I need your small bedroom ideas! The house we bought, it’s the smallest place we’ve ever lived in short of an apartment. The place is very much like the small quirky British Cottage I was hoping to find. Minus the part about it not being in Cornwall. 😉
Part of the reason I haven’t shown you around the place yet is because we’re still unpacking. Which, probably sounds a little strange considering we sold our last house furnished and have given away most of our other things.
Our new place came semi furnished, and at this point, nearly all of those furnishings have been removed.
We’ve been slowly replacing them with things that are more our style. We haven’t found a couch yet though so we have been using beach chairs in the living room. 😉
Yada yada yada… Our new bed frame and dresser finally arrived. Hooray! And our new mattress too. Double hooray!
I LOVE our new bed frame! It’s fun and different and I knew it was the one as soon as I spotted it. The bed is perfect for the funky coastal vibe I’m going for. I have big plans for this tiny space.
The bedroom has NO closet. Just enough room for a bed and dresser. But here’s the thing… I still want to fit a small tv, some sort of extra storage and extra lighting in there.
But HOW!?
Thinking ahead to this winter, I know I’ll want the extra lighting in the room {maybe on the wall because I don’t have room for a lamp} so I can sit in bed and rug hook while I watch a movie and not have the bright can lights on.
I have plans to add wallpaper to the back wall where the headboard is, and to do a gallery type wall on the big {ha ha ha} wall between the dresser and the door.
Almost every bedroom we’ve ever had has been VERY plain. Bedroom furniture, lightly colored walls, no pictures, no tchotchkes, no extra bits.
This room though… I’m going for it. I want to pack it all in. But how. How am I going to do that?
I need your small bedroom ideas. If this was your space, what would you do?
~Mavis
HA says
Perhaps more work than you are looking for but can the bedroom door be moved to the other wall by the bed, bed moves to the other long wall and the space in front of the existing bedroom door repurposed to a closet or armoire plus the dresser and potentially tv? Not sure what the hall looks like or what it might mean for electrical changes that run through the other short wall
Mavis Butterfield says
There will be no moving of walls or doors. We need to work with the space as it is. 🙂
Linda says
Removing that wall and the door is simple. That is not a load bearing wall. You don’t need a bedroom door. You need every bit of that space. Also, I think wallpaper is going be make the room feel even smaller….
Brianna says
Extra storage: get ideas from IKEA, they have some interesting storage ideas. Under bed storage might work well for your space.
Extra lighting: I would put in two sconces on the wall you are wallpapering behind the bed. You can have them hardwired in or get ones that go from an outlet. You can also change out the basic fan to one with better light options and get a dimmer on it so you can control the brightness. Good white lights make a difference too.
One dresser: been there and done that, it is all about how you fold the clothes and they will all fit. It keeps you and the hubby’s wardrobe in check and from accumulating excess. I loved it.
Small TV: you can get a small one wall mounted. You can hide it behind faux cabinet or shutter doors or something if it takes away from the coastal vibe. We had one that came up with a motor on the backside of a piece of furniture and it worked well. Check out the ways people hide tvs, there are some creative ones out there.
Dianne says
You have some great ideas for the bedroom.
Tracy says
You probably already thought of this, but get one of those wall hung brackets for the TV that have the arm that pulls out and adjusts how you want it. You can adjust it how you like it while you are watching but put it back to the wall when it is off.
Mel says
Wall mount bedside lights for reading, maybe? The kind they have in hotels that can fold flat to the wall.
Mel says
You could also do under bed boxes for linens or put of season clothes. They make rolling cedar ones if you don’t want plastic.
Katelyn says
Not sure if you have room but you could do a Pax system from IKEA all along the wall opposite the bed. You can have hanging space, drawers, whatever you like/need. You could even put the TV in one, over drawers. If you check out what Young House Love did to their current master, it will give you an idea of how flexible the system is.
Connie Lewis says
I have small nightstands. I have wall mounted swing arm lamps and love them! 30+ years old and still going strong. Love that I can swing the light closer if needed. Highly recommend.
Rebecca says
Your bed is *chef’s kiss*- LOVE IT!! As for lights, how about two wall-mounted (can do hardwire or plug-in with cord covers) sconces higher on the wall over a small, scalloped wall-mounted shelf at the level of the bed to put glasses, cup of water, phone, etc. This way you still have floor space but still have lights and a perch for things you need right next to the bed.
Can’t wait to see the wallpaper! This room will be awesome!
suzanne says
Yes to a small shelf next to the bed. It looks like it could even be partially recessed a bit between the studs if HH was feeling ambitious. Less of a chance of knocking something over that way. Love my cord covers! And yes to the Samsung frame tv on a swing arm. Shoes and winter coats will have to live else where.
