7 of the Smartest Ways to Lay Out a Small Bedroom (2024)

Your bedroom should be your oasis, a place you feel relaxed and at home. But not all of us are lucky enough to have a sprawling room to retire to every night, and sometimes it can feel nearly impossible to fit everything you need into a small bedroom.

The good news is that with the right layout, you can make even the smallest, city-sized bedrooms feel luxurious without sacrificing your must-haves. To help, we enlisted the help of interior designer, Ashley Montgomery, to come up with the best layouts no matter your needs.

Meet the Expert

Ashley Montgomery is a Toronto-based interior designer with over 10 years of experience in the industry. Ashley holds a BA in hospitality and an interior design degree.

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Best Layout for a King

7 of the Smartest Ways to Lay Out a Small Bedroom (1)

The Layout:This layout is perfect for anyone who prioritizes a big, comfortable bed. By placing the bed against the back wall or even under a window, you can leave space for closet doors.

The Bed:In a small bedroom, you want to ensure your bed does not block pathways or doors so ensure you have enough space on all sides of the bed to easily get in and out. By having the closet doors open toward the bottom of your bed, you get the best flow.

The Extras:Depending on the size of your small bedroom, place a dresser on the wall nearest the closet or opt for a bench at the end of the bed. Either way, a king bed doesn't mean you have to sacrifice storage.

Try to ensure you leave plenty of space to walk around both sides of the bed, especially if you're a couple.

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Best Layout for a Queen

7 of the Smartest Ways to Lay Out a Small Bedroom (2)

The Layout:A queen bed is a perfect size for many small bedrooms: It's big enough to feel luxurious, but not overwhelming. This layout offers enough room to place the bed parallel with a closet.

The Bed: In this layout, the queen bed is flanked by two small nightstands and capped by a long dresser. Depending on the size of your room, you may need to opt for a smaller dresser or even floating shelves as nightstands.

The Extras:Use the furthest corner for a little reading nook or a small desk for a more functional space. Add an area rug for more coziness.

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Best Layout for a Full Bed

7 of the Smartest Ways to Lay Out a Small Bedroom (3)

The Layout:A single person with a full bed can create a more versatile bedroom space by placing the bed in the upper corner against one wall. This allows for an oversized dresser or a bookcase to act as a nightstand and provide more storage space.

The Bed: While you could opt to float the full bed if you have the room, pushing the bed against the wall is a better use of the space for a single person. It allows for just one point of entry, but more workable wall area for storage or desk space.

The Extras:The wall opposite the bed can be used for a desk and a little reading nook, or more storage space in the form of a smaller dresser.

04of 07

Best Layout for a Full Bed With Storage Space

The Layout:This layout is another one that works best with a full bed, but is ideal for anyone who needs extra storage space, especially if you're burdened with small closets.

The Bed: Place on the wall directly opposite the closet and opt for a storage bench at the bottom of the bed. This opens up an entire wall for a long dresser, bookshelf, or desk.

The Extras:A round nightstand is a great way to break up the space and soften the edges with all of the furniture in this layout. "Texture and layers always help make a bedroom feel cozier," says Montgomery. "We love to layer rugs in bedrooms by using a simple sisal to ground the space and something cozy layered on top that your feet touch first when getting out of bed"

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Best Layout for Two Twin Beds

7 of the Smartest Ways to Lay Out a Small Bedroom (5)

The Layout:Whether in a guest room or a child's room, two twin beds can create a cozy feel in a small bedroom. In this layout, two beds rest opposite one another with a desk between both of them.

The Bed: Place each twin bed against the same wall, ideally the widest one in your room. Leave space only on one side to enter and place a desk or a dresser between them.

The Extras:An area rug between the beds offers additional play space perfect for a kid's room. According to Montgomery, "The most important thing to consider when arranging a room with two twin beds is not to clutter the room with other furniture." She says "you don’t want to have two nightstands per bed - it will just feel like a cluster of furniture."

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Best Layout for Two Twin Beds With Storage Space

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The Layout:This layout for two twin beds is slightly different than the previous, offering more storage space instead of a desk.

The Bed: Both twin beds should be side-by-side with a nightstand between them. The wall directly opposite of the beds can hold a long dresser and each bed could even have a bench at the end for added storage.

The Extras:A plant in the corner is a great way to break up this room and add a bit of visual interest.

