HOW TO MAKE A KING-SIZE BED WORK IN A SMALL ROOM

Let’s dive into a common challenge many of us face: How to decorate a small bedroom with a king size bed. While it may seem like an impossible task, fear not! With some creative thinking and smart design choices, you can create a cozy and functional space that accommodates your dream bed. So, let’s explore some practical tips and tricks to make the most of your limited square footage.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase a recommended product, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.  Rest assured that I will not recommend any product that I would not use myself. For our full policies and disclosures click here.

Assessing Your Small Space

When it comes to, how to decorate a small bedroom with a king-size bed it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of its limitations. So, let’s dive into the limitations of a smaller room and explore how to overcome them.

1. Limited Square Footage: One of the most obvious limitations of a smaller room is the restricted square footage. Every inch counts in these spaces, and it’s essential to make efficient use of the available area. Start by measuring the dimensions of your room and taking note of any architectural features, such as alcoves or slanted ceilings, that may affect the layout.
2. Restricted Floor Space: A smaller room often means less floor space to work with. To accommodate a king-size bed, you’ll need to carefully select a bed frame that doesn’t overwhelm the room. Look for bed frames with a minimal footprint, such as platform beds or those with thin legs, to create a visually spacious feel. Avoid heavy, dark, or ornate beds as these will overwhelm the small space.
3. Limited Storage Options: Smaller rooms typically lack sufficient storage space, making it challenging to find a place for all your belongings. When incorporating a king-size bed, it’s important to consider storage options that can help declutter the room. Look for bed frames with built-in drawers or storage compartments underneath. Additionally, utilize the space at the foot or sides of the bed by incorporating storage benches, baskets, or shelves.
4. Lack of Wall Space: Another limitation of smaller rooms is the limited wall space. With a king-size bed taking up a significant portion of the room, you may find it challenging to display artwork or add storage solutions on the walls. However, don’t despair! Consider utilizing the wall space above the bed for hanging shelves or artwork, and explore creative alternatives such as wall-mounted bedside tables or floating shelves.
5. Diminished Visual Space: Smaller rooms can feel cramped and claustrophobic if not approached thoughtfully. However, by understanding the limitations of a smaller room, you can implement design strategies to create an illusion of more space. Opt for light colors on walls, ceilings, and bedding to reflect natural light and make the room appear brighter and airier. Use white or sheer curtains to maximize incoming sunlight and draw the eye upward, giving the impression of higher ceilings.
6. Open up the Ceilings:  Low ceilings can make a room feel smaller and more cramped.  If it’s possible, make high ceilings by changing them into a vaulted or a cathedral ceiling and your bed will suddenly look a lot smaller in the room, and the room will feel much larger. This is a great way to give your room the illusion of space that it is lacking.
7. Challenging Traffic Flow: In a smaller room, it’s crucial to maintain a functional layout that allows for easy movement around the room. When placing a king-size bed, consider the flow of foot traffic and ensure there’s enough space to navigate around the room and the bed comfortably. Avoid blocking doorways or creating cramped walkways by positioning the bed against a wall that allows for smooth passage.

Understanding and embracing the limitations of a smaller room is the first step toward creating a functional and aesthetically pleasing space for your king bed. 

Exploring different bed frame options suitable for small rooms

When it comes to incorporating a king-sized bed into a small room, choosing the right bed frame is crucial. The bed frame not only supports the mattress but also sets the tone for the entire bedroom space. Luckily, there are several options available that are well-suited for smaller rooms. Let’s explore some bed frame choices that maximize floor space and create a visually spacious feel.

1. Platform Bed: Platform beds are an excellent choice for small rooms due to their sleek and low-profile design. These frames typically have a minimalist look with a solid base that eliminates the need for a bulky box spring. With their clean lines and thin legs, platform beds create an illusion of more space by allowing light to flow freely underneath the bed.
2. Storage Beds: If you’re struggling with limited storage options in your small room, consider a storage bed. These bed frames are designed with built-in drawers or compartments underneath, providing valuable space to stow away extra bedding, clothing, or other items. Storage beds are a smart solution for maximizing functionality in a smaller room while keeping it organized and clutter-free.
3. Murphy Bed: Murphy beds are the epitome of space-saving design. These beds can be folded up and concealed within a wall or cabinet when not in use, allowing you to reclaim valuable floor space during the day. Murphy beds are a fantastic option for smaller rooms that need to serve multiple purposes, such as doubling as a home office or guest room.

