Storage Solutions for Small Bedrooms

Use Multiple Types of Storage

In a small bedroom, a variety of storage types can help maximize flexibility and help to take advantage of every nook and cranny. The few bedside square feet here demonstrate that: A nightstand offers both surface area and open and closed storage; a basket provides portability for other items; and a head-height open shelf stores a few items in pretty boxes (and offers a space for display, too).

Downsize Your Furniture

In smaller bedrooms, anything besides the bed should be scaled down to reduce visual clutter. That includes bedside tables. Look for pieces that offer multiple storage options -- such as a drawer and an open shelf.

Look in Unexpected Places

In space-challenged bedrooms, every square inch counts. Backs of closet doors, for example, can provide a few precious inches that can be put to everyday use for wardrobe planning. Install one pole and one over-the-door hook to plan out outfits for a day or two. Oft-worn accessories or other dressing items can also be put in easy reach, thanks to narrow hooks and plastic holders.

Clean Up Your Floor

Try this visual trick that adds storage: Mount cubbies on the wall for bedside storage; then, enclose all but daily-use items in decorative boxes. To gain even more storage space, combine a few different-size storage cubes. Wall-mounted storage clears floor space and can visually make a room look bigger.

Keep Out-of-Sight Spaces Cleaned Up

A closed drawer is an invitation to clutter, especially in small bedrooms. To keep your stuff from getting out of control, start with a good system. Collections of pretty dishes become the perfect drawer dividers, holding grooming and dressing supplies. For tabletop items, try decorative trays to keep bedroom supplies organized.

Use Multi-Function Furniture

With no room for both a display table and nightstand, this small bedroom made use of a narrow console with two shelves, incorporating a few extra precious square inches for storage of beloved decorative items and daily-use essentials.

Use Those Wasted Spaces

Niches are sometimes considered too narrow to be of storage use. But those narrow spots, as well as overhead spaces, are great for storage of lesser-used items and display of family treasures and knickknacks. To keep surface clutter on a bedside at bay, think about mounting a swing arm lamp.

Use Your Walls

Hooks and shelves are great options to keep clothes and accessories organized. Place a narrow shelf next to a dressing table, for example, to gain a few precious inches for jewelry or makeup; a series of pretty hooks underneath keeps outerwear or bags within easy reach.

Make Use of Every Nook

In a small bedroom, it's important to embrace every inch of square footage. An otherwise abandoned niche became a cozy reading nook in this bedroom. Bonus: The built-in bench flips up for even more storage of extra blankets and pillows.

Measure the Depth

Typical furniture options such as dressers can quickly overwhelm small bedrooms, especially if they intrude into the sometimes-cramped walkways. It’s worth it to look for narrower options that can tuck into slim corners yet still offer storage. The mirrored doors on this one help to bounce light around the room, which helps the space appear larger.

Supplement a Small Bedroom Closet

Small bedrooms and small closets often go hand-in-hand. If your space challenges extend to clothes storage, consider supplementing your room with a pretty armoire outfitted just for clothes and accessories. Use paint to dress up the piece and tie it in with the rest of the decor in your room.

Jewelry Organizer

Create a fit-almost-anywhere jewelry stand from an old store display shelf and an empty frame. Fitted with a piece of 1/2-inch plywood covered with batting and ivory felt, the frame elegantly shows off necklaces dangling from cup hooks adorned with pom-poms. Lined with vintage dishes, the display shelves keep additional pieces of jewelry organized.

Closet Trick

Make the most of a small closet with the right organizers. Most closets just have a long hanging bar and a shelf, which meets some storage needs. But with a mix of drawers, cubbies, cabinets, and hanging bars, you'll have storage tailored to specific items.

Headboard Storage

Utilize the space behind your bed as storage. Employ bins or baskets as organizers for bedside essentials, and install wall-mounted lights. The set-up in this bedroom eliminates the need for nightstands, which is another plus in a small bedroom.