Storage tips for small rooms
22 Genius Storage Tricks for Small Bedrooms Without Closets
Ngoc Minh Ngo
1 of 22
Hang Extra Hooks
We spot several great small-space tips in this bedroom designed by David Kaihoi: 1) Mirror the inside of your closet doors. 2) Add hooks to the interior side of the doors for extra items and outfit planning. 3) Use bins to stay organized. Pro tip: If you don't need hooks for outfit planning, hang a dirty laundry bag there! It will take up less space than a structured hamper.
NC
2 of 22
Keep Shoes Up High
If you have an amazing shoe and accessory collection, why not flaunt it? Keeping your shoes on shelves in an armoire, tall dresser, or built-in cabinet will also make it easier to pick out your outfit since they'll be at eye level. In this dressing room designed by Aerin Lauder, the wallpaper is as dazzling as the shoe collection. "My grandmother had the same wallpaper in her office," she shares.
Corinne Mathern Design
3 of 22
Work Around Awkward Angles
If you don't have a closet, but you do have a clothing collection, stay organized and polished with custom wall built-ins that store everything behind closed doors. In this bedroom design by Corinne Mathern, the built-ins provide extensive storage and accommodate the irregular ceiling structure. They're also less deep than your typical dresser and armoire—a win for small bedrooms.
Shawn Henderson
4 of 22
Optimize a Corner
Don't have a closet? Wardrobes work just as well and can make a design statement in your room. This stunning piece will have you admiring it every time you pass by. If you have an awkward and empty corner, invest in a great dresser or armoire that can bring it to life while also giving you an extra place to store all your items. This texture-rich corner in a small bedroom designed by Shawn Henderson can hold intimates and more.
Brie Williams
5 of 22
Make It Feel Like a Boudoir
Designer Ariene Bethea's bedroom features a fun bedspread and wild Etsy bolsters. The mannequin and mirror give it a swanky dressing room vibe. Plan out and display outfits with a mannequin or use it as a makeshift coat rack.
It's a pretty way to stay organized in an open space like a bedroom when your closet is too small. A vintage or antique-inspired option is the way to go.
Shapeless Studio
6 of 22
Install Touch-Latch Doors
Flush with the walls, this closet disappears into the primary bedroom designed by Shapeless Studio, providing plenty of clothing storage without infringing upon the living space physically or visually. If you don't have the option of pulling out the power drills for custom builds, you can still utilize your wall with rods and floating shelves.
James Merrell
7 of 22
Use the Back of Your Door
Don't worry, your hat addiction is in good hands. A series of hooks can turn an empty wall space or the back of a door into the perfect place for storing your caps, sunhats, and beanies, as Kate Reid proves in this cozy bedroom.
Anna Spiro Design
8 of 22
Line Your Cabinets With Fabric
If your storage includes glass or wire doors, line them with a pretty fabric.
This will hide all your stored clothing and add a little style to your bedroom and keep it from looking too crowded with clothing. You can use velcro to fasten the fabric if you don't know how to sew. We love the tight print designer Anna Spiro chose here to complement the cream paint and brass hardware.
Julian Wass
9 of 22
Distract With Beautiful Patterns
A floral fabric brightens up this open bedroom closet designed by Gary McBournie, which he upholstered for a soft effect. The adjacent primary bedroom features curtains in the same fabric for a cohesive whole.
Robert Peterson
10 of 22
Create Privacy With Barn Doors
Alison Victoria created a 360-degree rotating closet system with Closet Works that features a hidden full-length mirror and ample storage for shoes. Sourced from the Corbel, French doors that date back to the 1800s close off the modern space, which opens right up into the bedroom.
Tamsin Johnson Interiors
11 of 22
Dress Up Enclosures
Add some fancy ornamentations to your existing doors or built-in enclosures to give them a more polished look, like faux moldings and chic cabinet pulls.
Use this stylish and sophisticated bedroom designed by Tamsin Johnson Interiors as a model.
Fantastic Frank
12 of 22
Use a Coat Rack
It helps to buy hangers specific to the item to maximize what little space you do have. Pants, for example, can easily slide on and off of pants hangers thanks to their open-ended design. And you'll be able to fit more into your closet since they hang flat against each other. But when you truly have no space for bulkier items like coats, keep a coat rack in the corner of your bedroom so it looks organized even if it has to be out in the open.
