4 Small-Bedroom Layout Ideas That Maximize Space and Comfort
Figuring out the layout of a small bedroom is no easy task. It requires balancing practicality and aesthetics to create a space that feels both comfortable and sophisticated, while maximizing every square inch. Whether you’re living in a tiny apartment or studio or simply trying to make the most of a compact room, choosing the right small bedroom layout can help you create a space that feels larger and more organized.
According to designer Chloe Wang of Mastuvu Design, figuring out a small bedroom layout begins with assessing how you’ll use the space. “Start by identifying your needs,” she says. “Does the bedroom need to double as your workspace? Do you need extra storage? Answering these kinds of questions will guide your choices for selecting furniture and deciding the layout.”
The decor can follow once you’ve determined the best placement for your core furniture pieces. Looking for some examples? I’ve got you covered. Here are four small-bedroom layout ideas that maximize space and comfort.
Bed with a Nightstand on Each Side
If space allows, centering the bed on one wall and flanking it with nightstands creates a symmetrical, sophisticated look that’s classic for a reason. You may associate this layout with roomy bedrooms, but the setup works just as well in tighter quarters.
The key to making this configuration work is being mindful of furniture size. While a king bed feels luxurious, it’s almost always impractical for tiny bedrooms. Stick to queen or even full beds, unless an oversized bed is required. The same goes for nightstands — the name of the game here is small, compact, and functional. You could even use wall-mounted shelves in lieu of freestanding tables.
Bed with One Nightstand
Just because a bedroom with two nightstands seems like the “ideal” layout doesn’t mean it’s the only option. Don’t be afraid to stick to just one bedside table and to keep the space open on the opposite side. This layout may also help accommodate awkwardly shaped small bedrooms or bedrooms with unusual architectural features that hinder having a nightstand on each side.
Try to balance out the space visually in some way, though. For example, you could put a floor lamp, sconce, plant, shelf, or even a piece of artwork on the other side of the bed to ensure that a single nightstand doesn’t create an uneven look.
Bed in the Corner
Pushing the bed into the corner is an ideal way to maximize floor space in a small bedroom. This configuration can accommodate WFH setups or simply provide more of a walkway to move around. Plus, it’s truly the epitome of using every inch wisely.
When it comes to choosing your furniture for the rest of the room, Wang says to steer clear of overly bulky pieces, which can make the space feel cramped. She also recommends opting for tall (versus wide) dressers or wardrobes with compact footprints to draw the eye upward, which gives the illusion of a larger space and preserves floor space by maximizing vertical height.
Centered Bed with a Desk
Looking to make your small bedroom double as a functional work-from-home space? Try replacing one of your nightstands with a desk. This layout provides an alternative to the bed-in-the-corner option. It’s ideal for those who need both sides of the bed to be accessible or simply prefer a more symmetrical look. The trick here is choosing a small desk that won’t overwhelm the space.
Small Bedroom Layout Issues
Small bedrooms can present numerous spatial and arrangement issues, from the bed taking up most of the room to minimal closet space. Here are a few common small-bedroom layout issues and how to solve them.
The Bed Takes Up Most of the Room
One of the most common problems for small bedrooms — and also the hardest one to solve — is that the bed dominates the space. This is bound to happen — particularly for super-tiny rooms — but a few tips and tricks can help.
As already mentioned, experts generally recommend sticking to queen or full beds in small bedrooms rather than king beds. Wang also recommends being mindful of the amount of furniture you have in the first place. “Embrace the policy that less really is more,” she advises. “Eliminate unnecessary furniture or decor that clutters the room.”
Take that accent chair you’ve had in your bedroom for years: Is it serving a functional purpose besides acting as the resident “clothes chair”? If not, it may be time to let it go, or give it a new home elsewhere.
Combined Bedroom and Work-from-Home Space
Not everyone has the luxury of a separate home office. For some, an already tiny bedroom is the only logical spot for a workspace. While the idea of having a desk and bed in the same space may have you worried about your work/life balance, multifunctional bedroom spaces are more common than you might think and are totally doable.
Generally, you have a few options regarding a bedroom layout with a desk. You can replace a bedside table with a small desk to keep your bed centered and the room as symmetrical as possible (as shown above), or you can push your bed against a side wall or corner and position the desk across from it. Ultimately, the decision will depend on the space’s size — and if you can place that desk in front of a window, even better. The option you choose will come down to the square footage you’re working with and what other pieces and architectural features you’re working around.
No Built-In Closet
Older homes and apartments are charming, but they often don’t have built-in closets (or have very tiny ones), leaving you seriously short on storage space. It also means you may need to accommodate a wardrobe or large dresser in your small bedroom layout. Unfortunately, there’s no easy way to solve this problem unless you own the property and can pull off a major closet renovation. However, some solutions can help.
Consider investing in multi-functional furniture, such as a bed with storage drawers, to optimize every square inch of your space. Swapping a traditional bedside table for a small dresser can also be a good solution. Similarly, don’t forget to take advantage of the vertical space in your small bedroom. You can always use floating shelves for storage, or mount a clothing rack to the wall, which frees up floor space. If a wardrobe or extra dresser is required, consider a layout where the bed is pushed against a wall or corner.
Studio Apartment with Open-Plan Layout
For organizing the sleeping area of a studio apartment, first start with mapping out the placement of the bed. Then, consider whether you want to use furniture or decor to designate a defined “bedroom” area. While it can be a great way to create some division between sleeping and living areas in a studio, this layout is best suited to larger studio apartments (say, 400+ square feet). When in doubt, a curtain or room divider works well for adding some privacy regardless of the size of your space.
Further Reading
I Tried the 90/90 Rule and My Closet Is Now Fully Decluttered
We Asked 8 Pro Travelers What They Never Pack in Their Carry-On, and Here’s What They Said
