Maximizing Bedroom Space: Smart Strategies For Efficient Living

Bedrooms are often multi-purpose spaces, serving as a place to sleep, work, exercise, and store clothes. However, a cluttered bedroom can be a source of stress and anxiety, impacting your quality of sleep and overall well-being. To efficiently use your bedroom, it's important to establish a calming and functional environment. Here are some tips to help you achieve that:

- Keep it tidy: A clean and organised bedroom promotes relaxation and rest. Dedicate a few minutes each day to put things back in their places, make your bed, and remove clutter. This will save you time on deep cleaning later.

- Maximise storage: Utilise storage solutions such as drawers under the bed or invest in a storage bed. Make use of vertical space with wall-mounted shelves or hanging organisers.

- Optimise furniture arrangement: Rethink the layout of your bedroom to make the most of the available space. Consider using a dresser as a room divider or placing your dresser inside the closet to free up floor space.

- Minimise and declutter: Get rid of items you no longer need. Donate clothes, books, and toys you no longer use. Only keep what brings value to your life, and your bedroom will instantly feel more spacious.

- Multi-purpose solutions: Choose furniture that can serve multiple purposes, such as a dresser that doubles as a nightstand or a small desk. Wall-mounted nightstands or floating shelves save floor space while providing a place for essentials.

- Lighting and aesthetics: Opt for space-saving lighting options like sconces or plug-in lamps. Dimmer switches allow you to adjust lighting based on your needs. Consider oversized art or accent walls to create a focal point without taking up floor space.

- Bedding choices: Choose bedding that complements the size and style of your bedroom. Plain white linens create an airy and fresh feel, while bold patterns add a unique touch. Having two sets of sheets per bed is a practical option.

Declutter and pick up

To efficiently use a bedroom, it is important to keep it clean and organised. Here are some tips to declutter and pick up:

Take out the trash

Start by removing any trash from the room, including wrappers, old food, tissues, and clothing tags. If you don't already have one, consider getting a small wastebasket for your bedroom. Keep extra trash bags at the bottom of the wastebasket so you always have liners handy.

Pick up dirty clothes

Collect any dirty clothing from the floor and place them in a hamper. If your room is small, consider using an open bin that can be easily accessed during rushed mornings.

Put away clean clothes

Fold and put away any clean laundry lying around. Make sure to hang blouses and sweaters facing the same direction on slim, space-saving hangers to make choosing outfits easier.

Clear surface clutter

Nightstands, dressers, vanities, and desks can become cluttered with small daily objects. Put these items back in their rightful places. Consider creating an organisation system for frequently used items, such as a small decorative tray on the dresser for jewellery or a box in a nightstand drawer for reading glasses and accessories.

Carry out items that belong in other rooms

Chances are there are a few items in your bedroom that belong elsewhere. Gather up any stray items, such as dishes from the kitchen or tools, and return them to their respective places.

Pick up misplaced items

Place any random items that don't belong in your bedroom into a basket, box, or bag. If you don't have time to put them back in their respective spots, put them all in one location and organise them later.

Make the bed

Making your bed is a simple task that can improve your productivity and positively impact your happiness. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to make your bed efficiently:

Firstly, clear your bed by removing any pillows, blankets, or other items that may get in the way. If you are changing your sheets, take off the fitted sheet as well.

Now, put on the fitted sheet. This is the sheet with elastic ends that tuck around the four corners of your mattress. Ensure that the corners align perfectly and tuck in any excess fabric neatly to achieve a smooth, wrinkle-free surface.

Next, add the flat sheet (also known as the top sheet). Spread it evenly over the fitted sheet, with the decorative or patterned side facing down if you have one. This will ensure that the pattern shows when you fold it back. Again, smooth out any creases or wrinkles, and ensure that the same length of sheet hangs over both sides of the bed.

At this point, you can choose to make hospital corners for a neater, more luxurious look. To do this, tuck in the flat sheet at the end of the bed. Then, grab a section of the sheet about 16 inches (40-45 cm) from the foot of the bed and lift it to form a triangle. Tuck the side corner beneath the mattress, and then bring the piece resting on top over and tuck it in neatly. Repeat this process on the other side for a super-tidy finish.

Now, lay your blanket, duvet, comforter, or quilt across the bed. You can finish making your bed with this top layer, spreading it out evenly and pulling it down about a pillow's width from the top.

Finally, add the pillows. Fluff them up before placing them on the bed to give them a plush, inviting look. Place the standard pillows first and then add any decorative pillows or cushions to personalise your bed and make it look extra cosy.

And there you have it! A well-made bed can truly elevate your bedroom, giving it a tidy, organised, and inviting feel.

Dust surfaces

Dusting is an important part of keeping your bedroom clean and free from allergens. Dust can include skin cells, hair, clothing fibres, pollen, dirt, and other substances, so it's important to manage it by cleaning properly. Here are some tips for dusting efficiently:

Frequency of Dusting

It is recommended to dust your bedroom at least once a week to keep dust particles to a minimum. However, you can adjust this to more or less frequently depending on your specific circumstances, such as the number of people living in your home, the presence of pets, and your sensitivity to dust.

Dust from Top to Bottom

Always dust from top to bottom. Start with ceiling fans, light fixtures, and curtains, and work your way down to furniture and floors. This is because dust will fall downward as you clean, so starting from the top ensures you don't have to re-clean lower surfaces.

