21 Space Saving Design Ideas & Storage Hacks For Bedrooms
Bedroom hacks and storage solutions are a dime a dozen. A quick Google search will reveal a sea of storage ideas. So how do you know which storage solutions to DIY or buy? And how do you actually make it look good?
You don’t. But that’s ok because we’re here to help. And in fact, these are the exact techniques that I have used in my own home!
Let’s dive in.
Image from The Marlton Hotel NYC
We sifted through tons of space saving bedroom tips and products to bring you this list of insanely clever bedroom storage hacks and solutions that you’ll actually want to DIY or buy — without having to break a sweat or the bank.
The result: a more spacious and organised bedroom/home office/closet/storage unit because let’s be real, we’re all tight on space.
So read on, and unleash your bedroom’s true storage potential.
# 1: Foldable washing baskets
Buy several and then stash them under your bed when they aren’t in use.
#2: Over door storage
Hanging storage on the back of bedroom doors works brilliantly especially in kids rooms. Store items like shoes or toys that need to be accessed easily and can be tidied away fast.
#3: Buy a bed frame with under mattress drawers
Storage beds are one of the most obvious storage hacks for small bedrooms, but they’re also among the best. While every kind of space‑saving bed will open up space in your bedroom, storage beds can give you as many drawers as a dresser.
Whether you use those drawers for storing clothes, files, or your movie collection is entirely up to you.
Image: Pinterest
#4: Make sure your bedside tables have drawers
As pretty as bedside tables can be when it just just a table, you really do need drawers to keep your stuff stashed. Think hand creams, books, glasses etc. Use them and then pack them away before getting so well deserved shut eye.
#5: Bench seats can have storage too
Add a bench seat with storage at the end of your bed. It’s a great place to sit when you are putting on your shoes and you can stash any last minute grab and go items.
Image via Home Beautiful
#6: Install wall sconces
Instead of taking up precious bedside table real estate, hang your reading lights above the bed or to the side with a wall sconce.
#7: Use colour wisely
To create the feeling of more space in a small room, stick to one single colour, this will help create more space as with no point of reference and no contrasts, you’re less aware of where things stop and start,
#8 customise with built in’s
Over-head wardrobes are an excellent way to add extra storage when you might not have the room. Hidden storage can be easily incorporated within any bespoke designed fitted furniture concept. For example, take advantage of awkward niches, corners, nooks, and crannies with a built-in bench. Even though it might not seem like useable space when you first look at it, a simple bench, cushions, and wall art can give it a brand new second life.
We often design large storage wall features that include hidden desk space, meaning that you have a designated working space when you need it during the day and then when you have finished working you can simply close it all away.
#9 Let the light in
Letting in extra light through larger windows will help to make the room feel bigger altogether. For example, if your bedroom is in a loft or attic space and may not have a lot of floor space, you can use the slanted ceiling to build in an extra window and bring in extra sunlight in the morning.
#10 Airy, light hues
When decorating small bedrooms, one of the best ways to maximise space is to use light and fresh colours. And not just basic white. Hues such as soft sorbet-pinks, greys or off-whites will help to ensure the room feels bigger.
#11 Light carpets
Light, neutral colours accentuate a feeling of space and brightness so avoid dark, deep shades that can make a room seem smaller on your floors. Creams and beiges are timeless when it comes to carpet and there are many different neutrals to choose from.
#12 Mirrors
Strategic styling is key when it comes to decorating a smaller bedroom. Additional mirrors and mirrored furniture is a clever way to reflect light. It will make any small bedroom feel much bigger, giving it a brighter feel. And don't be afraid to play around with how many mirrors you choose. Whether it's floor-length styles, or small rounded ones above vanity tables, the more you opt for (within reason) the brighter the room will feel.
#13 Keep clutter to a minimum
Tidy any clutter away and when choosing furniture ensure you opt for light hues such as oak wood or white gloss. Elsewhere, clear floors and cupboard surfaces will help to create the illusion of a larger room.
#14 Use all available surfaces
One of the biggest challenges in a small bedroom is finding places to put all your stuff since the bed takes up most of the room. Be resourceful! Even a windowsill can provide extra storage space for decor, lighting, and other essentials when there's no room for an extra table.
#15 Don’t be afraid of wallpaper
It might seem a little much for a small space, but a bold, bright wallpaper can help cocoon your room and give it a jewel-box effect. You don't need to cover the entire wall to make a statement. Just choose a smaller nook to cover in a fun print.
Image via Home Beautiful
#16 Use multipurpose furniture
If you can only fit one piece of furniture in your bedroom, make sure it's one that offers a few functional benefits like a night stand that doubles as a dresser.
#17 Customise your headboard
A guaranteed way to make sure your bedroom is everything you want it to be is to customise it. In the case of a small bedroom, a custom headboard with built-in nightstand saves tons of space.
#18 Use bigger, but fewer things
It may seem counterintuitive, but outfitting a small space with just a few large-scale pieces (rather than a mishmash of pint-size furniture) can actually make it feel grander. Resist the urge to push all of your furniture up against the walls. If you leave space behind the furniture, it makes the room look wider than it is.
#19 Use foldable furniture
Can't fit an accent chair into the corner to pile all your clothes on? Use a slim stool instead—even better if it's foldable so you can tuck to away when not in use. This will the mess to a minimum.
#20 Go Dark
Contrary to popular belief, dark colours don't necessarily make a room feel smaller—sometimes they even have the opposite effect, creating the illusion of an expansive space.
#21 Place your bed under the window
In a small bedroom, wall space is precious and should not be wasted, so don't be afraid to put your bed beneath the window. The window and curtains create a natural focal point.
