When your floor space is far from generous, implementing small bedroom storage ideas is the difference between waking up in crammed quarters and evoking a sense of airiness. “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 25 small bedroom storage ideas that will make use of every square inch with gusto (and keep the design gravitas).
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.” Alexander prefers the narrow Soho Home Avery bedside table that has vertical prowess and will look perfect in a tiny bedroom. This design is not going to throw off proportions but still save you plenty of space.
Invest in Storage You Can Build on
Modular design is everything when it comes to optimizing a minute room. The Cozey Altitude shelving unit is wall-mounted and can grow with your needs. “Each piece snaps into place in minutes,” says contributor Yelena Moroz Alpert of the solid ash-wood set she got for her guest bedroom. “You can even add on cabinet units, if you prefer to keep things out of sight.” Each set has three shelves, but you can expand to cover the entire wall or even frame the space around your bed for a built-in design.
Using Shelving as Decor
The Ledge by Mustard Made
A little ledge is perfect to showcase small items as well as any photo frames that may otherwise take up precious surface areas. The powder-coated steel Mustard Made ledge style comes in 12 colors and 2 sizes—13.8 inches and 33.5 inches—for a mix-and-match storage idea made in heaven.
Buy Plenty of Bins
Cloth bins are a classic for a reason and work especially well for renters who may not want to splurge on a large piece of furniture. Enter the NEAT Method Oxford bins, which come in three sizes and neutral fabrics that range from slate to light gray stone to a creamy bone hue. “These soft-sided opaque bins are perfect for storing folded clothing and accessories out of sight on open shelving, or for tucking sandals and slippers under hanging clothes,” Murphy says. “I also love the small size for organizing socks, swimwear, and intimates in dresser drawers.”
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. The NEAT Method labeling system can help keep your belongings curated and guide you on laundry day, and beyond.
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.
Add Artsy Bins to Your Small-Bedroom Makeover
The Citizenry Azad Low Leather Storage Bin
Instead of creating a book fort around your bed, corral all your literary picks and magazines in a sustainably made container. The handcrafted Azad leather storage bin is made from ethically sourced leather from Kolkata. These are only eight inches high, so you can easily push them under your bed, if you need more space. Alternatively, use these Citizenry bins 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. While there are several styles on the market to choose from, the Ikea Rakkestad design has a dark brown exterior and paneling-like façade for a more sophisticated take on minimalist bedroom design.
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. Even if you don’t have a high-rise bed, sneaking a few Quinn rattan stacking bins from Pottery Barn Teen is a cottagecore bedroom dream. Then again, we love the white lacquered trim on the Crate & Barrel Sedona design. Both look more elevated than basic canvas versions. “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.
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. The caned Article Bocana style leans into a bohemian bedroom sanctuary, and we like that the dark-stained Urban Natural Roller Max fluted mahogany can give a space a modern feel.
Think Vertical Space for Dressers
Urban Outfitters Parker Tall 5-Drawer Dresser
To make up for a small footprint, take up vertical space with a tall dresser, like this tall five-drawer Urban Outfitter Parker with allover marbled wood veneer finish. 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.
Pick a Petite Ottoman
Skirted Storage Ottoman by Billy Baldwin
An ottoman is a nice alternative when a storage bench just won’t fit. The Inside offers more than 60 fabrics to suit any decor style or color palette. Use it as a seat for your makeup vanity, or prop it near a chair. Plus, the skirted silhouette is so streamlined, you can likely float it anywhere in the room.
Invest in a Storage Bed
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Photo: Nashia Baker
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Photo: Nashia Baker
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Sundays Cloud Bed with Storage
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.” We like the bouclé upholstery, but if you’re into an all-wood midcentury-modern design, their new Form version is for you, and it has drawers on each side.
Get Your Hands on a Jewelry Cabinet
Anthropologie Elle Jewelry Storage 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. The Elle design is like a closet for all your bijoux and looks exceptionally well on top of a dresser. It’s made with oakwood and has brass feet and hardware.
Combine Mirror and Storage
Pottery Barn Teen Blaire Rotating Storage Mirror
Are you really tight on space but still need a spot to primp? If your answer is yes, a storage mirror could be your solution. We’re fans of this rotating mirror bookcase as an all-star storage solution. The full-length mirror twirls around, allowing you to stash everything from lotions to hair tools to notebooks.
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. Castlery’s Ashen sideboard has four spacious compartments that can house anything from books to records, as well as all those seasonal comforters and duvet inserts. Alternatively, the lacquered Anthropologie Wright sideboard is only 48 inches wide but still comes with 6 cubbies.
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.
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.
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.
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. The ’70s are having a moment—at least in the world of design. “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.”
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
Swell Wall Catchall by Anna Dawson for Heller
“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.” For a whimsical take on hidden storage, consider the Anna Dawson for Heller Swell wall catchall. You can use it for hanging everything from totes to headphones, or dropping in earbuds into the curvy pockets. With five colors to choose from, you can create an abstract design that gives your gallery wall added function.
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.
