Bed for small bedrooms
Bed Beds for Small Spaces
No Space Too Small is a column by Laura Fenton that celebrates the idea that you can live well in a small home. Each month, Laura will share her practical findings from years of observing how people live in tight spaces, and her own everyday experiences of living small—from the hunt for the perfect tiny desk to how to manage everyday clutter.
Quick: Where will you find the biggest small-space win? In the kitchen? A closet system? Some genius home-office hack? Take a look around your home—whether that’s a studio apartment or a luxe four-bedroom—and ask yourself: What piece of furnishing takes up the most real estate within your four walls?
Unless you’re sleeping on a cot, the answer is your bed. As of January 2022, Manhattan real estate cost an average of $1,612 per square foot, which means that here in my city, one borough away, the 28 square feet of space needed for a full-size bed is worth more than $45,000! A queen? More than $53,000. A king? $68,000.
When I wrote about small bedrooms in No Space Too Small before, I gave advice for everything but the bed. However, if budget allows, I do advocate for investing in a bed that makes the best use of the space it takes up, like a Murphy bed, a storage bed, or bunks. (In fact, I’m so passionate about the importance of beds in small spaces, that I’ve written a whole book about creative sleeping spots, The Bunk Bed Book.)
Here are five types of smart beds for small spaces—and tips for how you might use them:
From Our Shop
Photo by Weston WellsBeds with drawers
A bed frame with built-in drawers is a great way to put your sleeping space to use. In my own apartment, I have a wooden captain’s bed with six drawers built into the frame, which allows my husband and I to store all our folded clothing right in our tiny bedroom without the need for a chest of drawers. Storage beds are also great for guest rooms because you can store the room’s linens in the drawers and leave your guests the bureau drawers to use.
In a kid’s room, a bed with drawers can store toys. In fact, we recently swapped out our son’s basic IKEA bed for a twin-size storage bed with three big drawers, so we could stash his toys more neatly under the bed.
Lift-up storage beds
A mattress frame with a lift-up design and storage beneath, like IKEA’s Malm storage bed, is another hardworking storage option. However, you need to know that this style is more practical for storing things you only need to access occasionally—and not your everyday wardrobe. I’ve personally never had one of these, but one of the homeowners from my first book did (she had all her holiday decorations—even the tree!—stashed in hers), as did my sister’s long-ago roommate (she kept her out-of-season clothes and luggage beneath hers).
Photo by Erin Boyle Photo by White ArrowBunk Beds
If you have multiple children and limited bedrooms, bunk beds are a time-tested solution (and a topic I explore in depth in my new book).
These days, bunk beds come in all sizes, like twin-over-full models or an L-shaped triple, so there’s a design to meet every family’s needs. Not only do bunks save space and give kids more room to play, there’s something about being enclosed that just feels comforting. Again and again when I interviewed families for my book, parents would tell me that their children used their bunks as a place to retreat. Bunk beds are also fun. With the help of a child’s imagination, a bunk quickly becomes a house, a fort, a sailing ship, and more.
Loft beds
If you have generous ceiling height, as my first New York City apartment did, a loft can get you two “rooms” into the space of one. I snuck bookshelves and a desk beneath the loft bed in my long-ago bedroom. If you’re building your own loft, don’t feel constrained by the sizes that mattresses come in. My loft was an awkward size, but instead of sleeping on a smaller twin mattress, I had a foam mattress cut to somewhere in between a twin and a full, and just tucked a full fitted sheet in beneath it to make the bed.
Some practical consideration: A loft bed should have at least 52 inches of height below to sit comfortably at a desk and a minimum of 68 inches to stand. Above, you’ll want 30 inches from the top of the mattress to the ceiling to give you space to sit up comfortably.
Wall beds
Also known as Murphy beds, wall beds are a godsend for small spaces. In my early twenties, I invested in a Murphy bed for a 225-square-foot studio. With the foldaway bed I had both a living space and a sleeping space in my single room. Murphy beds are also handy for families looking to stay in a beloved home after the arrival of children. My sister and her husband spent three years sleeping on one in their one-bedroom apartment’s living room, giving their kids the bedroom. And my pal Alison Mazurek, of 600 Sq Ft and a Baby, made it seven years (!) in her one bedroom thanks to a queen Murphy bed in the living room and Murphy bunk beds in her kids’ room.