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Best Layout for a Lofted Bed

7 of the Smartest Ways to Lay Out a Small Bedroom (7)

The Layout:Perfect for a college student, this layout features a bunk bed set atop a desk for a loft look. Not only does this allow for additional floor space, but it keeps wall space open for more storage or a little reading area.

The Bed: While this particular layout is done with a twin bed, you can opt for a full loft bed which would offer more space in the desk area. Place the bed opposite the closet for the best flow.

The Extras:Place a chair in the corner next to the loft bed for a place to toss clothes and to add texture and softness to the room.

A wall sconce and a small handing shelf next to the bed can be a great alternative to a standard nightstand.

Opt for furniture that isn't heavy so it doesn't overwhelm the space, but instead complements it and works with the flow of the room. Arranging a small bedroom is not always an easy task, but with the right layout, you can create a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.

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7 of the Smartest Ways to Lay Out a Small Bedroom (2024)

FAQs

Where should a bed be placed in a small bedroom? ›

Start by putting your bed frame in the center of the most visible wall. (It's usually the wall facing the doorway.) Putting your bed frame in the center will give your small bedroom layout symmetry so you can make the most of your space. You'll have enough space to jump under the covers from both sides.

How do I get the most space out of my small bedroom? ›

Enhance space by using vertical height. Hang as much as you can on the wall – but don't make it look cluttered – or try building a loft in extremely tall rooms to add an additional storage area . Turn the walls into functional displays. Books, plants, pictures and small decor items are good items for bedroom display.

Where not to place a bed? ›

  1. Keep Your Bed Away From Doors. ...
  2. Don't Set Your Bed Under Windows … ...
  3. Move Your Bed Between Windows. ...
  4. Don't Place Your Bed Against the Bathroom Wall. ...
  5. Center Your Bed on a Solid Wall. ...
  6. Make the Most of an Off-Centered Bed. ...
  7. Let Your Bed Share the Same Wall as Your Door. ...
  8. When You Have To Place the Side of the Bed Against a Wall.
Jan 8, 2024

Should bed be opposite window? ›

It turned out that when people are severely tired, people fall asleep facing eastwards. But those who go to bed in an overexcited state place their heads facing north.” 5. People say: If you have a panoramic view from your window, you need to make use of this and place the bed so it looks toward the window.

How to declutter a small bedroom? ›

7 Pro Tips for Organizing Your Tiny Bedroom
  1. Use Vertical Space. ...
  2. Make Your Storage Space Do Double Duty. ...
  3. Take Advantage of Under-the-Bed Storage. ...
  4. Reconsider How You Use Your Closet. ...
  5. Choose Dual-Purpose Furniture. ...
  6. Only Keep Essentials in the Bedroom. ...
  7. Declutter Your Belongings.
Feb 4, 2022

Should you push your bed against the wall? ›

Safety for Children: For families with young children, placing the bed against the wall can minimize the risk of falls during sleep. It creates a safer sleep environment, especially for active sleepers or when transitioning a child from a crib to a bigger bed.

Should bed go in the corner? ›

Corner placements are usually a good option in smaller rooms, anywhere there isn't enough space for a bed, dresser, and any other furniture you need to fit comfortably in the bedroom. Putting your bed at an angle against the corner is a bolder statement than having one side against the wall.

Where to put a dresser in a small bedroom? ›

To clear more space in the main area of a small bedroom, it makes sense to put the dresser inside the closet. Oftentimes a kid's or guest bedroom has a closet as big as the one in the primary bedroom. This can be a waste of space because visitors rarely fill up a closet, and kids' clothes are often too small to hang.

Which way should a bed face in a bedroom? ›

There is a lack of convincing scientific evidence to say that you should face your bed in a “particular” way or direction. However, as per the ancient Chinese practice, feng shui, you should face your headboard toward the south. The practice also recommends keeping your bed away from doors and windows.

Which position should bed be in bedroom as per feng shui? ›

The best direction for your bed to face, according to feng shui, is south. It's more important to put your bed in the commanding position without directly facing any doors, though.

Should I put my bed against the wall? ›

In feng shui, the headboard is best when securely placed up to a wall. However, it is not desirable to have the three other sides of the bed (left, right, and the foot of the bed) against a wall. For instance, if your bed is set up so that one side is right up against a wall, it makes that side harder to access.

Is a low bed better for a small room? ›

The ideal bed for you will depend on your height, mobility, style, and comfort preferences. Low beds tend to be better for modern designs and small bedrooms while tall beds tend to be better for spacious bedrooms and a range of design styles.

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