DIY and budget-friendly ideas to store clothing, accessories and more.
It doesn't matter how small or grand your bedroom is — clutter can still pile up. This is especially true if you find yourself overwhelmed with an influx of clothes, books, toys and other items. If organizing your bedroom seems too daunting of a task, don't fret. We have clever bedroom storage ideas to maximize your floor space and save time searching for what you need. Desk That Slides Over Bed
Curating a zen-like retreat can be as simple as using one (or two!) of our space-saving solutions below. Ideas include investing in a Murphy bed (specifically one with storage cabinets and bookcases) and customizing built-in shelves that wrap around your TV or bed. If your office is in the bedroom, consider using a wall-mounted desk to keep notebooks, a laptop and other supplies out of sight. What's more, for those who have their bedroom in the attic, make the most of sloped ceilings to curate an alcove bed with cabinetry or a well-curated library for your favorite reads.
When it comes to organizing the bedroom (and any space in your home, really), the ideas are endless!
A clean, modern space can be as simple as installing custom built-in cabinets. "Full of storage with trap doors and hidden compartments, this built-in was custom designed entirely for the owner and all of the items that needed to be stowed and out of site," says Christina Simon of Ashby Collective. "The bedside tables float on a plaster shelf, which creates a space for additional surface area."
Enhance pull-out storage with dividers and mini bins. It's a clever way to keep your clothing and accessories, like shirts, socks and underwear, in designated spaces. Plus, if you separate by category color, you'll realize how easy it is to choose an outfit for the day.
Traditional nightstands aren't the only options for a bedroom. Place a console table by your bedside to store things like books, jewelry and decorative items. Smaller bins can fit underneath to easily access everyday accessories. It's a smart idea for those interested in combining the function of a vanity area and nightstand.
Don't be afraid to go all out with your built-ins. Purchase a storage platform bed for toys, books, out-of-season clothing and games. Surround your office space with built-in cabinetry to keep office essentials and other items in order, as seen here by Think Chic Interiors.
Curate a personal library in the bedroom with a built-in bookcase that beautifully showcases the room's architecture. In this case, Martha O’Hara Interiors designed the unit to match the stairwell structure above.
Make the most of your space by storing belongings in drawers underneath a bed. It's a convenient spot for clothes, especially if you find your closets and drawers overflowing with garments. Plus, it's a clever addition to the kid's room to keep their toys organized in one place, without taking up space.
Give your bedroom a space-saving upgrade by swapping out a regular bed for a Murphy bed. Some come with storage cabinets and bookcases to easily place small bins, books, folded clothes and accessories on shelves.
SHOP MURPHY BED WITH STORAGE
Make use of the space at the foot of your bed — a simple storage bench or ottoman can do the trick. Or, place your desired items in two rattan trunks, push them together, and add cushions on top to enjoy seating and storage.
Create efficient storage with a nook that connects to a built-in, similar to this design by Britt Design Group. "Below the bench is ample concealed storage, perfect for stowing away blankets, while the bench's stone-top design also cleverly doubles as a durable luggage 'rack,' says interior designer Laura Britt. "The closed-door storage system conceals anything within, contributing to a clean and uncluttered look that is as accessible and functional as it is beautiful."
A narrow built-in bookcase can provide the extra space needed for books, art, small bins and trinkets. Consider installing it right next to the bed, so it's easy to grab what you need.
Take a cue from this design by Hub of the House Studio and go for a grand bookcase with plenty of shelf space for your favorite reads. It beats keeping books under the bed or in drawers and baskets, especially if you have an ever-growing collection.
Larger nightstands mean more space for your must-have items! "In primary bedrooms, adding functional, larger nightstands with drawers for extra storage for items like books or to keep notes that come to mind at the end of the day is another great storage idea," says Leslie Williams of Leslie Williams Interior Design. "Many new nightstands are installing USB ports to plug in and tuck away iPads, cell phones and Apple watches at night to charge. "
Transform outdated mirrored closet doors to a design with modern appeal. "To turn this into something visually exciting, we removed the original doors and storage, built out a full wardrobe that catered to our client's specific storage needs, and then, to keep things light and airy, we built sliding hood slatted doors," says interior designer Jen Samson. "The doors themselves are truly a work of art, and now our clients have all the storage they need, tucked beautifully behind doors that blend seamlessly into the overall style of the room."
Say goodbye to leaving your hamper out in the open. Instead, opt for a savvy pull-out design that's concealed in your custom closet or wardrobe. Place shoes on the top shelves and an assortment of storage bins in convenient spots.
If your bedroom also doubles as an office, consider a flip-down work area to save space. Keep the essentials, like your notebooks, laptop and pencils, tucked inside then simply push the desk back back up to keep everything underwraps.
If your bedroom is in the attic, use the room's architecture to carve out space for built-in shelves. Place the TV in the center and use the surrounding ledges for decorative accents, as seen here by Rincon Road Design Studio.
If your storage space in the bedroom is limited, create another closet to serve as a dresser and cabinetry. "We went with natural oak and radio caning to give the closets a look that paired well with the other materials and elements throughout the room," says designer Jen Samson.
Bar carts aren't only for kitchens and home bars. In fact, they can easily slide into snug spaces and when used as a nightstand, can offer easy access to bedside must-haves.
Remove the bottom or top drawer of your nightstand to create open shelf space (or purchase one that comes with it already). Slide your books in the new space or use it to display small decorative trinkets.
Designer Marie Cloud of Indigo Pruitt used tension rods and curtain rings to hang bows in her daughter's bedroom. While it's certainly functional, the setup also happens to be full of visual appeal.
Mariah Thomas (she/her) is an assistant editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home and lifestyle content. Mariah has more than four years of editorial experience, having written for TLC, Apartment Therapy, Women's Health and Avocado Magazine. She received her master's degree in journalism at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism and published her first book, Heart and Soul: Poems of Thoughts and Emotions, in 2019. She's also the founder of RTF Community, a platform for creatives of color to connect, learn and showcase their work.
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