7 of the Smartest Ways to Lay Out a Small Bedroom (2024)

Your bedroom should be your oasis, a place you feel relaxed and at home. But not all of us are lucky enough to have a sprawling room to retire to every night, and sometimes it can feel nearly impossible to fit everything you need into a small bedroom.

The good news is that with the right layout, you can make even the smallest, city-sized bedrooms feel luxurious without sacrificing your must-haves. To help, we enlisted the help of interior designer, Ashley Montgomery, to come up with the best layouts no matter your needs.

Meet the Expert

Ashley Montgomery is a Toronto-based interior designer with over 10 years of experience in the industry. Ashley holds a BA in hospitality and an interior design degree.

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Best Layout for a King

7 of the Smartest Ways to Lay Out a Small Bedroom (1)

The Layout:This layout is perfect for anyone who prioritizes a big, comfortable bed. By placing the bed against the back wall or even under a window, you can leave space for closet doors.

The Bed:In a small bedroom, you want to ensure your bed does not block pathways or doors so ensure you have enough space on all sides of the bed to easily get in and out. By having the closet doors open toward the bottom of your bed, you get the best flow.

The Extras:Depending on the size of your small bedroom, place a dresser on the wall nearest the closet or opt for a bench at the end of the bed. Either way, a king bed doesn't mean you have to sacrifice storage.

Try to ensure you leave plenty of space to walk around both sides of the bed, especially if you're a couple.

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Best Layout for a Queen

7 of the Smartest Ways to Lay Out a Small Bedroom (2)

The Layout:A queen bed is a perfect size for many small bedrooms: It's big enough to feel luxurious, but not overwhelming. This layout offers enough room to place the bed parallel with a closet.

The Bed: In this layout, the queen bed is flanked by two small nightstands and capped by a long dresser. Depending on the size of your room, you may need to opt for a smaller dresser or even floating shelves as nightstands.

The Extras:Use the furthest corner for a little reading nook or a small desk for a more functional space. Add an area rug for more coziness.

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Best Layout for a Full Bed

7 of the Smartest Ways to Lay Out a Small Bedroom (3)

The Layout:A single person with a full bed can create a more versatile bedroom space by placing the bed in the upper corner against one wall. This allows for an oversized dresser or a bookcase to act as a nightstand and provide more storage space.

The Bed: While you could opt to float the full bed if you have the room, pushing the bed against the wall is a better use of the space for a single person. It allows for just one point of entry, but more workable wall area for storage or desk space.

The Extras:The wall opposite the bed can be used for a desk and a little reading nook, or more storage space in the form of a smaller dresser.

04of 07

Best Layout for a Full Bed With Storage Space

The Layout:This layout is another one that works best with a full bed, but is ideal for anyone who needs extra storage space, especially if you're burdened with small closets.

The Bed: Place on the wall directly opposite the closet and opt for a storage bench at the bottom of the bed. This opens up an entire wall for a long dresser, bookshelf, or desk.

The Extras:A round nightstand is a great way to break up the space and soften the edges with all of the furniture in this layout. "Texture and layers always help make a bedroom feel cozier," says Montgomery. "We love to layer rugs in bedrooms by using a simple sisal to ground the space and something cozy layered on top that your feet touch first when getting out of bed"

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Best Layout for Two Twin Beds

7 of the Smartest Ways to Lay Out a Small Bedroom (5)

The Layout:Whether in a guest room or a child's room, two twin beds can create a cozy feel in a small bedroom. In this layout, two beds rest opposite one another with a desk between both of them.

The Bed: Place each twin bed against the same wall, ideally the widest one in your room. Leave space only on one side to enter and place a desk or a dresser between them.

The Extras:An area rug between the beds offers additional play space perfect for a kid's room. According to Montgomery, "The most important thing to consider when arranging a room with two twin beds is not to clutter the room with other furniture." She says "you don’t want to have two nightstands per bed - it will just feel like a cluster of furniture."

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Best Layout for Two Twin Beds With Storage Space

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The Layout:This layout for two twin beds is slightly different than the previous, offering more storage space instead of a desk.

The Bed: Both twin beds should be side-by-side with a nightstand between them. The wall directly opposite of the beds can hold a long dresser and each bed could even have a bench at the end for added storage.

The Extras:A plant in the corner is a great way to break up this room and add a bit of visual interest.

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Best Layout for a Lofted Bed

7 of the Smartest Ways to Lay Out a Small Bedroom (7)

The Layout:Perfect for a college student, this layout features a bunk bed set atop a desk for a loft look. Not only does this allow for additional floor space, but it keeps wall space open for more storage or a little reading area.

