When your floor space is far from generous, implementing small bedroom storage ideas is the difference between waking up in crammed quarters and having breathing room. “Bedroom storage isn’t just about hiding clutter—it’s about creating a sense of calm,” says Barbora Samieian, cofounder and CEO of Sundays, a furniture retailer. “A well-organized space directly impacts how restful the room feels, which is why built-in storage beds are such a game changer.”
You already know that storage bins are the obvious hack in decluttering a space, but bedroom organization is so much more than that. Before you invest in a myriad of containers, create a more functional space by brainstorming some bedroom furniture ideas. Take this advice from Leah Alexander, AD PRO Directory member and principal designer of Beauty Is Abundant in Atlanta: “Wall sconces are fantastic savers of nightstand surface area,” she says. “Plug-in scones are a great way to remain flexible with wall lighting without an electrician.”
Removing a closet door in a small room is another space-saving trick. This allows you to invest in floor-to-ceiling organization or even move your bed into the narrow space, creating a canopy-like alcove.
Ashley Murphy, cofounder and CEO of the NEAT Method, and author of The NEAT Method Organizing Recipe Book, suggests employing bedroom storage solutions that focus on editing out clutter and taking a look at your seasonal pieces—this can apply to summer totes crowding your closet space and cooling fans taking up precious floor space in the winter. “Remove the excess, then adopt the ‘one in, one out’ rule to keep your system in check,” Murphy recommends. “I am also a big fan of labeling. They make it really clear what is stored where for a system that can be easily maintained long-term.”
Once you know what you have to work with, jump into this list of small bedroom storage ideas that will make use of every square inch with gusto (and keep the design gravitas).
Steal Storage Ideas From the Kitchen
Anyone who can’t stop watching kitchen pantry organization videos know that decanting is immensely satisfying. Why not apply the same approach in your small bedroom? Employ pretty canisters to store odds and ends floating around your space. Once you sort through everything from hair ties to ear plugs, you’ll have no excuse for a cluttered nightstand or dresser. Those with a crush on cottagecore may want to consider a bread plate or a round tray, these go back to the 1800s and were used as a centerpiece that can also work as a functional decor piece in your room.
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Sneak in a Storage Bench
A good storage bench is like a good friend who hides all your secrets. (We won’t tell anyone if you stash your pajamas in a hurry before guests arrive!) These multifunctional pieces of furniture work as storage for extra sheets as well as a perch for when someone drops in to chat.
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Try a Rolling Cart
Space-saving solutions can go incognito. The biggest perk of having storage on wheels is that you can create a station that will never leave you scratching your head questioning, “Now, where did I put that?” How you use it is up to you. Perhaps it’s a little bookshelf or a mobile spa when you need that extra TLC before lights out.
Find Sculptural Hook Racks
Unless you want your bedroom to look like a school locker room, lining your bedroom walls with a bunch of hook racks is a design deal-breaker. A quick search for “artsy hook racks” will unveil dozens of styles that look like sculptural art pieces. Your hat collection will become an accoutrement to something that belongs in a gallery.
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Display Your Clothes
Instead of dumping the once-worn clothes on a chair, establish a designated spot. Consider a wall panel that sort of looks like a bulletin board, but one that knows style, and gives you plenty of space for an entire outfit. No more sad piles of outfits that are not ready for the washing machine.
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Find the Perfect Nightstand
“The nightstand is often overlooked as valuable storage space and instead tends to be a collection zone for whatever books and ChapStick land there,” Murphy says. “Consider using it as an extension of your closet or dresser by dedicating lower drawers (or a bin on a shelf) to socks or pajamas.”
Label It All
Keeping tabs on what’s inside those helpful storage bins is the difference between setting yourself up for small-bedroom storage success and resorting to dumping whatever wherever.
Find a Spot for Shoes
Few things say “messy space” like a bunch of shoes strewn around the room. We like colorful cabinets that add a touch of visual interest in a space, while also offering the perfect place to park your slipper collection.
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Add Artsy Bins to Your Small-Bedroom Makeover
Instead of creating a book fort around your bed, corral all your literary picks and magazines in a sustainably made container. Bins can even serve as clever storage for yoga props, pillows, or even contemporary inspiration for a cat bed.
Create Your Own Closet
When you need more clothing storage, or perhaps a makeshift closet, consider a wardrobe. There are several styles on the market to choose from, whether you’re looking for something vintage-inspired or a piece to complement a minimalist bedroom design.
