Not Baskets, Not Bins: The Easy Way To Add Storage To A Bedroom

Bedrooms can sometimes end up being a bit of a catchall space for clutter from elsewhere in the house. Whether it's toiletries that don't fit in the bathroom vanity, kids' toys that your kids constantly move from the playroom, or the jewelry you took off before going to sleep the night before, your nightstand, the top of that big set of drawers, and even your bedroom floor can fill up fast. Thankfully, you don't have to buy a whole bunch of baskets, bins, or tubs to store all these belongings — at least for all the small, light items. Instead, there's a small bedroom idea that will maximize your space: adding a picture ledge above a headboard or side table.

These narrow shelves, sometimes also called photo ledges, are typically used for framed photographs or art. They have a lip that stops the frame from sliding down the wall, and make it easy to swap out artwork whenever you wish. They aren't just good for decor, though. These ledges can be absolute lifesavers for corralling all those little items that clutter bedrooms or often get lost. And the best part? They are super easy to install. Simply make level marks on the wall for the screws. Use a stud finder or wall anchors for the strongest hold. Then drill the screws in, leaving them poking out a little, and hang the shelf on them. That's it! Now you're ready to explore all of the clever ways that this hack will make your bedroom more organized than ever.

Having a nightstand or vanity covered in jewelry, makeup, and hair accessories can feel overwhelming; the clutter visually shrinks your bedroom. Luckily, a photo ledge is the perfect place for these kinds of small, lightweight items that need to stay easily accessible. Install the ledge above your most-used piece of bedroom furniture and fill it with makeup, hair products, ring dishes, and anything else you use to prepare for the day. Your surfaces will be free from bric-a-brac and you'll be on your way to cultivating a calmer, more organized space. Alternatively (or as well), install a photo ledge above your bed for reading glasses, hand lotion, and a small alarm clock — keep that phone out of your bedroom. This will free up space on your nightstand for bigger, heftier items like books.

Because of its simple, shelf-like design, a photo ledge is also a great place to store collections of lightweight objects. By grouping similar items together, they look more cohesive, rather than being scattered all over your home wherever there's a spare spot on a bookshelf or mantel. For example, getting your colorful nail polish collection out of that dusty wicker basket and onto a photo ledge lets you see exactly what you own and doubles as vibrant bedroom decor. You could also use the ledge to keep pop culture collectibles in your home while feeling organized. It's great for traditional collectibles, too — think baseball cards, vintage matchboxes, and collectible coins.