as end tables.

2. Floating corner shelves

We might stack or lean things in a corner but floating shelves are a much more elegant option.

Now you can have more space for your essentials AND your decor!

3. Vertical victory

If you get enough height, you don’t need a big, deep closet to store your cleaning supplies.

We love the idea of adding just a few extra inches onto the side of the fridge to store all those small bottles and brooms that don’t need to be taking up a whole closet or under-sink space.

4. Stair storage

This project will give you some serious bang for your buck.

Imagine having as many extra drawers as you do stairs!

You could certainly stop struggling to find space for out-of-season clothing – or even store all those shoes that are lying around in a pile.

5. The perfect pantry

This mini pantry is just 6-inches deep but holds all sorts of spices and other cooking items that are normally sprawled out all over a shelf.

6. DIY vanity

Using easy-to-install floating shelves, you can get the clutter out of your bathroom, off the sink, and into a place where it’s easier to see and store with little effort.

With just a mirror and stool, this creative designer made their own vanity space that takes up hardly any room.

7. Drive it up a wall

Walls are for more than paintings and mirrors. Consider getting creative with your wall space and adding storage containers to this vertical real estate.

If you don’t love the vanity idea above, you can keep your products in the same place you wash your hands – just keep them up high so they’re not in the way all the time.

You can find instructions for this specific project at A Beautiful Mess.

8. Brilliant bookshelf headboard

This one is a little less safe if your bed is always a-rockin’ but a bookshelf as a headboard is a great idea for those who have a studio apartment or just don’t have space on (or even for) bedside tables.

9. Double-duty drying rack

Folded up, these act as blinds on the window.

Folded down, you have a place to dry your delicates.

Since we struggle to find space to lay out our sweaters, this item seems extra useful.

10. Seating storage

It’s hard to have people over when you simply don’t have the space to keep extra seating just laying around.

But we love this glass table with slide-under ottomans because it’s not only beautiful but totally functional.

You could even invest in ottomans with storage inside to hide even more stuff!

11. Hide your jewels

If you’re like most people, jewelry (especially costume jewelry) starts to pile up in little bowls and boxes around the house.

And while it’s great to see all of your sparkly things sometimes, it’s also nice to store them away for safekeeping and get them out of the way.

This wall unit is a great way to create storage space without taking up more floor or shelf space. And the front can be a painting or a mirror.

12. Tuck-away table

Just like a Murphy bed, this table tucks up into the wall when not in use.

If you live in a small home, kitchen space can be crucial – and while it’s nice to have a place to set things, it’s also nice to be able to move around sometimes!

13. Hide you bedside

Bed should be relaxing, but occasionally we need some things nearby for the moments we’re not sleeping.

Instead of stacking all that stuff on a bedside table, try tucking it into a mattress caddy to make it invisible when you don’t need it.

14. Staircase storage

Unless you’ve got Harry Potter living under your stairs there’s probably a lot of empty real estate in there.

This isn’t a project that gets done in a weekend, but if you can swing it, it can be a real help in hiding away everything from seasonal items to toys and games and extra linens.

15. Baby basics

This is probably the only design inspiration you can take away from a public restroom.

If you live in a small home or apartment, trying to find space for baby gear is tough.

Instead of letting your little one’s accessories take over your life, find items – like this changing table – that can tuck away when they aren’t needed.

16. Before you say bye to your books

Book-lovers can get attached to their favorites, but we don’t always have space to keep them around without making our homes look cluttered.

While there are plenty of creative ways to store books, we like this unexpected use of space that isn’t good for much else.

17. Ironing made easy

Is it glamorous? No. Necessary? Most likely.

Who wants to store an ironing board if you have a bit of extra space on top of the dryer?

Items like this heat-absorbing mat allow us to think more creatively about space that we’re not using.

18. Ditch your dish rack

We all need somewhere to put our drying dishes, but why take up all the space next to your sink when they can go over it instead?

The water will drip right back where it needs to be and your kitchen counters are free and clear.

19. Party in the back

Whether you build it or buy it these thin sofa tables can be a lifesaver when it comes to saving space.

Yes, your couch will move forward a few inches, but now you don’t need nearly as many side tables to stack things on.

20. Secret seating

We don’t normally think of our dining room chairs as taking up that much space, but we can’t argue with the fact that this table makes a lot more sense in a small room.

Even if you don’t have dinner parties, it’s perfect for game night or homework without being in the way the rest of the time.

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Which room in your house is the most cluttered?

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