Leanne Ford Interiors
13 of 22
Remove the Doors
Leanne Ford decided to remove the doors from this closet to make the bedroom feel large and more open. Plus, it probably motivates the occupant to stay organized since it's all out in the open. Doubling up your closet space is as easy as hanging up another bar. Speaking of which, choose a system that also includes hooks for maximum versatility.
You can double up the number of clothes you store in your closet by adding a second level with a rod.
Shari Francis
14 of 22
Use Up Every Last Inch of Space
Store all unseasonal items either under the bed or in hard-to-reach spots in your closet. This bedroom designed by Shari Francis has bonus storage space above the closet, which may not be convenient for everyday items but is perfect for extra suitcases or outerwear. And, if you don't have any more closet space to speak of, consider storing out-of-season items under the bed in boxes or invest in a savvy bed with a built-in platform that sits under the mattress for storage.
NC
15 of 22
Build Into the Walls of a Connected Hallway
"Because my bedroom, bath, and closet are in the attic of my house, space is at a premium," says designer Tim Clarke. And that didn't stop him from making it work. "I utilized the angled areas under the eaves and installed hanging bars and pullout shelves. It's all perfectly hidden behind tongue-and-groove paneling with invisible touch-latch doors.
I sleep in my closet!" If you need to cram bulky things like sweaters and jeans in there, too, vacuum bags will become your best friend.
Thomas Loof
16 of 22
Get Creative With Furniture
This genius small space solution gets a lot done while taking up as little of the floor as possible. Juan Carretero flanked the bed with two custom, ceiling-high armoires that function as closets, and the niche beneath the built-in sconce functions as a bedside table. Another similar clever solution? A storage bench or trunk at the end of the bed for more clothes that doubles as seating.
Kevin Scott
17 of 22
Install Layered Shelving
Layer one wall with shelving, or make one row stretch along the perimeter of the bedroom. You can use it to store everything from books to accessories, blankets, purses, shoes, and more. Designed by Studio DIIA, the exposed shelf above the bed houses books, the upper cabinets corral linens, and the closet across from the bed stores clothing.
This is especially smart if you have high ceilings and can afford to use more of your vertical space without eating into useable floor room.
Closet Stalker/The Krazy Coupon Lady
18 of 22
Hang Pants on S-Hooks
Save shelf space by hanging your pants with belt loops on S-hooks. This way, you can easily make them more compact. Bonus: You can see them all much better when you're choosing which pair to wear.
SHOP HOOKS containerstore.com
Decor 8
19 of 22
Similarly, You Can Go Behind Your Bed
Ready for storage and style? In this all-white room, the colorful hanging clothes almost act as a headboard.
See more at Decor 8.
SHOP SHELVES homedepot.com
IKEA
20 of 22
Use a Clothing Rack
The best thing about this organizer is that your clothes will be on display at all times, so you'll learn quickly which items you love and which ones you can toss or donate.
BUY NOW Turbo Clothing Rack, $50
The Container Store
21 of 22
Hang Shoes on the Door
Use the door to your bedroom to store shoes. If you don't have a ton of shoes, the empty slots can store sweaters and other clothes.
BUY NOW Over the Door Shoe Rack, $40
The Lily Pad Cottage
22 of 22
Use Your Bed Frame
Brown wicker baskets snuggled into this bed frame are perfect for storing shoes and sweaters. Plus, a cozy white blanket could almost conceal this storage spot entirely.
See more at The Lily Pad Cottage.
SHOP BASKETS potterybarn.com
25 tips for an organised space
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Declutter and sleep easier at night.
By Charley Ward and Lauren Codling
Maria Korneeva/Getty Images
Although we’d all love a bedroom big enough to accommodate an en-suite bathroom and walk-in wardrobe, this just isn’t a reality for most of us. But even if your bedroom is on the smaller side, it doesn't mean you're doomed to a lifetime of living in clutter. There's lots of small bedroom storage ideas out there to help you utilise the space you have.
How to make the most of your small spaceGetting creative by opting for multipurpose furniture, using your walls and scaling down on sizing can all help. Make sure to keep clutter at a minimum as this is the quickest way to make your room feel stuffy. You might be surprised what a difference small swaps like switching your bedside table for one with drawers to conceal your bits and pieces, or corralling items in boxes, rather than leaving them loose on your shelves, can make to a room.
We've rounded up some of our picks of the best small bedroom storage ideas and products out there. Happy organising!
