13 bedroom storage ideas to keep your clutter at bay

Bedroom storage ideas can seem fairly standard when it comes to bedroom design. Wardrobes, chests of drawers, bedside tables and perhaps a few handy hooks and you could be forgiven for considering the job done.

But, with some extra thought, planning and a few nifty tricks you could find yourself with more storage than you initially thought possible.

We've collated a collection of bedroom storage ideas to help you whether you're in the early stages of planning your self-build, looking at ways to add more style to your renovation or find yourself excited at the prospect of a luxurious new bedroom as part of your extension plans.

Bedroom storage ideas will add to your sense of wellbeing

Get your bedroom storage ideas right and you could also find yourself with the added bonus of sleeping more soundly say the experts - something that's essential during a sometimes stressful process such as a self-build.

"One of the biggest benefits of a tidy and organised bedroom is it improves your mental wellbeing," says Craig Hoareau, a member of the Association of Professional Declutterers & Organisers, and owner of A Tidy Mind London 

"Having the space organised will promote calm and relaxation, reducing stress and anxiety. Going to bed in an organised bedroom will increase sleep quality and means when you wake up you won’t be faced with what needs to be done, but instead sets the tone for how the rest of the new day will go."

Craig Hoareau

As the owner of A Tidy Mind London, Craig is a professional declutter and organise whose goal is to help you achieve more calm and harmony in your home environment and life.

1. Pair a deep picture window seat with recessed book shelves

If you're in the early stages of your design and are installing picture windows to maximise on the view from your room, be sure to take advantage of the wall depth to add extra bedroom storage ideas.

Perfect for storing books, this recessed shelving turns the window seat into a small reading nook, without having to use up valuable floor space for a freestanding bookcase.

If reading's not your thing, use it instead for bags, jewellery boxes or simply as a set of display shelves to keep photos and treasured objects close by.

2. Build storage into a full height headboard

If you're not keen on the thought of cupboards directly above your head while you sleep, follow this clever bedroom storage idea instead and place them behind you in a floor to ceiling headboard wall.

Even though it's made to a shallower depth than the surrounding wardrobes, there's enough depth inside to fit a row of integrated cupboards. 

Opt for handle free push touch openings, follow our expert advice for spray painting wood so that it's the same colour and finish as the rest of your furniture and you've turned wasted wall space into streamline storage.

3. Low ceilings? A gentleman's chest could be the solution

If you're looking for freestanding bedroom storage that suits your bedroom loft conversion ideas, you could be struggling to think of hanging solutions that suit a low ceiling. 

It's where a piece of furniture known as a gentleman's chest could come in pretty handy. Designed in a variety of sizes and configurations they all have the benefit of hanging space - something you may find yourself lacking in if you can't find full sized wardrobes to fit.

The wardrobes shown come from The Painted Furniture Company. John Lewis also offer a Bow 5 Drawer Low Wardrobe in Oak which would work well if you're opting for neutral bedroom ideas.

4. Indulge in a secret dressing room behind a panelled wall

If you prefer to keep your clothes and any bedroom wardrobes completely out of sight, take inspiration from this home where a secret door is hidden within what on the surface appears to to be a wall panelling idea.

And while this scheme houses an en-suite bathroom idea, it could also be a great solution for a hidden walk-in-wardrobe. Although keeping your clothes behind hidden doors still means making the most of the available space.

"Consider your needs, preferences and habits when planning your storage," says Craig Horeau. "Think about frequently used items and their accessibility, how you’d ideally like it to function and the ease of putting things away. 

"If you love folding then opt for shelves and drawers with dividers. If you prefer to quickly hang things and skip the folding steps then opt for more rails instead. Always think ahead about how you will keep everything organised and choose the solution that will work for you. 

"Don't forget to utilise vertical space to the maximum, with shelves or hanging organisers or higher shelves for out of season clothes if you’re short of space," suggests Craig. "Often overlooked items include seasonal clothing, accessories, and bedside essentials like books or electronics, so keep those in mind too when planning any storage in the bedroom."

6. Pick a bed with under-bed drawers for less used items

"Underbed drawers are a superb addition to any bedroom, offering a smart and efficient solution for maximising storage space" says Adam Brown, director of The Painted Furniture Company.

"By utilising the often-overlooked area beneath the bed, these drawers help keep the room tidy and organised without taking up additional floor space. They provide convenient access to items such as seasonal clothing, shoes, extra bedding, or even toys, making it easier to maintain a clutter-free bedroom environment."

"If you have drawers under your bed then you use this as an extension to your wardrobe," says Craig. "Use drawer dividers for clothes or other items which do not belong in your wardrobe."

Adam Brown

The Painted Furniture Co. brand was launched in 2010 by husband-and-wife Adam and Rosy who were were keen to move away from bland furniture and had decided to swap more traditional lacquer for paint. They now produce a range of furniture items and have years of experience in creating practical and stylish bedroom storage solutions.

7. Or choose an ottoman bed that is easy to open

If you don't have enough space either side of your bed to open built-in drawers, an ottoman bed is another alternative and I speak from personal experience when I say it's one of my favourite bedroom storage ideas.

