Organize your bedroom with these clever storage solutions
Organization is important for every area of the home – but especially so for the bedroom. A well-organized bedroom keeps clutter at bay, creating a space in which you can relax without distraction. Plus, a smartly organized room can be a showcase for unique design objects and your favorite accessories, mementos, and framed photos. No matter the size of your bedroom and closet, there are ample storage systems for reducing clutter while keeping necessities within easy reach. Discover tips and tricks, from bedroom storage furniture to clever closet solutions, to instantly transform your room into a well-organized place of rest.
“Systems of organization are key to maintaining a clutter-free bedroom. Whether you have ample closet space or none at all, there are myriad storage solutions – including pragmatic yet stylish pieces of bedroom furniture – that will help minimize clutter and create a peaceful space to unwind.”
How to choose a dresser for your bedroom
Available in a range of sizes and styles, dressers are a smart choice for both large and small bedrooms alike. They’re equipped with drawers and offer storage for everything from clothing to household supplies. Typically, dressers are either horizontally or vertically oriented.
Once you’ve determined the size and shape of the piece that will best fit your space, consider its style. For modern interiors, choose a dresser with clean lines and hardware-free, push-latch drawers. If your interiors skew more traditional, select a piece crafted from wood, such as oak, walnut, or ash. To channel a Bohemian-inspired aesthetic, opt for a glove cabinet with lacquered drawers in gradient hues.
Horizontal dresser
This type is designed in a long and low silhouette. It usually features two columns of drawers (three to four drawers within each column) and an easily accessible surface that can be used to house and display objects. If you have a small bedroom, the surface of your dresser can also double as a vanity – simply hang a mirror over it and pull up a stool.
Vertical dresser
A tall dresser maximizes vertical space with large, stacked drawers (often four to six drawers). Due to its width, this type has less surface area. Look for tall, narrow bedroom dressers to outfit a bedroom with a small footprint.
Drawer chest
This type is a more petite, streamlined version of a dresser. It usually offers three to six drawers in a space-savvy silhouette. Drawer chests are ideal storage solutions for small bedrooms.
How to choose an armoire for your bedroom
An armoire, also referred to as a wardrobe, offers concealed storage space. It usually features two cabinet doors that open to reveal a clothing rod and drawers or shelves. Think of it as a hybrid between a closet and a dresser. In fact, if your bedroom lacks a closet, an armoire is a highly functional alternative.
Consider the storage features and overall capacity of different armoires as you select one for your bedroom. Do you need additional hanging space or more shelf space? Depending on the size of your room, an armoire can be used alone or in combination with a dresser.
This type of piece is available in a variety of styles and finishes, and it plays well with a range of interiors. Select an armoire rendered in walnut with brass hardware to convey a mid-century modern aesthetic. Or choose a light wood piece crafted from oak or birch to suit contemporary interiors.
How to choose the best closet storage solutions
Bedroom closet storage solutions play a pivotal role in minimizing clutter. If budget permits, consider custom closet shelving. This type allows you to design a system of built-in shelves and hanging rods based on your specific needs. Looking to add shelf space for a large collection of shoes and handbags or hanging space for suits and coats? A customized closet storage system is an optimal solution.
However, custom shelving can be a costly investment. If you don’t opt for this type, consider a floor shelving unit for your closet instead. Floor units combine cubbies and shelves, offering ample space for shoes, bags, and folded clothes.
In addition to (or in lieu of) a floor shelving unit, install wall-mounted shelves. These often incorporate a hanging rod and surfaces for folded clothes and accessories. Keep your accessories – like belts, scarves, and handbags – in baskets or lidded bins on the shelves. Remember, lidded bins will help keep out dust.
To maximize space, store your shoes vertically in a tall shoe rack, and hang your pants on S-shaped hooks, which occupy less space than hangers. Finally, consider a narrow laundry hamper for your closet. If space allows, add one for dark clothes and another for light ones. These closet storage ideas will help you easily maintain an organized bedroom.
10 Tips for creating storage space in small bedrooms
Wondering how to organize a small bedroom? Multi-functional pieces of furniture combined with creative bedroom storage ideas will set you up for success. Consider these storage solutions for small bedrooms:
- Line the perimeter of your bedroom walls with shelves to maximize vertical storage space.
- Install decorative wall hooks or pegs to provide a place to hang frequently worn coats and bags.
- Incorporate a free-standing garment rack into your room – or hang a clothes rod in an empty corner – to create additional hanging space. These are also easy-to-implement solutions if your bedroom lacks a closet.
- Consider a bed frame with storage. Some bed frames offer convenient underbed storage drawers that pull out from either the foot of the bed or the side of the bed.
- Utilize floating adjustable shelves and other decorative bedroom shelf ideas to display design objects.
- Opt for a nightstand with drawers and shelves to keep small necessities out of sight yet still within easy reach.
- Place a storage bench or ottoman at the foot of the bed. This type of furniture plays double duty as both a seat and concealed storage area.
- Hang a mirror over your dresser to use its surface as a vanity.
- Slide lidded bins under the bed to store extra bedding or out-of-season garments.
- Use baskets, lidded bins, and drawer dividers to create dedicated spaces for different items.
Final thoughts
Whether large or small, your bedroom should be a place to unwind and rest. It shouldn’t be a cluttered space where it’s difficult to access what you need as you get ready for the day. Clever bedroom storage ideas are imperative for maintaining a well-organized room. Thankfully, today’s solutions are both pragmatic and pleasing.
As you organize your bedroom, keep these final tips in mind:
- Choose a dresser based on the size and layout of your room.
- Opt for a wardrobe armoire to provide additional hanging space.
- Maximize your bedroom closet storage with shelves, hanging rods, and shoe racks – or design a system of custom closet shelves to suit your specific needs.
- Get creative with storage ideas for small bedrooms.