DIY The Spacious Under-Bed Storage Drawers Of Your Dreams

For most of us, the days of organizing our bedrooms by stuffing everything under the bed are long past. But that doesn't mean that we don't know how to leverage the space under the bed for storage. Put your creativity and DIY skills to work and you will be able to create under-bed storage that not only helps you stay organized, but also adds a decorative element to your room. Add a classy design touch to pre-made, plastic, under-bed storage solutions by creating a decorative front. Or make your own storage containers from materials you may have lying around the house (anything from cardboard boxes to old drawers will do the trick).

There are lots of ways to use under-the-bed storage to its fullest in your room. Unfortunately, many of the premade, under-bed-specific containers that are on the market today are not especially well suited to styling for your decor. What's more, some can be downright pricey. But there are a variety of ways you can add a sophisticated, decorative element to your less-than-stunning under-bed storage options. Create a faux front using some wood, cabinet pulls, and screws. Or attach a decorative canvas panel to the front of a few collapsible storage boxes for more lavish-looking under-bed storage. You could even repurpose or make your own container. Your options are plentiful — all you have to do is decide which works best for you.

The convenience, durability, and economy of plastic, under-bed storage bins is tough to beat. They are lightweight, airtight, and often come with a lid, like these plastic under-bed storage organizer bins from IRIS. Plus, at just a little over $25, they are economical. They aren't, however, especially beautiful. But, there is a quick and easy DIY that will give your under-bed storage a dramatic makeover in a jiffy.

Collect a few pieces of wood that will give the look of a drawer front, and cut each to the dimensions of the front of your plastic storage container, adding a little extra to the width and height. Then, create a spacer by screwing a piece of 2 by 4 to the front of each box, under the handle. Next, attach a handle to the piece of wood you're using as your drawer front, then mount the finished front to the piece of spacer wood. Customize the look of your faux drawers by painting or staining the wood fronts, and playing around with different hardware styles.

Alternatively, if you have collapsible fabric storage containers, you could give them a stylish facelift by attaching a canvas panel to the front. Measure and cut the canvas panel to the dimensions of your storage container, adding a little extra margin on the edges and top. Then style your panel to your desired aesthetic by covering it with an upscale fabric like faux leather or linen. Attach your pulls, then adhere the collapsible fabric container to the panel.

Another option, if you don't already have under-bed storage containers, is to repurpose an old dresser drawer. Salvage one for yourself, and add your own personal stylistic touch by staining or painting the drawer front, or changing out the hardware — or both. Then add casters in all four corners to make accessing your drawer a breeze. Just be sure that you measure appropriately so that the drawer front can still pass under your bed frame.

Even if none of those options are readily available, you can still create some decorative under-bed storage using leftover cardboard boxes, some contact paper, and a whole lot of heavy-duty tape. Create your container by cutting the cardboard into a cross shape. Maximize your space by making the base as big as possible, then cut the sides, back, and front to a height that will easily slide under the bed. Fold the sides, back, and front up to create your box, then use the tape to reinforce the edges, seams, and corners. Use contact paper to decorate the front, adding a little extra material so you can cover the underside and top front edges. Then cut a hole for the handle, and you're done.

Whether you add some design features to your storage or repurpose existing items, utilizing the space under your bed is a great way to get organized. These DIYs will help you cut down on the clutter that is making your bedroom look messy by giving everything a place. And adding some decorative touches will take your organization beyond functional, to beautiful.