# neat apartment hacks! **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [February 3, 2010, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neat-apartment-hacks/527548 "2010-02-03T17:25:05Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 15\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Savannah](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b3f665/32.png) [@Savannah](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Savannah)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2010, 5:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neat-apartment-hacks/527548/21 "2010-02-04T05:06:11Z")
I can’t possibly be the first to suggest visiting [http://www.apartmenttherapy.com](http://www.apartmenttherapy.com) …can I? Some nifty ideas there! You don’t have to be an apartment dweller. ---
**Author:** ![Savannah](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b3f665/32.png) [@Savannah](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Savannah)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2010, 5:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neat-apartment-hacks/527548/22 "2010-02-04T05:07:22Z")
> [@Sunglasses](#): > > This blog is an excellent place to go for inspiration: [http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/](http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/) > > Congratulations on your first place. Have fun making it your home. Shit. Control-F has failed me. Never mind. Continue the thread. ---
**Author:** ![Kayeby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/9de0a6/32.png) [@Kayeby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kayeby)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2010, 6:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neat-apartment-hacks/527548/23 "2010-02-04T06:34:46Z")
One thing that gets a lot of comments in my apartment is how I store my spices. I have magnetic spice cannisters with clear fronts (similar to [these](http://images.google.com.au/images?rlz=1C1CHME_enAU351AU351&sourceid=chrome&q=spice%20rack%20magnetic&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wi)) that I have on my fridge door. Apartments tend to not have a lot of kitchen storage, so this frees up some much-needed room, is easy to access, and looks pretty good too. ---
**Author:** ![elfkin477](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/a9a28c/32.png) [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2010, 6:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neat-apartment-hacks/527548/24 "2010-02-04T06:48:09Z")
> [@KneadToKnow](#): > > [noun definition 1](http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=hack) which is about computer programs… ---
**Author:** ![kombatminipig](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/b5ac83/32.png) [@kombatminipig](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kombatminipig)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2010, 1:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neat-apartment-hacks/527548/25 "2010-02-04T13:48:55Z")
I built a sort of semi-loft in my apartment on top of some IKEA drawers, here’s a [pic](http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=559757&id=544567462) I happened to take while testing some filter functions in my camera (and excuse the badly made bed). Gives me a ton of storage space =) (Also, the stool in front of it is a cheapo IKEA stool for $10 which I gave a coat of varnish, shellacked. I then covered the IKEA screws with brass buttons. Looks really fancy now) ---
**Author:** ![melodyharmonius](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/melodyharmonius/32/21310_2.png) [@melodyharmonius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/melodyharmonius)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2010, 1:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neat-apartment-hacks/527548/26 "2010-02-04T13:57:12Z")
drat my work “inappropriate usage” messages. I wanna see all this stuff!! As one who is in the process of securing a place of my own - I’m dreaming IKEA type remodeling (via the interwebz & yardsales). Must. get. my. diy. fix. ---
**Author:** ![KneadToKnow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kneadtoknow/32/3999_2.png) [@KneadToKnow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KneadToKnow)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2010, 2:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neat-apartment-hacks/527548/27 "2010-02-04T14:19:38Z")
> [@elfkin477](#): > > which is about computer programs… One example was, yes. Did you read the whole thing? > [@](#): > > n. > > 1. A clever or elegant technical accomplishment, especially one with a playful or prankish bent. A clever routine in a computer program, especially one which uses tools for purposes other than those for which they were intended, might be considered a hack. Students at technical universities, such as MIT, are famous for performing elaborate hacks, such as disassembling the dean’s car and then reassembling it inside his house, or turning a fourteen-story building into a giant Tetris game by placing computer-controlled lighting panels in its windows. (emphasis added) That’s auto mechanics and electrical work, too. Examples aside, the definition is the first sentence. ---
**Author:** ![MeanOldLady](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/meanoldlady/32/10737_2.png) [@MeanOldLady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MeanOldLady)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2010, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neat-apartment-hacks/527548/28 "2010-02-04T15:56:01Z")
If your bathroom is like mine and doesn’t have enough counter space (grr!), you can try one of these [shelf gizmos](http://www.amazon.com/Neu-Home-4-2dShelf-Spacesaver/dp/B000TFSM1K/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1265298823&sr=8-13) that go over your toilet. Yay for space to put my flat iron and other chick stuff! Also, [storage ottomans](http://www.amazon.com/Brown-Vinyl-Storage-Ottoman-Coffee/dp/B001LMF2HW/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1265298914&sr=1-6) in my living room are a big help. ---
