Small bedrooms are blank canvases for clever space-saving tricks, such as tall and narrow furniture and whipping skirting boards off behind the bed to save a few centimetres of floor space. And that’s not even the half of it.
You can get over-door storage pocket organisers for all your bits and bobs, wall-to-ceiling tiered shelves with small storage boxes, and bed frames with so much in-built storage that you can eliminate your bulky dresser.
Read on for more great ideas.
- Get a bed that makes sense for your space.
Every centimetre counts in a small bedroom, so streamlined bed frames and space-saving furniture are essential.
Sleek divan bases or chic metal frames create an airy, open feel without bulky footboards or headboards overwhelming the room.
Measure up your bedroom and figure out which of these beds works best:
- Small Single – 75 x 190cm.
- Single – 90 x 190 cm.
- Small Double (Queen) – 120 x 190cm.
- Double – 135 x 190cm.
- King Size – 150 x 200cm.
- Super King Size – 180 x 200cm.
To walk around the bed, you need at least 35cm around its perimeter. Most bedrooms for couples are best with a double or king bed.
- Consider a storage bed.
If you need under-bed storage, invest in an ottoman bed with a gas-lift mechanism. The entire mattress lifts to reveal ample space for stashing off-season clothes, extra bedding, and more. Bye-bye bulky dressers!
Pictured: Bedmr Arizona 4FT 6 Double Wooden Ottoman Bed. Priced £489 (Save £210 on RRP) Available from Bedstar.
Beds with drawers are another good option – they are cheaper, albeit with less storage space overall. Ottomans are usually worth the extra.
- Clear the clutter with smart storage.
Built-in wardrobes are your best space-saving friend, especially if you ditch the skirting board behind them to gain those precious extra centimetres.
Over-the-door hanging organisers are also brilliant for shoes, accessories, and other small items. Remember to use the room’s vertical real estate with tall, narrow bookcases and floating shelves on the walls.
- Embrace a light and airy palette.
Crisp whites, soft neutrals, and pale pastels will make even the tiniest bedroom feel bright and airy. Swap out heavy curtains for breezy sheer panels for maximum natural light.
Glossy finishes are a fantastic option – think lacquered furniture, or metallic accents, to amplify the sense of openness by reflecting the available light around the space.
Pictured: Julian Bowen Bali 4FT 6 Double Bookcase Bed. Priced £398 (Save £217 on RRP) Available from Bedstar.
- Get clever with multi-functional furnishings.
Invest in multi-tasking pieces that serve multiple purposes:
- A stylish ottoman seat that can work as a coffee table, provide extra seating, and provide a place to stash spare bedding.
- A fold-out desk that mounts to your wall, giving you space to work without taking up any floor space when not in use.
- Pare down and declutter.
Stick to the essentials—a bed, a bedside table or two, and storage solutions. Everything else adds visual bulk.
Take inventory of your belongings and clear out anything you don’t absolutely need or use regularly. Decluttering is liberating and will immediately open your tiny sleeping quarters to create a more relaxing space.
Pictured: Sleepeezee Fusion Pro 4FT 6 Double Divan Bed. Priced £1099 (Save £300 on RPP) Available from Bedstar.
- Reflect and expand with mirrors.
Mount a large mirror opposite your bedroom window to reflect the outdoors and multiply the natural light in your space.
You can also try flanking your bed with two identical mirrors or positioning one at the end of a room to create the illusion of extended space.
- Don’t obstruct your door.
Door obstructions always make small bedrooms feel tinier. There’s nothing worse than being unable to close the door because your foot is in the way, or worse, your poor cat.
Ensure your door can open inwards to a 90-degree angle and use a door stopper so it can’t slam into your wall and take a chunk out.
That’s a wrap! Good luck with your small bedroom.