Remember to prioritize maximizing floor space, utilizing storage solutions, and maintaining a visually open feel. With the right bed frame for your king-size bed, you can create a cozy and functional oasis while making the most of your limited square footage.

Placing the king bed against the correct wall

When working with a smaller room and a large bed, strategic bed placement becomes crucial to optimizing the available space. By considering the right wall or positioning the bed at the end of the room, you can create a layout that maximizes functionality and visual space. Let’s explore these placement options in more detail.

1. Against the correct Wall: Start by assessing the layout of your room and identifying the wall that offers the best placement options. Typically, the wall opposite the entrance or the longest uninterrupted wall is ideal. By positioning the bed against this wall, you create a clear focal point as you enter the room, which can enhance the overall flow and organization.  I love walking into a room and having the bed right in front of me.
2. At the End of the Room: Another effective placement strategy is to position the bed at the end of the room. This can work particularly well if you have a narrow bedroom or a room with challenging dimensions. By placing the bed at the end, you create a sense of depth and elongate the visual space. It also opens up opportunities to utilize the sides and foot of the bed for additional storage or decorative elements.

When deciding between these placement options, consider traffic flow. You want to ensure that the bed doesn’t obstruct doorways or impede movement within the room. And keep in mind that the placement of the bed will impact the arrangement of other furniture pieces in the room. Arrange bedside tables, dressers, or storage solutions in a way that complements the bed’s placement. Aim for a cohesive and balanced look that allows for easy access to these pieces without overwhelming the space.

Experiment with different arrangements and consider the unique features of your room to find the placement that best suits your needs and enhances the overall design of your smaller bedroom.

Utilizing the foot and side of the bed for storage options

In a smaller room, every inch of space counts. When incorporating a king-size bed, it’s important to think creatively and make the most of every available area, including the foot and sides of the bed. By utilizing these spaces, you can create additional storage options that help keep your room organized and clutter-free. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

1. Underbed Storage: The space beneath the bed is often overlooked but presents a fantastic opportunity for storage. Invest in bed frames with built-in drawers or consider using under-bed storage boxes or bins. These solutions are perfect for stowing away extra bedding, seasonal clothing, or other items that are not frequently used. By utilizing this often-unused space, you can free up valuable closet or floor space by possibly eliminating a dresser or other furniture pieces.
2. Bedside Storage Solutions: Rather than traditional bedside tables, consider opting for storage-oriented alternatives. Look for bedside tables with drawers or shelves, allowing you to keep essential items within arm’s reach while maximizing storage space. Alternatively, floating shelves or wall-mounted organizers on the sides of the bed can provide additional storage options for books, magazines, or decorative accents and free up floor space which in turn will make the space feel less cluttered and more spacious.
3. Storage Benches or Ottomans: At the end of the bed, if you have room, consider incorporating a storage bench or ottoman. These multifunctional pieces not only provide a convenient spot to sit while putting on shoes or getting dressed but also offer hidden storage compartments beneath the seat. Utilize these spaces to store extra blankets, pillows, or even shoes, effectively decluttering your room and adding a stylish touch to your bed.
4. Hanging Storage Solutions: Consider hanging organizers or storage pockets on the sides of the bed or at the foot. These can be useful for keeping small items like remote controls, notebooks, or personal accessories within easy reach while freeing up tabletop or surface space. Hanging storage solutions are particularly beneficial in smaller rooms where floor space is limited.

By utilizing the foot and sides of the bed for storage options, you can make the most of your smaller room and ensure that everything has its designated place. Just remember to keep things visually out of sight so you don’t make the space look cluttered.

Playing with Color and Light

Color and light play a crucial role in the design of any space, and this is particularly true when working with smaller rooms. By strategically choosing colors and maximizing natural light, you can create the illusion of more space and enhance the overall ambiance. Here are some tips for effectively utilizing color and light in your small bedroom:

