This is How Designers Would Make the Most of a Small Bedroom
A compact room can still be a dream space with a bit of thoughtful planning, as these professionals explain
Amanda Pollard
9 December 2021
Senior Editor at Houzz UK and Ireland. Journalist and editor specialising in interiors and architecture.
Senior Editor at Houzz UK and Ireland. Journalist and editor specialising in interiors... More
If you’d like your snug bedroom to feel more calm than cluttered, these expert design tips should help. Two architects and two interior designers share some essential style advice, from tailoring storage to getting clever with colour.
Professional advice from: Sean Ronnie Hill of RISE Design Studio; Eva Byrne of Houseology; Olga Alekseev of Black & Milk; Claudia Dorsch of Claudia Dorsch Interior Design
More in this series: This is How Designers Would Make the Most of a Small Living Room
This article is from our Most Popular stories file
Professional advice from: Sean Ronnie Hill of RISE Design Studio; Eva Byrne of Houseology; Olga Alekseev of Black & Milk; Claudia Dorsch of Claudia Dorsch Interior Design
More in this series: This is How Designers Would Make the Most of a Small Living Room
This article is from our Most Popular stories file
They know their limits
Before you begin planning your small bedroom, it’s important to consider how you’ll use it. “Start with the layout and understand the room’s space and limitations,” Olga Alekseev says. “Work out the items you need to include, such as the bed, bedside tables and storage.”
“Often, people want to make a small apartment out of a bedroom by including too many things that could be part of the living room, the study or even the bathroom,” Sean Ronnie Hill says. “It’s important to understand that, ultimately, the bedroom is a space for relaxation, and this is easier to attain if the room isn’t overly cluttered.”
Before you begin planning your small bedroom, it’s important to consider how you’ll use it. “Start with the layout and understand the room’s space and limitations,” Olga Alekseev says. “Work out the items you need to include, such as the bed, bedside tables and storage.”
“Often, people want to make a small apartment out of a bedroom by including too many things that could be part of the living room, the study or even the bathroom,” Sean Ronnie Hill says. “It’s important to understand that, ultimately, the bedroom is a space for relaxation, and this is easier to attain if the room isn’t overly cluttered.”
They make a grand entrance
The entrance to your bedroom can have a huge impact on how big the space feels. “Start at the door and interrogate both how it’s hinged and where it’s located,” Eva Byrne says. Try replacing a hinged door with a sliding pocket design to prevent the open door impinging on the floor space.
How you arrange the furniture at the entrance can also make a difference. This bedroom has a narrow section by the door and Eva has located the wardrobes in this potentially wasted space. The room then opens out as you reach the bed area, creating an airy feel. This also means the wardrobes don’t take up space in the main part of the room.
Looking for an interior designer or architect to help with your renovation? Find a professional in your area.
The entrance to your bedroom can have a huge impact on how big the space feels. “Start at the door and interrogate both how it’s hinged and where it’s located,” Eva Byrne says. Try replacing a hinged door with a sliding pocket design to prevent the open door impinging on the floor space.
How you arrange the furniture at the entrance can also make a difference. This bedroom has a narrow section by the door and Eva has located the wardrobes in this potentially wasted space. The room then opens out as you reach the bed area, creating an airy feel. This also means the wardrobes don’t take up space in the main part of the room.
Looking for an interior designer or architect to help with your renovation? Find a professional in your area.
They frame the bed
Our experts recommend using colour strategically in a compact bedroom. “Use neutral shades throughout the room, with just one accent colour, perhaps on the headboard,” Olga says.
“Although the feature wall is a no-no for many designers, it can be used to your advantage,” Claudia Dorsch says. “Use colour or pattern around the bed to create a cocoon feeling and give the room personality. Keep the rest of the room in more neutral tones to make it feel bigger.”
Our experts recommend using colour strategically in a compact bedroom. “Use neutral shades throughout the room, with just one accent colour, perhaps on the headboard,” Olga says.
“Although the feature wall is a no-no for many designers, it can be used to your advantage,” Claudia Dorsch says. “Use colour or pattern around the bed to create a cocoon feeling and give the room personality. Keep the rest of the room in more neutral tones to make it feel bigger.”
They tailor to fit
Be creative about how you think of storage,” Eva says. “Bespoke storage can fill any awkward nooks and crannies.”
