Beds for smaller rooms: A comprehensive guide

If you have a smaller bedroom, choosing a bed that utilises the space effectively without compromising comfort is crucial. Whether you’re furnishing a studio apartment, a guest room, or a child’s bedroom, here are some tips and ideas to help you make the most of the space.

Bed sizes for smaller rooms

Your bed size options may be limited in a smaller room, so choosing a size that fits the room without making it feel cramped is important. A single or small double bed may be sufficient for one person, while couples typically need at least a double bed.

Each person should have enough space to lie on their back with their arms behind their head and elbows out without touching. The bed should also be at least 4 to 6 inches longer than the tallest person. Partner disturbance is one of the main contributors to poor-quality sleep, so choose as big a bed as the room allows.

Also, don’t underestimate the importance of bed height. Choosing a low bed can make a smaller room feel more open and spacious.

Single beds

Single beds are ideal for smaller rooms because they take up less space. You can place a single bed against a wall or in a corner, creating more bedroom space. Single beds are suitable for one person, whether a child, teenager, or single adult. However, if space allows, consider upgrading to a bigger bed.

Single beds are generally lighter and easier to manoeuvre, making them perfect for properties with access restrictions or those who like rearranging their bedroom layout.

They are usually cheaper than larger beds, making them an appealing option for guest rooms or shoppers on a budget. Furthermore, bedding and headboards for single beds are often cheaper and easier to find.

Three-quarter beds

A three-quarter bed measures 4 feet by 6 feet 3 inches (120 cm by 190 cm). It is larger than a single bed but smaller than a standard double bed. It is ideal for a single person who wants more sleeping space than a single bed offers. This could be a child or teenager moving out of a smaller bed or a single adult who doesn’t have enough room for a double bed.

A three-quarter bed can accommodate couples who don’t mind sleeping close together. However, each person has only 2 feet of sleeping space, less than what a baby gets in a cot.

Double beds

Double beds are popular, especially in modern homes with smaller bedrooms. They suit a single person needing more space and can comfortably accommodate two adults. With careful planning, a double bed can fit well in a smaller room, but ensure there is enough space to walk around the bed and accommodate other furniture. Double beds are widely available in many styles and options.

Custom made beds

Finding a bed for a smaller room can be challenging, especially if the room has an unusual shape. You might need a custom bed that falls between standard sizes. Some manufacturers offer custom-made beds in bespoke dimensions, allowing you to order beds with specific widths or lengths to fit your room. While these beds typically cost more, they ensure a perfect fit for the room’s shape and the needs of the person using it.

Measure your space

Take accurate measurements of your room to determine how much space you have for the bed. In a smaller room, choose a bed size that prevents the space from feeling cluttered or overwhelmed. Ensure there is enough room for your furniture and that you can easily move around the bed once it is in place.

Check the bed’s height, especially if you intend to place it under a window or in a room with low ceilings. Ensure the bed can fit into the room by checking your property’s access, including doorways, stairs, and corners.

What type of bed is suitable for a smaller room?

Most people choose a bed for its aesthetic appeal, but other factors like mattress support and durability are also important. In a smaller room, size matters, so choosing a bed that doesn’t take up unnecessary space and overwhelm the room is crucial.

Divan beds

Divan beds are a great option for smaller spaces because the base is usually the same size as the mattress. Many divans come with drawers, providing extra storage space for bedding, clothes, books, or other items.

Most divans come with castors, making them easy to move for cleaning or rearranging the bedroom. Some models have legs, which can make a smaller room feel more spacious by exposing the floor underneath.

Some people avoid divans because some are upholstered in plain, uninspiring materials. However, modern divans are available in a wide range of attractive materials with matching headboards and accessories.

