Designing A Multi-Purpose Living Space: Bedroom-Living Room Combo

Combining a living room and bedroom can be a challenge, especially when it comes to creating a functional and stylish space that doesn't feel too cramped. Here are some tips and tricks to help you decorate and maximise your space:

- Use rugs to define areas: Choose rugs that complement each other and ensure they harmonise with the overall decor. For the living room, a soft, plush rug invites relaxation, while a flatter, more durable rug in the bedroom can withstand wear and tear.

- Float your furniture: Instead of pushing furniture against the walls, try a floating furniture arrangement. Place the sofa with its back to the bedroom area to create a natural division, encouraging a clear pathway and making the room feel more open.

- L-shaped couch as a soft divider: An L-shaped couch can act as a soft divider, offering a cosy seating area while subtly separating the living and bedroom spaces. Position the couch to face the focal point of the living area, such as a TV or fireplace.

- Add a room divider: A room divider, such as a bookcase or a folding screen, can help create separate zones within the room. It provides privacy and storage while maintaining an open and spacious feel.

- Use multifunctional furniture: In a small space, every piece of furniture should serve more than one purpose. Look for ottomans with storage, adjustable coffee tables that can double as dining tables, or sideboards that can also be used as media consoles.

- Incorporate mirrors: Mirrors are a great way to enhance the sense of space and light in a room. Place a large mirror opposite a window to maximise natural light or above a console table to create a sense of depth.

- Create lighting zones: Use lighting to define and separate spaces. Soft, warm lighting in the living room creates a cosy atmosphere, while a statement light fixture or chandelier over the bedroom area adds a touch of elegance and provides direct task lighting.

- Embrace flexible seating: Offer lightweight, flexible seating options that can be easily moved between areas. Poufs, ottomans, and dining benches that can be tucked away when not in use maximise the functionality and adaptability of the space.

- Add a touch of nature: Plants are a wonderful way to add colour and freshness to the room while also helping to delineate spaces. Larger plants can serve as natural dividers, improving air quality and bringing a touch of the outdoors in.

Use rugs to define distinct areas

Rugs are a great way to define distinct areas in a living room-bedroom combination. Here are some tips on how to use rugs to create a stylish and functional space:

Firstly, consider the layout of your space and the function of each area. For example, a round rug might work best under a round dining table, while a rectangular or square rug is ideal for a living room or bedroom area. You want to ensure that the rug is large enough to define the space and that there is enough space between the rug and the walls for balance and proportion.

When using rugs to define areas, you can either coordinate their styles or use contrasting designs to create a sense of separation. If you want a cohesive look, choose rugs with complementary colours, patterns, or textures. For example, if one rug has a geometric pattern, opt for a complementary rug with a similar colour in a different texture, like a braided design. Alternatively, you can use rugs with the same pattern but in different scales to create a coordinated yet visually interesting look.

If you want to create a clear division between the living room and bedroom areas, opt for rugs with contrasting styles, colours, or patterns. For instance, pair a bold geometric rug with a solid-coloured rug or one with a subtle pattern. You can also use rugs with different textures to create visual interest and depth. Layering rugs is another technique to define spaces and add dimension. Place a larger, neutral-coloured rug as the base layer and add a smaller, bolder rug on top.

Remember, the key to successfully combining rugs is to ensure they have at least one element in common, such as colour, pattern, or texture. By using rugs to define distinct areas in your living room-bedroom combination, you can create a stylish and functional space that suits your personal style and preferences.

Install sliding doors to separate spaces

If you're looking to decorate a living room-bedroom combination, installing sliding doors is a great way to separate the two spaces. Sliding doors are a versatile and stylish option that can help you create distinct areas within your home while also providing privacy when needed. Here are some tips and ideas to consider:

Types of Sliding Doors

• Barn Doors: Sliding barn doors have gained popularity in recent years, blending rustic charm with modern style. They are easy to install and can be a perfect choice if you want to save space in narrow hallways or create a unique feature in larger entranceways. Barn doors come in various styles, stains, and sliding systems, allowing you to customise them to match your décor or stand out as a focal point.
• Japanese Sliding Doors: Japanese interior sliding doors, also known as "shoji screens," offer a minimalist and efficient solution. They use simple materials like wooden framing or bamboo lattice filled with translucent paper, creating a dynamic and elegant layout. These doors are typically inexpensive and straightforward to install, providing more light, openness, and floor space.
• French Doors: While commonly used as exterior patio doors, French doors can also be utilised as interior room dividers. They create elegant entryways, providing both privacy and a visual connection between spaces. French doors allow light to flow between rooms, and you can always add curtains or blinds for additional privacy.
• Glass Sliding Doors: Glass sliding doors are a contemporary and classic option, offering effortless and silent glide technology. They create an open and airy feel while still providing separation. Glass sliding doors are versatile and can be used in various spaces, including laundry rooms, offices, or even as gym partitions.

Installation Tips:

• Bulkhead Installation: If you have an entryway that is open to the roof, you may need to install a bulkhead to provide a surface for the sliding door track. This involves recreating that section of the wall, plastering, and blending it seamlessly into the adjacent walls.
• Customisation: Many companies offer customisation options for sliding doors, allowing you to choose the size, colour, and design that best suits your space.
• Instructions and Hardware: When purchasing sliding doors, ensure that you receive clear installation instructions and all the necessary hardware, including tracks and wheels. Some companies provide video tutorials to guide you through the installation process.
• Safety: Always prioritise safety when installing sliding doors. Ensure that you follow the manufacturer's guidelines and seek professional advice if needed.

