Big Closet, Small Bedroom: Smart Furnishing Tricks And Tips

Furnishing a bedroom with a big closet can be a fun project, but it may also be challenging. The key is to create zones that feel distinct yet visually cohesive. Start by deciding on the function of the room and the placement of the bed. If you have a large bedroom, consider zoning the space by creating a separate area for relaxation, work, or dressing. You can use a sofa, chaise lounge, or chairs to create a cosy corner for reading or watching TV. To make the space feel more intimate, incorporate a statement headboard, dramatic lighting, or heavy curtains. Scale-up your furniture to suit the size of the room, and don't be afraid to experiment with colours and textures.

Choose a colour scheme

Colour is one of the most important elements of interior design, and choosing a colour scheme for your bedroom can be a fun but challenging task. Here are some tips to help you choose a colour scheme for your large bedroom with a big closet:

• Create a cohesive look with a simple colour scheme: When it comes to choosing a colour scheme for your bedroom, it's a good idea to keep it simple. Interior designer Suzanne Kasler recommends sticking to just two colours to create a cohesive and elegant space. This allows you to experiment with different furniture styles while still maintaining a sense of unity in the room.
• Choose restful and soothing colours: Your bedroom should be a relaxing and calming space, so it's best to choose colours that evoke a sense of serenity. Interior designer Joy Simonsen suggests colours that are found in nature, such as blues and greens. These colours have a soothing effect and can help create a restful atmosphere.
• Avoid loud and bright colours: While it's important to add personality to your bedroom, it's best to stay away from loud and bright colours like red and orange. These colours can enhance stress and anxiety, which is the opposite of what you want in a bedroom. Instead, opt for muted and softer hues that promote a sense of calm.
• Add depth and warmth with dark colours: If you want to make your large bedroom feel more intimate and cosy, consider using deep, dark colours. Shades like dark blue, grey, or even a bold purple can make the space feel more enclosed and welcoming. These colours are perfect for creating a snug atmosphere.
• Use muted greens for a sense of calm: If you're looking for a colour that will add a touch of nature to your bedroom, consider muted or muted green. This colour is known for its calming properties and can help create a relaxed ambiance in the room. It's a great choice if you want to bring the outdoors in while still maintaining a soft and subtle look.
• Play with patterns and textures: While colour is important, don't be afraid to add interest through patterns and textures. Layering different textures, such as linens, cushions, and throws, can make your bedroom feel more inviting and luxurious. Patterns can also add a touch of playfulness or elegance, depending on your style.
• Let your closet be an accent: If you have a big closet, consider making it a focal point by painting it a bold colour or adding a statement wallpaper. This will draw attention to the feature and make it a stylish part of your bedroom. You can also use this approach to highlight any built-in shelving or storage within the closet.
• Create a cohesive flow: If you're struggling to choose a colour scheme, look at the colours that are already present in your bedroom, such as in your bedding, artwork, or furniture. Try to choose a colour scheme that complements these existing elements to create a cohesive and well-put-together space.

Create zones

Creating zones within a large bedroom is key to making the space feel cosy and intimate. Interior Designer and Stylist at House of Hanalei, Kathryn Borglund, suggests using a sofa, chaise lounge, or a pair of chairs to create a separate seating area. This can be used for watching TV or reading, and will help to break up the space.

If your room is square, you could dedicate a cosy corner with a large armchair, an ottoman, a side table, and a floor lamp. You could also add a study nook or makeup station to your bedroom. Kathryn recommends making this adaptable so you can switch off when you're not working. A movable wall or door is a smart way of dividing the space, allowing you to hide work clutter and create a relaxing environment when you're not working.

When creating zones, it's important to ensure there is enough space to walk around the bed and any additional furniture. Interior Designer Joy Simonsen recommends leaving a space as wide as a doorway between the bed and any other furniture.

If your bedroom has high ceilings, a four-poster bed can help to make the space feel less cavernous. Interior Designer and Stylist Kathryn Borglund says that a four-poster bed "creates a big impact in a space" and "makes the bed feel intimate".

