Pro Panel: 4 Experts' Secrets to Making the Most of Tiny Bedrooms
A compact bedroom can still be a dream space with a bit of thoughtful planning, as these professionals explain
If you’d like your snug bedroom to feel more calm than cluttered, these expert design tips should help. Here, two architects and two interior designers in the UK and Ireland share some essential style advice, from tailoring storage to getting clever with colour.
Read on for top tips from Sean Ronnie Hill of RISE Design Studio, Eva Byrne of Houseology, Olga Alekseev of Black & Milk, and Claudia Dorsch of Claudia Dorsch Interior Design.
Read on for top tips from Sean Ronnie Hill of RISE Design Studio, Eva Byrne of Houseology, Olga Alekseev of Black & Milk, and Claudia Dorsch of Claudia Dorsch Interior Design.
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,” says Byrne. 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, so Byrne 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 to help with your renovation? Find one near you on Houzz
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,” says Byrne. 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, so Byrne 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 to help with your renovation? Find one near you on Houzz
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,” says Alekseev.
“Although the feature wall is a no-no for many designers, it can be used to your advantage,” says Dorsch. “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,” says Alekseev.
“Although the feature wall is a no-no for many designers, it can be used to your advantage,” says Dorsch. “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,” says Byrne. “Bespoke storage can fill any awkward nooks and crannies.”
Think about using shallow cupboards, too. “A conventional wardrobe, 60 centimetres deep, is not the only option,” says Byrne. “Shallow wardrobes, 45 centimetres 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.”
Be creative about how you think of storage,” says Byrne. “Bespoke storage can fill any awkward nooks and crannies.”
Think about using shallow cupboards, too. “A conventional wardrobe, 60 centimetres deep, is not the only option,” says Byrne. “Shallow wardrobes, 45 centimetres 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.”
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,” says Byrne. “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,” 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,” says Byrne. “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,” she adds.
They let things hang
A smart trick is to choose furniture and fittings that hang on the wall, as the space below will give an uncluttered feel.
“Wall-mounted bedside tables will increase the sense of space,” says Byrne. “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.
Browse more beautifully styled small bedrooms
A smart trick is to choose furniture and fittings that hang on the wall, as the space below will give an uncluttered feel.
“Wall-mounted bedside tables will increase the sense of space,” says Byrne. “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.
Browse more beautifully styled small bedrooms
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,” says Dorsch. “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,” says Dorsch. “If you’re fitting Romans, fix them as high up as possible [so they let in maximum light when they’re open].”
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,” says Dorsch. “For [main] 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.
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,” says Dorsch. “For [main] 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.
Your turn
How have you designed or decorated your small bedroom? Share your tips in the Comments, like this story, save the images for inspiration, and join the conversation.
More
Need more help with small spaces? Read The Best Ideas for Small Spaces From the People Who Live in Them
How have you designed or decorated your small bedroom? Share your tips in the Comments, like this story, save the images for inspiration, and join the conversation.
More
Need more help with small spaces? Read The Best Ideas for Small Spaces From the People Who Live in Them
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,” says Alekseev. “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,” says Hill. “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.”