35 Small Bedroom Ideas – Make Every Inch Count

Dealing with a small bedroom can be challenging for anyone, whether you’re a homeowner or a renter. The constraints of a limited storage area and a compact floor plan mean you must be creative with your space. However, there are numerous innovative solutions for maximizing every inch of your small bedroom. Here are some top strategies:

1. Invest in a Multi-Purpose Bed With a Built-in Closet

bed built in close - 35 Small Bedroom Ideas – Make Every Inch Count
Photo Credit: IKEA/PLATSA Bed frame

If your living space is confined, like in a dormitory or a small bedroom, opting for a multi-functional bed with an integrated closet could be the ideal solution. This type of bed eliminates the need for multiple furniture items, consolidating essential storage into a single, space-efficient piece. Typically, these beds feature a closet at the foot, offering easy access and additional storage space beneath. They’re also practical for siblings sharing a room, serving as a partition to define individual areas.

2. Construct a Rope and Pulley System for Your Wardrobe

create a raisable wardrobe that can be rolled up when not in 304aa0e3aa261f7a5fe90f54dfe7e3e2 - 35 Small Bedroom Ideas – Make Every Inch Count
Photo Credit: IKEA/KRÄCKA Curtain rod

If you find yourself in a bedroom without a wardrobe and in need of one for your clothes, consider the innovative solution of a rope and pulley system. By simply using curtain rods, rings, and rope, you can create an effective storage system that occupies minimal space in your room. This method is not only useful for storing clothes but can also serve as a convenient way to dry them. Plus, it offers a temporary solution for those times when your existing wardrobe is overflowing, and you’re not yet prepared to organize the excess clutter.

3. Use Under-Bed-Storage as a Pull-Out Bedside Table

under bed storage nightstand - 35 Small Bedroom Ideas – Make Every Inch Count
Photo: IKEA/FREDVANG Underbed storage

Maximizing space in a compact bedroom can be a creative challenge. A novel and efficient solution is to transform under-bed storage into a pull-out bedside table. This inventive approach allows you to keep your essentials within arm’s reach without cluttering your sleeping area. The pull-out table is perfect for storing books, glasses, or a night-time cup of tea, and it discreetly tucks away when not in use.

4. Mount a Leaning Shelf Over Your Bed

over bed shelving - 35 Small Bedroom Ideas – Make Every Inch Count
Photo Credit: Urban Outfitters/Leaning Over-The-Bed Storage Queen Headboard

Incorporating a leaning shelf above your bed is a stylish and space-saving solution for small bedrooms. This innovative idea capitalizes on unused vertical space, providing an area for books, decorative items, or nighttime essentials. The design of the shelf, leaning over the bed, offers easy access and adds a contemporary touch to the room. It serves as a practical alternative to traditional nightstands, especially in rooms where floor space is at a premium.

5. Gain Extra Storage Space With Bed Risers

bed riser - 35 Small Bedroom Ideas – Make Every Inch Count
Photo Credit: Overstock/Carbon Steel Bed Risers

Elevate your bedroom storage capabilities with the simple yet effective addition of bed risers. This ingenious solution raises your bed, creating valuable extra space underneath for storage. Perfect for small bedrooms where every inch counts, bed risers can be a game-changer. You can use the newfound space to store boxes, suitcases, or even drawers, keeping your belongings neatly tucked away and out of sight. This not only helps in decluttering your room but also in organizing it more efficiently. Bed risers are a straightforward, affordable way to maximize your bedroom’s storage potential, making them a must-have for anyone looking to enhance their living space.

6. Create a Headboard of Shoe Cabinets

six white ikea trones shoe cabinets are wall mounted to create headboard - 35 Small Bedroom Ideas – Make Every Inch Count
Photo Credit: IKEA/TRONES Shoe storage cabinet

Finding the perfect headboard that combines functionality with your personal style can be challenging. If you’re looking for storage options or a design that complements your existing wooden, contemporary, or specifically colored furniture, consider a DIY approach. Create a unique and practical headboard using shoe storage cabinets. These can be stacked and arranged to your liking, providing ample space to stow away items that usually contribute to clutter. Embellish your custom headboard with LED lights and other decorative accessories to add a personal touch.

