Decorating small bedrooms so they’re fully functional is challenging. You need essential furniture for sleep and storage but also plenty of floorspace, especially if the room is shared between two or acting as two rooms in one. Discover four tips for making the most of what you have, so your small bedrooms work for you.
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Smart storage
The first port of call when trying to maximise room space is to reduce clutter. This doesn’t necessarily mean having a big clear-out – although if it’s been a while since you last sorted through your belongings, this is a good place to start! Using smart storage strategies to tidy away clutter might be all you need to free up floor space.
Clever storage centres around multifunctional furniture with hidden compartments, such as ottomans and window seating or desks and divan beds with built-in drawers. You can use organisational tools within this furniture to help make staying tidy effortless.
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Sharing strategies
Are you trying to split your small space in two, as a shared children’s bedroom or two-in-one sleeping and working area? It’s possible to create defined zones no matter how limited the space you’re playing with is by utilising vertical space.
Prime examples include opting for kids bunk beds or an overbed wardrobe, to free up floor space for a desk and cabinets or corner play areas. Hanging a hammock or bags by the bed gives you an easily accessible place to keep soft toys, towels and bed linen. Floating shelves and windowsills are a great alternative to traditional furniture for displaying decorations like houseplants.
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Layout tricks
Placing your fittings and furniture with care can make a bedroom seem much bigger than it is, so you feel less cramped even if the space is shared. Mirrors opposite natural light sources (windows and doors) bring more light into the room as well as tricking the eye into seeing the room as twice the size. Low-profile beds leave walls free for floating shelves and corner cupboards.
The colours you use can also influence how large or small a room looks. Stick with light neutrals to make the space appear more expansive and avoid dark shades that can have a shrinking effect.
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Fitted furniture
Awkward spaces like alcoves are often wasted in rooms of any size, but these areas have heaps of untapped potential and cannot afford to be ignored in smaller bedrooms. Integrating fitted furniture creates seamless lines and instant storage opportunities while giving you more options for personalisation.
Consider bespoke wardrobes with personalised interiors too. Clever storage elements like pull-out drawers, door racks, double-hanging rails and corner shelves can double how much you’re able to keep inside, without taking up any more physical space.