City spaces in Japan are infamously tiny, and nowhere is this truer than when it comes to hotel rooms. With minimal space, though, comes clever design − something I recently noticed on a two-week vacation to Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.
In particular, with no closet space to speak of in any room I stayed in, it was wall hooks that I saw time and again. Not only are these affordable and simple to add to any room, but they also add plenty of valuable storage space without taking up any floor space at all.
Now, I'm convinced that they're one of the best space-saving ways to use vertical storage.
IKEA shoppers love these 'charming' hooks, and many have been back for multiple purchases as they're so useful all over the house. The chic porcelain knobs elevate them from standard hooks, too. Hardware is not included so make sure to pick up suitable screws and fixings from the IKEA TRIXIG series.
Knowing how to maximize storage in every room comes with finding clever solutions. And, like most things, the very best space-saving ideas are the simplest − and wall hooks, such as the LANDKRABBA Rack, available at IKEA, are one of the easiest-to-add small storage-less home solutions that I spotted in every Japanese hotel room I stayed in.
In those spaces, they were paired with an array of hangers to organize clothes, without eating into the small space where every inch is essential. Usually positioned away from the bed and towards the door, they kept everything neat and accessible, without affecting the look of the room, despite their unconcealed nature.
Cathy Orr, co-founder of The Uncluttered Life, shares, 'I love wall hooks. I have them in all my bedrooms and bathrooms. They create space where there previously was little or none, and take unused vertical space and make easy-to-use storage without adding any bulk to a room,' which is exactly why they work so effectively in compact Japanese hotel rooms.
'Wall hooks also reduce visual clutter,' continues Cathy, 'and keep things from piling up on chairs or countertops. With a dedicated hook, it’s easy to know where something goes.
'In addition, they reduce decision fatigue. Hooks are so much easier than opening up a drawer or folding an item. You just pop something on the hook and pick it back up when you need it again.'
There Are Many Spaces to Use Them
They're not just useful for bedroom spaces, either − there are plenty of other ways to use hooks to increase storage, all around the home. For example, you might add them to an entryway, closet, or door to serve a similar purpose to the ones I used in Japan. Or, you may find they offer valuable extra hanging storage space to organize under the sink, kitchen cabinets, or utility rooms.
'For example, I placed them in my bedrooms on the wall behind doors and in my bathrooms,' adds Cathy. 'I place them in closets, too. They add just enough extra room to hang purses, towels, backpacks, and anything that typically gets set down on the floor.'
And, as Megan Cocchiaro, Certified Professional Organizer and Founder of Organized by Meg, says, you can add hangers, just like in my Japanese hotel rooms, and specific S hooks, available at Amazon in a pack of 30, for extra hanging space for clothing and large bags.
'You can also add a hanging-style fabric shelf to turn hanging, vertical space into hanging shelves, therefore maximizing space above the floor and beneath the hanging rod,' she adds.
What to Shop
Below, I've curated a collection of gorgeous wall hooks, because you don't have to compromise on style to add more storage to your space. Opt for a fun, eye-catching design in more maximalist spaces, and something more plain yet refined for more neutral, pared-back homes.
All prices were correct at the time of publication.
If you're a fan of beach house decor, these cast-iron hooks, featuring a seashell, crab, and seahorse, are compact enough for narrow spaces, and include pre-drilled holes that make them easy to mount in any room.
Add a pop of playful color to your space with these hooks from IKEA, which are part of the OMMJÄNGE collection, which is inspired by Swedish folk art. They're available in a pack of three.
This handmade wall rack is perfect for coats and bags, and can hold up to eight pounds of weight. It's made from recycled materials, which offer uniqueness, character, and charm.
Keep things simple with this tasteful aluminium wall hook rack. It features a durable construction and is installed with recessed screws for a clean, polished look that will complement any decor.
This wall shelf cleverly features three hooks on the underside for added storage space. With no visible screws, the hardware is concealed for a seamless look that will work particularly well for any bathroom ideas.
This stylish, vintage-look wall hook rack is made from solid iron for a strong finish, and features admiral blue floral prints. It comes with a metal hanger for easy and secure mounting.
Meet the Experts
If you live in a rental property, you can always add adhesive wall hooks or make use of Command strip hooks.
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