Small bedroom ideas: furniture that makes the most of the space
A small bedroom has to fit a bed, storage and room to move. The right furniture choices can make it feel bigger and work much harder, without a full redesign.
Start with the bed
The bed is the biggest piece in the room, so get it right first.
- Pick the right size. A small double (120 x 190cm) gives a single sleeper plenty of room in a smaller footprint than a double. See double vs king if you're deciding between larger sizes.
- Use the space underneath. An ottoman or storage bed can hold bedding, suitcases and out-of-season clothes, replacing a chest or blanket box. Our guide to ottoman vs storage beds helps you choose: side-lift ottomans suit rooms where the foot of the bed is close to a wall.
- Think about the frame. Bulky footboards and wide frames eat into floor space. A slimmer frame or one without a footboard keeps the room feeling open.
Plan the layout
- Push the bed against a wall only if one sleeper is happy climbing in from one side; couples usually need access from both sides.
- Keep the route from the door to the window clear.
- Measure before you buy anything, and mark footprints on the floor with masking tape.
- Check door swing for wardrobes and the space drawers need to open.
Storage that fits
- Go tall rather than wide. A tall chest of drawers uses wall height instead of floor space.
- Wardrobes with drawers inside can replace two pieces. See our wardrobe checklist.
- Sliding doors don't need swing space, useful where the bed is close to the wardrobe.
- Bedside tables with drawers keep clutter off the surface. Check our bedside table guide for sizes.
- Fix tall furniture to the wall with the fittings supplied.
Make it feel bigger
- Light colours on walls and large furniture reflect light. White furniture can help a north-facing room feel brighter.
- A large mirror bounces light around and makes the room feel deeper. Browse mirrors.
- Raised legs on furniture show more floor, which reads as more space.
- Wall lights or a pendant free up bedside surfaces.
- Keep surfaces clear: a small room shows clutter quickly, so give everything a home.
Soft furnishings
A rug under the lower part of the bed softens the room and defines the sleeping area. In a small room, a rug that extends a little beyond the sides of the bed looks generous without crowding. Our rug size guide explains placements.
Multi-purpose pieces
- A dressing table can double as a desk.
- A storage footstool or blanket box at the foot of the bed holds throws and adds a seat.
- A sofa bed or guest bed turns a small study into an occasional bedroom.
Common small-bedroom mistakes
- Buying a bed by mattress size alone and forgetting the frame and headboard add to the footprint.
- Choosing a wardrobe with hinged doors that can't open fully past the bed.
- Using lots of small pieces of furniture instead of one or two that store more.
- A rug that's too small, which can make the room feel bitty.
Shop ottoman and storage beds
Frequently asked questions
What size bed is best for a small bedroom?
For one sleeper, a single or small double (120 x 190cm) leaves the most floor space. Couples usually need at least a double, ideally with storage underneath.
How can I add storage to a small bedroom?
Use the space under the bed with an ottoman or drawer bed, choose tall rather than wide furniture, and pick a wardrobe with drawers inside.