Maximize Bedroom Space: Smart Strategies For Efficient Living

Efficient use of space in the bedroom is essential, especially if you live in a small home. There are many ways to maximise your bedroom space, from choosing the right furniture to clever storage solutions. Whether you're dealing with a tiny bedroom or just want to create a more spacious feel, here are some tips to help you make the most of your bedroom area.

Use multi-purpose furniture

Multi-purpose furniture is a great way to save space in your bedroom. Here are some ideas for multi-purpose furniture to help you use your bedroom space more efficiently:

Multi-Purpose Sofa

A multi-purpose sofa can be a great addition to your bedroom, providing extra storage and surface space. Look for a sofa with an in-built side table and storage compartments. This way, you can keep your books, magazines, and remotes easily accessible, and you'll have a convenient spot for your coffee mug. Some sofas even have slots to hold your magazines and remote controls. This type of sofa is often called a "lost-in-chair" and is designed specifically for small spaces. It combines functionality and fashion, making it a stylish and practical addition to your bedroom.

Foldable Furniture

If you need a workspace in your bedroom, consider a floating desk that can be folded up and tucked away when not in use. This saves floor space and gives you the flexibility to create a dedicated office area when needed. You can also opt for a wall-mounted desk with storage compartments, such as drawers, cubbies, or shelves, to keep your work materials organised and within reach. Another option is a sliding bench and desk that can be tucked into kitchen cabinets or another discreet space when not in use.

Convertible Chair

A convertible chair is a versatile piece of furniture that can serve multiple purposes. During the day, it can be a comfortable armchair for reading or watching TV. At night, it can be converted into a bed for unexpected guests or a quick nap. This 2-in-1 functionality makes it ideal for small bedrooms, dorms, or apartments.

Storage Ottoman

A storage ottoman is a versatile piece of furniture that can serve multiple purposes. It can provide additional seating, act as a footstool, and offer discreet storage space for items such as blankets, pillows, or even electronics. Some ottomans even have reversible lids that can be used as a coffee table or a surface for snacks and drinks. They come in various colours and materials, making it easy to find one that complements your bedroom décor.

Loft Bed with Integrated Storage

If you have the vertical space, consider investing in a loft bed. This type of bed is elevated, allowing you to utilise the space underneath for storage, a desk, or even a cosy reading nook. Some loft beds come with built-in shelves or drawers, providing additional storage options. This is an excellent way to maximise your bedroom space and create distinct areas for sleeping and working or hobbies.

Utilise wall space for storage

Utilising wall space for storage is a great way to keep your floors clear and create a more spacious feel in your bedroom.

One way to do this is by building cabinets and dressers next to and over your bed to serve as shelves and storage. This not only adds style and functionality to your room but also maximises the space you have available. You could also opt for floating shelves, which are perfect for displaying and storing books, pictures, blankets, and other decorative items.

If you're looking for a more creative solution, consider building your own floating bookshelves to make the most of narrow spaces. This is especially useful if you don't have enough room for a regular-sized bookshelf. Alternatively, you could sew your own mounted laundry hamper or build a foldaway desk that creates more space when not in use.

Another idea is to use wall-mounted storage systems, such as an industrial pipe storage system, which can be used to hang bulletin boards, containers, and other items. You could also hang wire baskets on your wall or closet door to store accessories and other small items.

Finally, don't forget that you can also use your walls to organise and display items such as jewellery, keys, and notes. Get creative with painted canvases, gold sharpies, and spray-painted binder clips to add a touch of personality to your storage solutions.

Choose a bed with built-in storage

Choosing a bed with built-in storage is a great way to maximise space in your bedroom. If you're working with a small bedroom, it's important to make the most of every centimetre of your sleeping area. One way to do this is to opt for a bed with built-in storage. There are several options to choose from, and this can be a more affordable alternative to a bigger space.

