Not enough storage space in your bedroom? The lack of space makes organizing things hard, and too much stuff can make you forget where you placed them.
But there is an extra space in the bedroom, that is commonly ignored. It’s perfect for storage, and right now you might find dust bunnies currently living there rent-free.
You might as well use it for something, right?
Living costs will only go one way, and that’s up – so if you feel stuck in a small house and need ideas to optimize storage in a small bedroom, here’s one great way to instantly get more storage space for your belongings.
Drawers can be used under the bed, and provide ample storage space for those things you only use occasionally – OR it could fit your entire wardrobe, shoe collection, and much more!
Below we’ll take a look at some of the great options available, so take a look if you’re seeking to improve your storage space under the bed.
1. Why drawers?
Drawers are easy to slide in and out of sight. It keeps the storing process simple, enabling us to store all kinds of things in it. And the best part is the effortless organizing, because drawers give you a perfect overview of all your belongings.
One thing drawers under the bed work great for, is clothes storage for rooms without closets and/or dressers – it’s a really good way to keep your clothes out of sight, while still being able to access it easily and choose your look for the day.
Marie Kondo: “Get a set of drawers”
In Marie Kondo’s book “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” she mentioned:
“If you are planning to buy storage units in the future, get a set of drawers instead.”
This is because drawers are a great way to store things in a way that they are still organized and easy to keep track on.
We all have this terrible habit of stacking things on top of each other because we lack proper storage space.
Storing our belongs and keeping the overview is much easier, if we’re able to see everything at a glance. And this is where drawers play an important role.
No matter how you make use of a drawer, whether it’s underneath the bed or as a stand-alone drawer, you’ll always have a proper overview of everything you have.
2. Before you buy or build
Here’s a few things worth considering, before buying or building your own drawers for under the bed.
2.1 Do you already have a bed frame?
If you already have a bed frame, you can easily buy under-bed drawers online. But if you don’t have a bed frame yet, it is a good idea to consider buying one that already comes with drawers in it.
It will be a big hassle out of the way, and you can get some really good looking bed frames that suit your bedroom.
- Worth reading: Panel vs. Platform Bed – Differences, Pros & Cons
For this purpose we found the Novogratz Kelly Bed with Storage or the Realrooms Alden Platform Storage Drawers perfect options, and they both come with various bed size choices.
If you prefer more under-bed storage aside from drawers, you could also consider the stylish Memomad Bali Storage Platform Bed with Drawers.
2.2 Check the clearance under your bed
You will need to check the dimensions beneath your bed, before you decide to purchase or create drawers for under the bed.
QUICK TIP: Bed furniture risers increase storage space
Make use of a bed furniture riser if you want to increase the clearance under the bed. This is such a popular option, that it has its own category on Amazon. Check out bed risers on Amazon here.
There is no specific bed height that manufacturers must conform to, when it comes to the bed frame.
Bed heights differ from standards, platforms, and antique bed types. There is usually ample clearance beneath most bed frames.
For sofa beds (western-style futon), the clearance can be better than a platform bed, but you can only put one or two drawers beneath if it is in the seating form most of the time.
DID YOU KNOW? Fun fact about the Japanese futon:
The “futon” is a traditional Japanese style of bedding that consists of “shikibuton” (padded mattress), “kakebuton” (quilt), and a “makura” (pillow filled with beans). It is commonly kept in the closet when not in use. When it’s time to sleep, the “futon” is then laid out on the “tatami” mats.
2.3 What kind of items are you going to store?
Under-bed drawers for guest rooms are excellent places to keep spare pillows and blankets. For a kid’s room, it can serve as extra storage for toys and costumes.
Think carefully about what kind of items you plan to store. Under-bed drawers are typically made from wood or plastic.
By having a general idea of the things you plan to keep, you will be able to narrow down the material and type of drawer to purchase.
3. Buying guide – best drawers for under the bed
The main reason for purchasing under-bed drawers is the need for extra space to store and organize your belongings, without the hassle of building one.
3.1 LEGO Brick Drawers
These are ideal for your kid’s room. You can choose between two drawers or one drawer. These two options work well for under-bed storage, and if there is more vertical space, you can consider stacking the drawers – just like you do with regular Legos!
This type of drawers are modular, and can be built into a complete storage solution under your bed or next to your bed. You can even combine different colors, and create a nice welcoming play area for your kids!
QUICK TIP: Be aware of the Lego Drawers dimensions
Be careful when buying Lego Drawers. Make sure that the one you’re purchasing for under-bed storage is actually the Lego Brick Drawer, and not the Lego Desk Drawer. Lego Desk Drawer is also a useful storage option, but you will find that it is comparably smaller compared to the Lego Brick Drawer.
3.2 Stackable drawers
Stackable drawers are modular in shape and size, and can be stacked into a vertical storage solution rather than a horizontal one, so you’ll have no problems filling up the space under your bed with these drawers.
You should consider stackable drawers if your bed frame provides ample vertical space beneath it, or if you want a portable solution with a proper overview. IRIS and Sterilite are excellent brand options for stackable under-bed drawers.
QUICK TIP: Always take note of drawers dimensions before buying
Take note of the dimensions before purchasing. That way you’ll avoid buying the wrong ones. Always allow a few inches of overhead space, so you’ll be able to easily move the drawers around.
You will find different stackable drawers offered by IRIS, but the ones cited here are their options that were specifically designed to serve as under-bed storage.
With IRIS, you can choose between two groups of stackable sizes.
19.63” Length x 15.75” Width
The drawer height for this group has three variations:
- Height: 7”
- Height: 9”
- Height: 11.5”
On Amazon they also offer a combo pack of these three different height drawers.
