Hi, everyone! It’s Jade here, your friendly interior designer-slash-mum who’s forever juggling kids, a hubby, and a dog who thinks every piece of furniture is his personal dog bed.

I’ve tackled my fair share of small bedrooms (mine, the boys’, and client spaces), and let me tell you, making a tiny space work is like playing a never-ending game of Tetris. But with the right tricks, it’s totally doable.

So, without further ado, here are my go-to ideas for turning a small bedroom into a storage powerhouse, all while keeping it practical and stylish.

Invest in the Right Dresser with the Right Drawers

Ah, the humble dresser – equal parts handy solution and headache in a small room. The wrong one can hog valuable space, while the right one is a storage saviour. After years of experimenting, I’ve learned the key is picking a dresser that suits you and your wardrobe.

Let’s start with the basics. Your undies, socks, and bras don’t need deep drawers you can get lost in. Shallow ones around 10 to 15 cm deep are perfect. This way, your favourite socks won’t disappear into a Bermuda Triangle of mismatched pairs.

For chunkier items like jumpers or bedding, deeper drawers work well, but keep things sensible. Too deep, and you’ll end up wrestling with piles of clothes every time you need something.

And since a dressing table is such a useful piece of furniture, it really pays off to invest in something that’s beautiful and durable. A wooden dresser made of Australian timber that features a timeless design will serve you for years while providing a stylish touch to your bedroom space.

Now, let’s settle the tallboy vs lowboy debate. Spoiler alert: I’m team lowboy all the way. Sure, tallboys seem like a smart way to go vertical but hear me out:

• Surface Area: Lowboys have a wide top that can double as display space. Pop a mirror on it, add a vase or a jewellery stand, and it becomes both practical and a visual feature.
• Spacious Drawers: The wider lowboy drawers are a dream for bulkier items. You can stash your fluffy jumpers or extra blankets without squishing them into oblivion.
• Versatility: Lowboy drawers aren’t just for storing clothes in the bedroom. They make great TV stands, nightstands, or even toy storage (trust me, I’ve tried). It’s like buying furniture that grows with you.

And since a dressing table is such a useful piece of furniture, it really pays off to invest in something that’s beautiful and durable. A quick tip for organising your tall or low chest of drawers: File, don’t stack. Instead of piling clothes on top of each other, arrange them vertically like books on a shelf. You’ll see everything at a glance and avoid the dreaded “dig and dump” routine. Drawer dividers are another game-changer – perfect for keeping socks, ties, and undies in their lanes.

Make the Most of Your Under-Bed Storage

The space under your bed is prime real estate, yet so many people let it collect dust bunnies. Not in my house! Or my clients’ houses, for that matter.

I always advise using shallow wicker or canvas boxes to store extra linens and out-of-season clothes. They’re practical and look neat (just in case someone does peek under the bed).

If you need a quick fix, grab a shallow tray or basket with handles. Slide it under your bed and stash bedtime essentials like extra blankets, books, or slippers. It’s handy and keeps your room looking tidy. Plus, cleaning underneath is a breeze. Just pull out the basket when it’s time to vacuum. Too easy!

Install Space-Savvy Shelves

When floor space is tight, walls are your best mate. Floating shelves are my go-to for adding storage without making the room feel cluttered.

For a minimalist look, mount a couple of shelves near your bed as a bedside table alternative. Paint them in fun colours or a gradient for a bit of personality (trust me, it’s worth the effort). These shelves are perfect for books, an alarm clock, or a small plant to liven up the space.

Feeling a bit more adventurous? Build a custom shelving unit around your bed frame. It creates a cosy nook and offers ample space for knick-knacks, books, or storage baskets. It’s like a built-in feature without the hefty price tag.

Display Your Accessories

Why hide your jewellery when it can double as décor? I love turning accessories into little works of art. It’s functional and adds a personal touch to the room.

Install hooks on the side of a dresser or nightstand, but here’s the trick: mount them sideways instead of upright. This gives more space for necklaces and bracelets while preventing tangles. For rings or smaller items, a pretty tray or a tiered stand on your dresser works a treat.

If you want to go all out, hang a pegboard on the wall. It’s a fab way to store hats, scarves, and jewellery in a visually appealing way. Plus, it’s super easy to rearrange as your needs change.

A Few Bonus Tips

Because no storage chat is complete without a couple of extra nuggets:

• Mirrored Wardrobes: These are a lifesaver in tight spaces. They bounce light around, making your room feel bigger, and you get a full-length mirror for those “how do I look?” moments.
• Multi-Purpose Furniture: Think beds with built-in drawers or ottomans with hidden storage. I’ve got one in my lounge room stuffed with board games the boys love pulling out.
• Declutter Ruthlessly If you haven’t used it or loved it in the last year, it’s time to part ways. Less stuff equals less stress—and more space for the things you actually care about.

So, there you have – my expert tips for maximising storage in a small bedroom. It’s all about being clever with the space you’ve got and finding furniture that works with you, not against you. Whether it’s filing your clothes in a lowboy or popping some baskets under the bed, small changes can make a huge difference.