10 Ways to Organize Your Bedroom Like an Interior Designer

No matter the size of your space, there are several must-haves for a functional, calming, well-organized bedroom. "When it comes to organizing a bedroom, there's wisdom in the old adage 'a place for everything and everything in its place,'" says interior designer Marie Flanigan. "Not all bedrooms are created equal, but focusing on ease, storage, and comfort can turn any bedroom into the perfect retreat."

So, how exactly can you transform your own bedroom into the closest possible thing to an oasis? De-cluttering is good place to start. "Your bedroom is a space that needs to be incredibly serene for a good night's rest, and having mess and chaos because of an abundance of shoes and clothing is definitely an obstacle," adds Becky Shea, an interior designer. You have an advantage if you're about to start over in a new home: "Combat that challenge by doing a major purge before a move-in," says Shea. Looking for ways to optimize what you currently have? "Take just a few minutes each weekend to reflect on everything from clothing to décor items and whether you truly love them. If the answer is 'kinda,' then we recommend donating it," she notes.

Once you've edited down your necessities, look for bedroom furniture pieces that provide extra storage opportunities. "Furnishings with hidden storage, like night tables with drawers or cabinet doors, keep bedroom essentials close by—but out of plain sight," says Laurie Blumenfeld-Russo of Laurie Blumenfeld Design. "If possible, built-ins also work wonders when organizing a bedroom. They blend in architecturally and allow you to keep your bedroom neat." Searching for more ways to organize your bedroom like a pro? We asked a few more of our favorite experts for tips on how to efficiently arrange even the smallest of bedrooms. Ahead, find out what they have to say.

If you're not working with a ton of bedroom space, it helps to invest in furniture pieces that can pull double duty. "Get clever about items that can serve dual purposes," says Crystal Sinclair. "An armoire can house a television as well as clothing, a bed can have hidden storage, and a dresser, chair, or desk can also serve as a nightstand."

No matter how small your bedroom may be, you must make sure you have an adequate amount of clearance room around your bed. "We always recommend giving yourself enough room around your entire bed to walk freely without concern of bumping into a piece of furniture in the middle of the night," Becky Shea says. "I love a beautiful bench or ottoman for the foot of the bed, but those elements are only okay if you have a minimum of three feet to pass by without injury or feeling cramped."

A little bedside storage goes a long way in a small bedroom. That's why it pays to pick out a nightstand with plenty of nooks and crannies for all of your odds and ends. "Nightstands with built-in drawers or shelves are an amazing way to create more storage in your bedroom," Blumenfeld-Russo says. "And they allow you to keep your nighttime essentials organized and in one easy-to-access place."

Curbing the clutter that builds up on your nightstand is a constant battle. Catchall trays can help corral your bedside essentials in style. "Have a catch all tray or decorative dish to store small objects on each nightstand," Jean Liu says. "They're a great place to stash important items—like eye-glasses and jewelry—that are too small to stick in your nightstand drawers."

Every bedroom has one thing in common: a bed. Why not make your the centerpiece of the space? "Every room needs a focal point, and in a bedroom, it ought to be the bed," says Annie Selke. "Make the most of the opportunity with a dramatic headboard (the upholstered ones are the most comfortable) and plenty of pillows for reading."

Make no mistake: It's hard to get a good night's sleep in a disorganized space. "It's imperative that the bedroom maintain a peaceful vibe, so clutter and chaos must be avoided," Marie Flanigan says. "Arrange the bedroom in a layout that allows for an easy flow from one side to the other. Add furniture pieces with ample storage, like nightstands and dressers with drawer space, to store clothing, blankets, and personal items—and keep unnecessary clutter at bay."

Messy bedrooms usually stem from not having places to put things. "Clutter tends to accumulate when there isn't enough room to put things away," says Ariel Okin. "If you develop a system for where things go—beautiful dressers, perfectly measured closet dividers, and pretty baskets for extra linens and pillows—you're more likely to keep things organized."

Seating of some sort is a must in any bedroom. "No matter how small the bedroom is, carve out room for a place to sit," Liu says. "Everyone needs a place to put on shoes (besides their bed) and it's a design move that goes a long way towards making a bedroom live and feel more graceful rather than a utilitarian space where one goes to sleep."

If you don't have room for a nightstand with drawers, Shea recommends investing in slimmer bedside storage solutions. "Nightstands are one of those pieces of furniture that can instantly turn into a junk drawer, and the last thing you want is clutter and chaos next to where you sleep," Shea says. "A minimalist nightstand, with enough surface area for a lamp, your phone and a book, provides bedside storage space without further cramping up the room."

Looking for a functional way to make a colorful statement in your bedroom? Sinclair suggests organizing your bedroom closet by color for a dash of drama. "Organize your wardrobe by color," she says. "Not only does it make the closet easier to read but it helps you find exactly what you're looking for."