How to optimize space in a small bedroom?

When you don't have a lot of space in a bedroom, it can sometimes be difficult to furnish and decorate it so that it doesn't feel too cluttered, but is still practical. Generally speaking, small bedrooms go hand in hand with small homes that don't necessarily have dressing rooms. This means that optimizing space while providing sufficient storage space can be a real challenge when designing a bedroom. Discover all our tips for successfully designing and decorating your bedroom to make it both warm and welcoming!

Choose a smart bed

As the centerpiece of the bedroom, the bed must be carefully chosen not only for its comfort, but also for its practicality. Indeed, there are bed models that optimize the space available, notably by making use of the empty space under the bed. For example, you can opt for a model with large drawers underneath to use as storage space and save space. What's more, this type of bed is available in a wide range of styles that can be adapted according to color and shape preferences.

Use the space above the bed

The space above the bed is also an ideal place for storage. Shelves can of course be installed here, but the storage capacity will be limited, and you'll need to make sure they're securely fastened to avoid any danger. On the other hand, there are bridge-shaped storage systems that use the space above and around the bed to accommodate cupboards, shelves and drawers for storing clothes, for example. This type of installation can be custom-designed to perfectly match the configuration of the room.

On the decorating side, if you want to treat yourself to a headboard without losing any space, there are superb wallpapers that can be laid just across the width of the bed to delimit the space, a very trendy process that can also be done with paint to obtain the desired shape above the bed.

The right bedside table

Very often, small bedrooms don't have enough space to install bedside tables on either side of the bed. More than just decorative, they're very practical for putting your smartphone, your current book or even an occasional lamp. Fortunately, there are space-saving solutions for this little corner. For example, you can opt for wall-mounted mini-tablets. These are not placed on the floor and are often shallow enough to avoid cluttering up the space. In fact, two or three can be placed one above the other. Shallow wall-hung racks are also very practical, and can give a graphic style if desired.

When it comes to lighting, there's no need to opt for a space-saving mini-lamp. Wall-mounted sconces, for example, can be installed on either side of the bed or directly above it. If you're reluctant to drill holes in your walls, there are also clip-on accent lamps that can be hung on the edge of a shelf used as a bedside cabinet, for example. Often hinged, these lamps let you choose the orientation of the light.

A dual-purpose piece of furniture

Some pieces of furniture can be used for two purposes, to make the most of the space they occupy. For student studios, for example, a foldaway bed lets you transform your bed into a desk or bench in a matter of seconds, giving you plenty of space for the rest of the day. The same is true of the classic convertible or sofa bed, which saves space when folded. These discreet features can also be used to provide extra sleeping space in larger areas.

Another example is the chest of drawers, which allows you to make full use of its contents, but not only that. In fact, it can be used as a stand for people who like to have a TV in their room. It can also be used as a dressing table for make-up, simply by hanging a mirror above it. Or it can simply be used as a decorating corner, with frames, candles and flowers to bring color and personalization to the room.

What's more, if you want to have a seat in your room, rather than a cumbersome armchair, a number of items can also serve a dual purpose. This is particularly true of certain benches and poufs, which can also be used as chests, once again providing additional storage space.

Give the impression of space

The choice of decoration is also important to give the room a more spacious feel. For example, light colors on the walls will brighten up the room. For example, opt for a single wall in a different color to avoid the "block" effect.

A large mirror hung on one wall will not only be practical, but will also give a better impression of depth. Depending on the room's configuration, it can even reflect natural light to create a brighter effect.

On the window side, the choice of curtains is also important. Opting for shades that are too dark risks enclosing the window and making curtains too present in a small space. The choice of material is also important. Light materials such as cotton or linen are preferable to velvet, which is often too thick and intrusive in a small bedroom.

All in all, designing a small bedroom is far from being mission impossible. All you need to do is think about the practicality of the elements (the purchase of each of them should be well thought out beforehand) and opt for the right decoration to create a bright, warm room.