29.13” Length x 17.38” Width
There is only one height available in this stackable group, which is 5.88”. A single drawer is perfect for beds with narrow vertical spaces underneath. The stackable option of this drawer is excellent for keeping your things well-organized.
Sterilite drawers are mainly different when it comes to the frame structure. While IRIS is enclosed on the sides and rear, Sterilite uses a skeletal frame to make the contents of the drawer visible.
Their drawers are also made for multi-purpose usage, meaning it can be used elsewhere besides for under-bed storage. Here are two groups of stackable drawers, that differ in size and fit underneath a bed frame:
17” Length x 14.4” Width
There are two height options for these length and width dimensions: 6” and 10.25”.
12.9” Length x 8.9” Width
Sterilite only offers 6” height for this option.
3.3 Open top bed drawers
Open top storage drawers is a good option for items that are frequently used. It usually comes with wheels or casters attached to the bottom, so regardless of weight it can be pulled out with little to no effort.
Furthermore you’re not hindered by the limited height size of enclosed drawers, which is great if you want to utilize all of the vertical space that is offered beneath your bed.
Homz Long Under-Bed Wood Storage
This wooden open-type drawer is 34” long, 14.5” wide, and 6” high. It has a divider in the middle providing users with a simple organization method. The front has a chalkboard label that will help remind the kids and adults on which items go to that drawer. This is an enjoyable option for a kid’s room.
Rolling Under-Bed Storage Drawer
The dimensions are 20” by 36” by 10”. It is an excellent option to get creative since this product is unfinished, and made from Tulip Poplar hardwood. Also, take note that the bottom is slatted.
Max & Lily Solid Wood Under-Bed Storage Drawers
If you don’t like the hassle of unfinished drawers, the Max & Lily Under-Bed Drawers is an excellent alternative.
They are made of New Zealand pinewood with non-toxic VOC finish. The dimensions are 24.5” in length, 37” in width, and 9” in height (the front board is 12” in height).
QUICK TIP: How to organize your drawers
Use drawer organizers or dividers to make sure that everything you put is kept in place. Dividers are better options for under-bed drawers compared to organizer boxes. You can check JonyJ and Rapturous for some of the best options, when it comes to organizing the spaces inside your drawers.
3.4 Hygienic plastic storage drawers
Instead of drawers that are partially or completely open, you could opt for closed plastic storage drawers.
These work great in a dusty environment, but they are also recommended for homes with pets, because pet hair tend to gather and build up in areas that aren’t swept or vacuumed on a daily basis.
Plastic storage drawers can be used for all types of storage, e.g. books, hobby tools, fabrics, linen, kids’ toys, and much more.
Sterilite 56 Quart/53 Liters Wheeled Latching Box
Made in the USA, Sterilite offers a large range of convenient and hygienic storage solutions. Their latching boxes work as under-bed drawers, and have wheels so you can easily pull them out and push them back in.
The lid is latched in place to keep contents neat and clean, so they aren’t prone to dust and pet hair.
ECR4Kids Lock and Roll Portable Under-Bed Safe
If you’re living in a dorm and share the home with others, or you’re renting out your home through AirBNB, this works very well as a under-bed drawer/personal safe.
It has a lockable lid and comes with a steel cable, so you can secure it to your bed frame.
3.5 Under-bed drawers for shoes
Lots of us have shoes for different seasons of the year, and we don’t necessarily want to have our winter boots sitting in our hallway throughout the summer.
Luckily there are plenty of great solutions to store your shoes under your bed, and with a proper shoe organizer you can store any types of shoes easily.
storageLAB Under Bed Shoe Storage Organizer
If you live up north, you’re probably struggling to find space for all your shoes. You need winter boots, light sneakers, flip flops, perhaps a pair of rubber boots, and more.
With the storageLAB Under Bed Shoe Storage Organizer, you’ll be able to store your shoes in a neat way. Pull it out from under your bed as a regular drawer, open the heavy-duty zippers and fill it up.
It comes in a set of 2, with built-in removable dividers. These are stuck on by simple velcro strips, so you can easily adjust the dividers and make room for any shoe type from flip flops to hiking boots.
4. Custom-built ideas for under-bed drawers
If you have access to tools and know how to make things yourself, you can definitely build your own drawers for under the bed. The main advantage of doing so, is that you can get drawers that fit exactly to the dimensions of your bed frame, and you can paint of style them exactly the way you want.
QUICK TIP: Save money by repurposing old drawers
You can simply repurpose old drawers if you don’t have a sufficient budget for the materials. Simply get the wheels from a hardware store, and screw them into the bottom of the drawers.
If building stuff is not your thing, then have one custom made to your liking. It will save you the time and trouble of building one yourself while giving you the option of having it created with the perfect size in mind. You may be able to find a workshop nearby, that’ll be able to make this happen.
The great thing about this option is that you will be able to have it customized according to your needs and preference. It’s entirely up to you on what material you want to be used and how it is designed. You can have sliding drawers to maximize the space beneath your bed or put wheels beneath to make it easier to move around or clean. Or why not even add a secret compartment?
For the finishing touches, you can write, draw, paint on it, or even throw in some stickers and glitters to make it fun for your kids. You can also turn cleaning rooms into a game for your kids with this drawer. Just imagine, you’ll never have to step on a piece of Lego ever again.
There are a lot of open possibilities with this option, the sky is the limit. There are so many ideas being thrown around, mix that with your own, and you can be sure that what comes out is a masterpiece.
4.1 Our favorite custom built under-bed drawers
YouTube is a great source for inspiration and instructions, when it comes to making your own drawers for under the bed.
Below are our favorite DIY drawers.
- DIY Under the Bed Dresser:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZyH8H7XFRQ - How to Build an Under Bed Storage Drawer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYOq8yq81MU - How to Make Rolling Under-Bed Drawers:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QAFM8veZA8