Know Where Dust Accumulates

Certain areas of your bedroom are more susceptible to dust than others. Electronics, for example, collect dust easily due to static charges. Be sure to power them off first, then use canned air or a microfiber cloth to dust them. Books are also prone to collecting dust, so use a dry microfiber towel to wipe them down regularly.

Don't forget to dust under furniture and in hard-to-reach areas. Use a vacuum cleaner with a crevice tool to reach under beds and sofas, and use extension tools like microfiber cloths with long handles or vacuum attachments for high shelves and ceiling fans.

Use the Right Tools for Dusting

Choosing the right tools for dusting is crucial. Avoid using paper towels or traditional dusters, as these tend to spread dust around rather than capturing it. Instead, opt for a damp microfiber cloth or towel, which will effectively pick up and hold onto dust particles. You can also use paintbrushes for hard-to-reach places, as their soft bristles are less likely to cause damage.

Bedding and Floors

In addition to dusting surfaces, it's important to wash your bedding regularly and vacuum or sweep your floors. Wash your bedding once a week in water that is at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit to reduce allergens and dust mites. For pillows, plan to dry clean them every three to six months.

Vacuum carpets and rugs at least twice a week, and shake out rugs once a month to get rid of stubborn dust. For hardwood floors, a damp mop can be used daily to remove dust.

Vacuum

The humble vacuum is an essential tool for keeping your bedroom – and by extension, your home – clean and tidy. Here are some tips for using a vacuum to efficiently maintain your bedroom:

Choose the Right Vacuum for Your Space

Not all vacuums are created equal. Consider the size and layout of your bedroom when selecting a vacuum. If you have a small bedroom or limited storage space, opt for a compact vacuum that is easy to manoeuvre and store. On the other hand, if you have a large bedroom with thick carpets, you may need a more heavy-duty vacuum with stronger suction and a wider cleaning path. Additionally, if you or your family members have allergies or respiratory issues, look for a vacuum with a HEPA filter, which can trap fine particles and allergens.

Establish a Regular Vacuuming Routine

Consistency is key when it comes to keeping your bedroom clean. Aim to vacuum your bedroom at least once a week, or more frequently if you have pets or high-traffic areas. By vacuuming regularly, you'll prevent dirt and dust from building up, making the task quicker and easier each time.

Prepare the Room Before Vacuuming

To make the most of your vacuuming efforts, do a quick pick-up of any clutter and larger debris before turning on the vacuum. Move small items of furniture, rugs, or other obstacles out of the way to ensure you can reach all areas of the floor. If you have curtains, give them a quick shake to dislodge any dust, and use a dusting attachment to vacuum them and remove any allergens.

Utilise Different Attachments for Different Surfaces

Most vacuums come with a variety of attachments designed for specific tasks. Take advantage of these attachments to efficiently clean different surfaces and areas of your bedroom. For example, use a crevice tool to reach into tight spaces, such as under the bed or between furniture, and a dusting brush for delicate items like curtains, blinds, or light fixtures. If you have hard-to-reach corners or high ceilings, an extension hose can help you vacuum those areas without needing a ladder.

Vacuum Slowly and Overlap Your Strokes

When vacuuming, it's important to move slowly and deliberately. Rushing may leave dirt and dust behind. Overlap your vacuum strokes slightly to ensure that you cover all areas of the floor. Pay extra attention to high-traffic areas, such as doorways and the space in front of your bed, as these areas tend to accumulate more dirt and debris.

Maintain Your Vacuum for Optimal Performance

Regular maintenance of your vacuum will ensure that it continues to work effectively. Empty or change the dust bag or container when it's full, clean or replace the filters as recommended by the manufacturer, and inspect the roller brush for any hair, thread, or debris that might be wrapped around it. Keeping your vacuum well-maintained will help extend its lifespan and ensure consistent cleaning performance.

Use storage

Efficient use of storage is key to optimising your bedroom space. Here are some ideas to help you make the most of your storage:

Utilise Vertical Space

Make the most of your wall space by installing shelves, especially above areas of furniture such as a desk, the bed, or in the closet. Floating shelves are a great option to save floor space and allow more natural light to flow through the room, making it feel more spacious.

Choose Storage Nightstands

Look for nightstands with built-in storage, such as drawers, to store everyday items out of sight. Alternatively, a large chest of drawers can double as a nightstand, providing ample space for linens, clothes, and accessories.

Add a Storage Bench

Place a bench with hidden storage at the foot of your bed. It serves as a seat and provides extra storage for blankets, pillows, or other items you want within reach but out of sight.

Under-Bed Storage

Make use of the space under your bed. You can buy a bed frame with built-in drawers or raise your bed with risers to create additional storage space underneath.

Custom Built-Ins

Consider building custom shelves or cabinets along an entire wall to maximise storage. This is especially useful if you're remodelling or have an irregular ceiling, as seen in a Paris bedroom by Neva Interior Design, where U-shaped shelving provides storage and doubles as a headboard.

Multi-Purpose Furniture

Opt for furniture that serves multiple purposes, such as a storage ottoman that can be used for seating, a footrest, or a coffee table, while also providing storage space inside.

These ideas can help you efficiently use storage in your bedroom to create a clutter-free and functional space.

Frequently asked questions