**Author:** ![Hello\_Again](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/85e7bf/32.png) [@Hello\_Again](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hello_Again)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2010, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neat-apartment-hacks/527548/29 "2010-02-04T16:05:58Z")
I have IKEA’s Ronnskar, for the bathroom that is _so_ small, its too small for the shelf gizmo in **MeanOldLady** ’s link. > **[Products](https://www.ikea.com/us/en/cat/products-products/)** > > Browse our full range of products from dressing tables to complete modern kitchens. Click here to find the right IKEA product for you. Browse online and in-store today! Plus, it has two umlauts at no additional charge. Also, you can get clever applying IKEA’s principles of modularity. I wanted a wall-mount pot rack but all the ones they had were too big (I only have about 6 pots, and about 22" of wall space to use). Well, I found a towel rack in the bathroom section made of the same dimension tubing as the pot racks. Works perfectly and the hooks and other kitchen hardware all fit. ---
**Author:** ![melodyharmonius](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/melodyharmonius/32/21310_2.png) [@melodyharmonius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/melodyharmonius)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2010, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neat-apartment-hacks/527548/30 "2010-02-04T18:49:09Z")
> [@Hello\_Again](#): > > Also, you can get clever applying IKEA’s principles of modularity. I wanted a wall-mount pot rack but all the ones they had were too big (I only have about 6 pots, and about 22" of wall space to use). Well, I found a towel rack in the bathroom section made of the same dimension tubing as the pot racks. Works perfectly and the hooks and other kitchen hardware all fit. Cool idea! ---
**Author:** ![Hello\_Again](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/85e7bf/32.png) [@Hello\_Again](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hello_Again)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2010, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neat-apartment-hacks/527548/31 "2010-02-04T19:45:17Z")
> [@melodyharmonius](#): > > Cool idea! It was truly a moment of inspiration. 😃 In case anyone wants to copy my brilliance, it was this one in the 15" size: > **[Products](https://www.ikea.com/us/en/cat/products-products/)** > > Browse our full range of products from dressing tables to complete modern kitchens. Click here to find the right IKEA product for you. Browse online and in-store today! Weirdly, there are “pot racks” listed in the same line but they only have one tube. WTH? This is so obviously better. I have 3 saucepans and 2 teflon frying pans, and a wire sieve hanging from it. My cast iron pans (well the two I use) live on the stove, I can’t afford the repair if they fall and dent the floor. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![KneadToKnow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kneadtoknow/32/3999_2.png) [@KneadToKnow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KneadToKnow)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2010, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neat-apartment-hacks/527548/32 "2010-02-04T21:51:50Z")
**Hello Again** , I may have to give that Grundtal line a look-see. I need storage help but aren’t sanguine about the price tags I’m seeing on pot racks like [these](http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=14146288&RN=484). ---
**Author:** ![phreesh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/9fc29f/32.png) [@phreesh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phreesh)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2010, 11:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neat-apartment-hacks/527548/33 "2010-02-04T23:10:12Z")
One little design idea I loved was putting wrapping paper, wallpaper, kids art, whatever on the wall or on a table or even a door and then putting glass over that to protect it. Then you have a cool design that is protected, is easy to clean and you can change whenever you like. I saw this as a kitchen backsplash and loved it. Custom cut glass can be pretty expensive, but if you plan on staying awhile, it’s a great idea. ---
**Author:** ![jasonh300](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/46a35a/32.png) [@jasonh300](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jasonh300)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2010, 3:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neat-apartment-hacks/527548/34 "2010-02-05T03:51:48Z")
> [@Asimovian](#): > > I have basically the exact same shelves except that it’s two of your units made into one (one large square). The cubbies are nice and versatile: and I have drawers added to a couple of the cubbies, and baskets in another two. And since I’m in a studio, the unit divides my sleeping area from the rest of the space. Works great! A friend of mine has one of those and it houses his massive record album collection. The shelves are exactly the right size for an album. Loaded with records, it would make a perfect room divider. No light would even get through. But God help you if it ever falls over on you! ---
**Author:** ![Nava](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/da6949/32.png) [@Nava](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nava)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2010, 9:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neat-apartment-hacks/527548/35 "2010-02-05T09:06:24Z")
> [@phreesh](#): > > One little design idea I loved was putting wrapping paper, wallpaper, kids art, whatever on the wall or on a table or even a door and then putting glass over that to protect it. Then you have a cool design that is protected, is easy to clean and you can change whenever you like. My grandmother had a “mesa camilla” like that, she kept pictures of the family between the glass and the skirts. A mesa camilla is a round table covered with a piece of cloth (the “skirts”) and with a piece of glass on top of that. The pictures made for great conversation pieces. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neat-apartment-hacks/527548.md?page=1)