Updated 12 October 2026. Product dimensions below were checked against current HomeMart catalogue specifications. See individual product pages for current prices and availability.
Useful small bedroom storage starts with the space you can still move through. In an NZ rental, apartment or spare bedroom, another cabinet may hold your clothes but leave its drawers blocked by the bed. Compare the furniture footprint, the room it needs to open, and how often you reach for the contents.
Start with the space you have: browse Small Space Storage, dressers and tallboys, or shelves and bookcases.
1. Compare the footprint, then allow room to use it
Measure width and depth at floor level, including skirting boards and nearby furniture. Mark the footprint with removable tape, check that the room door still opens, then allow for drawers and cupboard doors. The product's closed depth does not tell you how far an open drawer extends.
The following examples show why two similarly sized units can serve quite different needs. Floor areas are calculated from the listed width and depth, rounded to two decimal places. They are not a measurement of storage capacity.
| Example | Width × depth | Base area | Height | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hailey 4 Drawers Tallboy - Black | 40 × 30cm | 0.12m² | 93.7cm | Four fabric drawers |
| Nivo 6 Tier Slim Bookshelf Display Shelf - White | 40 × 29.5cm | 0.12m² | 200cm | Six open levels |
| Olsen 6 Drawers Slim Tallboy - Oak | 40 × 40cm | 0.16m² | 105cm | Six drawers |
The Hailey and Nivo both round to 0.12m², but one keeps clothing out of sight and the other offers open shelves. The Olsen is the same listed width but 10cm deeper than the Hailey. That difference matters beside a bed or along a narrow walkway.
2. Choose closed drawers or open shelves around your routine
Use closed drawers for clothing, chargers and the mixed small items you would rather not see. Open shelves suit books and frequently used belongings when you can keep them organised. Check shelf and drawer measurements before buying storage boxes; the external width is not the usable internal width.
For a bedside gap, compare the height with the top of your mattress as well as the available floor area. A tallboy can hold more than a small nightstand, but its top may be awkward to reach from bed. Bedside tables are worth comparing if access to a lamp or phone is the main problem.
Position furniture where it leaves a clear route through the room. A gap behind a door is useful only when the door can still open properly; do not assume it is spare storage space. Avoid placing tall or heavy units where they could fall across a bed or exit.
3. Consider under-bed storage before adding another unit
A storage bed can use the area beneath a mattress, but it is not automatically the best choice. Gas-lift beds open by raising the mattress platform; drawer beds open at the sides, foot or a combination, depending on the model. Both need clear space to operate.
For example, the Hopkins listing specifies drawers at the foot and sides. A cabinet or wall can obstruct a particular drawer even when the bed itself fits. Check each drawer's position rather than assuming every storage bed has four side drawers.
A lift-up compartment may suit spare duvets or seasonal bedding; drawers can be convenient for items you reach for often. Neither helps if opening it requires moving other furniture every time. Check the mechanism's operating instructions, mattress compatibility and any stated weight limits before choosing.
4. Plan furniture anchoring in rentals too
Freestanding does not mean no fixings are needed. Follow the manufacturer's installation and restraint instructions. New Zealand's Natural Hazards Commission guidance recommends securing tall or heavy furniture and keeping heavier items low down. If you are unsure about the wall or suitable fittings, get competent installation help.
Renters should make a written request and get written permission before changing the property. Tenancy Services lists securing a bookshelf for earthquake protection as an example of a minor change; landlords must not decline qualifying minor changes, although reasonable conditions can apply. Do not treat renting as a reason to skip necessary restraints.
Our practical choice: solve the main storage problem with one suitable piece first. Check that it fits, opens and can be installed correctly before filling every remaining gap.
Compare small-space storage options or explore storage beds if the space beneath your mattress is the better option.
Frequently asked questions
What storage works in a very small bedroom?
Start with what needs storing and the clear floor you can spare. A narrow tallboy can hide folded clothing, while shallow open shelving keeps books accessible. Compare actual dimensions and opening space, then plan appropriate furniture restraints. A taller unit is useful only if you can reach and use it safely.
How do I calculate a furniture footprint?
Multiply the width by the depth in metres. A 40cm by 30cm unit occupies 0.12 square metres. This measures the base area only: you still need space for drawers or doors to open, room to stand, and clearance around skirting boards and any required wall fittings.
Does freestanding furniture need wall anchoring?
Freestanding does not mean that a unit can safely be left unsecured. Follow the furniture and restraint instructions and arrange suitable anchoring for tall or heavy furniture. New Zealand earthquake-safety guidance recommends securing these items. If you rent, discuss the proposed fitting with your landlord before making changes.
Is a storage bed always better than a tallboy?
No. A storage bed uses space beneath the mattress but must still be accessible when open. A tallboy may be more convenient for daily clothing if you have a suitable gap for it. Compare the actual bed or cabinet, its opening space and what you need to reach each day.
