Maximizing Storage Solutions for Small Bedrooms

For most of us, there is an on-going battle to create enough storage in a bedroom.  The battle becomes even bigger the smaller the bedroom is.  The bedroom seems to be the "go to" location to store everything from clothes and bags, to shoes and accessories.  

Contemporary Bedroom by Glasgow Interior Designers & Decorators The Couture Rooms

So what are some of the best ways to maximize storage in your small bedroom?

Contemporary Bedroom by Los Angeles Photographers Erika Bierman Photography

Having a chest of drawers on either side of the bed instead of a night stand provides loads of extra storage.  In a small space it's a must to have each piece of furniture provide double duty.  You can free up the space on top of the dresser by installing a wall-mounted lamp.

Traditional Bedroom by Pasadena Interior Designers & Decorators Charmean Neithart Interiors, LLC.

Another important bedroom storage solution is having a closet installed, especially in a small bedroom.  

Traditional Bedroom by Hollis Interior Designers & Decorators Meredith L. Bohn Interior Design

However most small bedrooms do not have sufficient space for a closet or may not even have a closet at all.  Wardrobes provides the same function as a closet and gives the ability to store tons of items all behind closed doors.  Since it uses more vertical space than horizontal, it's a perfect solution for any small space.

Modern Bedroom by New York Architects & Designers Incorporated

I hope these solutions have inspired you in your small bedroom space.

-Judy

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All With a Yard of Fabric

Last week I bought one yard of fabric from JoAnn's which was on sale for $6.99.  I also bought two spools of grosgrain ribbon, each $2 after coupon.  I spent a total of $11 in materials.

I started by making two bolster pillows for my parents bed.  You can click here for a tutorial on how to make these easy bolster pillows.  I still had some material left...so I decided to cover their basic white plastic waste paper basket to make it something more special.

The fabric I had left wasn't a perfect rectangle, but that was okay, I knew I could make it work. Using my trusty glue gun, I went to work.  I squeezed a strip of hot glue down the side of the pail and pressed one end of the fabric against it.  I rolled the fabric around and glued the other end on as well.

For the bottom, I pleated the fabric and glued along the way.  Then I cut out a circular strip of fabric to cover the center that wasn't covered by fabric.

I then glued on grosgrain ribbon to the top and bottom of the basket.

Then I added four evenly spaced strips of the narrower grosgrain ribbon vertically.  I did all of this in the few minutes I had before dinner last night.  That's how it works here...I fit things in when I can.  See what a spare 15 minutes can do?

Voila!  From cheap plastic pail to chic addition to their bedroom.  This pail plus the two bolster pillows - all from a yard of fabric.  I still have a little bit of fabric left.  I'm sure I'll find something else to do with it.

I'd love to hear what you think of this transformation.  I always love and appreciate your comments.  Hope you have a great day.
-Judy

Neck Roll Pillow Tutorial

I kept myself busy this past weekend making pillows.  My parents asked me to make them two neck roll pillows for their bedroom.

These neck rolls are so easy to make (also called bolster pillows).  It took about a half hour to make both pillows.  Originally they wanted two to put on their bed.

But, when they got this chair, they moved one of the pillows onto it instead.  You can check out how we framed the mirror behind this chair here.

I started with a neck roll form and measured around it and also measured the length.  In my case the measurement around was 19" and the measurement from left to right was 14".

I cut my fabric 14 1/2" x 19 1/2" (the 1/2" being added for seam allowance).  I like to use a square to mark the back of my fabric.  This is the way I can insure straight lines.

To create the sides, you need to measure the diameter of the side.  Mine measured 6".  This meant half the diameter was 3".  I added 1 1/2" to this measurement to fold over to make the pocket for the ribbon to go through.  So the total for each piece would be 4 1/2" x 19 1/2" - I cut two pieces that size.

On each of those side pieces, I fold over the long edge about an inch or so (enough to be able to have ribbon put through.

Then with right sides together I sew the 19 1/2" ends together.  Notice that the pocket that was just created it toward the center (that way when it is all on the right side, that will be the end).

Now is the time to add any embellishments.  I sewed grosgrain ribbon onto the two seams I created when adding the end pieces.

I simply sewed around all four edges of the ribbon.

This time I left it at that because the fabric was a busy enough.  You could add anything else you want.  I folded the fabric in half and with right sides together (and making sure that the ribbon lined up together) I sewed it together being careful not to sew through the two pockets for the ribbon to go through.

Here is the old pillows I had made them (I just took the inserts out to make the new ones).  You can see that I added a center band to this one, as well as a ruffled edge.  This time they wanted something a bit more streamlined.

Once together, I took a safety pin and pinned it onto the ribbon.  Then I threaded it through the pocket I had created on each side.  Here's a tip - the larger the safety pin the easier it is to thread it through your pocket.  This was the only pin I could find and it kept opening up and going through my finger...a little frustrating.

This is what it should look like when you have finished threading the ribbon through the end.

Simply pull the ribbons and tie a bow.

Simple as that.  I love how it came out.

It looks perfect on their new chair.  Let me know what you think.  I always love and appreciate your comments.

The Swing into Spring party is still going on.  You can click here to join in the fun.

-Judy