Why Mews Houses Need a Different Approach to Storage

Mews houses are among the most charming addresses in British cities, but they were rarely designed with modern storage in mind. Originally built as stables and coach houses, they tend to be narrow, tall and oddly shaped. A typical mews property might be only four metres wide, with a garage or utility room on the ground floor and living space above. Ceilings can be high, windows small, and corners awkward. The result is a home that feels full of character but short on cupboards.

The good news is that mews houses are also full of opportunities. Because the footprint is small, every unused inch matters. With a bit of lateral thinking — and some vertical thinking too — you can turn dead space into useful storage without sacrificing the charm that made you fall in love with the place.

Under-Stair Cupboards: The Obvious Space You're Probably Wasting

If your mews house has an internal staircase, you are sitting on one of the most valuable storage assets in the property. The triangular void beneath the stairs is often left open or filled with a jumble of shoes and carrier bags, but it can be transformed into a highly efficient cupboard. Bespoke joinery is usually the best answer, because the angles are rarely standard. A good carpenter can create a series of pull-out drawers, a full-height wardrobe, or a combination of open shelves and concealed cupboards.

Think about what you need most near the entrance. In a mews house, the front door often opens directly into the sitting room or a small hallway, so a boot room mentality works well. You might include:

• A tall cupboard for coats, vacuum cleaner and ironing board.
• Deep drawers for shoes, dog leads and umbrellas.
• A slim pull-out rack for cleaning products.
• A bench seat with lift-up lid for bags and outdoor gear.

If the staircase is open, consider adding a cupboard that matches the existing panelling or wall colour. It will blend in rather than add bulk. Even a shallow cupboard — say 40 centimetres deep — can hold a surprising amount if you use internal drawers and dividers.

Wall Niches and Recessed Shelving: Making the Most of Every Millimetre

Mews houses often have thick walls, especially those converted from older stable blocks. That thickness is an invitation to carve out niches. A recessed shelf between studs or into a chimney breast can provide display space, a bedside table, or a home for books and objects without stealing floor area. The depth is usually limited to around 10 to 15 centimetres, but that is enough for paperbacks, spices, toiletries or a small lamp.

In a narrow hallway, a shallow niche with a mirror and a hook can become a useful drop zone. In the bathroom, a recessed shelf beside the basin keeps bottles off the surface. In the bedroom, a niche behind the bed can replace a bulky bedside table. The trick is to plan the niche before plastering or tiling, and to keep the lines simple. Paint the inside the same colour as the wall for a seamless look, or use a contrasting shade to make a feature of it.

Multifunctional Furniture: Pieces That Earn Their Keep

In a small mews house, every piece of furniture has to justify its footprint. The best choices are those that do two or three jobs at once. An ottoman storage bed, for example, lifts to reveal a cavernous space for bedding, suitcases and out-of-season clothes. A sofa bed in the sitting room means guests can stay without a dedicated spare room. An extendable dining table can shrink to a console when not in use.

Look for furniture with built-in storage:

• A bench with a lift-up lid in the hallway or kitchen.
• A coffee table with drawers or a lower shelf.
• Nesting tables that tuck away when not needed.
• A wall-mounted folding desk that drops down for work and folds flat afterwards.
• Stools that open to store board games, throws or shoes.

It is worth investing in well-made pieces rather than cheap flat-packs, because they will be opened and closed daily. Solid hinges and smooth runners make all the difference in a small space.

Thinking Vertically: High Shelves, Mezzanines and Over-Door Storage

When floor space is tight, look up. Mews houses often have high ceilings, especially on the first floor where the old hayloft once was. A wall of floor-to-ceiling shelving can hold books, kitchen equipment and display items while drawing the eye upwards. Use the top shelves for things you rarely need, and keep the lower ones for everyday items.

An over-door rack on the back of a cupboard or bedroom door can hold shoes, cleaning supplies or toiletries. In a narrow kitchen, a hanging rail above the sink or hob keeps pans and utensils within reach. If you have the headroom, a mezzanine level over a bathroom or hallway can create a sleeping area, a study nook or simply a large storage platform. Building regulations and structural support need careful consideration, so consult a professional before making changes.

Keeping It Tidy: Systems, Editing and Seasonal Rotation

Storage alone will not keep a small mews house organised. You also need systems that are easy to maintain. Start by editing your belongings ruthlessly. In a tiny home, every object should have a purpose or bring you joy. Once you have pared things down, give everything a home. Clear plastic boxes with labels work well for cupboards, while open baskets are ideal for shelves where you want easy access.

Seasonal rotation is a simple habit that pays dividends. Twice a year, swap winter coats and boots for summer sandals and light jackets, storing the out-of-season items in the highest or least accessible cupboards. Keep a donation bag in the under-stair cupboard so you can add to it as you notice things you no longer use. Finally, set aside ten minutes each evening to reset the main living spaces. A quick tidy prevents clutter from taking over, and it means your mews house stays as charming as the day you moved in.