Dos and Don’ts for Small Bedrooms
Looking to turn that spare room into a second or third bedroom, but wondering how to do it when the space is ... on the mini side? Read on!
Small bedrooms can be tricky to decorate, often ending up as unloved spaces with little personality, because we’re worried too much stuff will shrink them visually. Conversely, small spare rooms can end up as dumping grounds for old fitness equipment, packaging or drying washing.
While a typical master bedroom is usually large enough to accommodate wardrobes and chests of drawers, if you’re trying to turn a second or third bedroom into a functioning space to sleep, whether for you, for guests or children, you may be despairing that it’s only big enough for a bed and little else.
So how to make the most of every square centimetre and ensure a small bedroom is both stylish and functional? Here are some dos and don’ts for making a small bedroom look good and work hard.
While a typical master bedroom is usually large enough to accommodate wardrobes and chests of drawers, if you’re trying to turn a second or third bedroom into a functioning space to sleep, whether for you, for guests or children, you may be despairing that it’s only big enough for a bed and little else.
So how to make the most of every square centimetre and ensure a small bedroom is both stylish and functional? Here are some dos and don’ts for making a small bedroom look good and work hard.
Build around the bedhead
In this airy bedroom, a built-in unit around the bedhead makes great use of the limited space without impinging on other walls, keeping an open feel.
Also, as this blue and green scheme demonstrates, adding bright colours to a predominantly white room is an easy way to inject energy and life without closing things in. Stick to one or two hues so things don’t get too busy.
In this airy bedroom, a built-in unit around the bedhead makes great use of the limited space without impinging on other walls, keeping an open feel.
Also, as this blue and green scheme demonstrates, adding bright colours to a predominantly white room is an easy way to inject energy and life without closing things in. Stick to one or two hues so things don’t get too busy.
Don’t assume it’s too tiny for two
Even small guest rooms can often accommodate two single beds; consider extra-narrow designs if necessary.
This chic room doesn’t compromise on style, with painted brickwork and a graphic rug adding industrial attitude. Wall lights are a great space-saving solution, but if they’re not an option, try reading lights that clip onto bedheads.
If conventional bedside tables aren’t possible, think laterally: here, two logs do the same job.
Even small guest rooms can often accommodate two single beds; consider extra-narrow designs if necessary.
This chic room doesn’t compromise on style, with painted brickwork and a graphic rug adding industrial attitude. Wall lights are a great space-saving solution, but if they’re not an option, try reading lights that clip onto bedheads.
If conventional bedside tables aren’t possible, think laterally: here, two logs do the same job.
Do add a feature wall
There’s something depressing about an unloved room with zero personality. Painting all four walls the same colour can exaggerate the boxy feel, so instead, create a focal point by adding a wall of luxe paper, textured cladding or, as here, an interesting paint effect.
Next to the white walls, the darker shades and the ombre effect on the back wall lead the eye to it, creating a depth of field. This room may be compact, but it’s far from a featureless box.
There’s something depressing about an unloved room with zero personality. Painting all four walls the same colour can exaggerate the boxy feel, so instead, create a focal point by adding a wall of luxe paper, textured cladding or, as here, an interesting paint effect.
Next to the white walls, the darker shades and the ombre effect on the back wall lead the eye to it, creating a depth of field. This room may be compact, but it’s far from a featureless box.
Do go dual-purpose
Multi-functional furniture is your friend in a small bedroom. Here, a bookcase works as bedhead, bedside table and home for books all in one. Style-wise, a piece like this also helps to transform a plain white cell into a Zen-like getaway.
Ceiling-mounted downlights are another smart move in rooms with low ceilings.
The magic of multi-tasking furniture
Multi-functional furniture is your friend in a small bedroom. Here, a bookcase works as bedhead, bedside table and home for books all in one. Style-wise, a piece like this also helps to transform a plain white cell into a Zen-like getaway.
Ceiling-mounted downlights are another smart move in rooms with low ceilings.
The magic of multi-tasking furniture
Don’t under-decorate
The temptation in a small space can be to pare back. But that can end up looking dull and under designed. Don’t be scared to accommodate some of the elements you might find in a larger room, including pictures, rugs and decorative lighting. The result is a ‘proper’ room – a cosy retreat to which you’ll enjoy escaping.
The temptation in a small space can be to pare back. But that can end up looking dull and under designed. Don’t be scared to accommodate some of the elements you might find in a larger room, including pictures, rugs and decorative lighting. The result is a ‘proper’ room – a cosy retreat to which you’ll enjoy escaping.
Do think laterally
Is it a bed, is it a desk… or perhaps it’s a ‘besk’? Our homes are getting smaller, so in the future all bedrooms might look like this one. The smart, integrated bureau is a good idea for an older child’s room, providing a place to catch up on social media or do homework, while the pull-out bed underneath is just the ticket for sleepovers with friends.
In general, going bespoke may be the answer to suit your exact needs and dimensions, so talk to a carpenter or builder about the possibilities.
Is it a bed, is it a desk… or perhaps it’s a ‘besk’? Our homes are getting smaller, so in the future all bedrooms might look like this one. The smart, integrated bureau is a good idea for an older child’s room, providing a place to catch up on social media or do homework, while the pull-out bed underneath is just the ticket for sleepovers with friends.
In general, going bespoke may be the answer to suit your exact needs and dimensions, so talk to a carpenter or builder about the possibilities.
Do use mirrors
It’s the oldest trick in the book, but a wall of mirrored wardrobe doors will help a small room feel larger. Ensure the room is chic, simple and tidy as seen here though – reflected clutter and ‘floordrobes’ can look twice as bad!
11 illusory uses for mirrors
It’s the oldest trick in the book, but a wall of mirrored wardrobe doors will help a small room feel larger. Ensure the room is chic, simple and tidy as seen here though – reflected clutter and ‘floordrobes’ can look twice as bad!
11 illusory uses for mirrors
Do copy houseboat style
A lot of inspiration for small-space living can be gained from houseboats. Here, a low unit around the edge of the room provides storage and a bedside table without taking up an entire wall, as a wardrobe would.
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How have you made the most of a small bedroom? Share your ideas and photos in the Comments below.
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A lot of inspiration for small-space living can be gained from houseboats. Here, a low unit around the edge of the room provides storage and a bedside table without taking up an entire wall, as a wardrobe would.
TELL US
How have you made the most of a small bedroom? Share your ideas and photos in the Comments below.
MORE
See more small-space bedrooms
Many boutique hotels have tiny rooms, yet guests hardly notice, as they’re so carefully decorated. Copy some of the tricks they employ: a padded bedhead, plush throws and multiple pillows will offer a similar scaled-down luxury at home.
Try to slot in bedside tables, even if they’re just small shelves, for somewhere to set down a morning cuppa.
How to make a small bedroom look larger