Strategic Bedroom Furniture Placement: A Guide To Spacious Sleeping

Arranging bedroom furniture can be a challenge, especially in small spaces. The key to a successful room scheme is maximising space and natural light. The bed is the most important piece of furniture in the bedroom, so it's best to start by deciding where to place it. Most interior designers agree that the bed should be placed against a wall, preferably the longest wall in the room, rather than under a window. It's also important to consider the position of doors and windows when arranging bedroom furniture. Once you've found the best place for your bed, you can arrange the other furniture items, such as the dresser, bedside tables, and chairs, ensuring that you have enough space to move around comfortably.

Place the bed strategically

Placing your bed strategically is a key part of designing your bedroom. Here are some tips to help you do this:

Choose the right wall

It's usually best to place your bed against a wall, rather than under a window. The longest wall is often the best choice as it maximises floor space and creates a balanced layout. However, if your room is small, you may need to place the bed against the shortest wall. Just make sure you have enough space for other furniture items and try to avoid placing the bed on the same wall as the door or closet to maintain the room's flow.

Position the bed well

According to feng shui, it's best if the head of your bed faces south and your feet aren't pointed towards the door. This is because sleeping with your feet facing the door is known as the "coffin position", mimicking how the deceased are carried out of a room. However, comfort is the most important factor, so experiment with different arrangements to find what works for you.

Create a focal point

The bed is usually the most significant piece of furniture in the room, so it's a good idea to make it the focal point. This will help the rest of the space flow and allow you to arrange other furniture around it.

Maintain balance

Make sure to leave enough space around the bed so that it doesn't look cramped. Avoid placing large pieces of furniture, like dressers, too close to the bed to prevent visual conflict and maintain balance in the room.

Use natural light

Utilise natural light to make the room feel more spacious and try to avoid blocking windows with your bed if possible. If you must place the bed in front of a window, consider using a low headboard that won't obstruct your view or natural light.

Use only necessary furniture

When it comes to bedroom furniture, it's essential to keep in mind that less is more. A bedroom should be a tranquil space that promotes rest and relaxation, so it's crucial to only include the necessary furniture. Here are some tips to help you achieve a calm and functional bedroom with just the right amount of furniture:

Measure the Space

Before you start bringing furniture into your bedroom, it's important to measure the space accurately. Consider the size of the room, the placement of windows and doors, and any alcoves or awkward corners that could be utilised for storage. By drawing out the room to scale, you can plan where each piece of furniture will go and ensure it's the right size for the space.

Choose the Right-Sized Furniture

Opting for furniture that fits your bedroom is crucial. If your room is on the smaller side, avoid bulky pieces that will make the space feel cramped. Instead, go for minimalist, space-saving options that provide storage without taking up too much floor space. For example, consider a bed with built-in drawers, a headboard with shelves, or a vanity that doubles as a nightstand.

Prioritise Comfort

While the aesthetic appeal of your bedroom is important, don't forget that comfort is key. Dr Kalanit Ben-Ari, a therapist, suggests that you "experiment with different arrangements to find a configuration that feels most comfortable". This may mean ensuring your bed is against a particular wall or facing a specific direction. It's all about creating a space that invites relaxation and promotes a good night's sleep.

Create a Focal Point

In most bedrooms, the bed naturally becomes the focal point due to its size. Place your bed against the longest wall to maximise floor space and create a balanced layout. Avoid positioning it on the same wall as the door or closet, as this can disrupt the room's flow. If you have limited space, you may need to place it against the shortest wall, ensuring there's still enough room for other furniture.

Utilise Vertical Space

If you're working with a small bedroom, look to utilise vertical space. Install wall hooks, hang plants or lights from the ceiling, and opt for floating shelves instead of bulky dressers. This will help you make the most of the room without making it feel cluttered.

Embrace Multi-Purpose Pieces

To reduce the amount of furniture in your bedroom, choose pieces that serve multiple purposes. For example, a vintage dining table can double as a unique nightstand, or an antique trunk can function as both a bench and storage. Get creative and think about how you can repurpose existing pieces to give them new life in your bedroom.

Remember, the goal is to create a bedroom that feels spacious, calm, and inviting. By choosing only the necessary furniture and arranging it thoughtfully, you'll achieve a functional and stylish space that promotes a good night's rest.

Create a focal point

The bed is usually the focal point of a bedroom, and it's important to place it in a position that feels right for you. Some people feel more relaxed when their bed is against a particular wall or facing a certain direction. Experimenting with different arrangements can help you find the most comfortable configuration.

Place the Bed Strategically

The bed is typically the largest piece of furniture in the room, so it's important to place it first. It should be positioned against the longest wall to maximise floor space and create a balanced layout. Avoid placing the bed on the same wall as the door or closet to maintain a smooth flow in the room. If you have limited space, you may need to place the bed against the shortest wall, ensuring there is still enough room for other furniture.

