Why Small Bedrooms Deserve Big Ideas Many UK homes – whether Victorian terraces, new-build houses or converted flats – come with at least one compact bedroom. A “small bedroom” in the UK is typically anything under 9–10m², though even rooms a touch larger can feel tight when awkward layouts, sloping ceilings or bulky furniture eat into valuable floor space. But a smaller footprint doesn’t have to mean compromising on style, comfort or practicality. With clever planning, the right bed choice and smart storage-integrated furniture, even the tiniest room can feel inviting, organised and surprisingly spacious. This small bedrooms guide brings together the best insights on small bedroom ideas, space-saving bed solutions, and guest room small space tips, helping you create a room that looks great and works hard for you. Step 1: Measure and Plan Your Space Before popping any furniture in your online cart or rearranging anything in your room, step back and take a few essential measurements. Good planning prevents overcrowding, wasted corners and awkward layouts. Start with accurate floor measurements Use a tape measure and jot down: Total length and width of the room Locations of radiators, windows, and plug sockets Any alcoves, recesses or bulkheads Areas where doors open into the room Even a few centimetres can make the difference between a bed fitting comfortably and blocking crucial space to walk around. Assess ceiling height Ceiling height matters more than you think: Rooms under 2.3m may feel tight with tall wardrobes High ceilings (2.6m+) create opportunities for high sleeper beds, wall-mounted shelves, or tall built-in wardrobes Sloped ceilings (common in loft conversions) need low, shallow furniture to avoid a cramped feel Mark your clearance zones Allow for easy movement around the bed: 60–80cm walkway around one side 90cm ideally at the foot of the bed 45–60cm for bedside tables or slimline alternatives Door swing clearance so nothing bumps or blocks access If walkways are tight, consider sliding wardrobe doors, pocket doors, or a bed with built-in access from one side only. Create a furniture plan Your best effort at a hand-sketched layout will work perfectly: just mark where the bed, wardrobe, and other essentials could go, then test positions that: Free up floor space Maximise natural light Reduce bottlenecks at the door Make under-used corners useful again Good planning now will save you any frustration later! Browse our collection of space-saving bedroom furniture. Step 2: Choose the Right Bed Size The bed is the largest piece of furniture and rightful centrepiece of any bedroom, so getting the scale right is a must for small rooms. UK Bed Size Guide for Small Rooms Single (90 x 190cm) – ideal for children’s rooms, compact guest rooms, and single sleeper adults who don’t need extra width. Small Double (120 x 190cm) – a popular compromise: more generous than a single, more practical than a full double. Double (135 x 190cm) – works in rooms with slightly more width as they can feel tight if less than 2.6m wide. For more detailed information, check out our Time4Sleep Bed Size Guide. When to Size Down Ask yourself whether this is a main bedroom or more of a part-time office or guest space, and consider if you need room for a desk, wardrobe, or chest of drawers. Think about whether a larger bed might restrict natural movement, block windows, or prevent furniture drawers from opening. Sometimes, simply moving from a double to a small double (or from a small double to a single) can completely transform the room’s functionality without sacrificing comfort. Bed sizes suitable for small rooms That super king size bed may look glorious on paper, but in a room that’s too small it will look chunky, out of place, leave no floor space and restrict airflow. So, the best bed sizes for small rooms tend to be on the smaller end of the scale for good reason. But just because single beds, small double beds and double beds are the best options for smaller rooms, it doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice on style or comfort one bit! Our smaller frames are just as sturdy and luxurious as our bigger ones. Check out our Bed Size Guide to find out the dimensions of UK frames and visualise how they might look in your smaller space. We’d recommend taping out the area in masking tape on the floor for a real idea and to help you figure out whether you need to size down or up. Browse our complete collection of beds. Step 3: Maximise Storage and Multifunctionality Small rooms thrive on smart storage. The more you can integrate into the bed and walls, the less floor space you use, helping the room feel spacious and calm. Dreamy! Want to add functionality without extra furniture? These storage beds are just the ticket: Ottoman beds Lift the entire mattress base to reveal a full under-bed storage compartment. Perfect for bedding, suitcases, clothes and items you don’t need daily. Divan beds with drawers Great for decluttering and organisation, as drawers keep contents easy to access while saving precious floorspace. Single beds with trundle Hello space-efficient guest bed! Increase the amount of available bed space in your room without compromising on style. Underbed drawers If your bed frame has open space underneath, invest in matching drawers or rolling storage boxes to take advantage of the room. High sleeper beds For children and teens, lifting the sleeping area frees space for: Desks Gaming setups Wardrobes Daybeds Play zones A fantastic way to make a box room multifunctional. Make your space multifunctional Multi-purpose rooms often have to work hard for modern homeowners, especially when a guest room also needs to function as a home office, hobby or craft space, dressing room or even an occasional playroom. Space-saving furniture can make this much easier. A sofa bed that folds out only when needed, a daybed with a trundle, or a small double ottoman that hides away hobby equipment can all help maximise the room’s potential. Even choosing a narrow