Small Bedroom, Big Impact: Smart Setup Strategies

how to set up small bedroom

Setting up a small bedroom can be a fun design challenge. With the right techniques, you can turn a snug room into a dreamy, intimate retreat. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your small bedroom.

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Choosing and arranging furniture

When choosing and arranging furniture for a small bedroom, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, it is important to decide how you plan to use the room. Besides sleeping, you may want to use the space as a home office or dressing area. This will influence the type and arrangement of furniture you choose.

To make the most of a small bedroom, opt for furniture with sleek profiles and lightweight visuals. For example, a full-size bed instead of a queen-size bed will free up floor space. Choose pieces with clean lines, such as a bed frame and nightstands with minimal details, to create a more open look. Instead of a bulky standing bookcase, mount narrow floating shelves on the wall for storage.

Consider the placement of your furniture to maximise space. Avoid placing furniture on all sides of the room, and leave spaces clear between pieces to allow for a sense of flow. For example, you could push a desk against the wall next to your bed to serve as both a nightstand and a workstation. If possible, relocate a dresser to the closet to clear floor space in the bedroom.

To create a sense of symmetry and make the room feel more spacious, place your bed in the centre of the most visible wall, usually the wall facing the doorway. This will allow access to both sides of the bed and create a balanced layout. If possible, include two nightstands, one on each side of the bed, for additional storage and a cohesive look.

When arranging furniture, it is also important to consider the focal point of the room. In a bedroom, this is often the head of the bed, which can be accentuated with bold pillows or wall art. If there is a window in the room, consider placing the bed in front of it so that the two elements work together rather than compete for attention.

To maximise storage in a small bedroom, choose furniture with multiple functions. For instance, a chest or dresser can serve as a bedside table, providing both surface space and drawer storage. The space under the bed can also be utilised for storage by boosting the bed frame on blocks and adding a voluminous skirt to hide boxes or luggage.

Remember to keep walkways clear and opt for furniture with rounded edges to help widen the space. Half-circle nightstands and round ottomans with hidden storage compartments are ideal for small bedrooms. Additionally, consider utilising vertical space by installing high shelves or a hanging rail for clothing.

By choosing furniture that fits the scale of the room, arranging it in a functional and aesthetically pleasing manner, and incorporating clever storage solutions, you can create a small bedroom that is both comfortable and stylish.

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Storage and organisation

When it comes to storage and organisation in a small bedroom, there are several strategies you can employ to maximise your space. Firstly, consider the layout of your furniture. Try to avoid placing furniture on all sides of the room, and leave spaces between furniture pieces to allow for a smooth flow. For example, you can place your bed in the centre of the most visible wall, usually the wall facing the doorway, to create symmetry and make the room feel more spacious. Add a bedside table on each side if possible, or remove one to add more space. Alternatively, you can opt for an overhead shelf instead of a bedside table to save space.

Another strategy is to utilise multi-purpose furniture. For instance, choose a bedside table with drawers to reduce clutter and provide storage. You can also use a chest at the foot of your bed, which can serve as both a seating area and additional storage space. If you have limited closet space, consider using a storage bed or installing floating shelves on the wall to store your belongings. Additionally, make use of the space under your bed for storing items such as shoes, bags, or out-of-season clothing.

To create the illusion of more space, maximise natural light by keeping window treatments to a minimum, and use mirrors to create a visually larger room. Choose lightweight and airy furniture with sleek profiles and narrow legs to further enhance the sense of openness in your bedroom. Finally, stick to a limited colour palette, such as light, neutral colours, to create a cohesive and airy atmosphere.

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Making the room feel larger

Use the walls

A small bedroom can feel larger if you use the walls and vertical space efficiently. This draws the eye upwards, making the room seem bigger. Built-in shelves that extend from floor to ceiling are a great way to add storage and interest, but if this isn't an option, invest in a tall headboard and hang artwork or decor above the bed.

Choose the right furniture

Select furniture with thin, elevated legs to create an airy, open feel. The mid-century modern style is perfect for small rooms, as the furniture is often elevated on thin legs. The more floor and wall that is visible, the larger the room will appear.

Keep it simple

A minimalist style is a good choice for a small bedroom. The less cluttered the room, the more spacious it will feel. Choose a few statement pieces and keep clutter to a minimum.

Light and bright

Light colours reflect light and make walls feel further apart, so opt for whites, beiges, yellows, soft pinks and light blues. Dark colours, on the other hand, absorb light and can make a room feel snug.

Mirror, mirror

Mirrors reflect natural light and create the illusion of extra space. Try hanging a full-length mirror on a wall next to a window, or add a mirror above a dresser or headboard.

