Bedroom Storage

We all have regular clean-outs and are continuously de-cluttering, but the fact remains that the stuff we accumulate has to go somewhere. The question is, where? For many of us, our bedrooms become dumping grounds for all our bits and bobs that have no other home. Whether we do it to hide our mess from the eyes of our visitors, but what about maintaining our own peaceful, clutter-free space, in which we can rest, relax and rejuvenate? What’s the point of having a gorgeous living area, where you can entertain guests and unwind at the end of a long day, if the mess in your own bedroom is going to keep you tossing and turning all night?

Good bedroom storage is crucial and the more creative you can be with it, the less likely you are to compromise your bedroom’s function as a personal haven. The wardrobe is the most obvious place to start as you can free up a lot of space by organising your clothes in size order. Start hanging items of similar length together. Immediately you are creating space underneath where other clothes can hang, creating room for shoes or folded items like sweaters. Another thing to consider is whether you need all your clothes in the bedroom at all. Try separating them into seasons and store the out of season clothes elsewhere, such as in a hall cupboard or under the stairs. Your luggage provides good storage opportunities. Little used bedding and winter woollies can all be packed away neatly by utilizing your suitcase.

The tops of wardrobes are perfect for extra storage. But to avoid a lot of dust and make your wardrobe look neat and tidy, invest in some boxes.

Another option is to have floor-to-ceiling wardrobes installed. Everything can then be stored in a dust-free, out-of-sight environment. It can be expensive but storage space will be maximized and you will be able to make use of every available inch of space between the ceiling and the floor.

Of course, if you have the space, a walk-in wardrobe is a luxurious option. Do remember that whatever wardrobe you opt for, make sure there is enough room to open the doors. If space is limited, opt for a wardrobe with sliding doors. You may lose out on the storage space that the back of the wardrobe door offers, the ideal location for hanging racks for shoes and ties, but at least you’ll have adequate access to your clothes.

Don’t overlook the back of your bedroom door. Screwing in a some hooks or a rail is an easy DIY task that instantly provides you with a place to hang your dressing gowns or towels – no more excuses for throwing them on the floor or bed!

If you have space on either side of the bed, a bedside cabinet is a better option for short on-storage rooms than a table, for the very simple reason that the drawers and cupboard provide you with a place to store all of those books and papers that would otherwise end up stacked on the floor beneath the table. No room for bedside furniture? Then a few shelves above your bed can be used to store your bedtime reading, alarm clock and even to display a few framed photos. Make sure that the shelves are attached at a sensible level – high enough that you don’t bump your head, but not so high that you can’t reach it. Angled clip-on lights can be attached to the shelves to provide great light for reading or a tall, standing lamp by the side of your bed will do the trick.

If you have a dressing table or vanity unit, look for a stool with a lidded seat in which you can store spare toiletries. Similarly, if you install a window seat, opt for one that can be used for extra storage, either by way of built-in drawers or a raised seat. Drawer dividers can be a space-saving option in drawers, particularly those used for storing underwear – keeping your bras, socks and pants neatly and separately will enable you to fit as much as possible in your drawer, as well as saving you time in the morning! Chests and baskets look beautiful and add interest to your standard bedroom furniture, as well as furnishing more storage.

Spare duvets and linen can be packed away in a chest placed under the window or at the foot of the bed, while a set of wicker or cane baskets placed around the room also provides handy storage.

Storage baskets and stackable plastic crates work well in children’s rooms, where they can easily and neatly hold toys, books and games. And lets face it – your child’s room raises more storage challenges than almost any other room in your home. Even if you’ve all but given up on the concept of ‘neat and tidy’ in these rooms, there’s still a lot you can do to manage the space to the best of its potential. A storage bench or chest is a good option in an older child’s room, but think twice in a toddler’s room, as little fingers can be easily hurt or trapped by closing lids. Bookshelves are great for displaying everything from the obvious – books – to games, toys and trophies. In children’s bedrooms, look for a wardrobe unit with adjustable inner-fittings, so that you can decide on the exact number and positioning of the drawers, shelves and rails that will suit your needs. If your child is old enough for a bunk bed, why not choose one – without the bottom bunk? Children love the novelty of climbing up to bed, and a platform or loft style bed frees up a lot of floor space, leaving room for a desk, bookshelf or chest of drawers. If this isn’t practical or desirable, pull out boxes, especially those on wheels, are great for under bed storage.

Of course under bed storage is a great option for adult’s rooms too. Look for storage carts on wheels or castors so that they slide easily in and out from beneath the bed, without catching on the carpet or scratching the floor, particularly if you’re using them to store heavy items. Otherwise, low boxes may do the job just as well, but make sure that these have lids so that your possessions are kept as dust-free as possible. You may want to ensure that your bed has a valance, or that your quilt falls to floor level so that the storage items aren’t visible.

As useful as under bed storage is, those interested in Feng Shui may like to bear in mind that this ancient practice recommends that, if you are trying for a baby, you should leave the area under your bed completely free and clear, as objects stored under the bed will impede the movement of the ‘baby spirits’. Even if you aren’t considering adding to the population, it is still advised that you select only certain types of objects for under bed storage, so that energy can circulate while you sleep. Stick to soft items, such as blankets and woollens. Feng Shui experts strongly advise against storing ‘information’ – such as books, videos and paperwork – and sharp objects under the bed, claiming these cause disturbance and will prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep.

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