From eaves-turned-chest of drawers to ‘Narnia’ panelled wardrobes, discover some of our favourite designer-approved storage ideas for a neat bedroom.

Can you ever have enough storage? Our motto here at KBB is the more, the better. So, if you are looking to banish the clutter in your bedroom with no compromises on style, read on to discover the latest pretty and practical storage ideas…

Japandi wardrobe

The mix of Japanese with Scandinavian design has been growing in popularity, and if you’re a minimalist at heart, this one’s for you. Nail the look with a Japandi-style wardrobe such as Garde Hvalsøe’s Koshi-do cabinet, designed in collaboration with OEO Studio, which boasts clean lines and symmetry.

“Constructed with high-quality wood, the cabinet showcases intricate joinery techniques and a natural finish that highlights the wood’s grain, giving each piece a unique character,” says Søren Lundh Aagaard, partner and CEO of Garde Hvalsøe.

“The piece draws from traditional Japanese craftsmanship, known for its simplicity, minimalism, and profound respect for natural materials. Blending the meticulous Danish design with the Japanese style will offer a serene and elegant addition to your bedroom.”

Arched bookcase

If there’s no space for a bulky bookcase that holds all your favourite novels, why not carve one into a wall instead? This clever design in the Kensington Townhouse project by Rebecca Hughes Interiors showcases a bookcase that takes the shape of an arch built into the wall. Plus, it smoothly leads into the ensuite.

“The bespoke joinery in this bedroom was designed to maximise storage without compromising on elegance,” says creative director Rebecca Hughes. “The bookcase provides both display and storage whilst linking the bathroom to the bedroom. We also love the shape of the arch to soften the space.”

Painted cabinet

The easiest way to make a piece of furniture truly your own, is to paint it in your favourite colours – ideally choosing different shades for its interior and exterior. The outer hue could blend in with your walls, while the inner one could make the storage space stand out. Like in the case of this beautiful round cabinet, where Mylands’ Mormor Zaza BH.17 paint, created in collaboration with interior designer Beata Heuman, helps accentuate its three shelves.

“A blush pink shade such as this one from The Dependables collection adds a playful contrast to the repurposed Kakelugn cabinet’s exterior, turning the piece into a design feature,” says Dominic Myland, CEO of Mylands. “Beata’s choice to use this soft, uplifting tone brings excitement to storage, making a functional space feel considered.”

Cottagecore ottoman

When it comes to storing extra pillows and bedding, you can’t go wrong with an ottoman bench. Choose the style and size that best fits your bedroom scheme – how about upholstering it in a romantic fabric to evoke the farmhouse aesthetic?

“As standalone pieces, ottomans provide an extra seat while dressing, or a spot to rest your feet, whilst also storing away things like extra bedding, towels, and seasonal clothing, helping to reduce clutter,” says Helen Ashmore, head of design at Laura Ashley. “They’re also great for adding a burst of colour or pattern to the bedroom, especially if you choose something in a beautiful floral print or stripes. Their versatility means you could position one in a window, at the foot of the bed, or use it as a table with an armchair to make a cosy reading nook.”

Integrated storage solution

Compact spaces will benefit from an ottoman-style bed with built-in storage, allowing you to keep any unnecessary or more rarely used items and furnishings out of sight. “It’s a great space-saving solution,” says Patricia Gibbons, head of design at Sofa.com.

“The hidden storage space beneath the mattress is ideal for stowing away bedding, seasonal clothing, or shoes – keeping your room clutter-free without compromising on design. Since the bed often serves as the focal point of the space, it’s worth selecting an upholstered frame that enhances the space, whether in a complementary colour or a rich, textured fabric that adds depth and interest.”

Secret dressing room

Hidden design elements are currently high on homeowners’ wishlists, and for a good reason. Secret wardrobes, shelves, or even an entire dressing room that unveils itself behind seemingly hollow walls will keep your bedroom feeling uncluttered, while creating an element of surprise. Just like in the Fieldwick Farmhouse project by Pia Design.

“The dressing room is behind the bed, and the wall here was built entirely with joinery. On the left, you can see the hidden door into the dressing room (it looks like one of the wallpaper panels when the door is closed), and on the right side, we mirrored the look of the panel but with a door that had shelving for books,” says Pia Pelkonen, creative director of Pia Design. Bedside tables are also seamlessly suspended from the headboard wall.

Hidden in plain sight

While hidden storage instantly creates a sleek space, there’s beauty in items that are in full view yet neatly organised. How about creating a second layer of storage behind your main wardrobe, reserved for the clothes and shoes you use on a day-to-day basis. Bespoke hanging rails and open shelving will help achieve this look.

In this beautiful bedroom, everything has its spot. “Fitted furniture ties into the design of the bedroom rather than being the centre focus, to create a blissful sanctuary,” says Rachal Hutcheson, national retail manager at Sharps. “Include tailored shelving for shoes or open shelving to display key pieces.” The arch also helps to separate the ‘open storage’ from the rest of the room.

Creative storage eaves

Short of space? Make smart use of any bedroom eaves to carve out a storage corner that is practical while also creating interest. “Above the busy floors of a family home, this gorgeous primary suite at our Glebe Road project is wrapped in an air of bliss and calm, with its palette of neutral tones grounding the space from day-to-day life,” says Jennifer Hamilton, director of The Vawdrey House.

“With a clever bit of planning and creative thinking, our team expanded the suite with a bespoke walk-in dressing space, carved into the very eaves of the converted loft dormer. By combining this area of reduced height with innovative joinery, this commonly underused space is transformed into a practical feature of the home with ample storage to match.”

Panelled in

As far as secret storage goes, there’s probably nothing more hidden than a wardrobe which completely disappears behind a panelled wall. Case in point, interior designer Amy Adams’ own bedroom, where the panelled wall on the left perfectly conceals her wardrobe as well as an entrance to an ensuite – looking like a natural continuation of the bedroom’s walls.

“It’s not a huge room so I didn’t want to add a bulky wardrobe,” says Amy. “Instead, I designed some panelling that houses a wardrobe at one end, and a concealed door to an ensuite. In smaller spaces, clever storage is key, and a hidden wardrobe makes the room feel larger.”

Fitted wall to wall

To incorporate storage that specifically matches your taste, needs, and the proportions of your bedroom, consider a bespoke, fitted wardrobe. This can be designed wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling, ensuring that every inch is utilised, which isn’t always possible with a freestanding piece.

“You can personalise the internal configuration to suit your belongings, whether that’s long and double hanging rails, deep drawers, adjustable shelving for accessories, or dedicated spaces for watches, jewellery, belts, and scarves,” says Tom Howley, creative design director at the eponymous company.

“In a larger bedroom with high ceilings, we might create taller, grander pieces, while in smaller rooms, we would carefully adjust the scale and details of the furniture to ensure it feels balanced and cohesive. Making wardrobes deeper than the standard can also significantly increase storage,” he adds.

Goodie baskets

If you’re looking for ways to take the load off your shelves and still keep your bedroom neat and organised, opt for a set of baskets in different shapes and sizes. “Perfect for storing all your little bits and bobs, a basket will keep your shelving clutter-free,” says Becca Stern, creative director and co-founder of Mustard Made.

“Versatile and lightweight, if you decide to switch up your shelving, the baskets can be easily repositioned, too, and placed inside a wardrobe, under the bed, or tucked away inside your bedside locker.” Why not pair them with a bright pink locker, as well, to add a splash of vibrant colour.

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