11 Things You Didn’t Think You Could Fit Into a Small Bedroom
Clever designers have found ways to fit storage, murals and even chandeliers into these tight sleeping spaces
Becky Harris
15 February 2016
Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia.
Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe... More
While it’s fun to look at photos of spacious bedrooms complete with sitting areas, fireplaces, large armoires and more, the reality is that most people sleep in much tighter spaces. Personally, I love a small, cozy bedroom — it adds to the snuggled-up feeling. But often we also want a piece of luxury to go with that practicality in our modestly sized bedrooms, even if there is barely room for a bed.
1. A chandelier. So long as you meet code and place it so you won’t be bonking your head, an elegant light fixture can really make a small bedroom room feel special. Be sure to put it on a dimmer so that you can adjust the mood.
2. Plants. By using a custom living wall system, these designers were able to bring in life on the headboard wall.
Plant mounts: custom, The Floral Fixx
Plant mounts: custom, The Floral Fixx
3. Twin beds. These beds are U.K. single beds, which are approximately 35 inches wide, as opposed to American twin beds, which are usually 39 inches wide. Those precious extra 8 inches leave a comfortable space between the two. Also worth noticing is the smart reading-light strategy — sconces mounted to the wall save space.
4. Room to stash plenty of bedside reading material. There is ample room for dozens of books and magazines in this narrow bedroom, thanks to clever built-ins tucked behind the headboard. Note the nightstand surfaces and cabinets built in as well.
5. Privacy. Sometimes a bedroom is so shallow that a bed barely fits between the walls, and there is no clearance for a door to swing. A pocket door allows plenty of room to close the space off, even though the end of the bed is very close to the opening.
6. Yards and yards of textiles. The long drapes in this room add softness, pattern and color while providing privacy. They really make the room.
7. A large statement piece of art. With the walls taken up by handy shelves, a window and an upholstered headboard, you would think there wouldn’t be room for a big piece of art. But designer Jen Chu cleverly adorned this vinyl roller shade with a message stuck on with cut contact paper letters. (By the way, this quote is from Apocalypse Now.)
8. An office. This bed flips up into the cabinet, leaving plenty of room to get work done at the desk during the day.
9. A TV. If you love to catch up on your DVR right before bedtime, there are clever ways to tuck in a screen. This TV screen can be tucked right up into the ceiling when not in use.
10. Deep drawers. Precious drawers under these beds offer plenty of space for clothing, linens and other items.
11. The Lincoln Memorial. OK, not literally the Lincoln Memorial; let’s make that “a mural.” You shouldn’t give up on a large design element just because a space is tight. In fact, a small room is one of the best places to make a big statement. The wallpaper behind this bed is an image of the large stately columns of the Lincoln Memorial.
What kinds of things have you squeezed into your small bedroom? Please share them in the Comments section.
Browse more stories about decorating small spaces
What kinds of things have you squeezed into your small bedroom? Please share them in the Comments section.
Browse more stories about decorating small spaces
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A comfortable bed is so worth the space. If you need a king to fit the adults plus maybe some kids and/or pets, not being a cranky sleep-deprived zombie is worth having to scooch around a bit in the bedroom. I recently got a king size bed at the expense of my closet doors (which are now snazzy curtains). I don't regret it.
@jade everton... Good for you! I agree with you completely! I'm sure it looks great. I bet it's easier to get into your closet, with the curtains, as well. Just push 'em back and you're in!
I have a small bedroom-11 ft by 14 feet. It is an older 1930's house and has twin white built in dressers with a large double window between. it just makes room for a queen sized bed which surprises me as there were not queen sized beds back then ! But the dressers double as nightstands and lamp stands which is a big help. There is a very small closet . My neighbors passed on a beautiful large oak Victorian armoire with carvings and a mirrored door. So this takes care of shoe storage, important papers-passport etc., and the full length mirror needed in a bedroom/dressing room. I've got one attractive chair for putting on or taking off shoes and a small table for books with a lamp by it. There is not room for another thing. I have white voile curtains , which are very pretty, to cover up the very ugly metal blinds-white also, which are necessary for privacy. They were already there and function just fine. As I have 4 full length windows it would be expensive to come up with anything nicer and as long as I don't have to actually look at them-as they are covered by filmy , crisp, pretty cotton sheers-I have decided not to mind. One becomes flexible with age. For the person who says that she has so much trouble vacuuming in close quarters that she thinks she might need to get rid of her rug : a bedroom is so much more comfortable and quiet with a nice rug. But I know what you mean. That chore was awful. I just got the cheapest non programmable Roomba. It has changed my life. It goes under everything without any trouble. It does a great job. If you shut the door it will not wander out before thoroughly cleaning a small room. The bedroom is now restful and dust free.