Firstly, you could try a bed frame with storage drawers built into the base. This is a fantastic way to store extra bedding, blankets, towels, books, or clothes. You can also keep seasonal items here, such as extra jumpers in the winter or swimwear in the summer. If you don't want to invest in a new bed frame, you can use furniture risers to lift your bed higher off the ground and place storage containers underneath.

Another option is a bed frame that lifts up to reveal hidden storage. This is a brilliant way to keep items out of sight and create a minimalist, streamlined look in your bedroom. You can store larger items here, such as suitcases, or items you don't need to access regularly.

If you're feeling creative, you could even build a custom platform bed with as much storage as you need. This is a great DIY project and allows you to customise the bed to fit your specific mattress size and storage needs. For example, you could add drawers or compartments to store extra bedding, pillows, or even shoes.

Finally, consider using the space under your bed for storage. Rolling storage bins can be easily accessed and utilised for a variety of items. You can also use this space for larger, flat items such as folding exercise equipment or artwork.

By choosing a bed with built-in storage, you'll be making the most of your bedroom space and creating a functional and efficient sleeping area.

Opt for a hanging clothing rack

If you have a small bedroom, utilising wall space is key. A hanging clothing rack is a great way to do this. Not only does it save space, but it can also look stylish.

If you don't have a closet, or your closet is too small, a hanging rack can give you extra room to hang your clothes. Choose a rack that fits your space—whether that's a single metal rack or something more substantial. You could opt for a medium-height rack so it doesn't feel imposing in a small room, or go for a tall rack if you have high ceilings.

You can make your hanging rack part of your decor by choosing one that blends with your colour scheme, or adding accessories to complement it. For example, Matthew in Chicago has a white metal rack that blends with his white walls, and he balances it with asymmetrical baskets above. Sidonie in the UK has a modern hanging rail that doesn't take up a lot of room or grab a lot of visual attention. She hangs her clothes at eye level, similar to that of a high-end boutique, giving her collection an art installation feel.

You can also use a hanging rack to create a boutique feel with open shelving that puts your wardrobe on display. Leanne Ford Interiors added wall-bracketed open shelving to a spacious bedroom to create a grab-and-go display space for everyday items. If you're going for this look, hang a crystal chandelier for a touch of glamour.

If you're renting or don't want to attach anything to your walls, a freestanding clothing rack is a good option. You can also buy a folding hanger that will fit in a tiny closet.

If you have ADHD, autism, or other neurodivergent traits, a hanging rack can be a great way to keep your favourite or most-worn clothes in view, so you don't forget about them. It can also help you plan your outfits for the week.

Finally, a hanging rack is a good option if you move house often. They're easy to disassemble and move, unlike a built-in closet or a bulky wardrobe.

Add a room divider

Room dividers are a great way to make your bedroom feel more homely and organised. They can be used to break up your space, provide extra privacy, maximise storage space, and create a change of scenery.

Bookshelves

Bookshelves are a popular choice for room dividers as they offer separation of space and additional storage. You can use a large bookcase as a room divider by rotating it so that it is perpendicular to the wall and securing it with solid restraints, such as metal L brackets. This creates a visual barrier that segments your bedroom into distinct zones without putting up solid walls.

Curtains

If you're looking for a simple, temporary, and cost-effective solution, consider hanging floor-to-ceiling curtains. Curtains are also a great option for renters as they are not permanent. They allow you to create privacy and section off different areas of your bedroom while still being able to open and close up the space as desired.

Beads

If you only need to separate a doorway, a curtain of beads is one of the easiest solutions. Beaded curtains add a fun and retro vibe to your bedroom while providing a visual separation of space.

Plants

A wall of plants can be used to section off your bedroom area while creating a statement piece and providing privacy. You can also use plants to form a living partition or create a vertical garden room divider with free-standing plant stands.

Repurpose Items

You can create room dividers by repurposing items you may already have, such as clothing racks, window shutters, or hanging wire baskets. For example, you can separate your bed from the rest of your bedroom space by using a clothing rack that houses decor rather than clothes.

Frequently asked questions