Five ways to reclaim unused space in older properties

Older properties are full of character, from high ceilings to unconventional layouts, but these features can also make furnishing and organising tricky. Small alcoves, narrow hallways and irregular room shapes often leave valuable space underused. However, creating clever storage and smart designs can turn even the most awkward corners into practical, stylish areas that meet modern living needs while keeping the home’s charm intact.

Maximise storage with custom-fitted wardrobes

Period homes weren't designed with modern storage needs in mind. Alcoves and uneven walls can make it difficult to use standard furniture effectively. When considering wardrobes for awkward spaces such as these, it's better to opt for a tailored solution. This custom-created furniture works with your home's architecture, rather than against it.

Fitted designs allow you to turn small bedrooms or oddly shaped rooms into highly organised spaces. Shelving and drawers can be positioned exactly where you need them, ensuring that no corner is left unused. Storage for awkward spaces is crafted to follow the unique lines of your home, resulting in a seamless finish that looks as though it has always belonged there.

Transform loft and attic spaces into functional rooms

Lofts and attics are often the most underused areas in older homes, yet they hold enormous potential. Instead of becoming a dumping ground for forgotten belongings, these spaces can be reimagined as additional bedrooms, home offices or even a luxurious dressing area.

Exploring attic space ideas can help you see beyond the sloping ceilings and limited head height. With the right layout, lower sections of the wall can house clever storage, while taller sections accommodate seating or hanging space. Whether you need somewhere for guests to stay or simply more room to relax, an attic conversion can change how your home functions.

Create efficient understairs storage solutions

The space beneath a staircase is one of the most overlooked areas in any older property. Too often it's left entirely unused, despite the staircase being the fulcrum of the home, linking different floors and often situated in hallways where people constantly enter and exit.

With the right bespoke cabinetry, this neglected nook can provide clever storage for awkward spaces, from pull-out drawers and slim cupboards to open shelving for shoes, coats, or household essentials. By designing around the exact dimensions of the staircase, you gain practicality without disrupting the flow of your hallway.

Reclaim hallways and landings

Hallways and landings are usually seen as nothing more than routes from one room to another, but they can work much harder than that. In older homes, these areas are often generous in size yet underutilised, offering the perfect opportunity for additional storage.

With a little creativity, a landing can become a compact reading corner or a discreet home office. Slimline furniture and built-in solutions help maintain a sense of openness while providing places to store everyday items.

Make use of high ceilings

One of the greatest advantages of period properties is their height. Tall ceilings create a wonderful sense of space, but they can also leave large areas unused if furniture only occupies the lower half of the walls.

Introducing mezzanine levels, raised storage or full-height cabinetry allows you to take advantage of this vertical space. Floor-to-ceiling designs not only increase storage capacity but also draw the eye upward, enhancing the room's visual potential and celebrating the architectural features that make older homes so special.

Unlock your home’s potential with Hammonds

Every older property has hidden possibilities waiting to be discovered. With expert planning and made-to-measure designs, those awkward corners and forgotten spaces can become some of the most useful parts of your home. Booking a free design visit with Hammonds is the first step towards creating a house that respects its heritage while working perfectly for modern living.