19 Genius Storage Ideas for Small Bedrooms

DIY Built-Ins

Bedroom with armoire next to bed — Paul Dyer

Built-ins are a great storage idea for small bedrooms that need additional closet space. To incorporate this project without remodeling, position floor-to-ceiling wardrobe units against the wall and add molding around the top to emulate a built-in look. Here, the side of the wardrobe closest to the bed serves up extra vertical storage space with a mounted reading light and a hanging wicker basket that functions as a bedside table.

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Double-Duty Furniture

Bedroom with desk next to bed and bookshelf — Helen Norman

For the most effective use of space, you'll have to be strategic when choosing furniture for a small bedroom. Consider pieces that serve a dual purpose, such as a desk that also serves as a bedside table. Instead of a bulky desk chair, opt for a stool that can easily tuck beneath the desk and out of the way when not in use.

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Multiple Types of Storage

gray bedroom with two twin beds — Nathan Schroder Photography

Using various storage ideas for small bedrooms can help maximize flexibility and take advantage of every inch of space. Here, a nightstand (similar to this Better Homes & Gardens Granary Modern Farmhouse End Table, $79, Walmart) capitalizes on limited bedside square feet and offers a tabletop surface, open storage, and a drawer. A basket on the lower shelf provides portability for other small items.

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Smaller Furniture

Bedroom with bedside lamps and wooden nightstands — Edmund Barr

All furniture besides the bed should be scaled down in smaller bedrooms to reduce visual clutter. Storage ideas for small bedrooms call for smarter, not larger, furniture pieces, including bedside tables and nightstands. Look for pieces that offer multiple storage options, such as a drawer and an open shelf.

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Off the Floor

Bedroom with hanging square shelving — Greg Scheidemann

Try this visual trick for a storage idea for small bedrooms: Mount cubbies on the wall for bedside storage that keeps floors clear and makes a room look larger. Enclose all but daily-use items in decorative boxes, and combine a few different-sized storage cubes to gain even more storage space. As a bonus, add under-bed storage with an open-faced basket you can easily slide in and out from under the bed frame.

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Hidden Clutter

Drawer with items placed in bowls — Miki Duisterhof

A closed drawer invites clutter, especially when your space lacks small bedroom storage ideas. To keep your stuff from getting out of control, start with an organizing system that sorts items by type. Pretty dishes and trays can act as simple drawer dividers, holding grooming and dressing supplies. For tabletop items, try decorative trays to keep other small supplies organized. Place out-of-season items under your bed in a zippered tote (Better Homes & Garden Rolling Underbed Zippered Storage Bin, $18, Walmart).

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Multi-Function Furniture

Bedroom with wicker basket and light on wall — Marty Baldwin

With no room for both a display table and nightstand, this small bedroom made use of DIY floating shelves. A cup holder built into the nightstand provides a place to set a glass of water, while the lower shelf displays a collection of favorite books. This storage idea for small bedrooms incorporates room for beloved decorative items and daily-use essentials.

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Sorted Surfaces

Metal basket with items in cups — John Granen

Many small bedrooms—particularly kid spaces—also do double-duty as work or homework spots. That means they can quickly accumulate extra supplies and knickknacks that can overtake surface spaces, but simple storage ideas for small bedrooms can help keep this clutter at bay. Divide different items—erasers and paper clips, for example—into separate smaller dishes, and keep them all together using one larger tray with sides. This also works well for jewelry, makeup, or other grooming supplies.

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Favorites on Display

Hanging jewelry holder behind dresser — Laura Moss Photography Corp

Storage ideas for small bedrooms don't have to be closed away and out of sight. Many items you love, such as jewelry, can easily be transformed into display-worthy elements that function as organized storage. A metal screen in a simple frame offers an ideal hanging spot for favored earrings and necklaces.

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Under-Bed Storage

Bed next to window with drawers — John Bessler

Trundle beds aren't just for kids' rooms. Instead of a second pullout mattress, some options feature drawers that pack extra storage in the under-bed space that would otherwise go unused. Use these drawers instead of a traditional dresser to store folded clothing, or stash out-of-season shoes and jackets here to free up additional closet space.

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Look in Unexpected Places

Yellow closet door with hanging objects — Jay Wilde/The Wilde Project

In space-challenged bedrooms, every square inch counts. Put unused areas, such as the back of a closet door, to everyday use for tasks like wardrobe planning. Install one pole and one over-the-door hook to the backside of the door to plan out outfits for the next day or two. Frequently worn accessories or other dressing items can be easily accessible thanks to narrow hooks and plastic holders.

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Wasted Space Storage

Bedroom with hanging night stand and light — John Granen

Even narrow spots and awkward in-between areas can be useful for storage. Instead of letting that space go to waste, look for slim storage ideas for small bedrooms that fit neatly inside your limited square feet. To keep the bedside surface clear, consider mounting a swing arm lamp.

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Wall Storage Solutions

Wall covered in art and jewelry décor — Anthony Masterson Photography

Hooks and shelves are great storage ideas for small bedrooms to organize jewelry and accessories. For example, place a narrow shelf next to a dressing table to add an extra surface for storing jewelry or makeup. A set of wall-mounted hooks underneath keeps outerwear or bags within easy reach.

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Creative Nook Storage

Embrace every inch of square footage to make the most of your small bedroom. Here, an unused niche became a cozy reading nook thanks to a bench piled with pillows and a small side table. Bonus: The built-in bench flips up to reveal extra blankets or linens storage.

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Right-Sized Storage

Cabinet with mirrored sections holding items — Miki Duisterhof

Typical furniture options such as dressers can quickly overwhelm small bedrooms, especially if they intrude into the sometimes cramped walkways. Search for narrower options that can tuck into slim corners yet offer practical storage ideas for small bedroom organization. The mirrored doors on this one help to bounce light around the room, which helps the space appear larger.

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Supplemental Closet Storage

Green closet with blue and yellow clothes — Jay Wilde

Small bedrooms and tiny closets often go hand-in-hand. If your space is short on clothes storage, consider supplementing with an armoire inside the bedroom for items that won't fit in the closet. If you're refreshing an older piece of furniture or a flea market find, dress it up with a fresh coat of paint and new hardware to tie it in with the rest of the decor in your room.

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Established Zones

Vanity with pink accents and chair — John Bessler

Make your small bedroom's limited footprint more effective by dividing it into specific zones for different activities. Designate areas for dressing, reading, and relaxing, using scaled-down pieces to ensure the furniture doesn't infringe on the traffic flow too much. A slim dressing table with just a few drawers and a chair establishes a just-right niche for morning prep in this small bedroom.

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Closet Trick

Closet with cube organization — Marty Baldwin

Make the most of limited rack space with smart storage ideas for small bedroom closets. Many builder-grade closets offer only a long hanging bar and a shelf, which may not meet all of your storage needs in the most space-efficient way. A mix of drawers, cubbies, cabinets, and hanging bars creates a customized storage solution tailored to your items.

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Headboard Storage

White shelving headboard — Miki Duisterhof

Incorporate a storage headboard into your small bedroom design to use the space behind your bed. Employ bins or baskets (Better Homes & Gardens Round Seagrass Baskets Set of 2, $21, Walmart) as organizers for bedside essentials, and install wall-mounted lights instead of a table lamp. The set-up in this bedroom eliminates the need for nightstands, which is another plus in small bedroom organization.