Murphy beds are often an investment at a thousand dollars or more but, remind yourself, they are a tiny fraction of the cost of a larger home.
In the meantime, trick out your current bed
A new bed may be something to consider for the future, but in the meantime, consider upgrading the storage beneath your current bed. Room & Board makes high-quality rolling drawers that are designed to go beneath their own beds, but if you have the right height, can fit under any old bed. The Laundress sells a 100-percent cotton canvas under-the-bed storage bag that I also like. I’m generally not a fan of anything with an open top under a bed (hello, dust!), but we used the Container Store’s wooden bins to stash toys beneath my son’s bed before upgrading to a proper storage bed. If you can’t quite squeeze anything below your bed, you might be able to lift it up on risers to make room for storage. You could even add a storage headboard to an existing bed that lacks a headboard.
One last thing! Remember how your bed is taking up the most space in your home? It’s also taking up the most visual space. How you dress your bed will have a big impact on how your room feels. If you don’t already, get in the habit of making your bed every day—and do it with care! Your bedroom will instantly feel more polished with a freshly made bed, and one study even suggested that people who make their beds regularly also get a good night’s sleep more often than those who do not.
Which of these small-space bed solutions would you consider? Tell us in the comments.
This post contains products independently chosen (and loved) by our editors and writers. As an Amazon Associate, Food52 earns an affiliate commission on qualifying purchases of the products we link to.
How to find the perfect bed for your small space |
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Paul Massey)
It's not often that every room in the house is blessed with seemingly endless space. But, there's no need to worry, as beds for small rooms can really optimize the area that you do have, helping to make it work harder for you.
When reconfiguring a small bedroom, forward planning is essential to ensure your furniture and decor really maximizes every inch of available space.
Beds for small rooms
From under-bed storage to bunk beds and built-in bespoke options, we've asked the experts to shed light on the best bed ideas – and beds for small rooms below.
1. Forget the footboard
(Image credit: Paul Massey)
A footboard is a nice addition for larger, grander bedrooms, but can feel bulky when it comes to small bedroom ideas, taking up all-important space.
Lucy St George, Co-founder of Rockett St George , says: 'When choosing a bed for a small room, do not get a bed with a footboard, it will overpower the space and make it harder to move around the room.
'
(Image credit: Elicyon)
'Just because you should eschew the footboard doesn't mean you can't embrace statement headboard ideas,' says Lucy St George.
'Think of a stylish hotel you’ve stayed in and how they’ve worked the bed to be a stunning feature but also space-efficient within the room (Kit Kemp's Firmdale Hotels offer marvellous inspiration).
'Beds for small rooms with a striking headboard can be a great replacement for above the bed decor, especially if you are in a rented property. Don’t be afraid to be playful with shape. A headboard can be used to become the centerpiece of your space.'
Note the mirror behind the table lamp in this bedroom, too – it's a great way to enhance space and reflect light.
3. Choose a low headboard for awkward spaces
(Image credit: Sims Hilditch)
There are a couple of situations when a statement headboard may not work as small room bed ideas. If your bed is going under a window or is in an attic room with a unique configuration, it's best to opt for a lower headboard.
Louise Wicksteed, design director at Sims Hilditch , says: 'Opting for a bed with a low headboard in an attic room, or a room with a low ceiling, can stop the bed taking over the room.
'This is a particularly good idea if placing a bed below a window as it avoids blocking the much-needed natural light.'
4. Consider bunk beds for a guest room
(Image credit: Sims Hilditch)
Loft bed ideas are an obvious choice for kids' room ideas, but they can be a practical – and stylish – option for a small guest room, too.
If you're a regular host and want to be able to offer accommodation to friends, it's an easy way to fit more people in.
Louise Wicksteed says: 'Bunk beds can be a great option. Storage can be in-built underneath the base of the lower bunk, or even hidden beneath the steps.'
5. Say yes to a sofa bed
(Image credit: Darlings of Chelsea)
If you have a space-starved room that needs to be multifunctional, a sofa bed or sleeper sofa is a practical solution.
Interior designer Susie Atkinson says: 'A sofa bed is the perfect choice for a small space. Consider investing in a bespoke design to elevate the look and tailor it perfectly to the room.' A Chesterfield-style choice is always an elegant and stylish option.