I've managed to fit more items in mine than I ever thought possible. From pedestal fans to spare bedding and seasonal clothes, it's also the perfect hiding spot for presents.

If you do choose this as an option, make sure it has a gas lift for easy opening and make the most of the space available by following Craig Hoareau's tips:

"Use zip up bags to separate things by category and sections, and try to avoid just randomly placing things under the bed," says Craig. "Think about accessibility and place items you need more access to around the edges rather than in the centre or back. And finally, use vacuum seal bags to add even more storage space."

This Koti Home Avon Upholstered Ottoman Storage Bed from John Lewis would look great in green bedroom ideas and provide ample storage.

8. Divide your bedroom into sleep and storage zones with a partition wall

If you're extending your home with a double storey extension that includes a generous master bedroom idea, go for more architecturally led bedroom storage ideas and zone your space into two distinct areas – sleep and storage.

Defining the spaces sets out clear boundaries between the two and encourages you to keep your bedroom zone clutter free. Opt for wall hung-bedside tables and wall mounted bedside lights to ensure the floor space either side of the bed is left free. 

It'll help add the feeling of more room – although in this generously high-ceilinged bedroom you'd struggle not to feel anything but a sense of light and space.

9. Use fun storage in a child's bedroom to encourage tidying habits

When your children's bedroom ideas need to double up as playroom ideas, it can be hard to find bedroom storage ideas that work for the variety of clothes and toys contained within.

But by turning storage into something more fun, it can help develop habits that will last them a lifetime.

"Always Involve children in the organisation process from a young age," says Craig Hoareau. "This will then become normal for them as they grow older creating independence and helping them develop great organisational skills they can use elsewhere in life. 

"Start by using labelled bins or baskets for toys and games. Make tidy up fun by turning it into a game or challenge. Teach them the importance of putting things back where they belong after use. Encourage regular tidy-ups to maintain organisation, perhaps a few minutes before bed everyday or once a week."

10. Build drawers into the eaves when designing a loft bedroom

Although it's nothing new to use the eaves for storage when creating a loft bedroom space, we've added this idea to show how it doesn't just have to be used for cupboards.

While cupboards can provide depth and rails or space for larger items, bending down to get the items out, isn't always that comfortable. Instead, why not consider a series of drawer units built into the space instead?

Alter your individual drawers sizes to suit and you'll still have plenty of options for storing items of all sizes which can be accessed simply by pulling the drawers towards you.

11. Choose freestanding lockers for fun and practicality

“Freestanding storage is an easy upgrade to your bedroom storage ideas that not only works for homeowners but renters too," says Becca Stern, creative director and co-founder of Mustard Made.

"By choosing a slimline design such as a locker, this can help maximise the vertical wall space without taking up too much of the floor. For an added pop of personality look for a coloured storage solution, the versatile nature of freestanding storage means it can be easily shuffled around or swapped out to another room if you change your colour scheme later down the line.”

12. A traditional blanket box can be a welcome storage addition to your bedroom

"A blanket box in a bedroom is a fantastic addition due to its multifunctional benefits," says Adam Brown. 

"It provides practical storage space for extra blankets, pillows, and linens, helping keep the bedroom organised and clutter-free. Beyond storage, a blanket box can also serve as additional seating or a convenient surface for placing items like books or trays. 

"It can also add to the style of the room," he adds, "offering a stylish piece that complements the overall bedroom decor ideas."

13. Carve out a niche in your wardrobe for more than just clothes

Like to switch off with a boxset in bed but prefer to keep your TV out of sight? Consider opting for a bespoke fitted wardrobe solution that can be designed to meet all of your needs.

And even though fitted wardobes vs freestanding wardrobes will naturally involve a difference in cost, paying for a specialist to design your space gives you solutions and ideas that only their trained eye can create.

Whether it's cases or clothes, books or bags, a wardrobe designer will know just how to use every millimetre of available wall space to get everything in that you need. It's also something worth considering for small bedroom ideas which really do need to get the most storage out of the meterage available.

Head to our article on bedroom layout ideas to ensure you're covering all the options and making the most of the available space. 

And finally, when it comes to the finishing touches that make your storage work to the max, Craig Hoareau shares his favourite items that always make their way into the bedroom storage ideas he shares with clients:

"My personal favourite item to use in most spaces is a Lazy Susan. It makes accessing things very easily and works well in a bedroom for beauty products and perfumes. Beside caddies are also great to hang on the side of the bed to hold things like remotes, books, glasses or essentials if you don’t have a bedside table.

"A hanging jewellery organiser which you can hang on the back of your bedroom door or inside the wardrobe with plastic pockets to hold all your jewellery can be a practical option and slim space saving hangers are very important. 

"Wooden hangers are great if you have minimal clothing," adds Craig, "but if you have a lot to hang and short on hanging space then rubber coated metal hangers are the best option. They don’t break and save a lot of space. Velvet hangers are good too but really only work for lighter clothes. Anything heavy and they will break."