7 of the Smartest Ways to Lay Out a Small Bedroom

By
Ashley Knierim
Ashley Knierim
Ashley Knierim

Ashley Knierim has over a decade of experience in writing, editing, and content strategy. She held positions at Time Magazine, AOL, and JPMorgan Chase. She is also a home décor and DIY enthusiast who spends her free time decorating (and redecorating) her home.

MyDomaine's Editorial Guidelines
Updated on May 12, 2021
small bedroom

Black and Blooms

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.

01 of 07

Best Layout for a King

bedroom layout

MyDomaine/Ellen Lindner

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.

02 of 07

Best Layout for a Queen

bedroom layout

MyDomaine/Ellen Lindner

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.

03 of 07

Best Layout for a Full Bed

bedroom layout

MyDomaine/Ellen Lindner

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.

04 of 07

Best Layout for a Full Bed With Storage Space

bedroom layout

MyDomaine/Ellen Lindner

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"

05 of 07

Best Layout for Two Twin Beds

bedroom layout

MyDomaine/Ellen Lindner

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."

06 of 07

Best Layout for Two Twin Beds With Storage Space

bedroom layout

MyDomaine/Ellen Lindner

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.

07 of 07

Best Layout for a Lofted Bed

bedroom layout

MyDomaine/Ellen Lindner

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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