6. Keep clutter at bay with an ottoman bed
(Image credit: sofa.com)
Space is at a premium in small rooms, so investing in an ottoman bed – where the mattress lifts up to reveal a large storage space underneath – is a worthwhile investment and a good small bedroom storage idea.
A cluttered room – think burgeoning mounds of laundry – is not conducive to a good night's sleep, and an ottoman bed offers the perfect spot for storing spare bed linen, books or bulky clothing.
Wayfair ’s Resident Style Advisor, Nadia McCowan Hill, says: 'A hidden storage ottoman bed is ideal for storing clutter or items that aren’t used on a daily basis, but can still be on trend with varied upholstered options with luxe patterned or textured headboards.
'
7. Put a platform bed in place
(Image credit: Rust Collections)
'If natural and simple interiors are more your thing, incorporate a simple wooden platform bed into your scheme,' suggests Nadia. 'Its modest frame and understated design won’t overpower your space and is the perfect backdrop for more expressive decor options, such as bold bedding, colorful cushions and smart bedside lighting for the darker months.'
Alternatively, you can work an earthy look and accessorize with sustainable, natural linens for a tranquil space. If the room is really small and doesn't have space for a bedside table, a platform bed also offers a ledge to pop your morning coffee or night-time reading materials.
8. Invest in a bed with integrated drawers
(Image credit: Mel Yates)
When space is at a premium, the area under your bed should be highly prized. Instead of creating a mess underneath your sleeping station by carelessly hiding items there, ensure it looks clean and tidy by investing in a bed with integrated drawers.
Many double beds come with two drawers on each side, providing the perfect place for extra bedroom storage. And, if you don't like the look of the drawers, you can always add a valance for extra chic.
9. Opt for a bespoke built-in bed
(Image credit: Future / Carolyn Barber)
Make the most of every inch of space by employing a professional to create a bespoke bed that fits like a glove.
Ensure the bed is as functional and practical as possible, and consider adding under-bed storage to declutter and keep all your bedroom belongings organised. A little wall-mounted reading light is a great finishing touch that means you can stay engrossed in your latest novel without needing to take up all-important room with a bedside table and lamp.
What is the best bed for a small room?
The best bed is one that will easily fit into your bedroom – and won't encroach on comfort.
If your bedroom is on the small side, a single bed may be the only option when considering bed ideas.
But if possible, a double bed will provide much needed comfort and coziness, especially in a guest bedroom.
Ruth Doherty is an experienced digital writer and editor specializing in interiors, travel and lifestyle. With 20 years of writing for national sites under her belt, she’s worked for the likes of Livingetc.com, Standard, Ideal Home, Stylist and Marie Claire as well as Homes & Gardens.
Choosing a bed for a small bedroom: photo selection
A bed in a small bedroom must be functional
A bed in a small bedroom must be more than just a place to sleep. After all, in many cases we are talking about a room in which it is impossible to put a full-fledged wardrobe, chest of drawers or a desk. But, as a rule, residents of small apartments are forced to use the space at their disposal for recreation, work, and for receiving guests, no matter how compact it may be. nine0003
And then the only way to make such a living environment comfortable is to purchase furniture of a special design, and then there are plenty to choose from.
Folding, pull-out, lifting or simply located on the mezzanine level - all these beds serve the same purpose: saving square meters.
Whichever model or configuration you choose, remember that the investment in such things is usually significant, but they will definitely pay off in the shortest possible time. So, here is our collection, which contains a lot of amazing things. nine0003
1 This bed turns into a desk when raised.
Design: Clei
2 The next photo is of a custom-built built-in bed that makes good use of space by providing plenty of storage space.
Design: INT2
Design: INT2 - photo 2
3 Quite an unusual pull-out bed with a low built-in wardrobe.
Design: Dielle
4 This bed was specially designed for a university student residence.
During the day it is used as a desk.
Design: Nano Suites
5 A sofa with a seat that doubles as a sleeping bag, perfect for studio dwellers.
Design: Stephanie Hörnig
6 The mezzanine bed provides the widest range of possibilities for efficient use of space. The incredibly stylish design shown in the photo was designed specifically for new parents who needed to find a place for their newborn baby's crib. nine0003
Design: L. McComber
7 This is another bed that slides up and down inside a special compartment. But she has an important advantage over many similar ones: the presence of a folding table attached to the bottom surface of the frame.
