Designing a small bedroom doesn’t mean compromising on style or comfort. Whether you're working with a tiny box room, a guest bedroom, or a compact city flat, the right mix of clever storage and multipurpose furniture can help you make the most of every square inch.
In this guide, we’re sharing our top small bedroom design ideas to inspire your space, from choosing the best small desk for bedroom setups to picking out the perfect bedroom chairs and storage solutions that really work.
1. Small bedroom design starts with smart furniture
When space is limited, every piece of furniture should earn its keep. Opt for multifunctional designs that offer storage, style, and flexibility all in one.
Maximise under-bed storage with ottoman beds
Ottoman beds are a brilliant solution for small bedrooms, lifting up to reveal generous hidden storage beneath the mattress. Perfect for stowing away spare bedding, out-of-season clothes, or anything else cluttering your space. Because the storage is fully concealed, your room stays tidy without using up any extra floor space. Explore our range of ottoman beds to see how this clever design can transform your storage game.
Choose space-saving furniture
Think slim-profile pieces that do not compromise on style. A three-drawer chest or tall narrow unit is ideal when you are short on floor space but need extra storage. These vertical solutions give you the capacity of traditional pieces while preserving valuable floor area. Our collection of space-saving furniture includes styles designed to fit seamlessly into smaller rooms.
Multifunctional must-haves
A storage bench can double up as seating and hidden storage. An ottoman stool for dressing tables, such as the Adelaide or Primrose, adds charm and practicality in equal measure. These versatile pieces offer a polished look while serving more than one purpose, which is essential for any small bedroom. We recently explored multifunctional furniture in more detail in our blog, where you can discover how to make the most of each item in your space.
Create a small workspace
No room for a home office? The Isla Hideaway Desk is a compact foldaway design that lets you tuck your workspace out of sight when not in use. It creates a focused zone for productivity during the day, without dominating the room after hours. This makes it one of our favourite options for anyone trying to incorporate a small desk into their bedroom.
2. Storage ideas for small bedrooms
Don’t forget the bedside
Choose a bedside table with drawers or shelves for added storage. Look for compact designs that give you surface space for your essentials, along with clever compartments to keep things neat and within reach.
Think vertical
If you can’t build out, build up. Tall chests of drawers or slim shelving units make the most of vertical wall space without overwhelming the room. Floating shelves can also provide display and storage, helping to keep your floor clear.
Slimline dressing tables with hidden storage
Keep clutter at bay with a slim dressing table and pair it with an ottoman stool to store your beauty must-haves or styling tools. Look for pieces with shallow drawers or clever compartments to help you stay organised and keep your surfaces tidy.
Wardrobe hacks for small spaces
If a full wardrobe won't fit, consider an open clothes rail or compact 2 door wardrobe to free up extra space. Hooks or pegs can also be used for bags, robes, or jewellery, offering both function and style.
3. Design tricks to make a small bedroom feel bigger
Use mirrors to bounce light
A large mirror placed opposite a window helps reflect natural light and gives the illusion of more space. Choose elegant designs that add character without adding clutter. Mirrors can be particularly effective in narrow bedrooms where they visually widen the space.
Layered lighting for ambience
Avoid floor lamps that take up extra space and opt for wall lights or pendant lighting to free up space and create a cosy atmosphere. Layered lighting highlights corners, softens shadows, and brings a sense of depth to even the smallest rooms.
Limit visual clutter
Stick to a few key decorative pieces. Too many small accessories can make a space feel crowded. Opt for larger, intentional accents like artwork or a single vase instead to keep the look clean and serene.
Small Bedroom FAQs
Where should I put the bed in a small room?
In a compact space, the best place for your bed is usually against the longest wall. It helps open up the layout and gives the room a sense of balance. If the space is narrow, placing the bed centrally on that wall leaves enough room to move comfortably around each side with no awkward shuffles required.
Can a queen bed fit in an 8x8 room?
In the UK, a queen size bed is usually the same as a small double, around 120cm wide, which can work in an 8x8 room, but it’ll be snug. You’ll have just enough space to fit the bed and move around it, but not much else. If you want room for bedside tables or extra storage, you might prefer a single or a sofa bed to keep things feeling open and comfortable.
What’s considered a small bedroom?
Anything around 2.7m x 3m (roughly 9ft x 10ft) is generally seen as a small bedroom. It’s just enough for a bed, some slim storage, and a few carefully chosen pieces, especially if you go vertical with shelving or opt for multifunctional furniture.
How do I make a narrow bedroom feel bigger?
It’s all about keeping things light, airy, and clutter-free. Choose pale colours, add a mirror to reflect natural light, and think floating shelves, wall-mounted lighting, or slim wardrobes that don’t crowd the floor. A sense of calm comes from clever layout and space to move.
What’s the minimum size for a legal bedroom in the UK?
In the UK, a room must be at least 6.5 square metres (70 square feet) to legally qualify as a bedroom for someone over 10 years old. It’s just enough space for a single bed, some essential storage, and a bit of breathing room.
Small doesn’t need to be stuffy
With the right design choices, even the smallest space can feel calm, cosy, and beautifully put together. Whether you're searching for bedroom inspiration or practical small bedroom storage ideas, you can find everything you need to make your space work harder and look better by exploring our full range of furniture and accessories.
