Awkward Space in Your Cary Home? Turn it into Amazing Storage With These Top 7 Storage Tips!
- Christina Johnson
- Aug 6
- 5 min read

Let’s be honest—every home has one (or more): that weird little nook you don’t know what to do with. Maybe it’s the awkward space under the stairs, that sloped-ceiling attic corner, or the oddly-shaped alcove beside the fireplace. These spots tend to become dead zones for dust bunnies—or worse, a dumping ground for clutter.
But here’s the good news: those tricky corners and funky floor plans? They’re goldmines for smart, stylish storage!
At Carolina Closets Plus, we believe every square inch of your Cary home has potential—especially the overlooked and oddly-shaped parts. With a little creativity and expert design, we can turn even the most awkward areas into functional, beautiful storage spaces.
Why Cary Homes Come With Quirky Corners
Cary is full of gorgeous, unique homes—from charming older houses with unexpected architecture to new builds that love a good open-concept twist. But that uniqueness often brings... surprises.
We’re talking:
Unused space under the stairs
Dormer windows in upstairs bedrooms
Tiny closets in oddly-angled rooms
Sloped walls in attics or FROGs (finished rooms over garages)
Tight laundry nooks or pantry corners
Sound familiar? You’re not alone. That’s why home storage solutions in Cary need to be flexible, custom, and creative.
Top 7 Storage Solutions for Awkward Spaces

Let’s transform those quirky spaces into showstoppers with these storage tips!
1. Make the Most of Under-Stair Storage
That triangle-shaped void under your staircase? It’s prime real estate. Don’t let it go to waste!
Awkward space storage ideas for under the stairs:
Installing pull-out drawers to organize shoes, board games, or seasonal items
Adding built-in cabinets with open or closed shelves for books, décor, or family essentials
Designing a cozy bench seat with hidden compartments underneath for blankets, bags, or toys
Creating a wine rack or mini mudroom setup for coats, backpacks, and umbrellas
This spot can go from forgotten to fabulous with just a little thoughtful design.
2. Get Creative With Sloped Ceilings and Attics
Attics often have odd shapes, but they’re full of potential when you think vertically—and custom.
Creative storage tips for small spaces with sloped ceilings:
Install low-profile drawers or cabinets along the base of angled walls to store out-of-season clothes or linens
Fit custom cabinetry that follows the slope exactly for a seamless, polished look
Use open shelving between ceiling joists for books, baskets, or decorative storage
Create a cozy reading nook by adding a built-in bench with hidden compartments
It’s all about turning what seems like a limitation into a one-of-a-kind feature.
3. Turn Dormers Into Dreamy Storage Zones
Dormer windows might not offer much floor space, but they’re perfect for targeted storage.
Ideas to maximize dormers:
Build a window seat with a lift-up lid for storing blankets, pillows, or toys
Use narrow shelving or cubbies on either side of the window for books, plants, or keepsakes
Create a mini office or study nook with a small desk and drawers underneath
The goal? Use every inch around the window—without crowding it.
4. Fill in Alcoves With Built-Ins

Alcoves and recesses are those shallow indents in walls that seem... random. But with a little planning, they become standout storage zones.
Storage solutions for awkward spaces like alcoves:
Floor-to-ceiling shelving to display books, décor, and storage baskets
Custom wardrobes for storing overflow clothing, linens, or seasonal items
Entryway “command centers” with hooks, shelves, and cubbies for mail, keys, and devices
We love building cabinetry that blends seamlessly into your space—and your style.
5. Create Order in Narrow Hallways and Tight Corners
Don’t underestimate the power of small-space design. Tight corners and long hallways can do more than just get you from point A to B.
Home storage solutions Cary families love include:
Install narrow shoe cabinets to keep entryways tidy and free of clutter
Use wall-mounted coat racks or floating shelves for stylish, space-saving storage
Add slim pantry shelves in unused kitchen corners to store spices, jars, or small appliances
Small, intentional additions can make your home feel bigger and more efficient.
6. Customize Cabinets and Shelving for Any Shape
This is where we really shine. At Carolina Closets Plus, we specialize in building custom cabinetry and shelving to fit whatever quirky shape your home throws our way.
Benefits of going custom:
Every inch of space is used effectively—no gaps, no wasted potential
Materials, colors, and finishes are tailored to match your style and décor
Designs are completely personalized to your lifestyle (so your storage actually works for you!)
Adds both functionality and value to your home
From angled cubbies to curved cabinetry, if you can dream it, we can design it.
7. Don’t Just Hide the Clutter—Show Off Your Style
Storage should be practical and pretty. When you transform awkward spaces, think of them as opportunities to add personality and charm to your home.
Stylish, functional ideas:
Add accent lighting to built-in shelves for a cozy, upscale feel
Mix open and closed storage to keep things tidy while showcasing your favorite items
Use matching baskets, bins, or jars to create a cohesive, polished look
Incorporate personal touches like framed photos, plants, or art to make the space truly yours
When form and function meet, your home feels better—and you enjoy it more every day.
Why Storage Solutions Matter More Than You Think

You might be thinking, “It’s just one weird corner—do I really need a whole solution for it?”Short answer: YES.
Because awkward spaces left unused do more than waste square footage—they create visual clutter, daily frustration, and even missed opportunities to enjoy your home more.
When you reclaim and reimagine those forgotten zones, you:
✔️ Transform your home into an oasis of calm: A cleaner, more organized space isn’t just satisfying—it can improve your mood and make your day-to-day life easier.
✔️ Boost your home’s value: Thoughtful, permanent storage solutions can actually increase resale value. Buyers love functionality as much as beauty.
✔️ Say goodbye to clutter: Free up your main living areas by giving everything its own place, no more piles of “stuff” stealing your peace of mind.
✔️ Put your personal stamp on your space: Custom storage allows you to design a home that’s not only functional but uniquely yours.
Your home deserves to work as hard for you as you do for it. So don’t let those awkward or forgotten nooks hold you back from loving every inch of your space!
Real Awkward-Space Transformations by Carolina Closets Plus
We’ve seen—and conquered—it all:
🎯 Under-stair wine storage that became the talk of the neighborhood
🎯 An attic turned into a kids’ reading room with custom drawers and cozy seating
🎯 A hallway transformed into a sleek drop zone with vertical cubbies and mail slots
🎯 An angled guest room that gained floor-to-ceiling custom wardrobes, making it hotel-worthy
We love working with Cary homeowners to take the “weird” and turn it into wow. Every project is personalized, and every result is stunning.
Ready to Make Your Awkward Spaces Awesome?
Don’t let your home’s quirky corners hold you back. With storage solutions for awkward spaces, you can turn every inch of your Cary home into something beautiful, useful, and totally you.
At Carolina Closets Plus, we’re passionate about creating smart, stylish storage that works for real life. From concept to completion, our team makes the process fun, easy, and completely custom.
Book your consultation today and discover how we can transform your weirdest space into one of your favorites.
Serving Cary, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, and surrounding areas with Southern charm and serious storage know-how. Because no space should go to waste. Let’s make it work beautifully—together.
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