Small bedroom layout ideas: How to maximise space

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When you’re working with a small bedroom, every inch of floorspace counts. Getting the layout right can be tricky, so let’s explore together…

“How do you maximise space in a small bedroom?” is probably one of the most asked questions in interior design. Whether you’ve just moved into a teeny studio rental, you’re giving your kids’ bedroom a makeover, or simply looking for new and interesting ways to make the most of the snug guest room, it can be tough decorating a small space.  

Luckily, we know a thing or two about maximising floorspace in small bedrooms. From mastering your furniture placement with clever layout ideas, to choosing the best colour schemes and lighting tricks to make a space feel bigger, we’ll show you how to design a compact bedroom without sacrificing comfort or style.  

Sometimes, the best things really do come in small packages! 

First things first, let’s talk about your room arrangement. The most crucial part to get right when designing your small bedroom is the layout of your bed and other furniture. A poorly designed floor plan can leave a boxy bedroom feeling even more cramped, whilst a thoughtful layout can actually free up more space and help to create an illusion of a bigger boudoir.

To start, let’s look at choosing the right bed and how to position it correctly to make the most of your snug space… 

Tuck your bed into a corner

You heard it here first, folks: Beds don’t always have to go in the middle of the room! On the contrary, sometimes a bedroom layout just calls for the bed to go in the corner – like this one here, with a beautiful alcove.

Positioning your bed in the corner is a simple shift that can free up extra floor space and make your room feel bigger and more open. Not only this, but a corner bed is super cosy, creating a nest-like place to rest your head. Lean into this aesthetic by adding lots of fluffy blankets and pillows to your bed. Voila! A toasty hideaway to snuggle down in.

In some small bedroom cases, it’s best to look up! By going vertical and building a loft bed, you instantly free up some of that precious floor space – perfect for adding a wardrobe, a desk for working from home, or simply keeping free. Whether you opt for a full-height loft bed or a lower cabin-style unit with built-in storage, taking your sleeping situation to new heights is a game-changer for maximising space.

If you’re redesigning your kid’s room, it’s a fantastic idea to consider a high sleeper or bunk bed. Choose from double (or even triple!) bed setups, clever configurations that feature handy drawers, shelving and clothes rails, or built-in desks to ensure they get their homework done on time. Our Anderson Kids Wooden High Sleeper with Chair & Desk is an ideal choice for a multifunctional bed that does it all.

Make your room flexible with a day bed

Speaking of functionality, how about opting for a flexible day bed instead? Ideal for guestrooms, a day bed can be used as a sofa for lounging in the day, then transformed into a comfortable bed come nighttime. 

Take our Rosie Wooden Day Bed, for example. This clever contraption has a practical storage underbed drawer, and can even be extended out into a spacious super king for when guests come to stay! Who says you can’t be “hostess with the mostest” with a tiny floor plan?!  

Sofa beds for guest rooms & bedroom offices

Another fantastic 2-4-1 option is a nifty sofa bed. Gone are the days of makeshift mattresses on the floor. If you regularly host family and friends, investing in a stylish sofa bed is a smart choice for snug rooms.

Your furniture choices can make or break your bedroom design – particularly if you’re working with a narrow space. No need to fret, we’ve got bags of ideas on selecting the best furniture and clever shelving ideas for small bedrooms…  

Install floating shelves

You may have picture frames hung up on your walls, but have you ever thought about using your walls for more than just accessories? Floating shelves are a genius, out-of-the-box way to add extra storage space to your bedroom, without resorting to any clunky bookcases or cabinets.

Simply hang (make sure they’re secure!), and style with your favourite books, plant pots, picture frames, or whatever else you wish to display.

Opt for multi-purpose furniture

Storage is absolutely key when it comes to styling a small bedroom. One way to really maximise your space without adding any unnecessary bulky cabinets or drawers is with a handy storage bed.  

One of our most sleek and compact storage beds is the Dreams Workshop Ottoman Divan Bed Base. By eliminating any unnecessary foot ends or headboards, you can slot this bed base into even the smallest of bedrooms, and lift up the ottoman for even more storage space. Hurrah!  

Choose tall and narrow wardrobes

When it comes to picking out the right wardrobe, prioritise height over width or depth. If you’re lucky enough to be able to install bespoke wardrobes, go for something that fits flush from floor to ceiling – and even awkward angled spaces – to really make the most of what you’ve got.

Alternatively, you can still opt for a tall and narrow wardrobe without going bespoke. All you need is a tape measure to figure out how high you can go!

Install a window seat for extra storage

Another way to make the most of redundant space in your small bedroom is by installing multifunctional units. If you have an unused space beneath your window – or you’re lucky enough to already have a built-in window seat, why not transform it into a hidden storage chest? Ideal for housing spare bedding, clothes, or anything else you want to tuck away.  

Plus, a window seat offers a dreamy place to perch and read your book, hang out, or simply stare at the views and watch the world go by. We love a 2-4-1 situation!

Don’t forget about the finishing touches! Let’s explore some innovative ways to make your snug bedroom feel bigger, through clever colours, playful patterns and masterful lighting…

Striped motifs to create the illusion of space

Now for a bit of interior design magic. Stripes can play with our perception, creating the illusion of more space when used correctly. For example, vertically striped wallpaper can make the walls feel taller and the ceilings appear higher, whereas horizontal stripes can stretch objects wider. Try dressing your double bed in stripey bedsheets and see what happens – it may just look more like a king size from certain angles…  

Light and calming colours to open up your room

Now, for a bit of colour theory. Did you know that bold, dark colours can make a room feel smaller and more cramped?

To avoid this, we’d suggest painting your space in a light colour such as crisp white, timeless cream or a pretty pale pastel shade. Lighter colours can help to really open up your space, make you feel calm, and even sleep better.     

Create a central focal point with a statement headboard

It’s also a good idea to create a focal point in your room. You could do this with a stunning statement headboard, such as our Flaxby Harrogate Headboard in eye-catching gold, or draw the eye inwards with statement bedding. Both of these tactics create a centrepiece in the room, without overpowering the space.

Strategies for space with lighting and mirror placement

If your small room is blessed with good natural lighting, make sure you’re not blocking any windows to really let the sunlight pour through. Experiment with adding mirrors to bounce light around the room, too. By placing a mirror opposite your window, or two mirrors opposite each other, you can reflect natural light back into the room and give your space an instant boost. 

If you don’t have natural lighting, don’t worry! A few lamps will do the trick. Tall floor lamps and wall sconces are excellent for casting light upwards to make ceilings feel taller, and without taking up much floorspace themselves. Easy peasy.  

Use your desk as a nightstand or glamour corner

If you’re limited by how much furniture you can fit into your room, consider what will work as a multifunctional piece. For example, a desk can double as a nightstand or dressing table. A blanket box makes for an excellent seat, as well as a place to store your bits and bobs. Planning the layout of a small bedroom is all about working smarter, not harder.

Floor-to-ceiling curtains to create height

Just like with tall wardrobes, adding floor-to-ceiling curtains can also help to draw the eye upwards and create an illusion of taller walls. Long, sheer curtains at your windows can also help to add subtle framing, whilst providing a dreamy, chic ambience to your bedroom.  

Maximising both form and function in a small bedroom isn’t as daunting as you may think! With some smart planning, multifunctional furniture, and some design-savvy touches, you can create a small yet mighty bedroom design.