Not that many of us have extra closet space, but if you're lucky enough to have some, take off the doors and turn it into a small home office.
A cabinet nightstand will give you more storage opportunities than a table.
Use the inside of doors to store materials, I put spice racks on the inside of my cupboard doors and they're super handy.
Radiators can be huge space-wasters, install a shelf for instant surface space. I have one in my bedroom, and I couldn't be without it!
These benches have been stacked to make shelves, and they can also serve for extra seating or a coffee table in a pinch.
Drawers under the bed are a great storage solution - put them on casters for even easier storage
via Martha Stewart
If you own the space and have the budget, utilize high ceilings by creating this very cool scaffold style bookshelfvia Jac de Villiers
via James Merrell Photography 
Even narrow spaces can accommodate furniture like this half-table
Get two-timing furniture that doubles as storagevia AT Casa
Even odd nooks are put to good use.
If you have major carpentry skills - or access to them, this Manhattan apartment dweller created a swiveling tv stand, which can totally flip around depending on if he/she is in the bedroom or the next room.via Point Click Home
If you have weird angled walls (like many old apartments), find small furniture and make use of the space
Make your rooms multi-task. Keep your bookshelves for storage, and install a sliding curtain when in need of a less cluttered feel.
Use bookcases and keep your wall space by hanging art from the shelves.
via Domino
These console tables are great because they have shelves or rungs that act as storage.via Joe Schmelzer
You can keep your crafts in the living room - just choose a storage solution that can camouflage supplies, and ties in with your decorvia Easy Living
Images via Briger and Briger
Image via Sunset Magazine