Here at Space Optimized, nothing makes our hearts flutter than a fully-utilized living space!
Minimalism sounds like a scary concept simply because acquiring things is inherent in all of us. And let’s face it, not everyone is okay with the idea of letting go of stuff. That’s exactly why most homes have an attic or a basement, it’s literally a place to store items that collect dust!
For city apartments and condos where space is at a premium, you have to be creative to squeeze in more storage space. And when you think about it, are you really maximizing all your “can’t-live-without” yet bulky furniture?
Space Optimized: Re-Edit Your Sleeping Quarters
Because we spend a third of our lives sleeping, the bedroom is easily one of the most cluttered spaces in a home. But here’s the thing, most of the junk that collects dust in your bedroom right now, you could live without. Some of the items on this list might strike people as extreme but if you’re serious about paring down your space, you have to think like a minimalist. Here’s a list of “essential” bedroom items that you can do without:
Dresser
A dresser is a bedroom staple but the bulk can be problematic for tiny living spaces. Also, dressers are a clutter-magnet! Whatever clothing you keep in your dresser, store them in your closet. If the closet doesn’t have room for these items, invest on a stylish clothing organizer. Ikea, Bed, Bath, and Beyond, as well as Amazon, have a great selection of closet organizers in every conceivable style and colors to choose from.
Swapping ordinary clothes hanger for vertical belt or scarf hangers can be a huge space saver in the closet too!
Finally, if you have room to spare under the bed, you can use that space to store your stuff too.
End Table
Yet another bedroom staple that you can live without; an end table eats up a lot of space, especially in petite boudoirs. I’m a huge fan of built-in headboard shelves because I can store essential items near the bed without wasting space.
If your bed doesn’t come with a headboard shelf, prop a table against the wall and then push your bed against it. Use that slice of hidden space to prettify the bedroom.
A floating shelf is also a stylish alternative to an end table. A floating shelf is just as functional as your average end table but without the wasted space. Just don’t forget to tidy up every morning so you don’t ruin a good morning with a pile of clutter.
Bedroom Bench
Don’t get me wrong, I love bedroom benches – especially those that come with extra storage – but unless you have plenty of room to spare, they just add up to the clutter.
A chunky bedroom bench makes a modest space look busy and cramped because it elongates the bed. And depending on the material, these benches are a pain to clean. If you’d like to save money and add a little breathing room in your pint-sized boudoir, skip the bedroom bench.
Recliner
Who wouldn’t want to plop down a cushy recliner after a rough day at work? I know I do! Unfortunately, recliners – especially high-end ones made from supple leather – are expensive, bulky, and hard to maintain.
They’re also unnecessary when placed in the bedroom. Why rest on a recliner when you have a huge bed sitting in the middle of the bedroom?
Display Cabinet
Curio cabinets don’t belong in the bedroom. They are awkward, they attract dust, and they are a major space waster.
Dedicating a large portion of the bedroom for displaying various knickknacks just add to the clutter. What’s more, you’ll spend a lot of time and effort filling up and cleaning this furnishing.
Entertainment Console
That huge entertainment console is such a space waster! Also, it’s just another furniture that you have to clean regularly because it’s a dust-magnet.
I say ditch this monstrosity and mount your TV on the wall. Or if you’re committed to preserving the peace and quiet in your sanctuary, don’t put a TV in the bedroom at all.