Create a Visual Focal Point

Use the bed as the visual centrepiece of the room by centering it on a solid wall with no windows or doors. This layout allows for a solid headboard and creates a symmetrical look, with equal space on each side of the bed for nightstands. This arrangement reinforces the bed as the focal point and adds visual weight to the room.

Use the Window Wall

If the best spot for your bed is on the window wall, create a focal point by treating the window area as "architecture". Use columns of curtains and a substantial headboard to make the bed the focal point. The right headboard will act as a beautiful barrier to the outside world while still letting in natural light.

Asymmetrical Furniture Placement

You don't have to centre your bed on the wall. An asymmetrical layout, with furniture concentrated on one side of the room, can open up the space and leave more room for personal touches. This type of arrangement can lend an expansive feel to a small bedroom, creating visual room for bold touches like a patterned headboard, layered rugs, or symmetrical accessories.

Create a Cozy Nook

Take advantage of neglected space beneath windows by creating a cozy nook with a banquette, comfy cushions, and pillows. This not only provides a relaxing spot but also balances the room, especially if there is a tall headboard adjacent to it. If the window opens to the outside, the natural light and view can enhance the appeal of this space.

Utilise natural light

Natural light can do wonders for your home, from adding warmth and vitamin D to positively affecting your general well-being. Here are some tips to maximise the natural light in your bedroom:

Make the Most of Your Windows

Make your windows the focal point of the room by ensuring they are unobstructed by furniture. This will draw attention to the light and make it seem like there is more natural light than there is. If you have heavy curtains, consider replacing them with sheer curtains, which will let more light in while still maintaining your privacy.

Decorate with Mirrors

Mirrors are a great way to brighten up a room and make it appear larger. Place a mirror on the wall opposite a window to reflect light, or fill your room with mirrored surfaces, such as a mirrored coffee table or vanity.

Choose the Right Colours

Dark colours absorb more light, so dark walls and furniture will dull any illumination in your room. Opt for light, neutral colours for your walls and furniture to reflect more light and make your space feel brighter and more inviting.

Add Gloss to Surfaces

Similar to mirrors, glossy finishes reflect light around the room. Add a fresh coat of white gloss to your walls, trims, ceilings, and furniture to brighten up your space. You can also invest in decor items with glossy or metallic finishes, such as vases or wall art.

Let the Light In

Keep your windows clean, both inside and out, to maximise the amount of natural light coming into your room. If your view is unappealing, use high and wide curtains so you can easily block the light and the view when needed.

Choose the Right Lampshades

Bright white lampshades will make your lighting more effective and give the room an airy feel. Avoid patterned lampshades, which can obscure the light.

Avoid clashing furniture styles

When arranging bedroom furniture, it is important to consider the shape of the room and the size of the pieces. This is crucial to achieving a cohesive and stylish space. Here are some tips to avoid clashing furniture styles:

Choose a Common Style

The first step is to decide on a common style or theme for the room. This could be a specific design style such as farmhouse, minimalist, or eclectic. Alternatively, you can choose a colour scheme or a specific type of material, such as wood, metal, or fabric, as your common thread. This will help create a cohesive look even if the individual pieces are different colours or styles.

Create a Focal Point

The bed is typically the focal point of a bedroom, so it is important to arrange the other furniture pieces around it. Place the bed in a central position, or against the longest wall, to create balance and maximise floor space. Avoid placing the bed on the same wall as the door or closet, as this can disrupt the room's flow.

Use Colour Strategically

When mixing furniture colours, it is essential to maintain a cohesive look. Use other elements in the room, such as rugs, wall art, or lighting, to guide your choice of furniture colours. Pair bright colours with neutrals, and use accents strategically to tie the room together. You can also create a sense of cohesion by choosing furniture pieces that are the same style but different colours.

Allow for Space

Ensure there is enough space between the bed and other furniture items. This will create a sense of balance and prevent the room from feeling cluttered or cramped. Avoid filling the room with furniture, especially in smaller spaces. Instead, opt for a minimalist look and choose only the pieces that are necessary and fit your lifestyle.

Consider the Details

Pay attention to the smaller details such as legs, pulls, trim, and shape when mixing and matching furniture pieces. These elements can help tie the room together and bring a sense of calmness and cohesion, even in a busy space.

Plan Ahead

Before arranging your furniture, take the time to measure your space and your furniture pieces. This will help you choose pieces that fit your room and avoid the mistake of selecting items that are too bulky or that do not fit properly. It is also important to consider the placement of outlets, windows, and doors to ensure easy access and a functional layout.

Frequently asked questions