Erin says
A dimmer switch would go a long way to help with the overhead lighting. And testing different bulb colors to find one that suits you best. And I like the idea of sconces or like what Mel suggested about the hotel lights that can swivel closer to you or pushed back snug against the wall. I’ve seen skinny lights hanging from the ceiling, too. It’s a cute look & keeps them out of the way of the narrow walkway around the bed. For dresser storage, I like the ikea dresser drawer organizers. They help to both organize clothing in tight spaces but also separate your clothing from HH’s. You can even get him one color & you another. My brain likes that sort of separation. And some people like hooks in the bedroom to hang bags or belts & other accessories. Maybe you can get one of those tvs that has a frame around it to make it look a little less electronic? I’m sure you could make a frame, too, since you’re so creative. It just might help give it a more polished look for the design style you’re going for.
Heather says
I have seen TVs that have a picture frame around the screen. When not in use, the TV can display a picture of your choice. So it would look like a picture on the wall. I cannot tell by the picture how much clearance you have under your bed, is there possibly room for storage there? Or a slim profile trunk at the end of the bed? Can you add a light kit to your ceiling fan for more light? Or a floor lamp on your side of the bed? Or a light that hooks on to your headboard? Love your bed, the design and color.
Sandy says
This is what I was thinking. The Samsung “The Frame” TV would be a gallery wall and a TV! It’s costly, but if you want something enough the price is reasonable. 🙂
Erin says
Oh! A cute blanket ladder could work in here, too. It would be close to the wall & out of the way, but also functional & in line with the beachy vibe.
Jennifer says
Get wall sconces for over the bed. Also consider hanging storage or wall storage. I know someone who hung baskets in her hallway for extra food storage
laura says
what is the source for the bed? it is just what i have been looking for!!!
Sue S. says
Me too. Can you share where you got it?
Mavis Butterfield says
Maine Woodworks. Our bedroom furniture from our last house was from there too. They ship.
Kari says
Coincidentally, I was just looking at an AirBnb, and their tiny bedrooms have a pendant light hanging above each side of the beds. They look gorgeous, and it isn’t something I would have thought of. I snapped pictures, so let me know if you want them sent.
Nancy H says
I am assuming one wall plug on the wall behind the bed. With wall sconces that have cords you will need more plug-ins. Adding more plugs can be done without damaging the wall too much by pulling the baseboard, cutting Sheetrock, drilling holes and running wire from original plug to the new one. Then replace sheet rock. Put metal plates on two by fours first were wire is behind it and replace baseboard. I did this myself at one time it is not really hard. Or get a plug extender that has extra sockets it plugs into the existing three prong plugs that allows for more things to be plugged in and some actual turn sideways. I have one of those behind my couch as we kept bending the lamp cord. Just have to be careful not to overload the circuits whatever you do.
KC says
… the suggestions already made are way more practical, and I strongly endorse dimming and lighting temperature and “floating” lights/bedside shelves and under-bed storage on wheels!
But the off-the-wall idea: I’d note that in old books, “closets” were sometimes made via putting hooks in a corner and putting a little curtain in front. If you have long, wide curtains on each side of a window, they might possibly each be able to hide a hook behind each side for anything that really needs to be hung up…
Linda Sand says
3M Command Hooks are amazing! I have two inside my closet door for hanging clothes I intend to wear again. We are currently renting so need things that can be removed without leaving holes. 3M Command Strips hold lots of things.
Julie V says
Can you convert the bed into a captain’s bed with storage underneath at least at the lower end to have pull out drawers? I would take the whole wall opposite the bed and put in a built in shelving unit with cubbies, maybe a desk, slide cabinet, etc and you could put baskets or canvas boxes in filled with clothing etc and get rid of the dresser. Less is more in this small bedroom. Definitely hang the flat screen tv from the wall or corner. And I would look for small width side tables or plant stands that are flat topped to use on each side of the bed…I would get something without drawers (like pedestal side tables in colored wood) to increase the feeling of space as you already have a wall with built ins in my plan. Don’t get anything to busy for your wallpaper..you want something to trick the eye to enlarge the room. Instead of wallpaper what about bead boarding up half that wall and a big picture mirror hanging on the top half with sconce lighting? And you might just have enough room for a small armless chair or bench by the picture wall you want.
HollyG says
I think 3/4 height board/batten or beadboard paneling with lots of hooks would be handy and pretty
Linda says
It is great that your room is white. Keep wallpaper light, it will make you feel cramped if you introduce a lot of dark colors. I store small stuff in shoe bags on the door. I hope you have a closet else where you can use. My room is very small but it has a closet across back of the room. One thing I did through 6′ book case either side of bed. Big board across the two bookcase and bed. extra storage. I am kind of tired of it now but I don’t have a dresser. Linda in IN
Annette says
A storage/organizer thing to hang on the back of the door!
A bedside table that attaches to the bed.
I have sheets from Amazon with elasticized pockets sewn on the sides, near the head of the bed, convenient for eyeglasses, tissues and phone. You are so crafty you could DYI.
Holley says
I love everyone’s ideas but wanted to add that if you really want to “go for it” instead of Ikea for extra storage, how about a vintage armoire? My first house didn’t have closets and that’s what I used. Don’t get me wrong, I love Ikea and all their useful storage pieces. But if you want to mix things up from the past, maybe try looking for antiques! You could put your own touch on it and paint them WHITE (or whatever color you want)! Have fun and enjoy the process!