desk or a wall-mounted fold-down version can preserve valuable floor space. Browse our Guest Beds for flexible solutions. Explore our range of practical and stylish storage beds. Step 4: Smart Furniture and Layout Moves It may seem like an obvious point, but playing around with the layout of furniture in your bedroom is the easiest way to maximise the space. Once you’ve decided on the position of your bed, why not try moving pieces around to find a configuration that works best for you? Use alcoves and recesses These often-overlooked areas can become some of the most charming parts of the room. Whether you turn an alcove into a fitted wardrobe, a tidy shelving nook, a built-in desk, a drawer unit or even a small reading spot, using the room’s natural architecture adds character while keeping the central space clear and functional. Float your furniture Wall-mounted lights, shelves and bedside tables don’t just free up floor space – they give the room an airy, modern feel. This simple switch makes the space look bigger and adds a touch of contemporary personality. Avoid oversized furniture While a tall wardrobe can be a smart choice, wide chests can overpower a smaller room. Choosing slimline wardrobes, tall narrow drawers, compact bedside tables and low, calming headboards keeps the space feeling balanced and intentional, with furniture that enhances rather than dominates. Keep the bed accessible Only push the bed against a wall if you really have to. Being able to access it from at least one side not only makes daily life easier, it also helps the room feel more open and inviting – an important part of giving the space its own welcoming personality. Step 5: Styling to Enhance Space Good styling can transform the feel of a small bedroom even if the footprint stays the same. Use colour strategically Light neutrals and soft tones (whites, taupes, misty greys, sage greens) open up the room Dark colours can work on one feature wall to add depth without shrinking the space Use one consistent colour palette across furniture and textiles for a calm, unified feel Maximise natural and artificial light Keep window treatments light – sheer curtains or blinds work well Add wall sconces instead of floor lamps Use warm, layered lighting for a welcoming atmosphere Mirror magic Mirrors visually double the space and bounce light around the room. Ideal placements include: Opposite a window Above drawers As mirrored wardrobe doors On unused vertical spaces Vertical emphasis Draw the eye upward with: Tall headboards Floor-to-ceiling curtains Vertical panelling or stripes Floating shelves stacked in size order Declutter ruthlessly Even beautiful small rooms feel cramped if they’re overloaded. Keep surfaces clear and store items out of sight Consider a handy storage bed to help you store things away Have a clear out – if you haven’t used it in months, say goodbye! Guest room décor For best results in a compact guest room: Keep colours light and restful Provide fresh linens and a small bedside table Add welcoming touches (a basket of towels, plug adaptors, spare toiletries) without clutter Optimise storage so guests have space to unpack Step 6: Guest Room Specific Tips A small guest room benefits from a few extra considerations to keep it practical, comfortable and welcoming. Flexibility is essential, as these spaces often double as home offices or hobby rooms, so think about how easily guests can move around and how well the furniture adapts to different uses. Prioritise access Guests should be able to get into bed from at least one side, reach bedside lighting without stretching, plug in devices easily and store their belongings neatly. These small details make a big difference in how comfortable the room feels. Choose the right bed Choosing the right bed depends on how the space is used day to day. A sofa bed works well in rooms that serve multiple functions, while a small double ottoman is ideal for frequent guests who need storage. A single bed with a trundle is perfect for children’s sleepovers or visiting family, and a foldable guest bed can be tucked away when not needed. Decorate with both style and practicality in mind Keep the décor calm but still full of character. Use cushions, textures, artwork and soft lighting to make the space welcoming, but avoid overwhelming the room with too many decorative elements. The goal is to create a restful space that feels comfortable and thoughtfully put together, even without a large footprint. Quick Wins and Checklist Here are fast, effective small bedroom ideas you can use today: Swap a wide chest of drawers for a tall narrow unit. Install an ottoman bed base for instant hidden storage. Replace floor lamps with wall-mounted lighting. Use over-door hooks for bags, coats or dressing gowns. Add floating shelves to free up bedside table space. Choose mirrored wardrobes to make the room feel twice as big. Opt for a small double instead of a full double in tight rooms. Use under-bed storage boxes for linens and seasonal items. Keep window treatments minimal to maximise natural light. Declutter surfaces daily – small spaces need maintenance. Final Thoughts A small bedroom doesn’t have to shrink your comfort or your style. If anything, it nudges you into making smarter choices! With a bit of planning, the right bed size, smart storage and a few well-chosen design touches, even the tiniest room can become a calm, functional and genuinely gorgeous little retreat. And you don’t have to overhaul everything at once either. Start with one simple tweak (maybe swap in an ottoman bed, shuffle the layout, or brighten things up with better lighting) and you’ll be surprised how quickly the whole room starts to feel bigger, fresher and far more “you.” Ready to think big for your small bedroom? Say less! We’ve got you covered. Explore our most popular beds for smaller bedrooms below: Ottoman Beds Storage Beds Small Double Beds Single Beds Divan Beds Multifunctional Beds Guest Beds And for exact sizing, be sure to check out our Bed Size Guide!