According to new research by leading bed retailer, Bensons for Beds, searches for “bedroom layout design” increased by a staggering 4500% in the past year on Pinterest. With over 217.4M posts on TikTok for “small bedroom ideas”, it’s no surprise that people are turning to social media for inspiration on how to maximise small bedroom spaces.
For small living spaces, maximising functionality and efficiency is key. From making use of higher ceilings to opting for a storage storage bed, Rachel Marshall, Brand Manager, at Bensons for Beds, shares ten space-saving design ideas for small bedrooms.
- Choose a storage bed
Most beds have so much wasted space sitting underneath them. Maximise all that extra room by opting for either a divan bed that comes with built in drawers or an ottoman bed which lifts up to reveal a big storage cavity underneath it.
- Put up corner shelves
If your bedroom has lots of corners and not a lot of wall space to play with, put up a few corner shelves to hold your books and other knick knacks. Corner shelves can also handily serve as bedside tables if your bed is positioned close to the wall.
- Place furniture at the end of your bed
Most people typically tend to place their beds in the middle of the room so there’s a gap either side. While practical for getting in and out of bed, it can leave you with less room for other furniture. One solution is to use that wasted space at the bottom of your bed for a desk or slim table with a stool pushed underneath it that can be adapted as a work space or dressing table.
Alternatively, an ottoman storage box can provide hidden storage and additional seating within your bedroom.
- Put up long curtains
While not specifically a space saving solution, buying longer curtains is a great way to add a touch of luxury to your bedroom as well as give the illusion that it has taller ceilings and, therefore, more spacious dimensions.
- Use lighter colours on the walls and pair with light coloured furniture
Much the same, using lighter colours on the walls and pairing this with light-coloured bedroom furniture can help to make a smaller bedroom look and feel roomier. Try to use mirrors in small bedrooms too as these reflect light and can give the illusion of more space.
- Maximise space underneath your furniture
Whether it’s a trundel bed or a chest of drawers with a gap underneath it, don’t let that space go to waste. Purchase some shallow storage boxes that will easily slide underneath them or, for a DIY solution, keep hold of old shoe boxes and decorate them with some cool wrapping paper.
- Use vertical coat hooks to hang bags and accessories
Take advantage of your wall vertically by attaching coat hooks downwards. You can then hang bags, scarves and other accessories in an orderly way without taking up valuable space.
- Use a cork wall for hanging jewellery
Instead of having all your jewellery cluttering up a table or chest of drawers, make use of any extra wall space by hanging a cork board and then fixing your jewellery to it with pins. You can even place the board in a nice frame or attach some fairy lights or fabric round the edges to make it look more stylish.
- Use a bookshelf as a headboard
Most headboards are simply there to look nice. But they are handy at providing a comfortable backrest, preventing your pillow from disappearing down the back of the bed, and protecting your bedroom walls. But if you’re short on space, why not pull your bed away from the wall a bit and use a bookcase as your headboard!
- Give the illusion of a larger room with mirrors
If you’re keen to make your room look as bright and airy as possible, make sure you’ve got a big mirror either on the wall or on the outside of your wardrobe. Mirrors truly are magical at making a room appear wider and more spacious.
Marshall continued, “The main principles to bear in mind while redesigning a small bedroom include investing in a bed frame or divan base that offers drawers, or a fully lifting ottoman, but also using multifunctional furniture, making the most of the vertical space, and keeping the room clutter-free. With a little bit of creative thinking and a whole host of organisational systems in place, you’ll turn your small bedroom into a haven you’ll want to escape to after a hard day.”
For more tips and tricks, visit the Bensons for Beds website.