7. Hang Your Chairs on the Wall

two foldable chairs hanging on a wall beside a bed a57e03a398e702fe5999090434e0e6e7 - 35 Small Bedroom Ideas – Make Every Inch Count
Photo Credit: IKEA/KÄMPIG Hook

Transform your bedroom into a model of efficiency and space-saving design by hanging chairs on the wall. This clever strategy frees up valuable floor space, making your room feel more open and less cluttered. Utilize strong, reliable hooks or wall-mounted brackets to securely hang folding chairs when they’re not in use. This approach is not only practical for small bedrooms or multi-functional spaces but also adds a touch of modern flair to your decor. Hanging chairs on the wall can be both a functional storage solution and an artistic expression, blending utility with style in your personal sanctuary.

Install Cabinets Over Your Bed

cabinets over bed - 35 Small Bedroom Ideas – Make Every Inch Count
Photo Credit: IKEA/IVAR Cabinet

Enhance the storage capacity of your bedroom by installing cabinets over your bed. This smart solution takes advantage of the often-unused wall space above your bed, providing a place to store books, bedding, or personal items. These overhead cabinets can help declutter your room, keeping essentials neatly organized and within reach.

8. Store Your Stuff on the Ceiling

Ceiling storage over bed - 35 Small Bedroom Ideas – Make Every Inch Count
Photo Credit: IKEA/MULIG Clothes bar

Enhance your bedroom’s appeal and storage capacity by mounting a few clothes bars on the ceiling, cleverly concealed beneath an elegant bed canopy. This not only adds a decorative touch but also provides a practical storage solution. It’s crucial to ensure that the bars are securely anchored for safety.

9. Use the Empty Space Over a Dresser for a Clothes Bar

clothes bar over dresser - 35 Small Bedroom Ideas – Make Every Inch Count
Photo Credit: IKEA/Malm Dresser

Transform the unused area above your dresser into a functional space by installing a clothes bar. This simple yet effective addition maximizes your bedroom’s storage potential, providing extra hanging space for clothes, accessories, or even decorative items. It’s an ideal solution for organizing outfits, extending wardrobe capacity, or simply keeping frequently worn items within easy reach.

10. Sew Pockets Onto Your Curtains From Leftover Textiles

curtain with storage pockets - 35 Small Bedroom Ideas – Make Every Inch Count
Photo Credit: IKEA

While certainly unconventional, there’s no denying that giving your curtains their own pockets can be an inventive and helpful storage solution for small spaces. If you have leftover fabric from creating your curtains or altering them, you can fashion pouches at a convenient height. And as they’re the same fabric as the curtains, they blend in! This storage solution is particularly helpful in bedrooms for those everyday essentials like hairbrushes, jewelry, hair clips, and even your slippers for first thing in the morning.

11. Store Seasonal Clothing and Bedding in Empty Cushion Covers and Use Them as Decor

cushion cover stuffed with seasonal clothing - 35 Small Bedroom Ideas – Make Every Inch Count
Photo Credit: IKEA/GULLKLOCKA Cushion cover

In the quest for a clutter-free and spacious bedroom, innovative storage solutions are paramount, especially in smaller living spaces. One clever and aesthetically pleasing approach is to utilize empty cushion covers as storage compartments for seasonal clothing and bedding. This ingenious approach not only declutters your room but also adds a creative touch to your decor. Store away seasonal clothing, extra bedding, or even bulky sweaters in these cushion covers. They can then be artfully arranged on your bed or couch, serving as stylish, functional decor pieces.

12. A Floating Nightstand Saves Valuable Floor Space

floating cabinet as night stand - 35 Small Bedroom Ideas – Make Every Inch Count
Photo Credit: IKEA LIXHULT Cabinet

A floating nightstand is an excellent space-saving solution for small bedrooms. This wall-mounted piece of furniture frees up floor space, giving your room a cleaner, more open feel. Its sleek design is perfect for modern decor and it’s practical too, offering just enough surface for essentials like a lamp and a book. Easy to install and maintain, a floating nightstand is a smart choice for anyone looking to maximize their bedroom space efficiently

13. Install a Folding Desk Onto Your Wall

folding wall desk - 35 Small Bedroom Ideas – Make Every Inch Count
Photo Credit: Ebern Designs/Floating desk

In an ideal world, we’d all have a spare bedroom we could turn into a home office, but not everyone is that lucky. You might be living in a dorm room, a small home, or all bedrooms are taken up by family members. In that case, turn your attention to folding desks. Folding desks can be mounted out of the way on a wall and pulled down when you need to use them. Many options for sale even come with included storage so that all your office goods have somewhere permanent to live. When you no longer need to use your desk, you can fold it back up out of the way.

