How do I maximize storage in my box bedroom? 8 ways to make the most of a small space
8. Introduce a storage ottoman
A bedroom storage unit that doubles as a seat such as this oak bench from Cotswold Co is a wonderful addition to a small bedroom as it provides space for blankets or shoes but also offers a handy perch for dressing. They work well positioned at the end of the bed as here they do not compromise the flow of the space plus this placing enhances makes the room appear more clear and unified.
1. Choose built-in storage
'From a practical and aesthetical perspective, fitted wardrobes offer the most effective and efficient way to make use of the space within your box bedroom,' says Rachal Hutcheson, national retail manager at Sharps. 'A truly bespoke design that has been created to fit the exact contours of your room will offer, on average, 40% more space than ordinary fitted wardrobe designs.'
Not only can they be tailored to the architecture of your space, but they can also be fitted with internal solutions to suit your specific storage needs – you can even add a hidden dressing table.
For a discreet, streamlined look fit a bank floor-to-ceiling closet along an entire wall or have them built into awkward alcoves. Choosing shiplap style doors is a clever design trick that will draw the eye upwards and make the space appear taller than it is.
'It’s important to take a wardrobe’s doors into consideration to ensure they are easily opened in your box room. If a bed is in close proximity to the wardrobe, opt for sliding doors to provide a sleek, effective alternative, whilst mirrored styles will help to make a space look bigger,' adds Rachal Hutcheson.
2. Make use of alcoves
'There are plenty of clever design devices to add extra storage to space without the need for extra furniture. One way is to make use of alcoves by building them out with concealed storage. This not only makes use of unused space, but it also makes the wall visually appear more expansive,' suggests Tom Rutt, founder of TR Studio.
3. Add recessed shelving
'I love creating little nooks where I can keep things in addition to bedside tables. Think alcoves set into joinery and hidden shelves behind a headboard. The more you look the more opportunities you will find to add space,' advises Naomi Astley Clarke. If you're looking to design a relaxing bedroom, consider placing the shelves behind the bed so they don't distract you when you are trying to switch off.
4. Opt for a storage bed
Beds for small rooms designed with integrated storage are great for maximizing floor space in any bedroom, but they work particularly well in attic bedrooms where the awkward angles can make it challenging to furnish with freestanding pieces. 'Beds that have the base on a hydraulic lift are amazing too – the entire space underneath the mattress can be used – it is excellent for shoe boxes especially. These beds are not expensive and can be a brilliant storage solution,' adds Naomi Astley Clarke.
'For everyday access, the divan styles are best as the drawers are easily accessible for daily needs, but if your requirements are for seasonal changeovers of clothing, or duvets and blankets, then an ottoman bed is the one for you,' adds Patricia Gibbons from the design team at sofa.com. 'The hidden storage uncovered is vast and can hold countless sets of bedding and suitcases, but you wouldn’t want to be lifting it up and down on too regular a basis.'
5. Choose multi-functional furniture
In this box bedroom, Julia Dempster took care when selecting every piece of furniture. 'When designing a small bedroom, I recommend ensuring the items are scaled-down and every item selected provides at least two functions,' suggests the interior designer. 'For example, these bedside tables sourced from Rockett St George, provide useful visible storage. To provide more surface space I wall-mounted both the wall lights and television to provide valuable space on the bedside table and antique chest of drawers. When selecting the drawers, I measured the space carefully to get the widest set of drawers as storage space was minimal.'
'The bed is positioned off the ground meaning there was space under the bed for valuable storage. Another option I highly recommend is purchasing a bed divan with built-in drawers, there are some great options now and I also love the versatility of putting a zip lock mattress so that the beds have the option of being used as two singles or a king-size bed.'
6. Go for a built-in headboard
Built-in headboards are excellent multipurpose solutions for small box bedrooms, not only do they provide shelf space for placing artwork and decorative objects, they can have floating bedside tables built in to open up floor space, plus they can serve as a clever visual device to make elongate the room.
'A bespoke headboard with a slim built-in bedside table or shelf also frees up a lot of space and is ideal for small rooms or making a bedroom look more sophisticated. Often headboards can be quite bulky and bedside tables can add lots of visual clutter, so this idea allows for space saving whilst creating a contemporary look,' says Tom Rutt, founder of TR Studio.
7. Re-purpose your box bedroom as a walk-in closet
If your box bedroom is really tiny it may be worth considering giving the room a different function.
'We’ve seen an increased demand in walk-in wardrobes and dressing rooms, often taking a rarely used or cluttered spare room, and transforming it into a beautiful, organized, and relaxing space clients can use every day,' says Philipp Nagel, director of Neatsmith.
'Turning a spare room into a dressing room allows you to not only de-clutter your own room but also helps de-clutter your mind. Overfilled wardrobes can add a lot of visual tension and from a practical point of view, don’t allow you to see or make full use of all the clothes you have. Using a spare room not only frees up space for your clothes but gives a sense of occasion as you head to a room dedicated to your clothes.'
Transform your box bedroom into an organized and restful retreat with these expert storage tips and ideas