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Forget whatever images you have of over-the-bed storage in your mind. Sure, overbed storage is certainly practical, but it can also create a brilliant design feature in any bedroom.
Gone are the days of predictable fitted bedroom furniture and old-fashioned 'bed bridges'. There’s never been such a fantastic range of choice when it comes to cabinet styles, shapes and colors.
Overbed storage is a brilliant space saver, too, so even if you’re working with the smallest of bedrooms, it could be the design solution for you. Check out these 8 clever overbed storage ideas that you’ll want to try.
1. Create an Architectural Feature
There is so much more to these bedroom cabinets than first meets the eye. In this spacious, open-plan room, the large plywood unit creates a divide between bedroom and office, cleverly concealing the raised desk space behind.
This bedroom design offers plenty of storage options - but it's effortlessly stylish, too. The use of plywood in the overbed storage also helps to create a chic, Scandi vibe in this space, resulting in an ultra-modern look.
2. Create Seamless Space
Contrasting fitted cabinets and walls can sometimes look a bit busy, making a room feel smaller – which isn’t ideal if your bedroom is already on the compact side.
So, enhance the sense of space in your bedroom by coordinating your overbed storage with your décor.
This modern bedroom features sleek, flat-panel cabinets, offering plenty of room for clothes, linen and accessories.
The cabinets and walls are the same shade of pale grey, creating a bright, spacious and seamless finish. Choose white or an alternative light neutral shade to maximise the light in your bedroom.
3. Keep It Simple
Need practical storage solutions, but you don’t want to overpower your space? Then choose a minimalist look to help you get the most out of your bedroom design.
This contemporary bedroom keeps things simple with an all-white color scheme, sleek cabinetry and handleless doors. White cabinets are an excellent choice for helping to reflect light and brighten up any room.
Plus, the simplistic storage ensures the bedroom doesn’t feel at all cluttered.
4. Balance an Awkward Space
Overbed storage isn’t just practical. It can be a great design feature and help to balance any awkward angles you may have in your bedroom.
Take this beautiful, contemporary bedroom. It has an asymmetrical alcove to contend with, but the overbed shelves help to balance the look of the space – and provide valuable space for decorative accessories.
5. Mix Materials
Choose a mix of materials to give your overbed storage a contemporary finish. This combination of simplistic white and plywood cabinets offers a chic, Scandinavian look.
And although this modern bedroom has plenty of storage space, it doesn’t overpower the room thanks to the two-tone finish. Using white units on the upper section helps to enhance the sense of space and opens the room up.
Plus, it provides extra visual interest in the room.
6. Get Creative
This small double bedroom brings some design challenges. Traditional overbed storage cabinets could make the bed appear boxed in, and partially block the window, affecting natural light.
But with these clever, asymmetric wall units, the space is opened up. If you have an awkward space, look for creative solutions to work with what you’ve got. Asymmetric cabinets can give your bedroom a funky and modern twist.
7. Build Storage Into Your Headboard
Give yourself handy extra storage space with a bespoke headboard design. This beautiful period home bedroom features a statement bed, with a clever recessed shelving design built into the headboard.
This idea provides easy-to-reach bedtime storage. Ideal if you don’t have room for bedside cabinets but need some space for books, skincare, alarm clocks and accessories. Make a real feature of your shelf by adding some soft strip lighting, too.
8. Choose Open Cabinets
If you’re looking for a feature that’s more decorative than functional, try adding a simple single shelf above your bed. It’s great for drawing the eye to your bed and making a real feature of it.
Dress your shelf with some framed prints, small decorative accessories and houseplants.
Is Overbed Storage Old Fashioned?
The clunky, old-school ‘bed bridges’ of the 80s and 90s might make you think overbed cabinets are old-fashioned, but there is so much you can do to update the look. Choose your furniture wisely, and you’ll have a bedroom that will stand the test of time.
How Do You Modernise Overbed Storage?
There are lots of ways you can modernise overbed storage. For instance, consider a simplistic design with clean lines, such as sleek, flat-panel, handleless cabinets, so your space doesn’t look cluttered.
You could also include open shelves or cabinets above the bed to enhance the feeling of space and give a contemporary finish.
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