15. Use Coat Racks for Low-Cost and Easily Accessible Storage

hoevolm rack with 6 knobs oak  1042233 pe841304 s5 - 35 Small Bedroom Ideas – Make Every Inch Count
Photo Credit: IKEA/HÖVOLM Rack

Coat racks can be an unexpectedly convenient and low-cost storage solution for bedrooms. Not just for coats, these versatile racks can hold a variety of items, making them easily accessible. Place a coat rack in a corner or behind a door to hang frequently used items like robes, hats, scarves, or even jewelry. This approach keeps your belongings organized and within reach, while adding a touch of personality to your bedroom decor. I

16. Create the Illusion of More Space With a Large Mirror

large ellipse mirror - 35 Small Bedroom Ideas – Make Every Inch Count
Photo Credit: Urban Outfitters/Safi Floor Mirror

You might notice that interior designers often use items that offer the illusion of space. Mirrors tick that box well. Mirrors reflect plenty of natural light while also adding depth to trick you into thinking you have more space than you do. When you often feel like your walls are closing in, it can be helpful to lean a mirror against the wall or hang one on it. If you’ve decided that a mirror is an excellent option for your small space, you’ll be amazed at just how many beautiful options there are to choose from.

17. Create a Home Office Under a Loft Bed

loft bed - 35 Small Bedroom Ideas – Make Every Inch Count
Photo Credit: Hokku Designs/Loft Bed

Maximize your small bedroom space by ingeniously setting up a home office under a loft bed. This clever arrangement takes advantage of vertical space, offering a functional work area without sacrificing valuable square footage. The space beneath the loft bed becomes a cozy nook for a desk, chair, and essential office supplies. Tailor this compact office to your needs and style with lighting and decor that foster productivity and comfort. Whether for professional use, study, or creative endeavors, this setup ensures your work environment is neatly separated from your sleeping area, promoting better organization and focus.

18. Store Your Jewelry in an Over-The-Door Mirror That Doubles as an Armoire

over door armoire - 35 Small Bedroom Ideas – Make Every Inch Count
Photo Credit: Containerstore/Over-the-door mirror and jewelry organizer

For small bedrooms, where every inch of space is precious, an over-the-door mirror that doubles as a jewelry armoire is a brilliant solution. This two-in-one piece combines the functionality of a full-length mirror with the storage capabilities of a jewelry armoire. Hang it over your door to make use of often-overlooked space. Inside, the armoire offers organized compartments for all your jewelry, keeping necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings neatly arranged and easily accessible. The exterior mirror provides the convenience of a head-to-toe view for outfit checks.

19. Hang Your Laundry Hamper on the Inside of a Closet Door

over door laundry hamper - 35 Small Bedroom Ideas – Make Every Inch Count
Photo Credit: Rebrilliant/Over-the-door laundry bag

To save floor space and maintain a tidy bedroom, consider hanging your laundry hamper on the inside of a closet door. This innovative approach keeps your laundry out of sight while making efficient use of an often-overlooked storage area. Choose a hamper that can be easily attached to the door, ensuring it’s sturdy enough to hold the weight of your clothes. This method not only frees up valuable space in your room but also keeps your laundry organized and easily accessible when it’s time to do the wash.

20. Maximize Daytime Space With a Versatile Murphy Bed

murphy bed bedroom - 35 Small Bedroom Ideas – Make Every Inch Count
Photo Credit: Lori Wall beds/Queen Vertical Bed

A Murphy bed, which can be folded up into the wall when not in use, is a fantastic small-space solution. This versatile piece of furniture transforms your bedroom into a multi-functional space, allowing you to use the room for daytime activities like exercising, working, or relaxing.

During the day, the Murphy bed can be easily stowed away, offering you ample space to set up a home office, a workout area, or a cozy reading nook. At night, it can be just as easily pulled down to provide a comfortable sleeping space. The design of Murphy beds has evolved significantly, with options now available that include built-in shelves, desks, and even lighting. This means that when the bed is folded up, it seamlessly integrates with your room’s decor, enhancing both the functionality and aesthetics of your small bedroom.

21. Use Pegboards for Flexible Storage

pegboard for bedroom - 35 Small Bedroom Ideas – Make Every Inch Count
Photo Credit: IKEA/SKÅDIS Pegboard

Most people have small knick-knacks and trinkets that they adore but can never find a suitable space for. While looking for inspiration online, you might see one storage solution mentioned time and time again: peg boards. While traditionally used in garages for tools, they can actually be used in your home for any number of small items you want to enjoy in plain sight. Whether you have small plants, jewelry, photos, keychains, or general home décor, you’re bound to find a beautiful pegboard to take pride of place on your wall.

