Updated : February 5, 2025
Published : February 3, 2025
Guides

You’re scrolling through bedroom makeover ideas on Instagram late at night, and it feels like you’ve walked into the cosiest, most organised dream space. Soft, warm light spills from those oversized table lamps, casting a gentle glow over crisp white bedding and neutral throw pillows. Wall art, perfectly placed above the bed, adds just the right touch of character, and there’s that effortless throw blanket draped across the side. Everything looks fresh, calm, and totally inviting.

You keep scrolling, saving posts, and clicking on links. The next thing you know, you’re filling up your cart. But then, as you go to checkout, you stop. You glance around your own bedroom and it hits you: there’s no space for any of this. The excitement fizzles out surprisingly fast when you realise buying more won’t give you the serene vibe you’re after — not without some serious organising first.

The good news? You don’t need a major overhaul to breathe life into your room. The secret lies in smart storage solutions that make organising easy without squeezing your space further. We have some cool bedroom storage ideas to help create a space you can truly unwind in.

Maximise Vertical Space

Sometimes it seems like no matter how much you organise, your room always feels cramped. That might be because you're not using the one design tip that transforms small bedrooms into functional spaces. We’re talking about vertical storage. Walls aren’t just for hanging art or posters; they’re untapped real estate that can completely change how your bedroom feels.

Floating shelves are a simple starting point. They can hold everything from a mini library of books to storage boxes that keep your essentials hidden while looking tidy. This way, your nightstand won't have to bear the weight of your bedtime accessories anymore. It makes your room feel much more open without actually getting rid of anything.

Kids’ rooms benefit a lot from vertical storage. Instead of floor bins, move some items up to free up play space. Toys they don’t use every day can be stored in labelled boxes on higher shelves, while older favourites like teddy bears make charming additions to their room as decorative pieces.

Shelves don’t need to be boring, either. Paint them to match your room or choose a bold colour to make a statement.

Use a Small Side Table

Some bedside tables come with drawers, which are great for storing personal items like journals or medications you’d rather keep out of view. On the other hand, options with open shelves give you quick access to frequently used things, such as books or decorative pieces you want to display. If you’re torn between the two, a combination design with both a drawer and an open shelf gives you the best of both worlds — hidden storage for private items and easy-to-reach space for daily essentials.

When you’re arranging your bedside table, think about accessibility. Keep everyday essentials like your phone, glasses, or current book on the top drawer or surface for easy access. Reserve the lower drawers or shelves for less frequently used items like seasonal items or spare cables. Drawer dividers or small organisers can help maintain order, so you’re not rummaging around every morning or night.

Modern designs often feature built-in USB ports or wireless charging to help manage your gadgets easily. If your table doesn't come with these features, look for one with a cable port at the back. Add cable clips or organisers to avoid tangled wires and maintain a clean, tidy look.

Lastly, think about height. Your bedside table should be level with or slightly higher than your mattress for comfortable reach. For most beds, 60 to 71 cm is a good range, but this can vary with your specific setup. If your bed is unusually high or low, adjust accordingly by choosing a taller or shorter table. You can also use risers if needed.

Repurpose a Chair Rail

Historically, chair rails were added to dining rooms to protect walls from scuffs and damage caused by the backs of chairs. You’ll often find them in older homes, sitting neatly around 30 inches from the floor (about the height of the average dining chair). Over time, these mouldings have become primarily decorative additions, but there’s no reason they can’t also be practical when it comes to bedroom storage.

By adding a slightly deeper rail, you can create a narrow ledge to hold smaller items. A line of trinkets, a candle, or even your alarm clock can all find a new home on this raised surface. It’s a clean, minimalist way to introduce storage without cluttering up your space with extra bedroom furniture.

Put a Rolling Rack

There’s no need to sacrifice style just because space is tight in your bedroom. A rolling rack can transform a bare corner into your own mini-wardrobe setup. Tuck one into a vacant corner and use it to display your favourite coats, while still leaving room to shift it around the space when necessary. You can make full use of the rack by hanging bags or scarves from the sides and organising shoes along the bottom.

For a seamless look, try setting up the rack along your wall. Place it beside your bed or parallel to the footboard – it instantly blends into the flow of your bedroom. If you want to add more structure, consider flanking it with tall dressers to frame the rack and make it feel more contained. Alternatively, slide a low dresser beneath it to store smaller items.

If you’re not looking to invest in a larger piece of furniture, baskets are a solid option to maximise that open floor space under the rack. Use them for your shoes, winter scarves, gloves, or even smaller accessories that tend to get lost.

Declutter Your Bedroom With Our Storage Beds

Some open storage solutions – though they may seem functional – actually make a room look chaotic, since a mix of items are in plain view. – Christensen

When everything is in plain sight, it creates visual clutter that your brain struggles to ignore. Studies show that clutter can increase stress levels and disrupt sleep, making it harder to truly switch off at night.

That’s why our storage beds are designed to completely declutter your space in the smartest way possible. Unlike other storage beds with dividers that limit usable space, our beds make full use of the area underneath. With no awkward sections, you can store large items like suitcases, bedding, winter clothes, or ironing boards with ease.

Final Words

Smart storage can completely transform how your bedroom feels and functions. From making the most of your walls with vertical solutions to choosing furniture that pulls double duty, small changes can have a big impact. With thoughtful choices, your bedroom can become the relaxing retreat you’ve been looking for.