Design: Clei
8 By the way, you can make your own platform bed with storage compartments.
To do this, you will need boards and some cabinets from IKEA.
Design: Chris Hyder
9 A sofa that turns into a bed will not surprise anyone. What can not be said about the sofa, which turns into a bunk bed.
Design: Clei
10 If you have the opportunity to build a full-fledged platform in your apartment, you should definitely use it. Then it will not be difficult for you to install a pull-out double bed.
Design: Marc Baillard and Julie Nabouset
11 The table, which can be used as a desk or as a dining table, turns over to become a very comfortable bed. nine0003
Design: Bless
12 This kind of lifting bed requires a rather complicated and very expensive mechanism, but it's worth it.
Design: YO!
13 Built-in bunk bed that occupies the entire wall, from floor to ceiling and from corner to corner, does not look bulky at all, despite its comfort and functionality.
Design: INT2
Have you already chosen the right option for you?
Categories: Small bedroom interiorPlaces: Bed decoration • Folding furniture
You may also like
For a century, the bunk bed in the bedroom has been popular with large families...
Arrangement of a small bedroom - and we are talking about a bedroom that barely exceeds in size ...
Depending on your choice, bedroom furniture can create a completely different...
Making a small bedroom is not an easy task, you always want to harmoniously weave...
Elegant design of a small bedroom, at first glance, seems like an insoluble problem. I want ...
The lack of square meters makes it necessary to look for places to store and place various things everywhere ...
which one to choose and how to put
Bed for a small bedroom: what to choose and how to put
The bed is the most bulky furniture: the double bed easily eats up 4 square meters of space.
Such a luxury seems unaffordable to the owners of small bedrooms and they begin to think about sparing options, looking at a smaller bed or even a folding sofa instead of it. Look at it differently and choose a bed that will not only provide you with a comfortable sleep, but replace other furniture. nine0003
Here are the main tips and nuances that you should consider when choosing a bed for a small bedroom (and small bedrooms, unfortunately, are found not only in Khrushchevs):
Don't skimp on sleep quality. When choosing a bed for a small bedroom, you should take care of yourself first of all. At the disposal of your body should be the best possible conditions for recuperation during sleep. Don't skimp on bed size by trying to win space for bedside tables and cabinets. A 180 cm wide double bed may not fit in a small bedroom, but a 160 cm wide one is fine. Is the bedroom for one person? All the same, you should not turn the bedroom into a compartment of a railway car. Sleeping on the so-called one and a half bed 140 cm wide is much more convenient than on a tiny sofa.
nine0003
· Choose a low bed. For a small bedroom, choose a bed without legs: firstly, the lower the bed, the higher the ceilings in the room seem; secondly, a bed without legs saves space - and not only visually.
Take a bed that will replace your closet and pantry. There will always be things in the house that you use infrequently - Christmas decorations, travel bags, out-of-season clothes. If you take a bed with a lifting mechanism or drawers, you can easily hide all this under it. If you prefer the option with drawers, when ordering such a bed, make sure that there is enough space in your small bedroom for the drawers to slide out freely. There are also beds, headboards, which are bedside tables - convenient and functional! This bed can be made to order, taking into account all the needs of your bedroom. nine0003
· You need a fixed bed. A hidden bed that turns into part of a closet for the day or even rises to the ceiling is a fairly common tip for arranging a small apartment.
However, such a disappearing bed is only appropriate as a guest bed. Or if we are talking about a one-room apartment. If you already have a bedroom, save your time and energy on daily manipulations with a transforming bed. Let the bed wait for you in the bedroom on the evening of a hard day, and not wait for you to remove it from the wall. nine0003
Leave room for movement in the bedroom. As much as you love spacious beds, for a small bedroom try to choose one that doesn't take up the full width of the room: you end up having to make the bed and climb onto the bed somehow. But compromises are possible here too. Close to the wall (or window) can be not only the headboard, but also one of the sidewalls of the bed. True, if the bed is double, you will have to make sure that the free space remains at the feet, otherwise the partner will have to make his way through the sleeper to the place under the wall. There should be at least 70 cm between the wall and the free edge of the bed (ideally - 90-100): so you can easily move around, change bedding, sit on the bed.
