Bed for tiny room
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.
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(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.
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(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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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90,000 tips and advice when choosing02/03/2020
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Knowing which bed to choose in a small bedroom can help you ensure quality sleep and daytime comfort.
By following the rules, you will find a place for all the necessary furniture.
Which type and size of bed to choose
Wanting to save space, you should not look towards folding sofas, transforming beds or pull-out niches. Soon you will get tired of laying out and pulling out your bed every day, and it is unlikely that you will be able to fully relax on the couch. It is better to save on other furniture by giving up bedside tables, shelving and a table.
The optimal bed width for two is 180 - 160 cm. If the bedroom is designed for one person, give preference to models with a width of about 140 cm. Sleeping on narrower beds will not be very comfortable. It is advisable to choose multifunctional models equipped with:
- drawers;
- a niche for storing linen;
- headboard-bedside table and other elements.
This will allow you to remove things that you do not use regularly, which means that the closet in the room can be much smaller.
Perhaps in order to install a full-fledged, comfortable bed in a small bedroom, you had to give up the table. In this case, saving storage space with a functional bed, you can pay attention to folding options for work surfaces. It can be unfolded or pulled out of the cabinet during operation. This way you will get all the necessary furniture. You can also use the space under the ceiling to mount hanging shelves and racks. Just do not make them too bulky, so that they do not visually weigh down, reduce the already small room.
Where is the best place to put a bed in a small bedroom
It is better to put a bed for two people with a headboard against the wall so that an approach is provided for each of them. In a small bedroom, this is not always possible. When setting the side of the bed to a wall or window, see if there is enough room for an approach at the legs. Otherwise, one of you will have to constantly wade through a sleeping partner.
Perhaps the footage of your bedroom will allow you to install the bed headboard to the window. In this case, choose low models. For a small room, it is important to save not only extra centimeters, but also a sufficient amount of natural light. The headboard should not be too high. Ideally, when it is not higher than the level of the windowsill. This will allow you to use the space by the window to place bedside lamps and other improvised items.
In many cases, the wall along which the bed is placed can also be used. It can be shallow cabinets, shelving, cabinets and hanging shelves. Many furniture manufacturers offer ready-made kits that implement such solutions. Most of them are furniture for teenage rooms. However, there are options suitable for couples.
Bed for a small children's room
If the child is still small, is in preschool age, a small room is not a serious problem. There is a large selection of furniture for children's bedrooms:
- bunk beds for several children;
- loft beds;
- children's models with a play area;
- transformers for two children, in which the second place is retractable;
- functional models, under the bed of which chests of drawers, cabinets, pull-out tables and more are placed.
Thanks to a wide selection, you will always find the best option that suits your size and price. The main thing when choosing such furniture is to decide in advance which wall it will be installed on: on the left or on the right. Not all models are universal. Give preference to modular furniture. It is easy to rearrange, add or remove unnecessary items.
Bedroom Country
Guest room furniture
If you have a small room in your house, you should not think about what to make of it: a guest bedroom, an office or a play area. All this can be combined if you choose special furniture. There are models in which the bed rises to the ceiling or is transported to the closet. There are roll-out options: a single bed can completely go under the wardrobe or hide partially with large sizes. This frees up space for other tasks.
Since you can not install wardrobes in the guest room, you can choose a bed of absolutely any size.
The only thing is to keep a free approach. If the room has an elongated shape, a place to sleep can be equipped in a niche, hidden behind curtains or retractable mirror panels. The rest of the room can be used as an office, a mini-studio for drawing, a home studio, a playroom. If guests come to you, you can comfortably accommodate them in your home.
Small room with high ceiling
Choosing a bed in a small bedroom with a ceiling height of 2.9 meters is much easier. Because you can play with the space by installing a second tier. In this case, you can safely select wider models, 180 cm or more. The only limitation is the height of the headboard. The freed up space can be used for a wardrobe, work area, recreation area and for other purposes, based on your interests.
For those who do not like to sleep so high, we can recommend another option - the installation of the podium. It can become the basis for a work area or a place to install a bed. In this case, do not choose too high, bulky models.
It is better if they have small headboards, light figured fences. You can choose a bed with small legs or with drawers - there is never a lot of storage space.
It is better to install a sleeping place for a couple under the ceiling. A single bed or two children's beds can be placed both on the podium and on the second tier. Such solutions are suitable for small rooms, one-room apartments and studios with high ceilings.
Rules for furnishing and decorating a small bedroom
When choosing a bed, make sure that it meets the following parameters:
- its width and length are optimal for comfortable sleep;
- enough space for drawers to slide out easily;
- you can freely go to bed, go to bed or change clothes.
The bed is the natural dominant of the bedroom. Therefore, the feeling of the whole space depends on its design. A model with high, wide legs, even with small sizes, will seem bulky.
