Dealing with a small bedroom can often feel like a perplexing puzzle. If I move my desk, then I have to move the bed, but if I move the bed, then it blocks the window . . . and on and on. Can you relate?
If your bedroom is a little bit cramped and you’re concerned about making the most of a less-than-grand space, don’t worry! With a little bit of strategy and creative thinking, your compact space can be transformed into a functional, stylish, and even inviting area.
We’ll be straight-up with you (because that’s how we roll at New Era Homes): There’s no substitute for space. As semi-custom homebuilders, every floorplan we offer includes spacious bedrooms. Still, we realize that most of us demand a lot out of our bedrooms, and we could all use some space-saving instruction.
Here are our 15 tips to get the most out of your small bedroom
If you’re ready to make the most out of what you’ve got, then we’ve curated this innovative, practical list of 15 tips just for you. Pick one and run with it, or try them all over time. Either way, we’re sure you can’t go wrong with these space-saving suggestions.
1. Utilize under-bed storage.
If the space under your bed is nothing more than a habitat for dust bunnies or a hiding spot for your feline, you’re missing out on a lot of untapped storage potential. By incorporating storage boxes or drawers, you can effectively reclaim the under-bed space to store out-of-season clothing, spare bedding, or even books, and anything else you might want to keep on hand but don’t have the space for elsewhere.
Pro space-saving tip: Look for storage solutions with wheels for easy sliding, and use dividers to keep everything organized if you opt for larger pull-out drawers.
2. Try footboard storage.
If you’re in the market for a new bed, consider one with built-in storage. Built-in drawers in the footboard (and sometimes the sides too!) can help you create extra space for blankets, pillows, shoes, and more.
If you don’t have built-in storage, you can always opt for a separate bench that you can place at the foot of the bed. Not only will you add a comfy, convenient seat to your bedroom, but you’ll also open up storage possibilities with the bench cavity. Just pop the lid and dump your stuff!
3. Embrace the miracle of a Murphy bed.
This advanced tip may not be the most practical for the average space-maximizer. But if you are seriously committed to doing whatever it takes to make the most of your bedroom, then a Murphy bed might be for you.
Just like the name suggests (insert eye roll here), Murphy beds fold up into the wall when not in use. That’s a space-saving miracle if we’ve ever heard of one. Imagine if your bed just disappeared into the wall whenever you wanted a little bit of extra space!
4. Opt for vertical storage over horizontal.
There’s a reason big cities build up and not out. Try the same in your bedroom for more storage with a smaller footprint. Tall bookcases and floating shelves allow you to take advantage of wall space without taking up more room on the floor. Bookcases aren’t just for stacking books either! Try stringing some lights or adding photos and other decorative items to your shelves to make your space your own.
5. Rearrange to create roominess.
Rearranging furniture can have a significant impact on the perception of space. You can’t create space out of thin air, of course, but sometimes perception is reality. Experiment with different layouts to find the most space-efficient arrangement.
Pro space-saving tip: Try placing your bed in a corner to free up more floor area. While access to the bed is inhibited on one side, you may find the tradeoff well worth the additional space in your bedroom.
6. Illuminate for a larger look.
Good lighting can dramatically improve the feel and aesthetic of a room. Use a combination of overhead lights and task lighting to brighten up the room and create an illusion of space. Mirrored or metallic lamp bases can also help reflect light around the room.
7. Decorate with discretion.
Decorating choices can dramatically impact how spacious a room feels. You don’t have to go full-on Marie Kondo minimalism, but try to be prudent with your interior design. Opt for minimal, strategically placed to avoid a cluttered look. Use wall art and other decorative items sparingly and thoughtfully. An open, light appearance — as opposed to a cluttered, dense look — can go a long way in helping your bedroom appear spacious.
8. Pick practical bedding.
Believe it or not, bedding can influence the perception of space in a bedroom. Kinda like your decorating decisions, choosing simple over busy and light-colored over dark can help improve the perception of space. And we’re not trying to be (too) aggressive here but: Do we really need all those throw pillows? Anything you can do to lighten up the bedding will contribute to an overall feel of lightness and spaciousness in your bedroom.
9. Paint with a lighter palette.
Light colors reflect more light. More light, whether from windows or lamps, will cause your room to feel open and airy. Consider painting your walls in light hues, such as pastels, neutrals, or whites to visually expand your space.
10. Give transparent a chance.
By avoiding visual clutter, transparent furniture made of materials like glass or acrylic can give the illusion of more space in the bedroom. A clear glass side table or chair can be both functional and unobtrusive.
11. Replace closet doors with curtains.
Replacing traditional closet doors with curtains can save space and add a softer, more flexible element to your room. Curtains can easily be drawn aside, providing better access to the closet while also freeing up the space required for door clearance.
Pro space-saving tip: Only remove your closet doors if you have a convenient place to store them elsewhere. You don’t want to remove them from your bedroom only to create storage problems elsewhere.
12. Make spaces multi-functional.
So far, we’ve been all about maximizing bedroom space. However, if you can save space elsewhere in your home, you may be able to transfer some functions out of your bedroom and into other areas of your home. For example, if your room includes a workspace, you may want to consider whether you can identify a desk area elsewhere in your home. Eliminating the need for a bedroom workspace will give you more breathing room and help clear up any clutter.
13. Select a smaller, multi-tier nightstand.
Opting for a compact nightstand with several levels offers extra storage space without occupying a lot of floor space. Finding a convenient home for all your nighttime essentials isn’t always easy, but making the most of a nightstand with some cute storage boxes can help you reduce clutter elsewhere in your room.
14. Add mirrors.
Mirrors aren’t just for helping you look your best; they can make your room look better too! Consider placing a large mirror opposite a window to reflect natural light and outdoor views. You can also try placing mirrors on closet doors to create a lot more visual space. With good lighting and a lighter color palette, your room will reflect space and become instantly more inviting.
15. Go floor-to-ceiling with curtains.
Long curtains that extend from the ceiling to the floor can make the ceilings appear higher. The right curtain choice can also give your room an elegant, sophisticated look. You can also play with textures and colors to enhance your bedroom’s overall aesthetic.
Your Bedroom, Your Sanctuary
Your bedroom shouldn’t just be a place where you crash at night. Your bedroom ought to be your sanctuary — a safe space where you feel most at home, most comfortable, and whole. If your bedroom’s not quite where you want it to be yet, that’s okay! Try a few of these tips and take a step. You don’t have to overwhelm yourself with a major overhaul all at once. Choose one of the tips you might be able to tackle this weekend and go from there.
Your space at your pace for your wellness.
At New Era Homes, we aim to build homes that perfectly align with our clients’ needs and desires. We offer a variety of floorplans to accommodate a wide range of preferences. Let New Era Homes build you a gorgeous, semi-custom home in Central Oregon so that you’ll never run out of space again.