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Select Under-Bed Storage Solutions
Under-bed storage is pretty much a must when you have a space shortage—anyone who has lived in a dorm room knows this. “Maximize space by using shallow lidded bins to tuck less often used items, like out-of-season clothing or spare bed linens, under the bed and out of sight,” Murphy adds.
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Sneaky Storage Side Table
You don’t always have to have a nightstand, a side table can work just as well, especially if it has a storage compartment.
Think Vertical Space for Dressers
To make up for a small footprint, take up vertical space with a tall dresser. When it comes to styling, think of the same approach taken in decorating a fireplace mantle. You can add a large mirror or art with a few pretty bowls to catch random pieces.
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Pick a Petite Ottoman
An ottoman is a nice alternative when a storage bench just won’t fit. Use one as a seat for your makeup vanity, or prop it near a chair.
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Invest in a Storage Bed
The biggest perk of a storage bed is that there is literally a hidden second closet under the slats, Samieian explains. The Sundays Cloud bed implements a hydraulic lift mechanism, so you don’t ever have to struggle to get into it. “My bedroom design is a mix between modern and Mediterranean on most days,” senior commerce editor Nashia Baker says. “I love elements that blend both warm, light colors with clean lines, so this storage bed felt like a no brainer for me. It perfectly complements other elements in my space while still serving as a standout piece of decor.”
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Get Your Hands on a Jewelry Cabinet
Anyone who has ever dealt with untangling a chain necklace knows what a nightmare it can be. To avoid unnecessary hassles, invest in a designated jewelry cabinet. Treat it like a closet for all your bijoux.
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Try a Sideboard Instead of a Dresser
Not that we don’t love the IKEA Kallax shelf unit, but there comes a time when doors on furniture are a must. This is where a sideboard comes in. While these pieces of furniture can be a bit wide, a well-designed piece can serve as a focal point. Many can house anything from books to records, as well as all those seasonal comforters and duvet inserts.
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Find an Artsy Wall Mirror
A wall mirror is great for small spaces because it frees up valuable floor real estate. But don’t just go for a basic rectangle. We’re fond of wave and asymmetrical mirror silhouettes for an art-gallery-like display.
Reinvent the Bookshelves
Opt for a bookcase with multiple tiers accompanied by mini cabinets for extra storage. Bibliophiles who love the bright hues can even organize books by color to create a blooming effect.
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Choose Floor Pillows Instead of Arm Chairs
To keep your space free of bulky furniture, we recommend floor pillows to double as decor, seating, or an ottoman. Typically light in weight, moving them around the room is no trouble. Get a couple to create a cozy nook on a shaggy area rug.
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Don’t Forget a Trinket Tray
Since nightstands tend to get crowded, reduce unnecessary stress with a trinket tray. While we like streamlined designs like a metal catchall, design enthusiasts can turn to a hexagon version with an evil eye motif for a maximalist aesthetic.
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Consider a Daybed
A daybed is a true gem for a small bedroom that doubles as an office and a guest room. We’re loving the ‘70s aesthetic that’s making a comeback, including the pieces found in Brigette Romanek’s collection with Crate & Barrel. “I formed an emotional attachment to this daybed within moments of setting it down,” commerce writer Julia Harrison says of Romanek’s daybed that features a sinuous cushioned top and hidden storage shelves. “The construction makes it so you can feel sheltered in conversation with someone else, or you have a great place to rest your head and lift your feet—even at work.”
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Put a Spin on Storage
Furniture that twirls adds an unexpected twist to storage. Look for pieces with solid wood for added durability, as well as a few fixed shelves for your candle collection.
Play With a Room Divider
Dividing a small bedroom may seem counterintuitive, but hear us out. Reimagining the layout and functionality of a space not only creates more privacy but introduces an unexpected “Aha!” moment, says AD PRO Directory member Elyssa Contardo of Elyssa Contardo Interior Design in Palm Desert, California, who added a custom headboard wall that doubled as a room divider. An easier solution is picking up a velvet room divider for an opulent aesthetic, or a bamboo version for a bohemian-inspired bedroom. In case you need more convincing, Coco Chanel collected folding screens.
Rethink Floating Shelves
“When storage space is at a minimum, take a minute to look up (or down) and determine whether there is vertical space you aren’t taking advantage of,” Murphy says. “That may mean mounting hooks on an empty wall, stacking lidded bins on a top shelf, or placing shoe shelves on your closet floor.”
Tackle the Laundry Pile
Let’s be honest: One of the reasons your laundry is taking over your bedroom is that you don’t really know where to put it all. Look for adjustable drawer dividers that can help you create designated areas for your socks, sports bras, and bathing suits. Many like these come with a spring mechanism that won’t end up out of place.
