Bedrooms in the average UK household aren’t exactly known for their prime-sized proportions. Comfy flat in London? A terraced house in Manchester? Chances are, you’ll always wish you had just a bit more space to breathe.
Luckily, we’ve got 10 ideas to help you turn that shoebox into a sanctum!
1) Under-Bed Storage Solutions
If you’re not using that space under your bed, you’re missing out. Get yourself some sturdy under-bed storage boxes or drawers. They’re perfect for stashing away those bulky winter jumpers, spare bedding, or puffy outfits you swear you’ll wear again someday but need to hide from the world for now.
If your bed doesn’t have built-in storage, do some research on possible bed risers in your area. They’ll give you a few extra centimetres of height and plenty more storage space. Don’t go too high, or you’ll have to use some of your new-found space to store a ladder.
2) Set Up Shelving
When floor space runs dangerously low, it’s time to look up; and wall-mounted shelves just became your new best friend. They’re great for books, knick-knacks, and even certain types of clothes if you’re feeling brave enough to stand out in society. They always add a bit of visual appeal to your walls regardless of what you use them to prop up.
Just remember: measure twice, drill once. There’s nothing worse than a wonky shelf full of teetering belongings. Avoid becoming anxiety central.
3) Free Up With Furniture
In a small bedroom, every piece of furniture should be earning its keep. Keep your eyes sharply peeled for items that serve multiple purposes. An ottoman that opens up for storage, a bedside table with drawers, or a desk that folds away when not in use. Swiss Army Knife furniture is so c‘est très en vogue right now.
4) Declutter Like Everyone Is Watching
We know, we know. Decluttering isn’t a hot-take space-saving hack. But it is the foundation of a spacious-feeling bedroom, and so it bears repeating.
Our advice? Be extra ruthless. If you haven’t used it in over a year, do you really need it? Or have you gaslighted yourself into believing that you might?
Throw it away, and be brave. We Brits do love our stuff, but we should be trying more for ‘organised’ rather than ‘hoarder at their wit’s end’.
5) Work Your Wardrobe
Your wardrobe is probably your bedroom’s biggest space hog, so let’s start getting that bacon for all its worth. Invest in some wardrobe organisers — we’re thinking of some cute hanging shelves, drawer inserts, and over-door storage. And remember the wonders a vacuum storage bag can do for those bulky items.
The back of your wardrobe door can be so much more than just an entrance to snowy lands filled with lions and witches. A hanging organiser there can store shoes, accessories, or even underwear.
6) Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
Mirrors aren’t just for checking what the heck is stuck in your teeth. They’re also fantastic for making a room feel larger (even with no renovations underway whatsoever). A full-length mirror can visually double the size of your room. It also saves you from doing the ‘Does this outfit look okay?’ dance in front of that inadequate bathroom mirror.
7) No More One Nightstands
Who says you need a traditional nightstand? A floating shelf, a stack of vintage suitcases, or even a chair can do the job just as well. Get creative! Your nightstand alternative might just become your room’s most interesting feature and your best starting conversation piece.
8) Curtain Tricks
Here’s a sly designer trick: hang your curtains higher and wider than your window frame. It creates the illusion of larger windows and higher ceilings. Just make sure your curtains are long enough to reach the floor, or you’ll end up with a look that’s less ‘el grandeur‘ and more ‘forgot to hem‘.
9) Fold-Away Features
Foldable furniture is your small space’s best mate. A wall-mounted desk that folds away when not in use, a drop-leaf table, or even a Murphy bed if you’re feeling fancy. Enjoy your secret room within a room. Just remember where you’ve folded everything away, or you might be convinced you’re the latest victim of a thorough robber.
10) Light It Up
Good lighting can make a massive difference in how spacious a room feels. Avoid heavy, dark lampshades that can make a room feel closed in. Instead, go for lighter, more transparent options. And don’t forget — a good reading lamp by the bed or desk can eliminate the need for stronger overhead lighting that might make the room feel smaller. Take your room through its glow-up!
When All Else Fails, There’s Always Self Storage
Sometimes, you need a little extra room, no matter how many space-saving tricks you try. That’s where self storage comes in handy. It’s perfect for those seasonal items, sentimental keepsakes, or that exercise bike you swear you’ll use… someday.
There you have it, folks! Ten (plus one) genius ideas to transform your bedroom from slight to spacious. Remember, the key is to be creative, think vertically, and make every item in your room work hard for its place.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a bedroom that feels like those tents from Harry Potter.
Pink Hippo Self Storage is your ideal unit for anyone living in Reading, Leatherhead, or Dorking.
Book your unit today!