This may be the wall across from the door, the wall with electrical outlets on either side, or the wall that positions your bed directly under the ceiling fan. With other placement options, you might not be able to access your closet or close your door without shimmying around it. Don’t be afraid to put the head of your bed beneath a window if this seems like the best option for your room. Try not to overcomplicate the placement of your bed. Avoid setting it on an angle unless you’re following an angled wall, since this will just eat up precious floorspace.
This can be useful for 2 people who wake up at different times, since each person can comfortably roll out on their own side. It’s also a good choice if you like being able to comfortably make the bed and change the sheets. [2] X Research source A symmetrical layout works best for rooms with symmetry. If you have an offset closet door or an angled wall, consider an asymmetrical approach instead. Take into account how big the bed can be. For instance, a queen vs a full bed isn’t a huge difference, but that can determine whether you have room for two nightstands or just one. [3] X Expert Source Kanika KhuranaInterior Designer Expert Interview. 9 October 2020.
If you’re worried about fitting in a heavy dresser into your space with a centered bed frame, or if your room is full of quirky angles, doors, or permanent fixtures, opt for asymmetry. Maintain floor space on either side of the bed for easier access. [4] X Research source
You may want to choose the corner furthest from your bedroom door or any closet doors. Feel free to place your bed along a wall with a window. If there’s any space left at the foot of your bed, take advantage of it! This could be a perfect spot for a few storage bins or your laundry hamper.
Leave as much open floor space as possible beneath the higher parts of the ceiling so you can walk around without bumping your head. If you have an A-frame ceiling, try a symmetrical layout instead. Position the headboard beneath the highest point and 2 low nightstands on either side of the bed. Just keep in mind that you’ll have less space for other furniture pieces.
In a guest bedroom, consider using a sleeper sofa or a narrow daybed. These take up a smaller footprint and will make the room functional when you don’t have guests. If you’re really committed to maximizing the space in your room, mount a Murphy bed on your wall to keep the floor space open during the day. This type of bed rests on a hinge. It can be folded away to lay vertically against the wall or brought down to lay flat at night.
Create a floorplan of your bedroom to experiment with different layouts before you commit to one. Measurements are essential! You can go online and find places where you can easily make a floor plan and drag furniture on it to scale, so you’ll know exactly what works in the space. [7] X Expert Source Kanika KhuranaInterior Designer Expert Interview. 9 October 2020.
Instead of using your nightstands for storing useless trinkets or memorabilia, convert them to functional storage units and store clothes inside.
If you’ve offset your bed or positioned it in a corner, you’ll probably only be able to fit 1 nightstand next to your bed. This strategy can also be used with a centered bed if you don’t mind the asymmetry. A tall dresser on 1 side and a low nightstand on the other can be balanced out if you place a tall table lamp on the shorter table or hang a tall framed picture above it.
Try using floor lamps or wall-mounted sconces to bring some lighting into your space, now that bedside table lamps aren’t possible. Use a nearby windowsill for small storage, or utilize the top of your dresser for the typical nightstand contents. Consider storing things you’d like to have at arm’s reach in an under-bed storage basket that you can easily slide out and tuck away.
If you’re downsizing from a bigger space, know that you can’t keep everything in your smaller bedroom. Be selective in what pieces you choose to include, keeping the ones that provide the most storage or add the most visual impact. However, stay away from bulky furniture like sofas that can bring the room down, unless you have really high ceilings. [12] X Expert Source Kanika KhuranaInterior Designer Expert Interview. 9 October 2020. Try moving extra pieces into other parts of your home. For instance, your dresser can probably stay in your bedroom while your shoe cabinet might be relocated to your entryway.
Don’t be afraid to use a piece of furniture that’s not technically a dresser. A living room chest of drawers or a bathroom shelving unit might be perfect for your small bedroom. [13] X Research source
If you sit up in bed and watch TV every night, mount your TV on the wall across from your bed so you don’t have to strain your neck. [14] X Research source If your bed functions as a second office, you may want to incorporate lots of lighting and keep a nightstand open for your coffee, notebook, and charging phone. If you make your bed every day, leave enough space around all sides of the mattress so this task doesn’t become even more of a chore.
Give each type of item a “home” within your room. This way you’ll be able to easily put things back in the correct spot and out of sight. Your belongings should fit comfortably in their designated spaces. There’s no point in assigning a tiny drawer to your bulky sweaters. You won’t be able to stuff them all in and the drawer will overflow. Pick 1 or 2 deep drawers instead. If you have the space, add a small chair or bench as a catchall for your stuff. [16] X Research source
Organize your belongings in baskets and bins so they’re easier to get off of taller shelves. Use these hard-to-reach spots for off-season clothes and accessories, memorabilia, and things you only need to access once in a while. Don’t store your favorite socks in a basket that you can only reach with a stepladder!
If you’re looking for a new bed frame for your small room, consider a platform bed with built-in storage spaces. Just make sure the bins you choose come with lids. This will protect your belongings from dust bunnies.
If you’ve picked a slate gray wall paint, try a comforter in another shade of gray. [19] X Research source
This can be a great strategy if you’re renting a space with plain white walls. This bright, airy color palette works well for rooms that get plenty of natural light. If your room doesn’t get a lot of natural light, add lighting fixtures throughout the room. Without sufficient light, an all-white room may feel dingy and claustrophobic.
Jewel-tones can be especially effective in small bedrooms. Try a warmer color palette of reds, purples, and warm neutrals to create a sultry effect, or consider a more soothing color palette with cool shades like navy blue or emerald green. Be sure to incorporate sufficient lighting to prevent your room from looking drab. Mix in metallic details to add some eye-catching bright spots to your space.
Just make sure the mirrors don’t reflect each other, or else you’ll end up with a never-ending reflection tunnel!
Choose curtains in color similar to the wall to add just enough texture without overwhelming the space.
