You can never have too much storage, and the challenge of a small bedroom is creating sufficient storage. Here are the budget-friendly small bedroom ideas that we have used to transform our tiny beach cottage bedroom with creative small bedroom storage ideas. These ideas will allow you to have room to make the bed and utilize as much of the small space as possible.
Our tiny beach cottage is only 460 sq. ft. and has only one bedroom that is 12 feet x 7 feet. There is barely enough room for a double bed. However, with some creative storage solutions, the room has been transformed and is more user-friendly.
(Posts on The Ponds Farmhouse may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See the full disclosure details here.)
Table of contents
Small Bedroom Storage Ideas and Renovation
First, the room didn’t include a closet, and when the windows needed replacing. Therefore, we decided to bump out an area for a closet. Or I should say I decided, and Brad was skeptical. LOL
How To Add A Closet
Note: We are not professional builders; this is not a tutorial. I am sharing our process as inspiration only. If you plan a project you should check for building codes and hire a professional if unsure.
I know that this isn’t an easy DIY project, and frankly, we were nervous before we began. Our worst scenario was we would have to hire someone to complete the project.
Fortunately, we did it with a few tears and minimal mistakes. If you don’t feel handy, hire a handyman. It’s not as hard as you might think.
First, we replaced one of the windows with a smaller, more narrow version. We were able to use the original frame and cut it to fit the new size window.
Then, we removed the remaining window to add a 36 x 48-inch closet. Although this was a challenging project, we were fortunate to have cordless tools from Ryobi that made the job easier.
We had to expand the foundation to add the closet, and here are a couple of views from the outside during construction.
Add Barn Door To Save Space
Due to the limited space within the room, we added a barn door using an old door left over from our farmhouse construction. Delaney Hardware provided the barn door hardware.
If you have a small bedroom, a door opening into the room requires extra space; therefore, a barn door is a great solution.
You can purchase this barn door hardware from Home Depot, and old salvage doors are relatively inexpensive if you shop at Habitat for Humanity ReStore or salvage yards.
Adding Space to a Small Bedroom Ideas
Attaching a headboard to the wall is another small bedroom idea that adds space.
This headboard is a DIY project and is screwed directly to the wall, and then the bed frame is pushed up against the headboard. This gives you several more inches within the room than a free-standing headboard.
Another great idea is to use a vintage headboard to save space. We did this in our guest cottage with an old headboard.
In addition, to create more small bedroom storage ideas, we added prefab storage units around the bed. We have had the units for a few years. They were purchased at Lowe’s Home Improvement.
You may recognize the basket in the corner of the top shelf. I shared a post about how to hide that ugly vent, and this basket was featured. It hides the unsightly heat and air ductwork. You can see all the tips to hide that ugly vent and more.
Utilize Every Square Inch
Additional storage is provided by this large handcrafted armoire that almost reaches the ceiling.
The large cabinet provides multiple shelves for clothing storage and additional bedding.
A full-length mirror provides additional light and a spot for makeup or to check your clothing choice before heading to the beach.
Lighting to Create Space
Because there was very little room for lamps, we added these wall scones to provide lighting around the bed. We used lights that could be plugged in to avoid involving an electrician. They can be wired or plugged in.
The driftwood and art were found at a resale shop in Wilmington, NC.
Several purchases were made while thrifting in Wilmington, NC.
Paint Colors To Create Space In A Small Bedroom
We used a neutral paint color for the walls to make the room feel larger.
Revere Pewter by Benjamin Moore is a soft gray paint shade that blends perfectly with Balboa Mist, which we used in the living room.
The bedroom renovation included new coastal-inspired laminate flooring from Habitat for Humanity ReStore. I used nautical blues and whites for the bedding.
The quilt and pillow shams are available online or in-store. The blanket spread is sold separately.
These cute coastal pillows and these prints would also look great in this room.
I hope you enjoyed these Creative Small Bedroom Budget Storage Ideas we utilized while remodeling our tiny beach cottage.
Resources
Below are links to all the beach cottage renovation and DIY ideas. Be sure to sign up for my newsletter never to miss an adventure. Just scroll to the bottom of this page to sign up.
Links To Beach Cottage Renovation and DIY Projects
- Tiny House Ideas for Beach Cottage Before & After
- Creative Small Bedroom and Budget Storage Ideas
- How To Add A Wood Accent Wall
- How To Build An Open Kitchen Cabinet
- Thrifted Coastal Farmhouse Decor on a Budget
- How to Make A DIY Nautical Mirror
- How To Use Wall Stencil To Create Faux Wallpaper
- Budget-Friendly Small Bathroom Remodel for under $500
- Clever Ways To Add Lighting Without Wiring
Thanks so much for stopping by today, and I look forward to sharing my next adventure with you.
CoCo
Friday 18th of March 2022
Such a fabulous way to make use of this bedroom space, Rachel! I can't believe you guys made your own closet - that is so cool. Love all the coastal touches you've added to the bedroom too. We have sconces in one of the bedrooms too and I never realized what a game-changer they would be. I know you and your guests will get a ton of use out of yours! Hugs, CoCo
Rachel
Saturday 19th of March 2022
Coco, I really appreciate your comments.
stacy
Thursday 17th of March 2022
I love all of your ideas!
Rachel
Thursday 17th of March 2022
Stacy Thanks so much
Kim | Shiplap and Shells
Tuesday 15th of March 2022
So many great tips Rachel. I have a small bedroom and I'm always trying to come up with ways to make it more efficient for storage. Love what you did with the bed space.
Rachel
Tuesday 15th of March 2022
Kim, It really does help.
Renae
Tuesday 15th of March 2022
What a great use of space. Your cottage is adorable!
Rachel
Tuesday 15th of March 2022
Renae, I really appreciate this.