Bed frames

Bed frames come in wood, metal, fabric, and leather to match any room decor. They usually occupy more space than divans because the mattress sits inside the frame. The design and style of the bed frame can affect the bedroom’s aesthetics. For example, sleigh beds with curved headboards and footboards can occupy significant space and overwhelm a smaller room. Similarly, avoid deep or chunky frames, as they can dominate the room and make it feel smaller.

A clean, simple design may be more appropriate for a smaller room. It provides a stunning focal point without taking up too much valuable room space. Consider a low foot end to make the space feel more open and inviting.

Bed frames are typically elevated on legs, making a small room look bigger by exposing the floor underneath. Unlike divans, bed frames usually do not have castors, making them harder to move. However, the open space underneath allows for easy access for cleaning with a vacuum or brush.

Ottoman beds

Having a small bedroom means that storage space is likely to be limited. An ottoman bed has a large hidden storage compartment underneath the mattress, helping you keep your bedroom organised and clutter-free. Most ottoman beds have a hydraulic lifting mechanism that lets you access stored items by lifting the bed from the end or side.

With generous under-bed storage, other drawer units in the bedroom may no longer be needed. This frees up floor space and makes the room feel more open and spacious.

Ottoman beds are available as divans or bed frames in various designs and colours, so you can choose a style that complements your décor. However, they can be heavy and difficult to move, making rearranging the bedroom more challenging.

Trundle beds

A trundle bed is a low bed that can be stored underneath another bed and easily pulled out when needed. Trundle beds are ideal for smaller rooms as the underbed only takes up additional room space when in use.

The trundle bed usually has wheels or castors for easy rolling out or pushing back under the main bed. It usually has legs so it can be raised to the same height as the main bed.

Trundle bed mattresses are typically thinner than standard mattresses to fit easily under the main bed. As a result, they may not be suitable for frequent adult use. If you want to upgrade to a thicker mattress, check the clearance space under the main bed to ensure it will fit.

Bunk beds

A bunk bed consists of two or more beds stacked on one another. The top bed is typically accessible by a ladder. They are ideal for shared children’s rooms as they only occupy the space of one bed, freeing up valuable floor space for more furniture or activities.

Some bunk beds have built-in storage, such as shelves and drawers, providing extra space for toys, clothes, books, or other items. Some include a pull-out desk or even a slide.

Ensure there is adequate height clearance above the top bunk so children can sit up comfortably without hitting their heads against the ceiling.

Cabin beds

A cabin bed is raised off the floor, providing space underneath for storage, desks, or a play area. Cabin beds help keep a smaller children’s bedroom tidy and organised. They are also lower than bunk beds, which generally makes them safer.

Folding beds

A folding bed, also known as a Z bed, is a portable bed that can be neatly folded and stored when not in use. It typically consists of a metal frame and a thinner mattress, making it suitable for occasional use. Folding beds are ideal for smaller rooms where a permanent bed might be impractical.

Sofa beds

A sofa bed is a couch that can be converted into a bed when needed. It is perfect for a multipurpose room, providing comfortable seating for rest and entertainment and an extra bed for guests.

Sofa beds are generally more comfortable as seating than beds. Sofa bed mattresses are usually thinner so that they can be easily folded and stored inside the sofa. They have less cushioning and are not intended for regular use as a bed.

Sofa beds can be heavy and difficult to manoeuvre due to their built-in mechanisms. If you plan to use a sofa bed in an upstairs bedroom, ensure there is clear access to the destination.

In addition to measuring the space to ensure the sofa bed fits comfortably in the room, ensure there is enough room to open the bed mechanism.

Murphy beds

Murphy beds are perfect for smaller rooms because they can be stored vertically against a wall or inside a cabinet when not in use. They typically have a hinged mechanism for easy pull-down and push-up. Murphy beds come in various designs and styles, with some models being multifunctional, integrating desks, shelves, or cabinets.

Final thoughts

Having a small bedroom doesn’t mean compromising on comfort. Carefully planning and accurately measuring the room allows you to choose a stylish, comfortable, and functional bed without overwhelming the space.