Don’t let tiny-bedroom woes keep you up at night. These tips will help you make the most of your space and create a room you'll love.
Diversify storage.
In a small bedroom, a variety of storage solutions can help maximize flexibility and help you take advantage of every nook and cranny. This tight bedside space demonstrates this: a nightstand provides both surface area and open and closed storage, a basket offers portability of other items and a head-height open shelf stores a few items in pretty boxes (and offers a space for display too).
Downsize your furnishings.
In smaller bedrooms, everything besides the bed should be scaled down to reduce visual clutter. When it comes to choosing bedside tables, for instance, look for compact pieces that offer multiple storage options—such as a drawer and an open shelf.
Look in unexpected places.
In space-challenged bedrooms, every inch counts. Backs of closet doors, for example, can be put to use in daily wardrobe planning. Install one pole and one over-the-door hook to put out outfits for a day or two. Oft-worn accessories or other dressing items can be kept within easy reach, thanks to narrow hooks and plastic holders.
Clean up your floor.
Wall-mounted storage clears floor space and can visually make a room appear bigger. For bedside storage, mount cubbies on the wall and enclose all but daily-use items in decorative boxes. To gain even more space, combine storage cubes of different sizes.
Keep out-of-sight spaces tidy.
A closed drawer is an invitation to clutter, especially in small bedrooms. To keep items organized, start with a good system. Collections of pretty dishes become the perfect drawer dividers, holding grooming and dressing supplies. For tabletop items, try decorative trays to keep bedroom supplies in order.
Display your favorites.
For some people, storage means out of sight. But many pieces that you love can easily be transformed into display-worthy elements. For instance, bright paint transformed this simple frame and metal screen into the perfect hanging spot for favorite earrings and necklaces.
Use multi-function furniture.
With no room for both a display table and nightstand, this small bedroom made use of a narrow console with two shelves, incorporating storage of beloved decorative items and daily-use essentials.
Pay attention to surfaces.
Many small bedrooms—particularly kids’ spaces—do double-duty as work or homework spots, too. That means they can quickly accumulate extra supplies and knickknacks that overtake surface spaces. Luckily, simple solutions can help keep clutter at bay. Divide different types of items (erasers and paper clips, for example) into separate smaller dishes, and keep them all together using one larger tray with sides. It’s a good solution for jewelry, makeup or other grooming supplies, too.
Utilize wasted spaces.
Niches are sometimes considered too narrow to be useful. But those tight spots and overhead spaces are great for storage of lesser-used items and for displaying favorite treasures. To avoid bedside surface clutter, consider mounting a swing-arm lamp.
Use your walls.
Hooks and shelves are great ways to keep clothes and accessories organized. A narrow shelf next to a dressing table, for example, provides a few extra inches for jewelry or makeup; a series of pretty hooks underneath keeps outerwear or bags within easy reach.
Measure the depth.
Typical furniture options like large dressers can quickly overwhelm small bedrooms. Look for narrower options that can tuck into slim corners while still providing storage. The mirrored doors on this one help the space appear larger.
Supplement a tiny closet.
Small bedrooms and small closets often go hand-in-hand. If your space challenges extend to clothing storage, consider supplementing your room with a pretty armoire outfitted just for apparel and accessories. Use paint to dress up the piece and tie it in with the rest of the decor in your room.
Establish zones.
Take full advantage of a small bedroom’s footprint by dividing it into specific zones to centralize activities. To do so without adding clutter to a space, rely on scaled-down furniture. Here, a narrow chair and small dressing table with drawers establishes a just-right niche for morning prep.
Organize jewelry.
Create a fits-almost-anywhere jewelry stand from an old display shelf and an empty frame. Fitted with a piece of 1/2-inch plywood covered with batting and ivory felt, the frame elegantly shows off necklaces dangling from cup hooks adorned with pom-poms. Lined with vintage dishes, the display shelves keep additional pieces of jewelry organized.
Trick out your closet.
Make the most of a small closet with the right organizers. A mix of drawers, cubbies, cabinets and hanging bars provides storage tailored to specific items.
Take advantage of headboard storage.
Utilize the space behind your bed. Employ bins or baskets to organize bedside essentials, and install wall-mounted lights. The arrangement in this bedroom eliminates the need for nightstands, which is another plus in a small bedroom.