"There are so Many Better Options" — The 'Cluttering' Bedroom Storage Designers Say to Ditch in 2024
If you do one thing for your bedroom this year, it's to re-think your bedroom storage, according to designers
Whether you're planning to give your bedroom a full makeover this year, or just fancy a bit of a switch-up, there's always a way to give your space a tune-up. And, it's not always just to do with how your space looks, either.
I asked several designers about the things they're leaving behind when it comes to designing a bedroom in 2024 and - funnily enough - all their answers had to do with the same thing — storage.
More than that, there was one big storage mistake they think everyone is making that we can stop repeating in the coming year for a more functional, modern bedroom.
What bedroom storage are designers leaving behind in 2024?
The piece of storage furniture that designers say isn't pulling its weight in a bedroom design anymore? The dresser.
'We have been trying to get away from using traditional dressers where possible and finding unique ways to incorporate storage into millwork and other furniture that may not be expected,' New York-based interior designer Todd Raymond, founder of Studio Todd Raymond tells me.
Designer Britney Groneck agrees. 'Gone are the days with multiple large dressers floating around in the bedroom,' Britney explains.
It's part of a larger move in bedroom trends away from "open storage" that contribute to visual clutter when you're using it, and dressers aren't the only thing that designers are starting to turn their back on.
'Floating shelves are also past their prime,' says San Francisco-based interior designer Kristen Pena, founder of K Interiors. 'Instead, we are building storage pieces that can hang on the wall but feel more like a small furniture piece than a floating shelf.'
What's trending instead?
Instead, designers are looking to storage that becomes part of the room's architecture more and more, so turn to built-in storage that streamlines your space.
'If you have the opportunity to incorporate built-in custom furniture pieces designed within the space for storage or clothing needs, that is always my preference,' Britney Groneck says. 'Though sometimes you can't avoid a dresser for storage needs and that's okay!'
Ideas like the bedroom above, designed by studio Hauvette Madani, help storage blend even more into the background as its color drenched with the rest of the room, yet still adds interest with more decorative finishes.
For those who still feel that dressers are an important part of their bedroom storage make-up where there isn't a separate, dedicated walk-in closet, another popular concept is the room divider closet.
This is a design where a (usually) floor-to-ceiling headboard wall is installed behind the bed, creating a divider which is used to zone a closet from the rest of the room. It's a clever way to create an open closet, while also hiding away clothes, clutter and, yes, your dressers, from view when using the bedroom.
If you need overflow storage for things that aren't used everyday in your bedroom, there are also some other ideas to explore. 'There are some cool bed designs that allow storage below the mattress,' designer Britney explains, 'another way for good storage use.'
Storage beds are a great way to make use of space that would otherwise be wasted, but often they're not the most practical for storing clothes in rotation at that moment in time. They are, however, great for storing your winter clothes in summer, or vice versa.
Be The First To Know
The Livingetc newsletter is your shortcut to the now and the next in home design. Subscribe today to receive a stunning free 200-page book of the best homes from around the world.
Luke Arthur Wells is a freelance design writer, award-winning interiors blogger and stylist, known for neutral, textural spaces with a luxury twist. He's worked with some of the UK's top design brands, counting the likes of Tom Dixon Studio as regular collaborators and his work has been featured in print and online in publications ranging from Domino Magazine to The Sunday Times. He's a hands-on type of interiors expert too, contributing practical renovation advice and DIY tutorials to a number of magazines, as well as to his own readers and followers via his blog and social media. He might currently be renovating a small Victorian house in England, but he dreams of light, spacious, neutral homes on the West Coast.
-
This Viral Knife Sharpener is Now Bobby Berk-Approved — And It's so Easy to Use, Too
In a new Instagram video, the designer and ex-'Queer Eye' member had nothing but great things to say about the knife sharpener making the rounds on social media
By Brigid Kennedy Published
-
5 Renter-Friendly Ways to do Wall Decor — Add Personality to Your Home, Without Ruining the Walls
When rentals only allow temporary decor, there’s no need to hold back on adding your individual touch. There are plenty of ways to pack a punch, take a browse through the professionals' non-permanent ideas below
By Portia Carroll Published
-
This was Once an Unpopular Kitchen Color, but Designers are now Encouraging its use in Small Doses
The bold shade is being used as a much-loved kitchen accent all thanks to a trending color theory
By Lilith Hudson Published
-
These Are the 8 Most Comfortable Design Trends Designers Love — "They're so Right For Now!"
If you're looking to bring a little comfort into your life, these are the eight comfortable design trends designers are turning to, and they're so right for now
By Faaizah Shah Published
-
6 of the Most Important Kitchen Trends We Spotted at One of the World's Biggest Design Weeks
This year at EuroCucina in Milan brands revealed the future trends we should keep an eye on, from colored glass to reimagining terracotta
By Raluca Racasan Published
-
5 Bathroom Lighting Trends for 2024 — "These Transform The Room Into A Sanctuary of Style and Comfort"
These bathroom lighting trends highlight shapes, materials and installation styles that will set the tone for an interesting and spa-like space
By Aditi Sharma Maheshwari Published
-
This Paint Trend is the Most Magical Way to Elevate Your Home — And It Can Be Done in a Weekend
This softly-softly approach to decorating feels perfect for homes now – here’s how to perfect the look
By Ellen Finch Published
-
5 Kitchen Lighting Trends to Consider for 2024 — These Choices Will Make Your Design Feel Elevated
Consider these kitchen lighting trends to upgrade your current design to something much more decorative and useful
By Aditi Sharma Maheshwari Published
-
This Kitchen Trend Can Make Your Space Look Like a Charming, Tuscan Retreat — "It's Instantly Warming"
Limewash has a unique, textural quality that gives spaces a subtle but expressive effect. Here's how to use it to transform kitchens
By Aditi Sharma Maheshwari Published
-
This Bathroom Trend Makes Spaces Feel More Open, Accessible, and Spa-Like — But Is It Practical?
Doorless showers can make the room feel plush and expansive, but it is going to make the room high maintenance and damp? Experts offer advice
By Aditi Sharma Maheshwari Published