To create a cosy and intimate atmosphere in an oversized bedroom, Colour Manager for British Paints, Shirley Platcher, recommends using deep dark colours, such as dark blue or grey. Muted greens can also add a sense of calm and a relaxed feel to the space.

Add a statement light fixture

A statement light fixture can be a great way to add drama to a bedroom with a big closet. Here are some tips to help you achieve this:

Choose a Dramatic Light Fixture

Consider selecting a light fixture that will serve as a focal point and add a touch of glamour to the room. A statement light fixture could be a beautiful chandelier or a modern pendant light. If you have a high ceiling, a dramatic floor lamp can also be a great choice.

Layer Your Lighting

Combine different types of lighting to create a cosy and inviting ambiance. In addition to your statement light fixture, add some soft mood lighting with table lamps or wall sconces. Dimmable downlights can also help you control the atmosphere in the room.

Symmetry and Balance

To create a sense of balance and harmony in the room, consider symmetry when placing your light fixtures. For example, you could hang matching pendant lights on either side of the bed, centred over bedside tables. This will not only create a sense of balance but also draw attention to the bed as the focal point of the room.

Complement the Colour Scheme

When choosing a statement light fixture, consider the colour scheme of your bedroom. For a cohesive look, select a fixture that complements the colours in the room. For example, if you have a neutral colour palette, a sleek metal pendant light or a crystal chandelier could add a touch of elegance.

Scale and Proportion

Ensure that the size of your statement light fixture is appropriate for the scale of the room. A large bedroom with a high ceiling can accommodate a more substantial fixture. On the other hand, if your bedroom has a lower ceiling, consider a flush-mount light fixture or a semi-flush mount fixture that hugs the ceiling.

By following these tips, you can add a statement light fixture to your bedroom with a big closet, creating a space that is not only functional but also stylish and inviting.

Use rugs to anchor the space

Rugs are a great way to anchor the space in a large bedroom and can help to create a cosy atmosphere. When choosing a rug, consider the size of your bedroom and the bed. Generally, you want to create a border with the rug that leaves around 30 inches on each side of your bed.

In a large bedroom, you can use a rug to delineate different zones within the space. For example, you can use a rug to anchor the bed and sleeping area, while another rug in a separate seating area can define a cosy corner for reading or relaxation.

To create a cohesive look, choose a rug that ties in with the colour scheme of your bedroom. If you have a neutral colour palette, you can experiment with different textures and patterns on the rug to add interest. If your bedroom has a bold colour scheme, opt for a rug in a complementary colour to avoid overwhelming the space.

For a luxurious feel, layer different textures and materials on your rug. For example, pair a soft, fluffy rug with a woven mat or a vintage, patterned rug with a simple, solid-coloured rug underneath.

Don't be afraid to scale up your rug to fit the proportions of your large bedroom. A larger rug can help to fill the space and make it feel more intimate. Just make sure to leave enough space between the rug and the walls so that the room doesn't feel cramped.

Add a bench or ottoman at the end of the bed

Adding a bench or ottoman at the end of the bed is a great way to introduce another pattern or texture to your bedroom. This can be a single piece or two separate ottoman benches that can be used elsewhere in the house for additional seating. It is important to ensure that the bench length is around three-quarters the length of the bed.

If you are working with a smaller bedroom, opt for an ottoman with hidden storage compartments to maximise your space. For larger bedrooms, consider a bed-end bench to frame the room beautifully. You can also use the bench as a step to help your pet cuddle with you on the bed.

For a more luxurious look, layer your bench or ottoman with a marshmallowy quilt and a ribbed jacquard quilt cover. You can then add texture and pattern using cushions and throws. For a king-sized bed, interior designer Kathryn Borglund recommends using four sleep pillows, two Euro pillows, and two decorative cushions, potentially with a throw. For a more minimal aesthetic, you can use four sleep pillows and two display cushions.

Frequently asked questions