By installing sliding doors, you can effectively separate your living room and bedroom while adding a stylish element to your home décor.

Use curtains to divide the room

Curtains are a great way to divide a room without the need for permanent structural changes. They are easy to install, affordable, and can be moved out just as easily if you relocate. Here are some tips on how to use curtains to divide your living room-bedroom combination:

Planning and Installation:

• Consider the view of the curtains from both sides. If you want a uniform look, opt for styles like rod pockets, tab tops, or tie tops. Avoid styles with header tapes, rings, or clips that may be visible from the back.
• Plan the hardware for hanging the curtains. If you have a cased opening, install the hardware over the frame to let the curtains cascade beautifully. If there is no wall space, mount the hardware onto the ceiling.
• Decide between using drapery poles or a modern curtain track system. Drapery poles are more common and can be mounted on walls or ceilings, but they leave a gap between the ceiling and the curtain. Curtain tracks are usually mounted on the ceiling, resulting in a sleek, integrated look.
• Mark the line where your curtains will hang using masking tape. Ensure it is perpendicular to your walls and doesn't block any entryways or great views.
• Determine the type of walls you have (drywall, plaster, brick, or concrete) and use appropriate screws. Drywall and plaster may need anchors, while brick and concrete will require special tools like a hammer drill.
• Install screw eyes and secure them with wire rope and wire clamps. You may need additional support with a turnbuckle and an S-Hook if the distance is wide.

Choosing the Right Curtains:

• Select the right fabric depending on your purpose. For clear-cut separation, choose tight-knit, heavier fabrics like opaque blackout curtains or thick velvet. For a relaxed boundary, sheer or linen fabrics are ideal.
• If you require privacy, ensure the fabric is opaque, and your shadow cannot be seen through the curtains.
• Consider the lighting in the room. If the curtains will cover the only source of light, opt for sheer curtains to filter light or provide additional light sources on the other side.
• Decide on the decorative value of your curtains. If you want them to blend in, choose a solid colour or a pattern that matches your colour scheme. If you want them to stand out, go for bold patterns with attractive colours, large motifs, intricate shapes, or striking contrasts.
• Ensure your curtains are the right length. Avoid curtains that are too short, as they may defeat the purpose of privacy and aesthetics. Long curtains that touch the floor are elegant but may be cumbersome to open and close. Aim for curtains that slightly graze or hover above the floor.
• Determine the number of panels. Double-panel curtains can create an entryway effect when drawn open and are ideal for wide areas. Multiple panels are recommended for extremely wide spaces, while single panels work for narrow openings or areas that don't require frequent passage.

Using curtains as room dividers provides flexibility and is a cost-effective way to create separate zones in your living room-bedroom combination.

Add a partition wall for privacy

If you're looking to decorate a living room-bedroom combination, you might want to consider adding a partition wall for privacy. Here are some ideas to help you get started:

Glass Partition:

Consider a glass partition to separate your living room and bedroom. This will help create a sense of separation while still allowing natural light to flow between the spaces. You can even add a curtain for more privacy.

Partial Wall:

Instead of a full wall, you can opt for a half-high or partial wall to create a visual divider between the living room and bedroom. This will give the bedroom area some privacy while still allowing light to enter and maintaining an open feel.

Sliding Wall:

A sliding wall is a great option for a room divider, especially if you want the flexibility to open and close the space as needed. You can use something like the IKEA Pax wardrobe doors, which are large enough to stretch from ceiling to floor and slide easily on tracks.

Bookshelves:

Bookshelves are a popular choice for room dividers as they provide separation and additional storage. Simply rotate a shelving unit perpendicular to the wall and secure it with metal L brackets and screws to prevent tipping.

Curtains:

Curtains are a simple, cost-effective, and versatile option for dividing a room. You can use tie-back curtains to frame the entrance or close them for more privacy. They are also easy to install and can be opened and closed to suit your needs.

These ideas can help you create a functional and stylish living room-bedroom combination while maintaining privacy and a sense of separation between the spaces.

Use a daybed for sleeping and seating

A daybed is a versatile piece of furniture that can be used in a living room-bedroom combination in several ways. Firstly, it can serve as both a bed and a sofa, providing a place to lounge during the day and a comfortable sleeping spot at night. This is especially useful if you're working with a small space, as it eliminates the need for a separate bed and couch.

Daybeds come in various styles, from sleek and modern to traditional, so you can choose one that fits your aesthetic. If you opt for a lightweight and portable design, you can easily move it around your home, placing it in your living room during the day and bedroom at night.

To make your daybed comfortable for both sleeping and seating, consider adding throw pillows and blankets. Bolster pillows are great for head support when reading or relaxing, while regular throw pillows can be used for back support. You can also add a lumbar pillow or two to enhance the couch-like feel.

Additionally, daybeds can be styled with pretty pillows and throw blankets to blend seamlessly into your living room during the day, transforming the space into a cosy gathering area for friends and family. When styled with cushions and blankets, daybeds become extra-deep and inviting, perfect for curling up with a book or chatting with loved ones.

If you have a small living room, a daybed with a small footprint can help maximise space. Opt for a clean, neutral colour palette and a simple design to make the area feel visually lighter and more spacious.

Daybeds are a fantastic solution for a living room-bedroom combination, offering functionality, style, and comfort all in one. Whether used as a permanent fixture or a versatile piece that moves with you throughout the day, a daybed is a great way to optimise your space.

Frequently asked questions