Our favourite small bedroom storage ideas
Best small bedroom storage idea for clothes
Yorbay amazon.co.uk
Bamboo Clothes Rails
£69.99
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Best small bedroom storage idea for doors
SONGMICS amazon.co.uk
Over-Door Storage
£19.99
£15.99 (20% off)
SHOP NOW
Best small bedroom storage idea for wardrobe space
SONGMICS amazon.co.uk
Double Clothes Rack
£35.99
£26.99 (25% off)
SHOP NOW
Best small bedroom storage idea for coats
ACMETOP amazon.co.uk
Over-the-Door Hooks
£12.
99
SHOP NOW
Best storage trunks for small bedrooms
Beautify amazon.co.uk
Cream Storage Trunks, Set of 2
£97.99
£59.99 (39% off)
SHOP NOW
Best mirror for small bedrooms
Dripex amazon.co.uk
Over-the-Door Mirror
£46.99
£41.99 (11% off)
SHOP NOW
Best bedside table for small bedrooms
Kingrack amazon.co.uk
Metal Nightstand
£22.99
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Best bedside pocket for small bedrooms
GddDesign etsy.com.uk
Bedside Caddy
Best small bedroom storage idea for laundry
Umi amazon.co.uk
Slim Laundry Basket
£21.
99
£18.99 (14% off)
SHOP NOW
Best mirror for small bedrooms
oliverbonas.com
Gold Metal Arch Mirror with Shelf & Hooks
£115.00
£80.50 (30% off)
SHOP NOW
Best small bedroom storage idea for wardrobes
Hossejoy amazon.co.uk
Stackable Wardrobe Organiser, Pack of 4
£38.99
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Best small bedroom storage idea for wardrobes
HOUSE DAY amazon.co.uk
Magic Hangers, Pack of 8
£18.99
£14.97 (21% off)
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Best small bedroom storage idea for wardrobes
Qualsen amazon.co.uk
Skirt Hangers, Pack of 2
£12.89
SHOP NOW
Best small bedroom storage idea for clothes
urbanoutfitters.
com
Clothing Rack
Best small bedroom storage idea for shoes
UDB amazon.co.uk
Hanging Shoe Rack
£22.99
SHOP NOW
Best small bedroom storage idea for walls
OAKNO amazon.co.uk
Expandable Closet Rack
£27.00
SHOP NOW
Best small bedroom storage idea for your bedside
House by John Lewis johnlewis.com
Small Side Table
Best small bedroom storage idea for your bedside
Dunelm dunelm.com
Slim Bedside Table
Best floating shelf for small bedrooms
swooneditions.com
Fresco Floating Shelf
Best small bedroom storage idea for shelf space
Habitat argos.
co.uk
Narrow Bookcase
Best small bedroom storage idea for beds
dreams.co.uk
Wooden Ottoman Bed Frame
£699.00
£549.00 (21% off)
SHOP NOW
Best small bedroom storage idea for beds
cathkidston.com
Bee & Heart Underbed Storage
Best small bedroom storage idea for blankets
dunelm.com
Foldable Cream Ottoman
Best small bedroom storage idea for blankets
dunelm.com
Velvet Ottoman
Best small bedroom storage idea for radiators
dunelm.com
White Radiator Shelf
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Architect's 10 Tips — INMYROOM
In a small apartment, the issue of storage is especially acute, because there is not enough space for large wardrobes or a dressing room.
Things fill all the free living space, turning it into a warehouse. Architect Nikita Morozov tells how to properly organize storage systems even in a small apartment.
Nikita Morozov
ARCHITECT
Permanent author of INMYROOM, founder of design bureau KM STUDIO.
Built-in wardrobes
If it is impossible to allocate a dressing room in a small area, then you should pay attention to built-in wardrobes. They allow you to use the space up to the ceiling. In the more accessible lower part, everyday items will be stored, and in the upper part suitcases, boxes with seasonal clothes and shoes will perfectly fit.
Organize storage on the balcony
Having a balcony becomes an important advantage of being small. Usually everything is stored there: from boxes with things and unused dishes to skis and other sports equipment. But in order for there to be room for at least something else on the balcony, it is still worth organizing storage.
For example, install cabinets, shelving, or floor-to-ceiling open shelves around the perimeter. Or at least make a sliding partition that will fence off the "warehouse" from the actively used part of the balcony.
