Extra Space In Your Master Bedroom: Creative Ways To Utilize It

what to do with extra space in master bedroom

If you're looking to make the most of extra space in your master bedroom, there are several ways to transform it into a stylish and functional space. One option is to establish distinct zones within the room, such as a sleeping area, a work zone, and a relaxation corner. You can also add a seating area, such as a sofa, ottoman, or bench at the foot of your bed, to create a cosy nook for reading or relaxing. To optimise storage, consider built-in solutions such as shelving or a false wall with recessed shelves behind the bed. Dramatic lighting, statement headboards, and textured rugs can also help fill out the space and make it feel more intimate.

Characteristics Values
Seating Sofa, chaise, armchair, ottoman, bench, chair and side table, daybed, small narrow bench with pillows, reading nook
Storage Built-in shelving, under-bed storage, storage bench, fold-down desk, storage ottoman, vertical storage, recessed bookshelf, wardrobe, closet, dresser, vanity, bedside table, nightstand
Lighting Dramatic light fixture, wall-mounted bedside lamps, low-slung pendants, wall sconces
Wall features Wallpaper, wall art, room divider, statement headboard, bold paint colour, accent wall
Flooring Fluffy comforter, thick rugs, layered textiles
Windows Heavy curtains, window seat
Multi-purpose Workspace, bedroom vanity

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Add a seating area

Adding a seating area to your master bedroom is a great way to fill up a large room and create a functional, relaxing, and comfortable space. Here are some ideas to help you get started:

Choose the Right Furniture

Select furniture that is proportional to the size of your room and the amount of extra space you have. If you have a larger master bedroom, you can opt for a sofa, loveseat, or a pair of chairs with a small table in between. A bench or ottoman at the foot of the bed can provide additional seating without taking up too much space. If you're working with a smaller area, consider a single accent chair, wingback chair, or a decorative dining chair, which can add aesthetic value and make use of an underutilised corner. You can also include a side table and a floor lamp to create a cosy reading nook.

Mix and Match Styles

Feel free to experiment with different styles and sizes of furniture to add drama and visual interest to your seating area. You can mix casual and comfortable pieces with chic and elegant ones. For example, pair a giant tufted sofa with a slender chaise lounge, or contrast a rustic bench with contemporary surroundings. If you're feeling bold, try mixing different prints and patterns, such as combining floral patterns with stripes, while sticking to the same colour palette to maintain balance.

Create a Designated Sitting Space

If your master bedroom is spacious enough, consider creating a designated sitting area by segregating the functional zones. This can be achieved with a half-wall projection or by arranging furniture to create a separate space. You can even include a bar for storing beverages, creating a relaxing space for late-night drinks with your spouse or partner.

Focus on Comfort and Relaxation

The primary purpose of a seating area in your master bedroom is to provide a comfortable and relaxing space. Make it a place where you can unwind after a long day, take a quick nap, or enjoy a good book. Include plush rugs, decorative pillows, and a cosy throw blanket to make the space more inviting. Fresh flowers or artwork can also add a touch of personality and create a calming atmosphere.

Enhance Natural Lighting

Maximise the natural lighting in your master bedroom by opting for floor-to-ceiling windows or large windows in general. This will create a bright and airy space, perfect for lounging during the day. If your seating area doesn't receive much natural light, consider adding table lamps or floor lamps to provide adequate lighting for reading or other activities.

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Create a workspace

If you have extra space in your master bedroom, why not create a dedicated workspace? Here are some tips to help you design a functional and aesthetically pleasing office area:

Choose the Right Furniture

Select quality home office furniture that complements the design and fits the available space in your bedroom. Ensure you have enough room to move around freely and avoid creating a crowded feeling. Opt for a comfortable and ergonomic chair to support your back and boost productivity. You may also want to consider a standing desk to vary your working posture.

Define the Workspace

Create a clear distinction between work and relaxation areas. If possible, maintain some physical space between your bed and your desk. You can also use a curtain or screen to separate the two areas. Try to avoid working on your bed, as it can impact your productivity and lead to unhealthy postures.

Maximise Natural Light

Position your workspace near a window to take advantage of natural light. This can improve your mood and productivity while reducing eye strain. Ensure the sun is not glaring on your computer screen, and consider investing in blinds or curtains to control the light levels.

Storage Solutions

Evaluate your storage needs based on your job function. Determine if you require built-in storage compartments, such as shelves or drawers, or if you need additional furniture for storage. Ensure any storage solutions fit seamlessly into your bedroom without creating clutter.

Colour and Decor

Tie the decor of your workspace in with the rest of the bedroom to create a sense of cohesion. Consider the colour scheme and choose a desk and chair that complement the existing aesthetic. You can add vibrancy and inspiration to your workspace by incorporating colours from the rest of the room through art or ornaments.