Let there be light

Natural light will help a small bedroom feel light and airy. Embrace it and maximise it, but if you need window treatments, match them to the walls to keep the eye moving across the space, tricking it into seeing the room as bigger.

Storage solutions

Storage is important in a small bedroom to keep the space free of clutter. Choose a bed with built-in storage, or bed risers to lift the bed and allow for storage containers underneath. Floating shelves are another great option for adding style and storage without taking up too much space.

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Lighting and colour

Lighting

  • Layering different forms of lighting is essential. A combination of task, ambient, and decorative lighting will create the perfect balance of warmth, cosiness, and functionality.
  • Use multiple light sources to brighten up the room and make it appear larger. Ceiling lights, spotlights, wall lights, table lamps, and floor lamps can be used together to fully illuminate the space.
  • Spread light evenly throughout the room to avoid dark corners and create the illusion of more space. Uplighters, recessed downlights, and a mix of ceiling, wall, and lamp lighting can help achieve this.
  • Choose clear and light-coloured light fittings made from materials such as clear glass or acrylic to trick the eye into thinking the room is more spacious.
  • Wall lights and sconces are great options for small bedrooms as they don't take up floor or surface space. Place them slightly higher than normal to draw the eye upwards and create the illusion of more height.
  • Flush and semi-flush ceiling lights are ideal for small bedrooms, especially those with low ceilings. They create a streamlined look without overwhelming the space.
  • Uplighter ceiling lights bounce light off the ceiling, diffusing it around the room and making the space appear bigger and brighter.
  • Table lamps are essential for spreading light around the room and illuminating dark corners. Stick lamps or compact designs are best to avoid a cluttered look.
  • Floor lamps with a vertical element, such as stick lamps or uplighters, can trick the eye into thinking the room is taller.
  • Consider using hidden strip lights or LED lights to add extra light without taking up any space.
  • Dimmer switches can be used to create a cosier atmosphere at night.

Colour

  • Light and neutral colour schemes, such as whites, creams, and pastel colours, can make a small room appear larger by reflecting light and giving the illusion of more space.
  • Pops of colour can be added to create intrigue and fun, especially if the overall decor is light and airy.
  • If you have a dark, north-facing bedroom, warm yellow lighting or daylight bulbs can help to create a cosy atmosphere.

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Multipurpose items

When working with a small bedroom, it's important to make the most of the space you have. One way to do this is by using multipurpose items. Here are some ideas for incorporating multipurpose furniture and accessories into your small bedroom:

  • Murphy Bed: A Murphy bed is a great option if you need your bedroom to serve multiple functions, such as a home office or living room. Murphy beds fold up and can be stored in a closet or cabinet when not in use, freeing up valuable floor space.
  • Custom Platform Bed: Building a custom platform bed allows you to incorporate storage into the bed frame. You can design it to fit your desired mattress size and add as much storage space as you need.
  • Footboard Storage: Instead of a traditional footboard, opt for one that doubles as a storage container. This provides a convenient place to store extra bedding, blankets, towels, books, or even clothes.
  • Multi-Purpose Table: If you need a desk and a vanity, consider using a single table for both purposes. This reduces the number of furniture pieces in your room, creating more space.
  • Nesting Tables: Instead of standard nightstands, nesting tables take up less space when stacked and provide additional surfaces when unstacked. They offer plenty of room for lamps, books, mugs, alarm clocks, and other bedside essentials.
  • Floating Shelves: Floating wall shelves are a great way to add storage and display space without taking up any floor space. They help keep your room looking neat and spacious while providing a place for books, pictures, and other decorations.
  • Hanging Clothing Rack: In a small bedroom without a closet, a hanging clothing rack is a space-saving solution. It keeps your clothes accessible and wrinkle-free while adding a decorative touch to your room.
  • Hanging Lamps: If you need additional lighting but don't have space for table or floor lamps, hanging lamps are a perfect choice. They provide lighting without taking up any floor or surface space.

Frequently asked questions

To make the most of a small bedroom, you should consider your priorities. If you get ready in your bedroom, opt for a dressing table that can also be used as a desk. If comfort is key, a larger bed with storage underneath can help minimise the need for other furniture. Light fixtures that mount to the wall and narrow nightstands can also help to free up floor space.

To arrange furniture in a small bedroom, you should try to avoid placing furniture on all sides of the room. Keep spaces clear between furniture to allow for a good flow of movement. It is also important to consider the placement of your bed. If you want to make the room feel spacious, place the bed in the middle of a wall with space on either side for storage and lamps. If you want to prioritise floor space, consider creating a sleeping alcove.

To make a small bedroom feel bigger, you should use lighter colours to make the room seem more spacious. You can also use mirrors to create the illusion of more space. Symmetry can also make a room feel larger, so size down your bedside tables and think about storage that emphasises height rather than width.

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