Use hanging modules and shelves
If all the available space is already occupied by furniture, then it's time to go higher. The furniture industry offers many collections of comfortable wall-mounted furniture. As a rule, these are shallow lightweight structures that are suitable for books, accessories and small items. Place shelves and closed modules in one line or make a composition out of them. So you can get not only an additional storage system, but also an element of decor.
Use hooks, brackets and hangers
Even if you can't hang shelves or closed units on the wall, there's almost certainly room for a hook and bracket. Hanging bars are indispensable in the hallway or bathroom. And the brackets on the balcony will help you organize your sports equipment.
Make the most of the space in the kitchen
The burning issue of storing kitchen utensils in a small space will help to solve the cabinet-pencil case. Large dishes and rarely used household appliances can be folded into it. Ceiling-height upper cabinets will allow you to gain additional usable space. In addition, storage in the kitchen should be organized - think over in advance for each item its place.
Let your upholstered furniture transform
Use any free space to hide things. For example, inside upholstered furniture. Give preference to models of sofas and beds, poufs and banquettes with internal drawers or containers. The functional area under the mattress or seating area is suitable for storing enough voluminous bed linen.
Don't forget about bathroom storage
Use even seemingly small bathroom space as storage space. For example, install a sliding or hinged screen under the bathroom and hide all the necessary chemicals or small cleaning equipment behind it.
In the niches of plumbing boxes, install shelves and cabinets, after sewing up communications.
Look for unusual places for drawers and shelves
For example, you can even use the space under the windowsills with radiators installed under them. Of course, in unexpected and unusual places, it is unlikely that you will be able to install capacious storage systems. But they will fit for small things like stationery or magazines. Thanks to this, small items will not be scattered everywhere and will not create the feeling of a cluttered interior.
Divide rooms into zones with storage systems
Sometimes in a small apartment it is necessary to zone the space and divide it into functional blocks. Instead of walls and partitions, use open shelving up to the ceiling or building structures with shelf niches. Thanks to this, it will be possible to combine business with pleasure and use a minimum of space to accommodate a maximum of things.
Stock up on boxes and containers
To make the most of your closet, shelving or shelf space, consider boxes, containers and boxes in a variety of sizes and shapes.
Even on a small shelf, several times more items can fit if you arrange them in containers and place them one on top of the other. In a really small apartment, even free centimeters play a role.
Photo: IKEA
See also:
how to place everything you need - INMYROOM
In small apartments it always seems that there are too many things. Especially in those where there is no pantry: there is almost always a cluttered balcony, and in the corridor you have to bang your head on the mezzanine. It's time to stop this: we tell you how to properly think over storage systems in order to stop tripping over old skis when going out onto the balcony.
Do not be afraid of the walls
The days of massive Soviet walls of Romanian and Yugoslav origin that cluttered up the space are gone. A modern wall consists of modules of various widths, depths and heights, it can include hundreds of different items that are easy to combine with each other.
This means that along one wall you can fit everything, filling it up to the ceiling with open shelves, glazed shelves, chests of drawers with deep drawers, where all the necessary things will be hidden.
Design: "Common area"
Choose built-in furniture
Built-in closet - not a cheap pleasure, but it's very practical: just order a wardrobe once, which will be made in accordance with your needs - and the question of storing clothes will be closed. If you choose a cabinet of the same color as the walls, this will help to visually hide the very fact of its existence. But by ordering a wardrobe with floor-to-ceiling mirrored doors, you will visually expand the space - so as not to get lost!
Design: Cubiq Studio
Use niches
A niche in an apartment is an unusual architectural element that you often don't know what to do with. If there is not enough space in the apartment, you should not waste this space on decor like paintings or vases: it is better to make a storage system in this recess.
Glaze the shelves and you get a great cupboard for dishes, leave them open and you can put unbreakable things there, for example, books and magazines.
Design: Maria Dadiani
Go all the way to the top
The advice is obvious, but we can't help but give it: any storage system should fill the entire wall from floor to ceiling. Your task is to think carefully about what you will put on the very top, what - at chest level, and what - at the very bottom. All the things that you haven’t used for a long time can go under the ceiling, but it’s still a pity to throw it away. It can be your grandmother's vintage dresses, old magazines, encyclopedias, and other items that you have feelings for.
Design: Diana Ponomareva
Pay attention to the corners
We never know how to use the corners in an apartment, so why not make shelves there too? This is especially convenient in the hallway - there is always not enough space for little things that you can put at the entrance.