22. Stack Your Beds When You Don’t Use Them

stackable beds - 35 Small Bedroom Ideas – Make Every Inch Count
Photo Credit: IKEA/UTÅKER Stackable bed

Stackable beds are an ingenious solution for small bedrooms, especially in shared spaces like children’s rooms or guest rooms. These beds can be easily stacked one over the other, saving valuable floor space during the day. When needed, they can be separated and used as two individual beds, offering flexibility and convenience.

23. Opt for a Storage Bed

storage bed lift - 35 Small Bedroom Ideas – Make Every Inch Count
Photo Credit: ZINUS/Finley Upholstered Platform Bed

Choosing a storage bed is a smart move for anyone looking to maximize space in their bedroom. These beds come with built-in storage compartments, such as drawers or a lift-up mattress base, providing ample space to store linens, clothing, or other items.

Storage beds are particularly beneficial in smaller bedrooms, where extra closet or cabinet space might be scarce. By utilizing the area under the bed, you can keep your belongings neatly tucked away and easily accessible.

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24. Add Extra Seating With Built-in Storage

storage ottoman - 35 Small Bedroom Ideas – Make Every Inch Count
Photo Credit: SONGMICS/Storage Ottoman

Incorporating storage ottomans into your small bedroom can significantly enhance both its functionality and aesthetic appeal. These versatile pieces serve as a stylish seating option while offering hidden storage space for a variety of items, such as blankets, books, or seasonal clothing.

Perfect for tight spaces, storage ottomans come in various sizes and designs, allowing them to easily complement your bedroom’s decor. They can be placed at the foot of the bed, under a window, or even used as a makeshift nightstand. Their dual-purpose nature makes them an excellent investment for small bedrooms, where maximizing space is crucial.

25. Store Seasonal Clothing and Other Stuff You Don’t Regularly Use Under the Bed

under bed storage - 35 Small Bedroom Ideas – Make Every Inch Count
Photo Credit: BLKDOTS/Underbed Storage Organizer

Utilizing the space under your bed for storage is a smart strategy, especially for seasonal clothing and items you don’t use on a regular basis. This hidden storage area is ideal for keeping your living space uncluttered and organized.

Under-bed storage containers, which come in various sizes and styles, can easily slide in and out, making them convenient for storing winter coats, holiday decorations, or other seasonal items. By packing these things away under the bed, you not only free up closet space but also keep your items dust-free and easily accessible.

You might also see the value in purchasing transparent containers on wheels that slide out easily and show off their contents without you needing to open them.

26. Line Shelves up Over the Tops of the Windows

Use the dead space above your windows for storage 329x500 - 35 Small Bedroom Ideas – Make Every Inch Count
Photo: IKEA

Bookcases can take up a lot of space, and as much as you’d like to have your prized books on display, that isn’t always possible in a small bedroom. Fortunately, the ideal solution exists: shelving installed above your windows.

Basic shelves installed with brackets above your windows can frame them beautifully, hide unsightly wallpaper, and add exciting textures through the placement of your favorite books. While you might need a ladder to access the books you want to read, it’s a small price to pay for having them on display rather than stuffed in boxes in your closet.

You might even love the idea that much that you carry on the shelving the whole way around your room, rather than just above your windows.

27. Use a Clothes Rack as a Room Divider

use clothes bar as room divider - 35 Small Bedroom Ideas – Make Every Inch Count
Photo Credit: IKEA/TURBO Clothes rack

A clothes rack can be an innovative and stylish solution for dividing a small bedroom into separate areas. This versatile piece not only provides a practical place to hang clothes but also serves as an effective room divider, creating a sense of privacy and organization in a limited space.

Position the rack strategically to section off a part of the room, perhaps separating the sleeping area from a workspace or a dressing area. This creates a more structured and efficient layout in a small bedroom. Additionally, the clothes rack can be a decorative element, displaying your favorite outfits or accessories.

28. Create More Closet Space by Storing Seasonal Clothing, Blankets, Pillows, and Bedding in Vacuum Storage Bags

vacuum storage bags 500x500 - 35 Small Bedroom Ideas – Make Every Inch Count
Photo Credit: Ziploc Space Bag

Maximize your closet space efficiently by using vacuum storage bags for seasonal clothing, blankets, pillows, and bedding. These bags are designed to compress items, significantly reducing their volume and freeing up valuable closet space.

