Five Tips To Maximize Your Child’s Bedroom Space

Children’s bedrooms are often among the smallest in a home or apartment. Finding additional storage space with extra room to play can be a challenge, especially with an accumulation of toys and other gear. Both shared and individual spaces can benefit from a few tricks to get the most out of existing square footage.

Tip #1. Bunk beds come to mind as the first step in saving space. In shared bedrooms, or if children have frequent sleepovers, these are economical choices to fit most budgets. Wood and metal frame units include twin-over-twin, twin-over-full and full-over-full styles to meet any age requirement. Loft beds or high sleeper beds can actually save even more space with their upper sleeping areas that leave an open area with all sorts of possibilities underneath. Many styles incorporate pedestal supports with built-in drawers, open shelving and even a desk. At the center, there might even be room to slide in an extra twin bed.

Younger children can still enjoy the advantages of a bunk with low-loft bed frames. Today’s models exceed exacting safety standards while providing play space below. Some even come with canopies, colorful tent drapes and exit slides. Attached side stairs with panel rail supports and treads on each step are additional safety enhancements. Teens may not like the appeal of bunks or lofts, but they may find platforms a fashion-forward alternative. In twin or full frames, these feature built-in underbed drawers and many come with bookcase headboards.

Tip #2. Mobile storage is another option that provides fun styling for children’s spaces. Locker style low-profile cabinets and benches with lift lids can stow out of the way against a wall or in a closet when not in use. Some feature front door access, which makes them excellent for use as nightstands. Serving as extra seating, they can come out for reading and other activities. Organizing with rolling units is also a fun way to get kids involved in picking up their own gear.

Tip #3 Look to doors and closet floors for unused storage space. Unconventional solutions for containing smaller items might include hanging shoe bags over the fronts and backs of doors or mounting them to walls to hold smaller toys. At any height, they can easily accommodate craft supplies, small dollhouse accessories and other gear that gets lost in the clutter. Low shelves or even an old nightstand can go into closets for shoes, toys and folded clothing. With a little rearranging of hanging clothes, there might be room left over for additional shelving.

Tip #4. Going vertical is still one of the most practical maximization solutions. Tower style bookcases and armoires are generous in storage without grabbing all the floor space. Modular, stackable cubes that can go three or four rows high are additional options that are typically economical. These are also excellent choices for shared bedrooms as each child can have private areas for their own items. Always consider safety when placing taller items. Anchor them at the backs with easy-to-install hardware to prevent toppling.

Tip#5. Stay on top of clutter. Kids tend to collect things and find it hard to let go of their favorites. Rotation and elimination are necessities to keep small spaces under organized control. If getting rid of older items is out of the question, pack them away in a labeled container for storage elsewhere. Papers, notes and mementos can also contribute to messy spaces. Add a corkboard of any size on walls and turn it into a clutter buster for drawings, photos and other tackable items. Adding a pegboard with hooks provides a handy spot for hanging hats, backpacks, totes and any gear with a loop or handle. At convenient heights for children or teens, these also encourage keeping stuff off the floor.

A little ingenuity can make a big difference in finding ways to expand the usability of smaller spaces. With some cleaning up, clearing out and thoughtful arranging, bedrooms will become a favorite haven for kids or teens. With or without a large budget, these are economical ideas that parents and children alike will love.