14 Storage Ideas to Help You Tackle a Tricky Small Bedroom
I’ve lived with my daughter in both two-bedroom apartments and four-bedroom houses, and know from experience that the smaller the space, the more creativity that’s required. Storage, in particular, needs a plan of attack: How much of each kind of item is there? Do I like my things organized out in the open or tucked away? How can I optimize what solutions I already own? This is especially true when it comes to bedrooms, which hold large furniture pieces and most of a person’s belongings in one finite spot. If you’re struggling with how to make the most of yours, consider these small bedroom storage ideas.
1. Build custom furniture.
When traditional organization solutions aren’t cutting it, sometimes you just have to DIY your own. This one-of-a-kind setup operates as a bed, a bookshelf, and generic storage all in one, taking advantage of vertical space without going full-on loft bed.
2. Equip your closet.
There isn’t a single bit of wasted space in this closet. The shelving goes all the way up the wall, with extra bins and baskets added as space allows. If you look closely, you’ll also notice that the shelves and rods can be adjusted, which comes in handy as your child gets older and needs change.
3. Go vertical.
Just because you’re lacking in square footage, doesn’t mean you don’t have space. Use the walls to your full advantage, the way this shelving unit goes from the floor to the ceiling. Just like in the above example, you can customize the shelf heights depending on what they’re being used for.
4. Use bunk beds.
If you’re dealing with a shared room situation that’s making the space feel extra cramped, bunk beds will literally double your available square footage. (Don’t worry, there are a lot of stylish options out there nowadays!) In this bedroom, using bunk beds allowed for the addition of a long storage bench.
5. Make storage decorative.
Storage can, in fact, be chic — even when the stuff is out in the open. In addition to items like lotion and books, these custom shelves are tricked out with photos and mementos that may otherwise be packed up out of sight. (By the way, did you also notice the empty niches that allow more things to be stored in the future?)
6. Install built-ins.
Built-ins don’t just cut down on furniture — they optimize a space in a way that feels less crowded and more functional. Between the desk, shelves, cabinets, and window seat (with storage!), there’s a place for everything.
7. Go under the bed.
Whether you have a crib or a California king, there’s always room under the bed for storage. The key is to strike a balance between taking advantage of the space and not stuffing it so full that you don’t know or can’t access what’s there. Instead of keeping something like clothes beneath the bed, here, it’s a rolling playspace.
8. Hang hooks.
This underrated form of storage is a game-changer because it keeps items easy to access *and* easy to clean up. These hooks are used for bags, but you could go so far as to hang up entire outfits in preparation for the school week. To take your storage game a step further, consider a setup like this that also has cubbies.
9. Maximize the doors.
Every bedroom has at least one door, so why not put them to use? Over-the-door hooks and racks take advantage of unused space without having to create more visual clutter, since you close the doors anyway. If you really want to optimize them, however, you can double up on storage solutions — one on either side.
10. Add a window seat.
Who among us didn’t dream of having a window seat as a kid? A place to dream or read that overlooks the world, it also provides another opportunity for storage that doesn’t cover up the view or natural light. You can either opt for a bench with drawers, a lift-up seat, or cubbies, as seen here.
11. Install a pegboard.
Though more commonly found somewhere like a garage, who says pegboards can’t be in a bedroom too? They’re Ideal for displaying accessories, art projects, and more. You can also hang shelves and baskets on the pegs for further versatility.
12. Add wheels
Part of the issue with small bedrooms is that they quickly start to feel crowded and tricky to maneuver. By being able to roll storage around, your whole household — even young children — can both tuck it away when not in use and keep it out as needed.
13. Pick multipurpose furniture.
Work smarter, not harder, right? This bed frame has drawers built into it, providing some much-needed organization within space that was going to be taken up with or without them. Furniture that pulls double duty also helps a room feel less messy by minimizing the visual clutter that comes with some storage solutions.
14. Use a headboard as a bookshelf.
This bedroom makes double use of its headboard; it’s both a headboard and a shelf. The sleek lines don’t take up too much space yet provide a lot of extra storage capacity.