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Install dramatic lighting

If you're looking to add some flair to your master bedroom, consider installing dramatic lighting. Here are some tips and ideas to help you achieve this:

Planning and Design

Before you begin installing new lighting, it's important to have a clear plan and design in mind. Measure your room and create a scale drawing that includes the furniture arrangement and any wall-mounted features you want to accent with lighting. Decide on the purpose of the lighting; for example, you may want to accent a piece of artwork, provide task lighting for a specific activity, or improve the overall lighting in the room.

Recessed Lighting

Recessed lighting, also known as pot lights or canister lights, can create a dramatic effect in your master bedroom. These lights are installed directly into the ceiling, creating a sleek and modern look. You can install recessed lighting even if you don't have access to the ceiling from an attic; it just requires a little ingenuity and special remodelling housings.

Pendant Lights

Pendant lights are perfect for hanging over tables or counters, and they can add a dramatic touch to your master bedroom. When hanging pendant lights, ensure they are the right dimensions to create a cohesive look. As a general rule, hang them 36 to 48 inches from the top of the counter or table.

Sconces

Sconces are typically placed symmetrically on either side of a focal point, such as a large mirror or a mantle. They can add a cosy and romantic ambiance to your master bedroom. Tinted low-wattage bulbs can mimic candlelight, creating a relaxing atmosphere.

Spotlights

Spotlights are ideal for highlighting artwork or architectural details in your master bedroom. They can be adjusted to focus light on specific areas, creating a dramatic effect.

Lamps

Table and floor lamps are versatile lighting fixtures that can help transition a room from one use to another. For example, if your master bedroom doubles as a home office, lamps can provide the necessary lighting for reading or working.

Dimmers

If you're in the planning stages of construction or renovation, consider installing dimmers on all your light switches. Dimming the overhead lights and switching on table lamps, pendants, and sconces can instantly change the mood of the room, providing a relaxing atmosphere at the end of the day.

Mirrors

Adding mirrors to your master bedroom can enhance the lighting effects. Mirrors reflect light, making the space appear larger and brighter.

By combining these lighting ideas and techniques, you can create a dramatic and versatile atmosphere in your master bedroom.

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Use heavy curtains

Heavy curtains are a great way to make use of extra space in a master bedroom. They can be used to create a sense of warmth and personality, and the right curtains can make your bedroom feel more welcoming and thoughtful. They can also be functional, blocking out light and muffling sound to improve your sleep.

When choosing heavy curtains for your bedroom, consider the material. Heavier fabrics are often preferred for bedroom curtains as they tend to block out light and noise better than lighter fabrics, resulting in a better night's sleep. Cotton is the most common option as it is light, breathable, and easy to care for. Machine-washable cotton is ideal for convenience. Velvet is another popular choice for bedroom curtains as it is excellent for insulating your windows from cold drafts and hot summer days, and it also keeps the sun out effectively. If you live in an area with direct sunlight, velvet curtains can be a great option.

In addition to the fabric, consider the colour and pattern of your heavy curtains. Choose colours that will complement your space, usually cool-toned colours with other cool tones and vice versa. Avoid bright colours, especially if your bedroom receives a lot of sunlight, as natural light can fade colours over time. If you want to add a bit of interest without committing to a full-on print, opt for colour-blocked curtain panels. This adds a bit of weight and grounds the space while still letting in some light.

Finally, consider the length of your heavy curtains. Bedroom curtains should typically just meet the floor, but if you want a dramatic effect, you can add a few extra inches to the length to create a puddling effect. Customised curtains may be necessary if standard sizes don't meet your needs.

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Divide the room with a room divider

If you have extra space in your master bedroom, why not divide the room with a room divider? This can help to create a sense of privacy, maximise storage space, or simply change up the layout of the room.

One idea is to use a bookcase as a room divider. This can provide extra storage space for books, decorative items, or office supplies, while also creating a sense of privacy. Tall, wide bookcases are ideal for extra privacy and can create a cosy, enclosed feeling in open areas. You could even use locking wheels on your bookcase to easily reconfigure your space.

Another option is to use a folding screen as a room divider. These are simple, lightweight, and attractive, offering an interesting way to divide a space. You can buy a folding screen or create your own by stapling fabric onto hinged panel frames, allowing you to match the screen to your decor perfectly.

If you're looking for a more natural and warm aesthetic, consider a wood divider screen. You can customise these to reflect your personal style and tailor the size and finish to your preferences.

For a more flexible option, try using curtains as room dividers. Suspend a rod from the ceiling and use rings or hooks to attach drapery panels. Curtains are perfect for sectioning off sleeping areas, providing privacy, and are easy to change and clean.

So, if you're looking to divide your master bedroom, consider using a room divider such as a bookcase, folding screen, wood divider screen, or curtains. These options can provide privacy, storage, and a change of scenery to your space.

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