Creative Ways To Utilize Empty Floor & Corner Spaces In Your Bedroom For Storage

Maximizing the storage space in your tiny apartment or home is a significant challenge. One made all the more frustrating in a bedroom. Why? Because it seems no matter how big a closet is, it's never quite big enough. Plus, there's all this empty space in the room that you can't really use. Or, can you? With some creative planning, there are actually a variety of ways you can put the wasted space in your bedroom to work. And we're not just talking about baskets under the bed. Though that's a wonderful option, too. Fill an empty corner with stacked boxes or make space for a small desk. Extending your nightstands is also an option. In fact, even just adding a chair can create some handy — albeit sometimes temporary — storage.

Many of us have been utilizing under bed storage since we were old enough to have one of our own. Of course, the grown-up version of employing that useful space requires a bit more effort than just stuffing anything that's already on the floor into the space under the bed. In order to maximize your space with under-bed storage solutions, find appropriately sized boxes or baskets and categorize your items. Stick to storing seasonal or rarely used items under the bed. As for items that you need regular access to, consider other options.

Creating a tower of stacked boxes may not be the first thought that comes to mind when you're trying to reorganize your bedroom, but perhaps it should be. From leather-wrapped boxes to beautiful wood ones, storage boxes don't have to be ugly or plastic and they can be wildly versatile. Build your tower by securing your boxes to one another or to the wall if appropriate. Then, get creative with the styling. Orient the boxes so the openings face in different directions, and then alternate filling them with functional items and decorative pieces. For example, a couple boxes on the bottom could house blankets or throw pillows. A few rows up, create a vignette inside a cube with family photos and a vintage clock. Finally, fill the top one with books. Use another cube for perfumes and finish it off with a beautiful, trailing plant.

If you have ample wall and floor space in your bedroom, but don't have enough storage, consider adding a vanity table or writing desk. Another flat surface in the room will give you a place to set out jewelry, mirrors, books, or candles. Moreover, you'll get additional, concealed storage. Several vanities and desks come with at least one drawer, making it a perfect spot to store makeup, underclothes, watches, and other oft-used items. If positioned near your bed, it can also work as a nightstand, creating room for your favorite before-bed book or magazine, reading glasses, and a mug of tea.

In fact, you can take the storage table option to the next level and give yourself another creative bedroom design idea to liven up your space by adding in bigger bedside tables. While nightstands come in a wide range of sizes, traditional bedside tables often come in at around 17 inches wide and 15 inches deep. That's not a lot of space. Plus, they often contain a shallow drawer — if there's one at all — and are positioned right next to the bed leaving a huge expanse of space that extends to the corner of the room. Reclaim that wasted storage space between your bedside table and the wall by going for oversized nightstands with closed storage, like a large cabinet.

Of course, as many of us learned in our adolescence, even a simple chair can provide some storage options. If nothing more than a place to hang the 14th outfit we've tried on before we leave the house. However, in our adult lives, we can still use a chair for more permanent storage. It's just a matter of choosing the right one. A stylish storage bench or ottoman will give you some additional bedroom storage and a place to hide the seventh pair of pants you've tried on today.