13 Creative And Organized Knee Wall Storage Ideas You’ll Love

These knee wall storage ideas will transform your home. You need all the storage you can get when you live in a small house.

If you’re like most women, organization is key to maintaining a happy household. You have to keep track of everyone’s schedules, make sure the bills are paid on time, and find a way to keep the clutter to a minimum. That’s why we’re always looking for new ways to declutter and organize our homes. And that’s where knee walls come in.

You’re always looking for more storage when you live in a small space. No matter how often you declutter, there’s never enough space for all the stuff. But did you know that there’s a secret storage spot in your home that you’re probably not using? Knee walls are those short walls often found upstairs in older homes and attics. Often called pony walls or short walls, they’re perfect for adding extra storage to your life.

What’s A Knee Wall?

In case you’re unfamiliar, a knee wall is a short wall typically used to support the roof rafters in attics. Knee walls are built on the sloped portion of a roof and are usually only about three feet or knee height.

But you may not know that knee walls are also great for adding extra storage to your home! Here are a few ideas on using knee walls to create more storage space inside a load-bearing wall in your home. They’re typically used to create an enclosed area under the eaves of a house, but they can also be used to create additional storage space.

What’s A Pony Wall?

A pony wall is a type of load-bearing wall. This means that the wall helps to support the weight of the building and its contents. The most common place you’ll see pony walls is between the first story and second story of a multi-story building. In single-story buildings, the floor joists rest directly on the foundation, so there’s no need for a pony wall. There’s a difference between the two.

Construction On Your Home

Before you start any type of construction, consult a professional. Many times, disturbing the integrity of these walls may harm the security of your home’s structural support. Consider a contractor or structural engineer for help.

Many times, it’s easy to create built-ins of all kinds with just a few tools: a reciprocating or circular saw will help remove the sheetrock between the two-by-four wall studs middle sections allowing a bump-out type space. Most will not have a finished floor, so add it to your to-do list if that’s important.

If you have a knee wall in your home, here are some wall storage ideas you can use to make the most of this space.

1 Insert Bookshelves

As a storage space, people often overlook knee walls. However, they can be pretty helpful! One way to use a knee wall space is to add open shelves. That is a great way to store books, photo albums, and knick-knacks, especially for log cabin decor styles.

If you’re worried about the stability of the shelves, you can always use L-brackets to secure them to the wall.

Another option is to use a few tension rods. That can create a shelf for lightweight items such as towels or blankets. Place the tension rod across the knee wall, and voila! You now have a makeshift shelf.

2 Create a Display Area

Another great idea to use a knee wall is to create a display area. That is perfect for displaying family photos, artwork, or even travel souvenirs in top-floor living spaces.

To create a display area, add some floating shelves, choose the items you want to display, and arrange them across the space. Storing your favorite items on a knee wall shelf is a great way to show off your finds, creating a unique look for the room.

3 Use It as a Small Hanging Closet

You can use this short wall between your roof rafters as a small closet! It’s perfect for storing seasonal items such as holiday decorations or winter clothes.

To turn your knee wall into a closet, hang a curtain rod or closet rods across the opening. You can then use hangers to store your items. For extra protection, you can even line the inside of the closet with plastic sheeting.

You can also install shelves or knee wall cabinets inside the closet. That will provide additional storage space for items such as shoes or boxes.

4 Use As Seasonal Storage

Create a closet to store seasonal decor and clothes. There’s a lot of extra wasted space behind those knee walls. Why not utilize it to keep some plastic storage bins behind a door?  

Create the perfect place for holiday decor or winter accessories easily with shelves and a sliding barn door for easy access and an aesthetically pleasing and decorative look.

5 Transform It Into a Dresser Unit

Is your bedroom in need of a dresser? If so, you can quickly transform this into a knee wall storage unit!

There are tons of different ways that you can do this. You can create built-in drawers (a dresser from scratch) or repurpose an old one.

If you decide to build a new dresser, you will need to measure the knee wall and cut the wood accordingly. You can then assemble the dresser using screws or nails.

