Blending Style and Functionality: Tips for Selecting Bedroom Cabinet Designs

A thoughtfully planned bedroom is as stylish as it is functional—it should reflect your personal taste, adding comfort and allowing you to dial down at the end of your day for a good night’s rest. But even the most beautifully designed spaces can become cluttered and stressful if you don’t have enough storage space! And this is where bedroom cabinets play a vital role. 

Not only do bedroom storage cabinets provide much-needed storage for clothes, linens, and other belongings, but they can also play a significant role in the overall aesthetic of your room. In this guide, we’ll look at tips for selecting the right bedroom cabinet designs to meet your needs and match your decor.

Importance of Bedroom Cabinet Designs

Picture a bedroom that has clothes spilling over the back of the chairs, shoes scattered on the floor, and bedcovers piled up in a bunch. Sounds horrifying? Well, this is what your bedroom would look like, without the right storage solutions. 

Cabinets provide designated spaces for everything, from folded garments and bulky sweaters to shoes, accessories and everything you need to look your best! Bedroom cabinets reduce clutter, minimise visual stress, and keep your bedroom feeling calm and inviting.

A well-organised space can help you relax, making for a serene and peaceful ambience in your bedroom. Bedroom storage cabinets provide a sense of order and control, and there’s always a deep satisfaction that comes from putting things away where they belong! 

From built-in closets and wardrobes to overhead cabinets, nightstands and dressers, you can choose from a wide range of bedroom cabinet ideas that suit your storage needs, blend well with your existing décor, and help to keep clutter at bay!

Understanding Your Needs and Preferences

Understanding your needs and preferences is the first step to selecting the perfect bedroom cabinet design. Here are some factors to consider:

• How do you like to store your clothes; do you prefer hanging them or keeping them folded on shelves?
• In addition to clothes, what other items do you need to store in your bedroom? Shoes, handbags, bedding, linens, or seasonal items?
• Keep the dimensions of your bedroom in mind. How much space can you dedicate to a built-in closet? Do you have space for a dresser and bedside cabinets? Is it possible to add overhead cabinets above the bed? If you work from home often, you might want to carve out some space for a work desk with its own storage cabinets as well.
• Do you need to stow away suitcases and seasonal quilts? A loft may be a good idea.
• Do you have enough wall space for traditional cabinets, or would a freestanding wardrobe be a better fit?
• Next, think of your chosen aesthetic. Do you prefer a modern minimalist look, a cosy farmhouse vibe, or a luxe oceanside resort hotel feel? Your bedroom cabinet designs should complement your existing decor.
• Consider your material preferences as well. Cabinets come in a variety of materials, including wood, laminate, and glass. The finishes can also vary, from distressed wood for a rustic feel, to natural wood grains for a more traditional outlook. Laminates lend a sleek, modern vibe, while glass and metal lean toward an edgy industrial aesthetic. Take care to choose materials and finishes that complement your style preferences.

Different Bedroom Cabinet Designs

Here’s the lowdown on different types of bedroom storage ideas, with designer tips for each!

Built-in Closets

If space permits, a built-in closet can be the ultimate space-saver in your bedroom, allowing thoughtfully designed spaces to store your clothes, shoes, accessories and any other bedroom essentials. Your closet can be neatly fitted into a niche in the wall, or can be stretched from end-to-end between walls. You could also choose to have a freestanding wardrobe that is not fitted in place and can be moved around as per your need.

And you don’t have to settle for a one-size-fits-all solution! Invest in a custom closet system with adjustable shelves, hanging rods at different heights, lofts and pull-out drawers to maximise every inch.

Pro Tip: 

Installing interior lighting not only makes it easier to find clothes, but also ramps up the aesthetics of your built-in closet. Look for motion-sensor lights that turn on when the doors are opened.

Dressers

A dresser unit is a versatile storage solution for clothing and other items. Usually comprising a set of deep drawers, your dresser can be customised to fit into available space in your room. A dresser with a mirror above can double up as a dressing table, saving space and providing a handy spot for getting ready for your day!

Choose a unit with the right depth for your needs. Deeper drawers can accommodate bulky sweaters and winter clothes, while drawers that are more shallow are good for folded t-shirts and undergarments. Use drawer dividers to keep all your stored items neatly organised and easily accessible.