Sue S. says
Wow this generated lots of comments. I would suggest IKEA too. I love their small space, studio apartment sized storage solutions. There is one in Avon, MA but there must be one closer to you, maybe on the North Shore of Boston? Keep the pictures coming. Love to see your creativity.
Lissa says
Might like checking out Apartment Therapy. Definitely has suggestions for small spaces that are outside the box.
Tina says
In my tiny bedroom I elevated the bed frame by using risers and had storage underneath, clipped a reading light on the bedframe and added a tiny shelf(small piece of wood and L-brackets) to hold my water bottle, phone, etc. There is something special about a tiny cozy bedroom. Best sleep of my life!
Pam says
Going through sort of the same thing now. Frame brand tv. Wall sconce for light. I think it will have to be an old school armoire. One with a few built in drawers. Also a tall lidded basket (Pottery Barn) works for things that can be folded. Use mine in a bathroom where I want no traditional storage to hold our towels. But it could hold sweaters no problem. Works like a charm. A few hooks could work too. Bed with scalloped edges is amazing. Can’t wait to see
Jean C says
I have a small bedroom with no room for a table or floor lamp. I
purchase a PIMA rechargeable lamp from Lumens (but they also
have them cheaper on Amazon). I love the look and have found them very useful for reading in bed, very portable and also perfect if you lose power. I first saw that particular model in a gallery in Portland and went looking for it because I love the simple design. It comes in many colors/finishes.
https://www.amazon.com/Zafferano-Pina-Table-Lamp-Color/dp/B0C4LHCFG9/ref=asc_df_B0C4LHCFG9/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693441460937&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12595938064649261725&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9017272&hvtargid=pla-2189483112438&psc=1&mcid=4c71fd27a2ad32d882eb567e5235ee30&gad_source=1
Angelia Johnson says
Industrial Wall Mount Iron Pipe Shelves Shelving Bracket Black….you can buy them pre made or make them to fit spaces. Use decorator boxes to store clothes and use as display.. you can even use the industrial hangers directly to the wall for hanging. I wish I could send you pictures..this allows for your storage and room to walk. Also under bed storage.
Nee Nee says
My granddaughters have small rooms and they have these very narrow but deep drawer things
Made out of a heavy fabric like tall with 6 deep drawers you can find on amazon in all colors
And shelves on the walls
Can you put recessed lights with dimmers in the ceiling?
Hooks on the back of the doors
Cute fabric storage bins you can stack or a bench the opens with storage underneath
Good luck can’t wait to see what you do
Virginia says
It’s hard to give solid ideas without knowing the room dimensions and seeing photos of the other two bedroom walls. Any chance you could post more photos and give dimensions?
Cindy R says
Amazon has all kinds of different styles of wall-mounted battery bedside lights/wall sconces, some even come with remotes.
Elizabeth Todd says
No help with the room (sorry). Just popped in to comment that i absolutely adore the bed and your door handle is to DIE for! Original to the house, I assume? Character like that is worth having a small bedroom! Love, love, love!
Sue says
If at all possible, I would reverse the bedroom door to open into the hallway, instead of into the bedroom.
Doing so will prove a great chunk of space on that wall to build or install a floor-to-ceiling closet with hanging space, drawers, shelves, and shoe space. Trim it out properly and it will look like it’s been there forever.
Karen says
If you are planning to spend time in bed watching movies I would consider an adjustable mattress and frame to protect your back and add to your comfort.
Jenny Young says
I thought I commented the other day suggesting Apartment therapy.com but I can’t find my comment.
I’ve come back to add this link because as I scrolled through ‘a LOT’ of images, I thought of your small bedroom. There are some great ideas here.
And it’s from House & Garden UK so you should really love them!
https://www.houseandgarden.co.uk/gallery/interior-design-ideas-small-spaces-flats#intcid=recommendations_houseandgarden-bottom-recirc-v4_4553e588-b7d1-4ebd-b345-6c88c144c2bb_text2vec1
Lynn says
Small bedrooms are my favorite!
I suggest wall sconces above the headboard on both sides of the bed or a singular standing tall reading lamp to be placed on either side of the bed. There’s also clamp lighting that can be attached to the headboard.
I would get a highboy dresser to maximize storage space.
Wallpapering behind the bed is going to look fantastic! I think people are scared to add color to small rooms. I painted the walls of a small bedroom indigo blue and it was very cozy. The room had two windows on one side of the room with white shades so it didn’t feel claustophobic.
Good luck! Can’t wait to see what you do!
Amber says
Wall-mount lights on each side of the bed, and above it if you want more than that. We have wall-mounted lights and they are the best thing we’ve done in our room. I would also look for some funky tables for night stands that are not a traditional nightstand, but slim enough to fit on both sides of the bed, and if you don’t have the floor space, consider a small shelf on each side for the essentials, like a cup of tea. As far as a TV going, consider mounting it to the wall. That way you save space on a dresser for other things, and you still have the TV in the room.