To say that this closet is a challenge is an understatement. It is very long and very narrow with a sloping roof. We decided to go with an elfa closet solution from The Container Store.

See all the pull out drawers? Those babies are all mine.

All the drawers, shoe racks and shelves pull out which really does help compensate for the small space. David was able to fit all of his clothes into his side of the closet. It isn’t possible to fit all my clothes into half of this closet, even after drastically cutting down my wardrobe.

We have an antique English armoire, my very first piece of grown-up furniture, that has been sitting in our garage since we moved into the house. It is too tall to fit up our stairs. Maybe it can be taken apart to get it upstairs and into the bedroom? I definitely need hanging storage space!

How will this closet ever be functional for two people? It isn’t like we are clothes horses, but we do have a reasonable amount of clothing between the two of us. I’m not convinced there is enough space for my shoes! The closet is long and extremely narrow. For the past 99 years it has functioned without any lighting.

We decided to open up the wall to build in more storage. It is actually a fairly decent amount of storage space for winter coats and bedding.

In a small space every inch counts. Built-ins offer clever and functional storage solutions for small spaces.

Built-in bookcase and bench with lift-top seat for additional storage flank the fireplace

Bookcases, benches or desks utilize the space next to bungalow fireplaces. Fireplaces were considered the heart of the home and made an ideal spot to curl up with a good book.

Built-in writing desks

Hiding a desk in a room divider or a corner is a clever way to maximize areas of the room that would not otherwise be used.

Built-in storage drawer

This drawer provides additional storage as well as a place to sit. I always have a stack of things waiting to be taken upstairs piled in my stairway. I wish I had a beautiful drawer like this one.

Bench is built into the stair railing

Every space is put to good use. The built-in bench is next to the wall niche holding the telephone.

Built-in china cabinet

No bungalow dining room is complete without a built-in china cabinet.

Built-in window seat and library

This window seat and small library from a 1920′s catalog looks very inviting.

Curved window seat

The built-in seating and storage cabinets provide maximum seating and functionality in a curved room.

Built-in window seat, bookcases and desk

Built-ins provide a lot of storage while taking up a minimal amount of floor space, making them ideal for tiny spaces.