Pro tip:

The top of your dresser can be used to display decorative items like lamps, framed photos, or a small plant. Add baskets or trays to corral jewellery, scarves, or other dressing accessories.

Bedside Cabinets

Your bedside cabinet can be more than just a space to park your mobile and reading glasses at night! If space permits, opt for a console unit with drawers or shelving below that can provide extra storage space for books, diaries, and what have you! A charging station is a must-have, as also space for the TV remote and alarm clock.

While matching nightstands on either side of your bed will add a balanced look, even one will do if you’re short on space.

Pro Tip:

Choose a charging station with built-in cable management features, like hidden compartments or notches, to keep those pesky cords out of sight!

Overhead Cabinets

Desperately need extra storage in your too-small bedroom, but don’t know how to conjure up space? Overhead cabinets could be the answer! These smart storage solutions are lifesavers in bedrooms, especially small ones. They make use of often-wasted vertical space above doorways, windows, or above the bed, providing additional storage without sacrificing precious floor space.

Pro Tip: 

For a visually lighter look, opt for cabinets with glass doors. You could also think of adding open shelves in lieu of cabinets. 

Corner Cabinets

Corner spaces often go unused in bedrooms, and corner cabinets or L-shaped wardrobes are ingenious solutions for these areas. Match these cabinets to the rest of the room, and incorporate open shelves, a work desk, or a dressing unit with a mirror for extra functionality.

Pro Tip:

The corner space can be tricky—you can tackle the hard-to-reach corner by planning for an L-shaped hanger unit with double-hinged shutters, or no shutters at all.

Storage Benches

Storage benches at the foot of the bed offer a brilliant combination of style and functionality. They provide a comfortable spot to put on shoes, fold laundry, or simply relax, while also offering valuable hidden storage space. This storage is perfect for tucking away blankets, extra pillows, seasonal clothing, or a laundry hamper.

Pro tip:

A bench with a hydraulic lift mechanism offers effortless access to stored items. 

Materials and Finishes

The materials and finishes you choose for your bedroom cabinet designs are what determine their durability, functionality, and looks. Here are some options:

• Engineered Wood: A budget-friendly and versatile core material, engineered wood options like MDF (Medium-Density Fibreboard) and plywood offer good strength and stability with various finish options. MDF is denser and smoother, making it ideal for painted finishes and grooved shutters, while plywood’s layered construction provides superior strength for shelves and heavier loads.
• Laminate: Prized for its affordability and durability, laminate offers a wide variety of finishes that mimic the look of wood, stone, or even high-gloss lacquer. Laminate cabinets are easy to maintain and are resistant to moisture and scratches. 
• Glass: Glass cabinet doors add a touch of lightness and can visually expand a small bedroom space. They’re the perfect choice if you’re looking to showcase display items or collections. However, glass requires more frequent cleaning to maintain a clear and polished look.
• High-Gloss Acrylic: High-gloss acrylic finishes add a touch of luxury and sophistication. They reflect light, making a small bedroom feel more spacious. However, they are prone to showing fingerprints and scratches more easily than other finishes.
• PU Finishes: PU finishes for bedroom storage cabinets are made from polyurethane, a type of synthetic resin. PU finishes can be clear, allowing the natural beauty of the wood grain to shine through, or come in various colours to match your desired aesthetic.

Style and Design

When selecting bedroom cabinet designs, style and design play crucial roles in creating a space that flows well. Here’s a breakdown of popular styles to inspire your choice!

Minimalist: One of the most popular modern styles, minimalist cabinets are characterised by clean lines, simple surfaces and flat-face designs. Hardware is often hidden for a streamlined silhouette. Colour palettes could be neutral, with bursts of vibrancy to add visual interest.

Scandinavian: Scandi-style embraces natural materials, with an emphasis on wood and light colours creating a pared-down, functional aesthetic. Simple Shaker-style doors with minimalist hardware offer clean lines while maintaining functionality.

Traditional: Traditional cabinets evoke a timeless elegance with raised panels, ornamental moulding, and decorative hardware. Rich wood tones like teak wood or ebony with a classic finish create a sophisticated aesthetic. Upcycled vintage items lend character and have a rich history.