Think about using shallow cupboards, too. “A conventional wardrobe, 60cm deep, is not the only option,” Eva says. “Shallow wardrobes, 45cm deep, will be a lifesaver in a tight bedroom.
“Sliding wardrobe doors will take up less space in the room than hinged ones,” she adds. “And hooks on the back of the door and in any other free spots may be useful.”
To see more from any of the designers whose photos are featured in this article, click on the image, then on Learn More if you’re in the app, and follow the links to the professional’s profile.
Be creative about how you think of storage,” Eva says. “Bespoke storage can fill any awkward nooks and crannies.”
Think about using shallow cupboards, too. “A conventional wardrobe, 60cm deep, is not the only option,” Eva says. “Shallow wardrobes, 45cm deep, will be a lifesaver in a tight bedroom.
“Sliding wardrobe doors will take up less space in the room than hinged ones,” she adds. “And hooks on the back of the door and in any other free spots may be useful.”
To see more from any of the designers whose photos are featured in this article, click on the image, then on Learn More if you’re in the app, and follow the links to the professional’s profile.
They go for small measures
It’s worth compromising on dimensions, as it could make all the difference, say our professionals.
“The size of your bed will be key,” Eva explains. “You may need to resign yourself to a smaller bed than you’d like – say a double as opposed to a king – but the room will be a better space for it.
“Choose a bed with simple framing and with storage underneath for maximum payback,” she adds.
It’s worth compromising on dimensions, as it could make all the difference, say our professionals.
“The size of your bed will be key,” Eva explains. “You may need to resign yourself to a smaller bed than you’d like – say a double as opposed to a king – but the room will be a better space for it.
“Choose a bed with simple framing and with storage underneath for maximum payback,” she adds.
They let things hang
A smart trick is to choose furniture that hangs on the wall, as the space below will give an uncluttered feel.
“Wall-mounted bedside tables will increase the sense of space,” Eva says. “A picture ledge above the bed will do the job when there’s no space to the side.”
Wall lamps or pendant lights will also free up bedside table space.
A smart trick is to choose furniture that hangs on the wall, as the space below will give an uncluttered feel.
“Wall-mounted bedside tables will increase the sense of space,” Eva says. “A picture ledge above the bed will do the job when there’s no space to the side.”
Wall lamps or pendant lights will also free up bedside table space.
They work on the windows
Don’t forget to pay attention to window treatments, as something too fussy can make the room feel cramped.
“Curtains take up space, so consider using sheer rollers, shutters or Roman blinds,” Claudia says. “If you’re fitting Romans, fix them as high up as possible [so they let in maximum light when they’re open].”
Don’t forget to pay attention to window treatments, as something too fussy can make the room feel cramped.
“Curtains take up space, so consider using sheer rollers, shutters or Roman blinds,” Claudia says. “If you’re fitting Romans, fix them as high up as possible [so they let in maximum light when they’re open].”
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They double up
An effective way of maximising a small space is to make your furniture work harder. “Use the space underneath the bed for storage and, for those all-important sleepovers, include a trundle bed,” Claudia says. “For master bedrooms, the mechanical lift-up beds are great for storing seasonal clothing, luggage or extra bed linen and towels.”
She also recommends a blanket box or ottoman with a cushioned top, which can double up as a somewhere to perch while getting dressed.
You might also enjoy 6 Creative Ways to Use a Blanket Box
Tell us…
Will you be using any of these tips and tricks in your small bedroom? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
An effective way of maximising a small space is to make your furniture work harder. “Use the space underneath the bed for storage and, for those all-important sleepovers, include a trundle bed,” Claudia says. “For master bedrooms, the mechanical lift-up beds are great for storing seasonal clothing, luggage or extra bed linen and towels.”
She also recommends a blanket box or ottoman with a cushioned top, which can double up as a somewhere to perch while getting dressed.
You might also enjoy 6 Creative Ways to Use a Blanket Box
Tell us…
Will you be using any of these tips and tricks in your small bedroom? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
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I would love to know the name of the gorgeous green wall colour in bedroom 6, by Shanade McAllister-Fisher.
I stole an idea on Houzz and made it using ikea wardrobes and bookcases and had doors made for the fronts. The bed is a double with slats laid across kallax cubes. I don’t use the under bed storage just the drawers.
Could we see some designs for really small bedrooms such as box rooms as many houses have these difficut small spaces that you need to use as a bedroom.