I’m an interior designer – 6 genius ways to maximise storage in a tiny bedroom & why floating shelves are a must
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WE can't always choose the size of our bedroom, but we can certainly decide how best to use it.
Interior design experts have a few handy tips that will instantly make your tiny bedroom feel more spacious, and it means never running out of storage either.
When it comes to opening up the space, designers at Instrument Furniture in London said it's the little things that count, like positioning your bed against the window or installing mirrors to create the illusion of a larger space.
But creating extra storage in a tiny area is where the issue lies. Luckily, there are some easy ways to get the job done.
Utilise your bed
"The bed tends to be the largest item in a bedroom and in a particularly small space it's important to consider how you can be savvy with storage," Jonathan Warren, director and bed specialist at told Fabulous.
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He reckons the ideal solution is an ottoman bed which provides loads of hidden space to store anything from luggage to bed linen and even out of season clothes.
Rhiannon Johns, trained interior designer and Brand Manager at , agrees and says "under-bed space is often wasted."
"Choose a bed with built-in trundle drawers underneath, or pick up some under-bed storage boxes (Ikea do a popular one) that can slot underneath," she said.
"Then just cover the bed in a valance sheet to prevent the room from looking too busy."
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Floating shelves
In small bedrooms, it's important to utilise as much of the space as possible and that means thinking about the wall space too.
Rhiannon said floating shelves are great if you have smaller trinkets or sentimental items you want to showcase - and it keeps other surfaces, including your bedside table or desk, free of clutter too.
"Instead of purchasing a bulky, free-standing bookshelf, using up wall space helps save room for valuable storage furniture like dressers and nightstands," she said.
Kate Salmon, Head of Homeware Buying at agrees that shelves are a simple way to create extra storage space, but think carefully about which ones you choose.
"Make sure you find some that fit with your bedroom’s decoration theme as open shelving will keep your treasures on display," she told Fabulous.
"Look for a style with hooks so you can hang up your bags and scarves and maximise the space underfoot."
Rethink your wardrobe
Our wardrobes are often one place that never feels big enough, not to mention trying to keep it organised and clutter-free.
But it's a good place to start if you're a little short on space and the experts have some handy tips to help us on our way.
Design masters from Instrument Furniture in London said to try to source a matching shelving unit to add to the side of your wardrobe, if your space permits.
Not only will it act as an extension of your wardrobe, but it will help declutter by housing smaller items that might otherwise be laying around.
As for inside your wardrobe, it matters just as much, even if the usual mess is hidden behind closed doors.
"If your closet space is cramped, think about all the seasonal clothes you don’t touch for half the year," Rhiannon said, meaning you don't need your winter coats taking up precious wardrobe space in the summer.
Instead, she suggests finding a new home for them. But don't get caught up on where things belong, just store them where they fit, she said.
Don't ignore the corners of your room
If you have an awkward corner or short walls and you're stuck for ideas, don't assume they can't be used because they can.
The experts at Instrument Furniture suggested using hooks or rods in the unoccupied corners of your bedroom for extra hanging storage solutions.
"These are perfect for bags, accessories and overalls – all within easy reach for when you rush out on a busy Monday morning," they said.
Utilise your doors
The same goes for your bedroom or wardrobe door which is actually the perfect place to create another storage solution.
Believe it or not, the back of a door is a great place to store your shoes, which also keeps them up off the floor.
Designers at e recommend adding rails, shelves, pegs or hanging bags inside your wardrobe or behind your door.
These can both store your shoes and keep them away from dust and sunlight.
Plus, if you are still using your laundry hamper in a desperately small room you may find it wiser to replace it with something else.
"A flatter laundry bag you can hang on your room or wardrobe door [is a great way to] keep it out of sight," the experts said.
"You may wish to hang it on the inside of the door, should your wardrobe allow it," they added.
Consider the furniture you have
In a small space, it's important to think about your furniture. Cramming too much in there will ultimately make it feel even smaller.
Perhaps consider a fold-down desk which is great when you need it and even better when you don't.
If you want a more permanent desk situation, try positioning one next to your bed, the experts said.
This way it can double as a nightstand for your reading light or bedtime essentials, rather than having a bulky bedside table as well.
Similarly, if you have a relatively low chest of drawers, it too can double as a bedside table.
If you like having a bedside table though, Kate said to choose a style with extra storage.
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"Every inch of space needs to be maximised in small and very small bedrooms," she said.
Choose a style that has a cupboard or drawers to conceal the things you need easy access to but don’t have room to store on top.
