Storage

• 101 decorating questions answered
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87. We have an IKEA shelving system in our study that my husband wants to 'adapt' to fit a disparate collection of hi-fi equipment. Is it OK to cut and add to shelving like this, or will we end up with something unsafe and unusable? Adapting IKEA products is not for the faint-hearted. Because of the materials IKEA uses, you may end up with messy edges and you could lose some of the structure's rigidity. It may be worth getting a joiner to make it up 18mm MDF instead, or check out the range of adapted Billy shelves at Ding3000.

88. We have quite an unusual long galley kitchen with an arched roof. Because of its shape, which is a lot like a train of tube carriage, we'd really love to find the luggage shelves you used to get on old trains to use as fittings. I have looked everywhere and not found any. Any ideas on where else to search? It took a lot of hunting around but we've finally found them. It seems one very canny salvager bought up all the remaining fittings when the old-style rail stock (Fifties slam-door trains) was decommissioned. The luggage racks were removed from the first-class carriages and make the perfect multiuse kitchen fittings. As well as pots and pans, you can stow away a few bottles of wine. Add some butcher's hooks and you can really maximise the storage potential. They're available from Trainspotters, that also has a fab selection of other station fixtures, furniture and lighting. 

89. I need to store linen and clothes in a tiny spare bedroom. Where can I buy a small blanket box? One great storage area in a bedroom is under the bed itself – ideal for folded flat linen and clothing. Underbed drawers and boxes are available in a variety of styles from IKEA, including rustic rattan boxes. The Holding Company also has a good range of styles, including plastic bins that come with clickable lids to keep dust out and help stored things stay clean.

90. I need a compact bathroom unit in white or a cream shade. Do you know of any companies that deliver in the UK? The White Company has a bath stand in white painted wood with tongue-and-groove detailing. It's a neat design, H88.9cm by W49.4cm by D31.5cm with a drawer and two open shelves. If you are short of floor space but have a reasonable wall area, look at the Chelsea collection by Next, 0845 600 7000, next.co.uk. The Chelsea tallboy in white painted wood is H169cm by W42cm by D36cm. If in stock Next delivers in 24 hours.

91. I'm looking for a simple coffee table to hide clutter, but don't like lots of drawers. Any ideas? Tema Home's Kyoto range may be just what you're after. Simple, sleek and with a magical top that slides open so you can dump everything into the base box below, it's available in sophisticated gloss black or white. Check the website for stockists.

92. Help! I'm looking for a simple, stylish wall-hung shelf to use next to my bed. It needs to be strong enough for a lamp and a few books. If your budget is limited, then Ikea does simple floating shelves, but it's always an issue making sure you can get a decent fitting into the wall for them. If you want to spend a little bit extra on something really special, then Bellato has a smart range of curved-oak shelf capsules called Istant that come in a range of finishes, including coloured laminates, with the option to add internal lighting. These are available at Nest, from £112.  

93. We live in a ground-floor maisonette where space is at a premium. The traditional understairs storage is actually a really good-sized cupboard, but it has become a dumping ground. We have basic shelving, but it's cumbersome getting items in and out. Are there any solutions you could recommend for our growing problem? You may want to think about utilising some of the pull-out storage and rack mechanisms designed for kitchens to build into this space. You could create a neat series of storage racks that roll in and out, and which should keep you organised.  

94. My home is very short on storage space, so I'm planning an attic conversion to house my ever-growing collection of style magazines. I recall Livingetc featuring a well-designed, space-saving staircase with alternating treads, but I seem to have mislaid that issue. Can you help? There are some hideous, clumsy, wooden versions around that I would steer clear of. Instead, go for a modular kit system from Arke, which does a number of good-value, stylish staircases, such as the Karina, for around £700. As with any redevelopment, you must check with your local building control department that this form of staircase is acceptable for your property before you go ahead and buy it.

95. In an effort to create some order in the bathroom, I have been trying to find some neat storage boxes that I'd be happy to leave on show. Are there any you'd recommend? Muji stores do some of the best clear plastic storage around. Now you can buy online, too, so you can browse all the options.  

96. I've been looking – without success – for a modern, well-designed magazine rack with several compartments for my sitting room. Help! Magazine racks are a poorly represented item in the design world, probably because most designers want to make 'hero' furniture and lighting. However, I have found several attractive ones. Kartell has coloured plastic racks with plenty of sections. Isokon Plus sells the Forties classic Penguin Donkey and updated models. Of what's currently available, though, my choice would be Mela, the sleek and well-priced design from Umbra, which acts as a sort of fabulous champagne bucket for mags.  

97. I have some huge, hideous wardrobes, which I loathe but need for storage. I'd love to cover them with wallpaper, but would need to protect them from scuffing, tearing and general wear and tear. Could you advise me on how to do this? What a great idea! Victorians used this method to decorate screens and furniture, and it's a perfect way to use wallpaper. Prepare the surface first by rollering on some PVA glue. When dry, paste on the paper and, after a couple of days, varnish with a matt glaze. Polyvine does a 'dead flat' varnish – always do a colourfast test first.  

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