If you’re short on time, you can always repurpose an old dresser. Give it a try if you’re in a bind and don’t have any dresser drawers. Place it in front of the knee wall, and there you have it: a temporary dressing table.

6 Use It as a Nightstand

Another great way to use your knee wall is as a nightstand. That is perfect for small bedrooms where space is limited.

To turn your knee wall into a nightstand, place a small table or shelf in front of it. You can then use it to store items such as an alarm clock, lamp, or book.

If you want to take things a step further, add a drawer to the nightstand. That will provide additional storage space for items such as glasses or a phone charger.

7 Create a Reading Nook

Books are a great way to escape reality. What better place to read them than in your reading nook?

To turn your knee wall into a reading nook, add a comfortable chair or bean bag and some short shelves in front of it. You can then use it to store items such as books, magazines, or even a blanket.

You can add throw pillows to the reading nook for additional comfort.

Additionally, you can install built-in shelves on the knee wall. It’ll provide additional storage space for your reading materials.

8 Use It as a Desk

You can always use your knee wall as a desk if you’re tight on space. That is perfect for small apartments with a tiny living room space or those who don’t have enough home office floor space.

To turn your knee wall into a desk, add a small table or shelf in front of it. You can then use it to store items such as a laptop, books, or even a lamp.

If you want to take things a step further, you can add some shelves above the desk or install a small ceiling fan. It will provide additional storage space for items such as office supplies or files.

9 Create a TV or Entertainment Unit

Do you love to watch TV or movies? If so, you can quickly turn your knee wall into a TV or entertainment unit.

Thousands of ideas on Pinterest show how to turn a knee wall into an entertainment unit. You can either build one from scratch or repurpose an old dresser.

If you decide to build a new TV unit, you will need to measure the short, interior walls and cut the wood accordingly. You can then assemble the unit using screws or nails.

If you’re short on time, you can always repurpose an old dresser. Place it in front of the knee wall; you now have a makeshift entertainment unit.

10 Use It as a Pet Cubby

Pets are a joy to have in the home, but they can also be a lot of work.

One good idea to make your life a little less cluttered is to use your knee wall as a pet cubby. It’s perfect for small dogs or cats who sleep in tight spaces.

To turn your knee wall into a pet cubby, remove the sheetrock from in between the wall joists, enclose the bump out, and add a small bed. Some might even add a motion sensor light, some of your pet’s favorite toys, and a small water bowl to keep your pet hydrated. Your pet will then have a cozy place to sleep.

11 Make It Into Toy Storage

Making a knee wall into a toy shelf can be a great way to organize your child’s toys. It can also be a great way to teach them responsibility in keeping their things neat.

You can create storage units on the knee wall to store your child’s toys. You can also add some baskets or bins to place the smaller toys.

You can also add a chalkboard or whiteboard to the toy storage to make it more fun for your child. They can use it to write their name or draw pictures.

12 Use It for Extra Linens

If you find towels, sheets, or blankets taking over your home, you can use your knee or half wall to store them. Add some shelves on the knee wall to store extra linens. You can also add some hooks to hang towels or robes.

A laundry basket can be placed under the shelves or in the middle section to store dirty linens. It works as a great way to keep your home organized and tidy.

13 Turn It Into a Mudroom

Mudrooms are a great way to keep your home clean and organized. They can be a great place to store shoes, coats, and hats. You can quickly turn it into a mudroom if you have a knee wall in your entryway or attic room. You can add some hooks to hang coats and bags.

You can also add a small bench or stool to sit on while you put on your shoes or place a basket to store gloves, hats, and scarves.

Final Thoughts On Ways To Use Knee Walls For Storage

You may have overlooked these short interior walls of your home. Consider all the great storage solutions hidden away in these little walls you can use while living in a small older home with limited space.

With a bit of creativity and construction know-how, you can add much-needed storage. Knowing a little about these low walls can open up so many options for these unused spaces. Create storage for craft rooms in the attic or wide cabinets to hide the larger items in your Star Wars Collection. Your only limit is your imagination.