3 Simple Under Bed Storage Ideas That Will Help You Get the Most Out of Your Space
Unless you live in a 3,000-square-foot home with seven bedrooms, chances are good that you’re a bit short on storage space. If you’re looking to maximize your square footage, the extra space you’ve been dreaming of may be right under your (snoring) nose: It’s time to talk about under bed storage ideas.
With space aplenty, the area below your bed is one of the most important and underutilized storage spaces in the bedroom. Whether it’s in a sprawling master bedroom or a tiny studio, this spot is worth taking advantage of for both the sake of storage and serenity (who doesn’t feel calmer after saying goodbye to clutter?). The best part is that it doesn’t take much to make the most of this space. In fact, by incorporating these three simple tweaks, you’ll find your space doubled and in order — talk about organizational joy! Keep reading to learn more about our favorite under bed storage solutions.
1. Raise Your Bed
The standard height under most beds varies from seven to 12 inches. While the help of handy bed risers, raising your bed frame could potentially double your vertical space without infringing on your square footage.
For under $10 at Walmart, a four-pack of bed risers will add six inches of height to your under-the-bed space. Made to support up to 300 pounds, simply attach the plastic feet to your bedposts and marvel at the extra height. And if your bed skirt falls short, spring for a more attractive set, like these wooden stacking risers from Amazon.
Another way to increase the space under your bed is to simply buy a tall bed frame, like this Olee 18-inch Steel Slat Bed Frame. Design lovers take solace in the fact that there’s a whole internet’s worth of comforters and dust ruffles to conceal the underbelly of your beautiful bed.
3. Add Wheels for Ease of Access
The space under your bed is literally on the floor, making it somewhat difficult to access. Not only do wheeled under-the-bed storage ideas offer ease of access, but their design inherently keeps them off the ground and less likely to collect dust bunnies.
Easily attachable to any low-profile basket, box, or drawer, these casters make it so that any of these essential storage organizers can be converted into under-the-bed storage. With a power drill, a set of casters, and your container of choice, you’ll have a rolling, space-saving storage solution.
1. Buy Low Profile Under Bed Storage Organizers
Apartment Therapy readers are well versed in low-profile storage bins, but in a quickly evolving home goods market, there are some options that may surprise you. Here are a few quick and easy under bed storage ideas available to purchase. Don’t be afraid to alter baskets or bins to fit your needs. Remove lids, paint, or add labels or casters to pieces that may need some sprucing up.
This set of under the bed storage boxes from QVC come in a variety of colors and patterns, and have a clear panel at the top so you can see exactly what’s stored in them. Each bin has a zippered top, easy carry handles, and a steel frame to keep them structured while in use. When you don’t need them, they can conveniently be collapsed to save space.
If you’re like me, your well-concealed under-the-bed bins have a tendency to end up getting stuffed with wadded-up clothing and items that are easy to forget about. With no walls to encourage overstuffing or hide poorly organized goods, this rolling wire shelf from Overstock is the perfect solution for wannabe minimalists.
If you want to keep things tidy but have a lot of stuff to stash, open bins, crates, or baskets are the next best option. No lid means less stuffing, and being able to see what’s inside means more opportunities to realize you don’t actually need what is in that box! We love this simple rolling wood storage box from Wayfair.
If you really want to load things up under there (less room for monsters … ), a sturdy, lidded bin is a perfect option. You can’t go wrong with these giant plastic Tupperware bins from Walmart. We love this pick for its secure latches, clear design (the better to see your items, of course), and wheeled design.
A more chic version of the giant plastic bin above, this Modern Weave under bed storage basket from West Elm is sturdy and made from handwoven rattan peel. This whitewashed storage container is as functional as it is stylish.
This Farmhouse fabric lidded storage bin from The Container Store is made of a poly-cotton blend, which gives you a little more wiggle room inside. It also has a handle on each side, making it easy to slide out and then put back under the bed.
The Underbed Storage from Open Spaces comes as a set of two 18” x 28” canvas containers.They measure 8” tall when unfolded, zip fully closed, and are padded with an enclosed panel on each side and the bottom to help preserve their boxy structure. The bins look like soft suitcases, complete with accent stitching all around and a chic leather handle on one end, which makes it easy to pull them out from under the bed.
This durable set of under-the-bed drawers from Macy’s will ensure your belongings are kept safe and dust-free. The plastic drawers are set side by side on an easy-to-assemble metal frame that raises them off of the floor, but keeps them low enough to fit comfortably beneath the bed.
This post was originally published on January 10, 2019, and was last updated on June 24, 2022 to reflect current prices and offerings. Sarah M. Vazquez also contributed to reporting.