People say all good things come in small sizes, and that expression is true if it’s about a little blue box from Tiffany or Danny Devito.
We are not so sure when it comes to cramming all your stuff into a small bedroom – so the only thing to do is get organised.
And we are not just talking about making your bed every day (although that’s a good start). If you find yourself with a tiny bedroom that forever feels like it’s overflowing with stuff, then here are eight ways to get organised.
Make Use Of Made-To-Measure Wardrobes
Trying to make do with an off-the-shelf wardrobe can be a nightmare in a small room as they are often too big and bulky. Made-to-measure wardrobes will give you the storage space you need without taking up too much precious floor space.
Plus, you can bespoke your choices; if you need more hanging rail and drawer space than usual, you can get it; if you want a secret storage drawer for your valuables, all you have to do is ask.
If you need a desk built as part of the wardrobe or storage solution, wardrobe designers can do that too.
Read: 8 corner wardrobe ideas to maximise bedroom storage
Get Rid Of Anything You Don’t Need Or Want
Do an audit of everything in your bedroom and eliminate anything you don’t need or use regularly. This includes clothes you never wear, books you will never read again and knick-knacks that collect dust.
If you last used something in the last six months, get rid of it. It might be tough letting go of some things but remember, a small bedroom means you have to be ruthless when decluttering.
Check out this YouTube video about the Marie Kondo method of decluttering – watch this and get into a minimalist mood.
Don’t Forget About Under-Bed Storage
Under-bed storage is often overlooked, but it’s ideal for storing out-of-season clothes, extra bedding and anything else you need but don’t use regularly.
You can buy purpose-made storage boxes or tuck away suitcases you’re not using now.
Even better, buy a bed with a storage area within its base, which means less space for dust and more space for storage.
Keep Surfaces Clear
In a small bedroom, every surface counts, so make sure you keep them clear. Clean surfaces mean no clothes on the floor or chairs, no piles of books on the bedside table and no cosmetics cluttering up the dressing table.
Try using a selection of baskets to keep things tidy. Makeup in one basket, jewellery in another or if it’s a child’s room, invest in a toy box.
Use Hooks & Wall Shelves
If floor space is at a premium, make use of your walls instead with some simple hooks and wall shelves. These are ideal for hanging coats, towels, bags and scarves and displaying favourite photos, pictures and trinkets.
And shelves are also an excellent place for those baskets we discussed earlier.
Think Vertically
When floor space is limited, one of the best ways to free up some space is to think vertically. Vertically means using tall bookcases, shelving units and wardrobes that are built right up to the ceiling to maximise storage and leave more floor space clear.
While you might not be able to access high storage easily, the payoff is you can have twice as much stuff in your tiny bedroom than anyone with only eye-level storage.
Use Mirrors To Create The Illusion Of Space
Mirrors are a great way to make a tiny room feel bigger and brighter, so make the most of them. Place a large mirror on one wall or use several smaller ones to reflect light back and forth to create the illusion of more space.
You could turn one of your wardrobe doors into a mirror; while this might seem a bit of a dated solution, it’s a tremendous double-use illusion.
Read: 5 tips for illuminating rooms with no overhead lighting
Keep Things Light & Airy
Remember that it is imperative to keep things light and airy in a small room, so avoid dark colours and heavy furniture. Stick to pale colours, white if possible, and look for furniture with clean lines that don’t take up too much space.
Consider one feature wall, preferably the wall that faces the door. By wallpapering or painting this wall in a different colour, you can create depth in the room, making it feel bigger.
Don’t stop there; choose a blind, not heavy drapes, as a blind won’t take up much room, and you can pull it up quickly when you want to let in light.
Finally, prioritise elegant lighting; bedside lights are great for the atmosphere but if your bedroom has to double up as an office or dressing room, consider a desk lamp or floor lamp with an LED bulb to save electricity.
And on that note, check out these 6 home improvement hacks to make your home more energy efficient. We can’t wait to see what you do with the place!