Don’t Overlook Ceiling Storage Options
I’m a proponent of vertical organization and am a big believer in the benefits of turning unused wall space into a storage solution and investing in shelving, shelving, shelving . But why stop there? If you live in a tight space or just need more storage, why not think outside the box or rather up the stairs? Let’s talk about how to turn your ceiling into storage space.
The ceiling is a practical assistant for storing things
When I moved into my first apartment, I really loved screw-in hooks . I attached them to the ceiling, under every ledge and cabinet, so I could hang kitchen utensils, mugs, and even storage baskets. Eventually I had more specialized items to place in those spaces and store those things, but I never forgot how truly helpful it was to start imagining how much I could store and display if I stopped relying only on flat surfaces. By hanging some of my things above shelves or other parts of the house, I have saved a lot of space and have easy access to what I need.
These thoughts culminated in the interior design feat that I am still most proud of: I hung my TV from the ceiling , like you see in a doctor’s office waiting room, and also installed a small basket there to hold my TV. Game console. I loved it (and still love it), but my friends and family kept banging their heads on the TV, so I eventually agreed and took it down, taking with me a valuable lesson: if you’re going to use your ceiling for storage , make sure you are smart in placement. After hanging a wire shelving unit from the ceiling a few years ago, I’ve also learned to only hang things that are durable . Before attaching the TV to the ceiling, I consulted with a technician and he told me about switch bolts , which are a more durable version of the screw-in hooks I’ve used for everything before. I had to drill a hole in the ceiling, close the hinged part of the tumbler and secure it so I could screw the hooks into it, but without it my TV would eventually collapse, defeating the point of lifting it up. entirely vertical.
However, there are safe and easy ways to use your ceiling as storage if you get creative.
Ceiling storage ideas
There are many things you can pause. A few months ago I wrote about storing bags and wallets by attaching them to a chain and hanging them. You can hang it in the closet or along the wall, under the ceiling. But you can use this idea in another way: with a few S-shaped hooks, you can use the chain to store belts, shoes, kitchen utensils, or winter items like hats and scarves.
This is a customizable DIY option, but there are also ready-made products that make this task easier. For the most part, with off-the-shelf solutions, you have two options: industrial but less attractive or aesthetic but less durable.
In a garage, shed or storage room, you can easily choose a heavy-duty option. Fleximounts sells a variety of overhead storage racks, like this one, that can hold up to 600 pounds , so your bikes, camping gear, or seasonal supplies won’t have to take up space on your garage floor or shelves when not in use.
On the other hand, you can try ceiling mesh , which can be used in a closet or elsewhere in the home for lighter items, especially seasonal items that you don’t use often, or items that you have a lot of, such as soft items. animals or shoes.
You may also consider installing ceiling shelving ($95) or coat racks ($109.80). Get creative with what can go up, so you can then get creative with what you do with all your new flooring and shelves below.