Industrial: Industrial cabinets embrace a raw and edgy aesthetic with exposed hardware, metal accents, and reclaimed wood. Freestanding metal cabinets or wardrobe systems with open shelving and hanging rods are typical examples.

Budgeting and Cost

Bedroom cabinet costs can vary greatly depending on several factors. Here’s a breakdown to help you set a realistic budget:

• Cabinet Type: Built-in wardrobes are generally more expensive than free-standing dressers or bedside cabinets. Again, custom cabinets will cost more than pre-made modular options.
• Material and Finish: Solid wood cabinets are the most expensive, followed by engineered wood options like MDF or plywood. Edge-finished laminate cabinets with minimal designs are more affordable than painted or stained wood.
• Size and Complexity: Larger cabinets with more features like drawers, pull-out shelves, or lighting will cost more than simpler designs. If you are using space-saving accessories like drawer organisers or pull-down hanger rods, they will add to your expenses.
• Hardware: Decorative knobs and pulls can add to the cost compared to simple, basic hardware. Heavy-duty, soft-closing channels will also cost more than regular channels.

A word of advice: Especially if you are considering built-in closets, you are looking at a storage solution that should last for a good many years. Do not choose cheap materials and finishes which will end up having to be repaired or replaced in the blink of an eye!

Final Thoughts

Loved our ideas, but not sure where to start? HomeLane can help! Explore our extensive collection of bedroom storage solutions, and meet our design team for bespoke designs that reflect your needs. Get in touch, we’re just a chat away!

FAQs

1. What are some space-saving storage solutions for small bedrooms?

Small bedrooms require creative, out-of-the-box storage solutions to maximise space and avoid clutter. Here are some bedroom cabinet design ideas for small spaces you can incorporate into your home:

• Even if your room is short on floor space, you can think vertically! Take advantage of walls with floor-to-ceiling cabinets, floating shelves, or hanging organisers. A loft above the closet is a good idea for storing items that are not frequently accessed.
• The space beneath your bed can be used, too! Use rolling drawers or low-profile storage containers to make use of this often under-utilised space.
• Overbed cabinets or open shelves can use the space above your bed.
• Even the back of the doors can be put to good use! Hang organisers over closet or bathroom doors for shoes, scarves, or other accessories.
• Foldable furniture is your best friend in a compact space. Why not try a foldable desk or a Murphy bed that disappears into the wall when not in use? Window seats with hidden drawers can also be used to hide clutter. 

2. How do I determine the right size for my bedroom storage cabinets?

Before shopping, meticulously measure your bedroom’s dimensions, including wall space, floor space, and ceiling height. What feels right in the shop may not fit into your home!

Think about how you will use the cabinets. Do you need mostly hanging space or shelves? Factor in the length and depth of items you plan to store.

Always consider the way the cabinet will fit into your room. How much space will be needed in front of the cabinet for the drawers to slide out completely? Consider the clearance needed for cabinet doors to swing open freely without obstructing movement or the placement of other furniture in the room. Avoid creating a cramped feeling by leaving adequate walking space around cabinets.

3. What factors should I consider when selecting bedroom cabinet designs?

Your bedroom should be all about you! So, when selecting bedroom cabinet designs, prioritise your storage needs and design preferences.

First, assess the type and quantity of items you need to store. Choose cabinets with features like hanging rods, shelves, and drawers based on your specific storage requirements.

Select a cabinet design that fits into your overall bedroom aesthetic. Do you like modern decor, or are you a minimalist at heart? Do you prefer classic and traditional designs, or something that falls in between the old and the new? Whatever you choose should tie in well with your décor theme.

Be realistic about the available space and choose cabinets that fit proportionally within your bedroom. Your cabinets should not take up too much space and make your bedroom look cramped. 

Think long-term, and never compromise on material quality or durability. Look for high-quality materials and finishes that will stand the test of time.

4. What is a custom bedroom cabinet?

Custom bedroom cabinets are designed and built specifically for your space and needs, rather than being something that was bought off the shelf or from a catalogue. They sit neatly within the available space in your room, eliminating wasted areas. You can choose finishes and designs in materials that will match your existing furniture to create a one-of-a-kind storage solution that perfectly matches your requirements, and makes for a beautifully organised bedroom.