Designing Your Bedroom: Tips For A Cozy Space

Arranging your bedroom can be a fun and creative process, but it can also be challenging, especially if you're working with a small space. The good news is that there are plenty of tips and tricks to help you make the most of your bedroom layout. From maximizing space and efficiency to creating a relaxing and stylish retreat, the way you arrange your bedroom furniture can have a big impact on the overall look and feel of your space. So, whether you're dealing with a tiny apartment or a spacious master suite, read on for some inspiration and guidance on how to arrange your bedroom like a pro.

Place the bed strategically

When arranging a bedroom, the bed is the most important piece of furniture. Here are some tips for placing your bed strategically:

Choose the Right Wall

The bed should be placed against the longest wall in the room to maximise floor space and create a balanced layout. This placement allows for a more spacious bedroom and a better flow. However, in smaller bedrooms, you may need to place the bed against the shortest wall, ensuring there is still enough space for other furniture. Avoid placing the bed on the same wall as the door or closet, as this can disrupt the room's flow and balance.

Consider the View

Ideally, the bed should not be placed directly under a window, as this can cause a release of too much energy from the room, leading to restless sleep, according to Feng Shui experts. However, in smaller rooms, this may be the only option. Placing the bed by the window has advantages, such as blocking an unpleasant view and allowing natural light to wake you up in the morning. Using high and wide curtains can provide privacy and block light when needed.

Allow for Access

When placing your bed, ensure you can easily access both sides and the end of the bed. This arrangement provides a comfortable and practical space for making the bed and accessing storage. Additionally, ensure the bed placement does not block any doors, allowing them to open and close freely.

Create a Focal Point

In a bedroom, the bed is typically the focal point, especially in rectangular rooms. To enhance this, create a visually appealing headboard with a substantial headboard or columns of curtains. This makes the bed the star attraction and establishes a clear focus for the room.

Nightstand Placement

Consider the placement of your nightstands in relation to the bed. Ideally, the top of the nightstand should be level with or slightly higher than the top of the mattress. If you use a lamp on the nightstand, position it so that the light shines downwards. Measure the width of the nightstand to ensure it doesn't look out of proportion with the bed.

Utilise vertical space

Utilising vertical space is a great way to make the most of a small bedroom. Here are some tips to help you do so:

Install Floor-to-Ceiling Shelving

Shelves are a natural choice for vertical storage. Opt for floor-to-ceiling shelving to make the most of your space, keeping the items you access less frequently on the higher shelves. Shallower shelves are better for traffic flow in your room, and using baskets, bins or lidded boxes can help to prevent a cluttered look. Alternatively, you could purchase several shorter shelves and stack them on top of each other.

Opt for Loft Furniture

Loft beds are a great way to utilise vertical space. Ladder access to the bed means you can create a comfortable play or work area underneath. If you have high ceilings, you could even consider a lofted sitting area.

Hang Plants and Lights from the Ceiling

Hanging plants and lights from the ceiling will free up space on top of your dresser and nightstand.

Choose Multi-Purpose Furniture

Pick furniture that does double-duty, such as a headboard with shelves, a bed with drawers underneath, or bookshelves as nightstands. If your bedroom is also your office, swap in a petite desk on one side of the bed.

Create a focal point

A focal point is the "thing" that draws your eye when entering a room. In a bedroom, the bed is almost always the focal point by default. However, you can create a focal point in your bedroom in several ways.

One way is to choose a large headboard. A headboard with intricate details or a unique sculptural design can instantly catch the eye and become the focal point. Statement headboards can be tall, ornate, colourful, patterned, or upholstered.

Another way to create a focal point is to hang artwork or create a gallery wall above the bed. This helps to define the bed wall as the focal point, creating excitement and drama in the room. When hanging artwork, ensure it is centred with the headboard and that the bottom of the art is no more than 10 inches from the top of the headboard to avoid a floating look.

If your bedroom has interesting architecture, such as French doors or large windows, you can use this to your advantage by drawing attention to these features. For example, you can hang dramatic sconces or tall, narrow mirrors on either side of the bed to emphasise the windows.

Statement furniture, such as a luxurious armchair or elegant vanity table, can also serve as a focal point. These unique pieces will grab attention and are easy to replace as trends change.

Finally, you can use dramatic lighting to create a focal point. Installing a visually interesting chandelier, pendant lights, or wall sconces can draw attention and enhance the overall design of the room.

Choose the right-sized nightstands

When choosing nightstands for a small bedroom, it's important to consider size as much as style. The nightstand's top should be level with the top of the mattress or slightly higher, and if you plan on using a lamp, it's best to have the light shine downwards. You'll also want to measure the width of the nightstand to ensure it doesn't look out of place by being too large or too small.

If you have a small bedroom, you may want to opt for taller nightstands to maximise storage while taking up less room. Picking furniture that does double-duty, such as a headboard with shelves, can also help save space.

Symmetry is important when it comes to nightstands. A pair of nightstands, lamps, and pillows can help establish visual balance in the bedroom.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different layouts and pieces of furniture. There's no one "right" way to arrange a bedroom, and you should figure out what works best for you and your space.

Use rugs to create sections

Rugs are a great way to create sections in a bedroom, especially if it's a small space. Here are some tips to help you use rugs to define different areas in your bedroom:

Choose the Right Rug Size

First, ensure that the rug fits nicely into the space. If you have a small bedroom, a large rug can overwhelm the space and make it look cluttered. Conversely, a rug that is too small can make the room feel unbalanced. The rug should be big enough to anchor the furniture within the section, providing a clear delineation of the space.

Consider the Rug's Style and Colour

The rug's style and colour should complement the overall aesthetic of the room. Consider a rug that adds a pop of colour or an interesting pattern to the space, especially if the rest of the room is relatively neutral. Alternatively, for a more subtle look, opt for a rug that picks up on the existing colour palette of the room, creating a cohesive and harmonious feel.

Define the Sections

Now, let's talk about creating sections within your bedroom. If you have an open-plan bedroom or a large space, you can use rugs to define different areas. For example, you might want to create a reading nook or a seating area within your bedroom. By placing a rug under the furniture in this section, you can visually separate it from the rest of the room.

Place the Rug Correctly

When creating sections, ensure that the rug is placed correctly in relation to the furniture. For example, if you're defining a seating area, the rug should extend beyond the furniture, anchoring the space. You don't want a rug that is too small and only partially covers the area, as it will make the space feel disjointed.

Layer Rugs for Added Interest

Don't be afraid to layer rugs, especially if you have a large space. For instance, you could place a larger, more neutral-coloured rug that covers most of the floor and then layer a smaller, more colourful rug on top to define a specific section, such as a seating area or the space by the bed.

Use Rugs to Create Balance

In a rectangular bedroom, rugs can help create balance. If your bed is placed against the longest wall, use a rug to create a separate section in the wider part of the room. This will help to visually balance the space and make it feel more proportional.

Frequently asked questions