Maximizing Space In A Small Bedroom: Smart Strategies

Small bedrooms can present a challenge, but with some clever design choices, you can make the most of your space. From storage hacks to optical illusions, there are plenty of ways to create a functional and aesthetically pleasing bedroom. Here are some tips to help you gain space in your small bedroom.

Use multi-purpose furniture

Multi-purpose furniture is a great way to save space in a small bedroom. When deciding on furniture, consider the following:

Function First

Before buying any piece of furniture, consider its function and how it will be used in the space. For example, a desk can also be used as a vanity, or a nightstand can provide extra storage space.

Opt for Multi-Purpose Pieces

The more multi-functional a piece of furniture is, the better. Look for pieces that can serve multiple purposes, such as a bed with built-in storage or a bookshelf that also acts as a room divider. This will help to maximise your storage space and make the room feel more spacious.

Pay Attention to Scale

Oversized pieces of furniture can overwhelm a small bedroom. Instead, opt for tall, narrow pieces that maximise vertical space. Look for furniture with a small footprint that will draw the eye upwards and make the room feel larger.

Take Advantage of Wall Space

Consider using wall-mounted storage to save floor space. Wall-mounted shelves or cabinets can add style and functionality to your bedroom while keeping the floor clear. Floating shelves, for example, can be used to display books, pictures, and other decorative items.

Use Bedside Storage

Make the most of your bedside space by choosing a nightstand with drawers and shelves. You can also install a floating shelf above the nightstand for additional storage. This will help to keep your bedroom organised and clutter-free.

Choose tall and slim furniture

When choosing furniture for a small bedroom, it's important to opt for tall and slim pieces over short and wide ones. This will help to maximise your space and create a more open look. Here are some tips to help you choose the right tall and slim furniture for your small bedroom:

Opt for narrow, tall designs:

Look for furniture that is narrow and tall, rather than wide and bulky. For example, instead of a traditional bedside table, consider a slimline nightstand with multiple shelves that can provide storage without taking up too much floor space. You can also find tall and narrow designs for other bedroom furniture, such as dressers or wardrobes.

Choose furniture with a small footprint:

Look for pieces that have a small footprint, meaning they don't take up a lot of floor space. For example, a narrow bookshelf or a tall and slim chest of drawers can provide storage without taking up too much room. Similarly, a wall-mounted shelf or floating nightstand can provide storage and display space without taking up any floor space at all.

Consider multi-functional furniture:

Multi-functional furniture can help you save space in a small bedroom. Look for pieces that can serve multiple purposes, such as a desk that can also be used as a vanity or a bed frame with built-in storage. For example, the Ebern Designs Sanner Adjustable Floating Desk is a wall-mounted desk that can be folded up when not in use, and it also has storage for papers and pens.

Pay attention to scale:

When choosing furniture for a small bedroom, it's important to consider the scale of the pieces in relation to the size of the room. Avoid oversized furniture, and instead opt for tall pieces with a small footprint. This will help to draw the eye up and make the room feel larger. For example, a tall and slim dresser can provide plenty of storage without taking up too much floor space.

Make use of vertical space:

To maximise space in a small bedroom, make use of vertical space by choosing furniture that utilises the walls. This could include wall-mounted shelves, cabinets, or even a folding wall-mounted desk. You can also make use of the space above the bed by installing floating shelves or a hanging clothing rack.

By choosing tall and slim furniture and utilising the vertical space in your small bedroom, you can create a more open and spacious feeling while still having all the functionality you need.

Make use of wall space

Making use of wall space is a great way to free up floor space in a small bedroom. One way to do this is by installing floating shelves. These can be used to store books, pictures, blankets, and other decorative items. You can also use wall-mounted shelves to store your books, bedside lamp, and water bottle.

Another way to utilise wall space is by installing cabinets and dressers on the wall, which can serve as both storage and style. You can also opt for a wall-mounted nightstand or a floating shelf cubby to hold your nighttime essentials without taking up any floor space.

If you need a workspace in your small bedroom, consider a wall-mounted desk that can be folded up and out of the way when not in use. This is a clever way to create a workstation without taking up too much space.

You can also use wall space to display artwork and create a beautiful feature wall. This will add personality to your bedroom and make it feel more spacious.

Additionally, consider using a hanging clothing rack instead of a traditional closet to save space. This can also function as a decorative piece in your bedroom.

Embrace minimalism

Minimalism is a great way to make a small bedroom feel more spacious. Here are some tips to embrace minimalism and maximise your space:

Clear the Clutter

A sure-fire way to make your small bedroom feel more spacious is to have a complete clear-out. Get rid of any unnecessary items and embrace a more minimalist style. Choose a few statement pieces that you love and keep clutter to a minimum. A good clear-out needn't leave your space dull. You can introduce a burst of colour with a statement shade on a focal piece such as a bed frame. This will add personality and make the space feel more vibrant.

Keep it Simple

Opt for a sleek and simple colour scheme and contemporary furniture choices. A minimalist aesthetic will make it easier to keep on top of clutter and create a clean-cut, modern space.

Choose Multi-Purpose Pieces

When designing a small bedroom, the more multifunctional the furnishing, the better. Look for tall pieces with small footprints that will draw the eye up and allow you to maximise vertical space. Choose furniture that serves more than one purpose, such as a desk that can also function as a vanity, or a storage bench that can be used for seating.

Utilise Wall Space

Take advantage of wall-mounted storage to create a space to stash your belongings. Floating shelves are perfect for displaying books, pictures and other decorative items while saving valuable floor space. You can also use wall space for hanging clothing racks, which are a great way to store your wardrobe without taking up too much room.

Reduce Furniture

If possible, reduce the amount of furniture in your bedroom. Instead of bedside tables, consider putting up shelves to keep your essentials. You can also swap traditional nightstands for slimline cabinets with plenty of hidden storage space.

Opt for a bed with under-bed storage

If you're looking to gain space in your small bedroom, one of the best things you can do is opt for a bed with under-bed storage. This is a great way to maximise the space in your room, especially if you lack closet space or want to avoid adding bulky furniture like dressers.

There are several options for beds with built-in storage. You can try a bed frame with storage drawers built into the base, or one that lifts up to reveal a hidden storage area. This is a great option if you don't have a lot of clearance around your bed. The IKEA Malm, for example, is a bed that lifts up to provide lots of storage inside and doesn't require any extra space around the frame. Or, if you're handy, you could build a DIY platform bed with as much storage space as you need.

Another option is to utilise furniture risers to lift your bed higher off the ground, allowing you to place storage containers or bins underneath. You can also buy storage beds with built-in drawers or hidden compartments, like the Blu Dot Modu-licious Queen Bed, which has drawers on both sides of the frame.

When choosing a bed with under-bed storage, be sure to measure the height of the space underneath to ensure you can fit storage boxes or baskets. Alternatively, you could opt for a bed with a small footprint, like the IKEA Malm, which doesn't require any clearance space around the frame.

By choosing a bed with under-bed storage, you'll be able to keep your bedroom clutter-free and maximise the space in your small bedroom.

Frequently asked questions