The Bed: While this particular layout is done with a twin bed, you can opt for a full loft bed which would offer more space in the desk area. Place the bed opposite the closet for the best flow.

The Extras:Place a chair in the corner next to the loft bed for a place to toss clothes and to add texture and softness to the room.

A wall sconce and a small handing shelf next to the bed can be a great alternative to a standard nightstand.

Opt for furniture that isn't heavy so it doesn't overwhelm the space, but instead complements it and works with the flow of the room. Arranging a small bedroom is not always an easy task, but with the right layout, you can create a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.

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7 of the Smartest Ways to Lay Out a Small Bedroom (2024)

FAQs

Where should a bed be placed in a small bedroom? ›

Start by putting your bed frame in the center of the most visible wall. (It's usually the wall facing the doorway.) Putting your bed frame in the center will give your small bedroom layout symmetry so you can make the most of your space. You'll have enough space to jump under the covers from both sides.

How to optimise space in a small bedroom? ›

In a small bedroom, every inch counts, so let's spark some creativity with these ideas for bedroom storage...
  1. Under bed storage boxes. ...
  2. Store it up high. ...
  3. Choose a narrow wardrobe. ...
  4. Utilise multipurpose storage. ...
  5. Don't forget corner space! ...
  6. Hang it up. ...
  7. Install a folding desk. ...
  8. Hang a wall-mounted bedside table.
Dec 1, 2023

Should a bed face the door? ›

If you do nothing else, try NOT to have the bed directly facing the bedroom door. Feng shui experts say you should be facing the door but not be directly in line with it. Placing your bed on the same wall as your door is thought to feel threatening, like someone may wake you in the night.

Should you put a bed under a window? ›

Yes, it is true that you should avoid putting a bed under a window. If there is no other option, you can greatly reduce the risk by installing a good window treatment: drapes or heavy blinds. Just make sure that you draw the thing over the window every time someone is going to be in the bed.

Can you put a bed in front of a window? ›

You might have limited space to work with or there might be doors in the way, and sometimes the most functional bedroom layout requires you to situate your bed in front of a window. From swapping your headboard to installing curtains, there are plenty of ways you can style this setup so that it looks more intentional.

What direction should your bed face? ›

Which direction should a bed face in a bedroom? The best direction for a bed to face is towards the south. This both helps you to avoid the death position – it is also believed in Feng Shui traditions to help prevent sleep disorders such as insomnia and make you less lethargic in everyday life.

What is bad feng shui for bedroom? ›

Don't place sharp objects in the bedroom

Sharp or pointed objects, such as knives, swords, or plants with sharp leaves, are considered to be bad Feng Shui as they are believed to create negative energy in a room. Avoid having these items in your bedroom, as they can create a sense of tension or discomfort.

Should you push your bed against the wall? ›

First of all, you do want the headboard of your bed against a wall. In feng shui, the headboard is best when securely placed up to a wall. However, it is not desirable to have the three other sides of the bed (left, right, and the foot of the bed) against a wall.

What color is best for a small bedroom? ›

There's a reason white is so popular: It reflects light and makes the walls recede, which helps make a small space seems larger. While whites can have undertones of blue, pink, or even green, this bedroom by Raji RM features white in its purest form without any color.

What color for a small bedroom? ›

Earth tones and neutrals are a frequent choice for small bedrooms. If you prefer softer shades, grey, green or yellow can lighten a small room. Neutral shades can make the wall visually recede into the background, making the room appear larger and bringing more attention to the accessories in the room.

How do you make a small bedroom look less cluttered? ›

How to organise a small bedroom:
  1. Utilise the space under your bed.
  2. Try a daily 5-minute reset.
  3. Move furniture to create a balanced space.
  4. Keep a clear bedside table.
  5. Invest in new furniture and storage solutions.
Jun 6, 2023

Where to put a couch in a bedroom? ›

Add a Sofa Against the Opposite Wall

If your bed faces an unfilled wall, adding a room couch confronting your bed on the side of the room is an amazing choice. Putting a sofa against the wall or in the corner would make for a decent choice as well.

What is the first thing you should see when you walk into a bedroom? ›

The bed is the biggest piece of furniture in your master bedroom, and your eyes will attract it first because of its clothes. It will save you a lot of mistakes when you think about how everything fits together, and you won't scratch your floor, walls or chest of drawers for the umpteenth time (believe us, it happens).

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