Furnishing a small bedroom into a functional and aesthetic space is often a real challenge. When you have less than 11 m², every square centimeter counts! That's why we love sharing our tips forarrangement of a small bedroom that combine practicality and charm. A bedroom, even a tiny one, can become a real cocoon where you will feel perfectly at ease. At The Colonial House, we've experimented with many solutions to optimize these tight spaces. Our approach is based on three key pillars: facilitating circulation, maximizing storage, and careful decoration. Here are our tips for arranging a small bedroom and optimizing the space in this restful space.
Our article in brief:
Small bedrooms of less than 11 m² can become functional and aesthetic spaces thanks to targeted design tips. Here are some tips for optimizing the'arrangement of a small bedroom' :
- Exploiting verticality : shelves up to the ceiling, wall lights and suspended desks free up floor space
- Choosing suitable furniture : favor furniture with thin feet and multifunctional solutions such as beds with integrated storage
- Optimize light : favor light tones, multiply light sources and use mirrors to create an impression of space
- Arrange every corner of your small bedroom : transform corners and sloping spaces into functional storage areas
In this article
Smartly organize your small bedroom space
Maximizing the potential of walls in your layout
Walls are a precious resource in a small bedroom. This is the element you need to play with in this space! We recommend installing wall-mounted storage units that extend all the way to the ceiling to take advantage of all the available height. Wall-mounted shelves offer a stylish alternative to traditional bedside tables, freeing up floor space for circulation. You can also opt for a suspended desk in a corner If you need a work area, it's the perfect solution for small bedrooms that also serve as an office space.
Wall sconces are also a great option for freeing up horizontal surfaces. These fixtures add a decorative touch while providing targeted lighting, perfect for reading in bed. Don't hesitate to explore the possibilities of multifunctional wall panels which combine storage, decoration and sometimes even integrated lighting.
Optimize every corner of your small bedroom
In a small bedroom, corners often go unused. We've found corner shelves are a clever solution for transforming these dead spaces into practical storage areas. Compact dressers placed in corners also maximize available space without impeding circulation.
For the small attic rooms, the space under the slope becomes a major asset with custom-made storage. These solutions perfectly match the lines of the roof and transform a seemingly restrictive space into an efficient storage area. One tip we particularly like: installing a jade tree in a room near a bright corner brings a natural touch while maximizing the use of space.
Don't forget the door! The back of the door can accommodate a stylish coat rack or a hanging storage system for everyday accessories.
Favor innovative vertical solutions
THE mezzanine bed is undoubtedly the most radical solution to save floor space and maximize your space in the layout of a small bedroom of 9m2, 10m2 or 11m2By raising your sleeping area, you free up an entire area below that can accommodate a desk, storage, or even a small living room. This option is particularly suitable for small rooms with good ceiling height.
A platform is also an equally effective alternative for optimizing your space. It creates additional storage space under the bed while visually delineating the sleeping area. For studios, we often recommend installing a lightweight glass wall that separates the spaces without blocking the light. It's an architectural detail that adds character while preserving the flow of the room.
Optimizing the choice and placement of furniture in a small bedroom
How to position the bed correctly to create a small bedroom
The bed is of course the central element around which everything revolves. the layout of a small bedroomIts position directly influences circulation and the impression of space. We generally recommend placing it against a wall to create a bench effect that frees up circulation space. In a particularly cramped bedroom, positioning the bed at the end of the room allows for maximum usable space.
Here are some tips for positioning the bed correctly for a optimal small bedroom layout :
| Positioning your bed in the bedroom | Benefits | Potential Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Against a wall | Space saving, cozy effect | Access limited to one side only |
| Near a window | Natural light, exterior view | Check the thermal insulation |
| In a corner | Natural demarcation, privacy | Can complicate changing sheets |
| Center of the room | Access from both sides | Reduces traffic space |
For couples, we recommend facilitating access from both sides of the bed whenever possible. Remember to allow at least 50 cm of clearance (ideally 60-70 cm) around the bed to facilitate daily movement.
Choosing the right furniture for your small bedroom
In a small bedroom, the choice of furniture is crucial. We always favor models with thin legs that clear the floor and create an impression of space and lightness. multifunctional furniture such as beds with integrated storage are an excellent investment. They combine two essential functions without taking up more space.
Pay attention to proportions! Avoid furniture that's too deep or too imposing, which can quickly overwhelm a small room. Similarly, we advise against beds with bulky integrated headboards, which unnecessarily increase the space. Opt for a simple bed base with a minimalist frame or create your own lightweight headboard mounted on the wall.
Use portable and adaptable furniture
Easily movable furniture allows you to regularly reinvent the layout of your small bedroom. An extendable or folding desk transforms into a console table when you don't need it. Lightweight side tables move around according to your activities, while storage ottomans provide both extra seating and storage space.
These portable elements allow you to adapt your room to different uses throughout the day:
- sleeping space
- desk
- reading corner
- meditation space.
Flexibility becomes your best ally when every square meter counts!
Create a bright and visually spacious atmosphere
Furnish the bedroom by playing with colors and materials
Light tones visually enlarge the space. This is a fundamental principle that we systematically apply in small bedrooms. White, pastel shades, or sand hues create a feeling of openness and lightness. To avoid monotony, you can dare to use a deeper color on a single wall, creating relief without overwhelming the room.
- Ideal palette for small bedrooms : off-white, soft beige, sage green, pale blue, powder pink
- Recommended materials : light wood, rattan, natural linen, cotton, natural fibers
THE Scandinavian style, with its clean and bright approach, is particularly well suited to small spaces. Its simple lines and natural materials create a atmosphere that is both soothing and visually clear, perfect for a modern and elegant colonial bedroom small in size.
Play with light to transform your space
Light plays a vital role in the perception of space. We always recommend maximizing natural light by keeping windows free of obstructions. For curtains, opt for floor-to-ceiling styles—they visually enlarge the window and create a sense of height.
Multiply your lighting sources to avoid shadows that visually shrink the room. A central pendant light, complemented by wall sconces and a few accent lamps, allows you to adjust the ambiance according to the time of day. Mirrors, strategically placed to reflect natural or artificial light, are our essential allies for creating the impression of a larger space.
Here are all our tips for playing with light and enlarging the perceived space:
- Position a large mirror facing the window to maximize brightness
- Choose dimmer lights to adapt the ambiance to each moment
- Install fairy lights for a soft and enveloping atmosphere
- Use warm light bulbs for a cozy effect.
Furnishing a small bedroom also involves strategic decorative touches
In a small bedroom, every decorative element must be chosen carefully. We like to add warmth with a few well-chosen textiles: a soft rug underfoot, a few cushions on the bed, and a natural-material throw are enough to create a welcoming atmosphere without cluttering the space.
Fairy lights add a poetic touch while diffusing a soft glow perfect for cozy evenings. To adjust the ambiance according to your activities, we recommend installing lights with dimmer switches—they're ideal for reading and relaxing.
The secret to a successful small bedroom lies in moderation: a few carefully chosen decorative objects rather than a pile of them that would create a visual clutter. Each element must have its place and, ideally, combine aesthetics and functionality for a perfectly harmonious and personalized space.