Simply place your bulky items into these bags and use a vacuum to extract the air, shrinking the bags down. This method is particularly effective for storing winter coats, thick blankets, and fluffy pillows during off-seasons. Vacuum storage bags not only save space but also protect your items from dust, moisture, and pests, ensuring they remain fresh and clean.

Ideal for small living spaces or for those looking to declutter, these storage bags can be neatly stacked in a closet, under a bed, or in any other storage area.

29. Choose Closets With Sliding Doors When Space Is at a Premium

wardrobe closet sliding doors - 35 Small Bedroom Ideas – Make Every Inch Count
Photo Credit: IKEA/HOKKSUND

In small bedrooms, where every inch of space is crucial, closets with sliding doors are an excellent choice. Unlike traditional hinged doors, sliding doors don’t require extra space to open, making them ideal for tight areas. This design allows for more freedom of movement and more flexible placement of furniture in the room.

Sliding door closets come in various styles and finishes, making it easy to find one that complements your bedroom’s decor. They can be sleek and modern or more traditional, depending on your taste. The doors can also feature mirrors, which not only make the room look larger but are also practical for dressing.

30. Turn an Unused Corner Into a Home Office

white Corner Desk - 35 Small Bedroom Ideas – Make Every Inch Count
Photo Credit: Porch & Den/Lincoln Corner Desk

Transforming an unused corner of your small bedroom into a home office is a practical way to utilize space effectively. A corner desk is the perfect fit for this purpose, designed to snugly fit into corners, it maximizes available floor space while providing ample surface area for work.

This setup allows you to create a dedicated workspace without the need for a large area. The design of corner desks often includes additional shelves or drawers, which are great for organizing office supplies, thus keeping your work area clutter-free.

31. Mount Pockets on Your Bed

bed pockets used as storage - 35 Small Bedroom Ideas – Make Every Inch Count
Photo Credit: IKEA/MÖJLIGHET Bed pocket

Building pockets into your bed can be an ideal solution when you want to be highly organized with a clutter-free home. Not only can a decorative skirt with pockets be a charming addition to any bed, but it can also ensure that things you use every day are within easy reach and easy to find.

Children can store their toys in them, while adults might fill them with books and other daily essentials. While you might think you’d need to create something like this from scratch, they are actually available to purchase online.

32. Maximize Space With a Multifunctional Storage Headboard

brimnes headboard with storage compartment - 35 Small Bedroom Ideas – Make Every Inch Count
Photo Credit: IKEA/BRIMNES Headboard with storage compartment

A headboard with storage is generally designed to suit most bed types and can suit any home or studio apartment lacking storage. You can store your everyday essentials like phone chargers, books, and houseplants, or even use them for home décor to give your bedroom a much-needed facelift.

Storage headboards come in all shapes, sizes, and styles, so you have plenty of options to choose from when making your room look a certain way.

33. Mount Rails in Your Window Alcove

clothes hanging on rails in a window alcove 32a1a8b699476674865e1dad95722c03 - 35 Small Bedroom Ideas – Make Every Inch Count
Photo Credit: IKEA/BOAXEL Clothes rail

If you don’t have endless amounts of wall space for shelves to house your artwork, trinkets, lamps, and plants, consider the value of rails in your window alcove. This space is typically wasted in the average home, but it doesn’t have to be if you flex your creative muscles.

Mounted ceiling rails can be practical for plants, accessories, jewelry, clothing, baskets, and much more. You might be surprised at how much clutter you can clear when you hang it tastefully from your living room or bedroom ceiling.

34. Transform Closet Doors Into Additional Shoe Storage Solutions

Over the door Shoe Rack - 35 Small Bedroom Ideas – Make Every Inch Count
Photo Credit: Whitmor/18-Pair Over The Door Shoe Rack

There’ll be no need to stuff every nook and cranny full of your prized pairs of shoes when you have an over-the-door shoe storage rack available. These racks make use of unused storage space on your doors and put it to good use. You can also install them on regular house doors and wardrobe doors for your convenience.

Rather than shoes gathering dust in cupboards, hallways, and at your entrance door, you can make sure every pair has its place. You now have an excellent excuse to add more shoes to your collection!

35. Mount a Coat Rack on Your Door

over door coat hooks - 35 Small Bedroom Ideas – Make Every Inch Count
Photo Credit: Urban Outfitters/Over-the-door multi-hook

In small bedrooms where space is a premium, every bit of unused area can be turned into a storage opportunity. Mounting a coat rack on your door is a simple yet effective way to create additional hanging space. This idea is perfect for keeping jackets, scarves, hats, or even jewelry organized and easily accessible.

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