Creative Ways to Tame the Mess in Kids’ Bedrooms

While cupboards and drawers will always have their place as a storage solution, when it comes to kids’ bedrooms, why not think outside the box? Or in the box? Or attach the box to the wall? These original, vibrant and effective ways to keep kids’ bedrooms tidier will take the headache away for you and make it far easier for your kids to keep their things in order. And, with a little forethought, kids will discover that tidying up the mess can be just as fun as making it!

1. Out of sight, out of mind. If you have more than one child, consider giving them the option of sharing a room so another room can become a play zone. That’s exactly what the family with three boys who live in this house did. The mom, architect Elaine Richardson, designed this room with fun in mind — and plenty of storage to keep the mess under control. Most important, the panels on the loft bed mean not everything has to be put away (who wants to pack away a Lego creation when you’ve spent so much time building it?). When you can’t see the mess, it’s as good as not there, in my book. The loft bed also doubles as a guest bed when needed.

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2. Magic cupboard. The design of a typical closet wastes plenty of space for a young child, so a collection of wall-mounted boxes is both attractive and functional. The essentials — favorite toys, books and shoes — are easy to reach, while other elements can be accessed with parental help. And if things get a little messy, the door can magically hide everything!


3. Throw it all in. A daybed is a favorite element — well loved by everyone from toddlers to teens. It also doubles as a handy storage unit. Here the daybed, pullout drawer and desk are beautifully integrated, minimizing any mess.


4. Dump it and run. Youngsters tend to have busy lives, and these big storage boxes in wood veneer allow quick, easy access to must-have toys. And when playtime is over, it takes only a matter of minutes to shove all the toys back in the boxes and have a nice, tidy room. The concept was well thought out for the design here, by Watershed Design. As the child grows, the units can be removed and replaced with a desk — in wood veneer, of course.


5. Headboard built-ins. When designing a bedroom, the common notion is to position a bed against the back wall. But perhaps it’s time for a rethink. A storage unit behind the bed that doubles as a headboard makes books and accessories easy to find. The unit here also provides a handy nook for displaying pretty photos and objects.


6. Color-coordinated wall storage. Why hide toys away when everything from books and board games to furry toys and sci-fi paraphernalia can create a colorful display? Add plastic storage boxes for smaller pieces, such as Legos and puzzles, and if the shelves are still too messy for your liking, opt for doors on some of the shelving units.


7. Hidden storage on wheels. To make a child’s bedroom look finished, the trick is having storage units built in, rather than freestanding. These units are cleverly designed — open shelves for books, toys and knickknacks are on display, while a wheeled unit is perfect for hiding larger items.

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8. Boxed and labeled. Suitable in a wardrobe or on open shelves, a collection of plastic storage boxes — some clear, some colored and some with animal graphics — adds a touch of whimsy to this girl’s bedroom. Add gift tags to each one, so that they’re easily identifiable.


9. Bed-desk combo. A bed-desk combination is a popular option, but look closely — this unit can also be converted into double bunk beds. The wheeled table can be removed, making it perfect for friends to stay overnight. Double bunks usually include a ladder for easy access, but the built-in steps are functional and storage-savvy. Each step doubles as a drawer — great for storing shoes.


10. Wall-mounted bookshelf. In a small bedroom with no room for a bedside table, try the Ron Arad Bookworm shelf for Kartell; it’s both funky and functional. Everything from books to an iPad can be easily reached. Meanwhile, a built-in bed with extra storage is a real space saver.

Tell us: How do you pack things away in your kids’ bedroom? Do you have any clever storage solutions? Share your ideas with us in the Comments section.

More:
Tame the Toy Chaos: Bin Storage for All
10 Beautiful Rooms for Real Kids

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