1. Opting for Lighter Colors: When it comes to color choices, light, and neutral hues are your best friends in a small room. Light colors, such as whites, creams, pastels, and soft grays, reflect natural and artificial light, making the room feel brighter and more spacious. Consider painting the walls and ceilings in these light shades to create a sense of openness. Additionally, choose bedding and curtains in light colors to maintain a cohesive and airy look. By decorating the whole room in a neutral color scheme, the room will feel larger than it is.
2. Maximizing Natural Light: Natural light is a valuable asset in small rooms as it can instantly make the space feel larger and more inviting. Maximize the amount of natural light entering the room by keeping windows unobstructed and using sheer or white curtains that allow light to pass through. Avoid heavy drapes or dark-colored curtains that can absorb light and make the room feel closed off. Instead, embrace the sunlight and let it fill your space, enhancing the overall brightness and illusion of more space.
3. Adding Bold Color Accents: While light colors dominate the overall palette, don’t be afraid to incorporate bright colors to inject personality and visual interest into your small bedroom. Use vibrant throw pillows, a colorful area rug, or artwork with pops of bold hues to create focal points and add excitement to the room. The key is to use these accents sparingly, so they don’t overwhelm the space. You can also really make your bed the focal point by painting the wall behind your bed an accent color.  With color, you can easily draw the eye to specific areas while maintaining a harmonious and balanced look.
4. Harnessing Artificial Lighting: In addition to natural light, artificial lighting is essential for the function of the space. Choose lighting fixtures that complement the overall style of your bedroom while providing adequate light for reading or dressing. Consider installing wall sconces or pendant lights to save space on bedside tables and free up valuable surface area. Strategic placement of lighting fixtures can also help highlight architectural features or create ambient lighting, further enhancing the overall design and ambiance.

Make smart furniture choices

By making smart bedroom furniture choices, you can optimize the layout, enhance the visual spaciousness, and ensure functionality. And remember, less is more! Here are some tips for selecting the perfect furniture for your small bedroom:

1. Thin-Legged Furniture: To create a visually spacious look, opt for furniture pieces with thin legs. Bed frames, nightstands, dressers, and chairs with slender legs create an open and airy feel, allowing light to pass through and giving the illusion of more floor space. This design feature helps prevent the furniture from visually overpowering the room and makes it easier to navigate around.
2. Multipurpose Furniture: Integrating multipurpose furniture is a win-win situation for small bedrooms. Look for pieces that serve dual purposes and maximize functionality. For example, consider a bed frame with built-in storage drawers or a storage ottoman that can be used as seating and for storing extra blankets or pillows. Folding desks or wall-mounted tables can transform your bedroom into a temporary home office, providing functionality without taking up much space. By incorporating multipurpose furniture, you can optimize square footage and make the most of your small room.
3. Cohesive Look: Creating a cohesive look in your small bedroom is crucial for a visually pleasing and non-cluttered-looking space. Choose furniture styles that complement each other, whether it’s modern, rustic, traditional, or eclectic. Coordinating furniture pieces help create a sense of unity and lets the eye move easily around the room. Additionally, consider selecting furniture in a similar color scheme or finish to maintain a cohesive and balanced aesthetic throughout the room.
4. Consider Scale and Proportions: Pay attention to the scale and proportions of the furniture you choose. In a small bedroom, oversized or bulky furniture can quickly make the space feel cramped.  Similarly, choose nightstands and dressers that provide storage solutions while maintaining a proportionate scale to the room.
5. Utilize Vertical Space: When space is limited, don’t forget to utilize vertical space. Look for furniture pieces that offer storage solutions or shelving units that can be mounted on the walls. Built-in shelves or wall-mounted bookcases can be used to display decorative items or store books, reducing the need for additional furniture on the floor. By utilizing vertical space, you free up valuable floor area and create an illusion of more room.

Creating a Focal Point

In a small bedroom, it’s important to create a focal point that draws attention and adds visual interest to the space. By strategically incorporating a tall headboard or statement piece, utilizing wall space above the bed, and highlighting the bed as the centerpiece of the room, you can enhance the overall design and make your small bedroom feel more inviting. Here are some tips for creating a focal point:

1. Tall Headboard or Statement Piece: One effective way to create a focal point in your small bedroom is by incorporating a tall headboard or a statement piece. A tall headboard can add height to the room and instantly make the bed the centerpiece. Choose a headboard with interesting details, such as tufting, patterned upholstery, or unique shapes, to make it stand out.
2. Wall Space Above the Bed: If a tall headboard isn’t feasible, utilize the wall space above the bed to create a visually appealing focal point. Hang artwork, a large mirror, or a decorative tapestry that complements the overall style of the room. Choose a piece that captures attention and serves as a point of interest. If you prefer a minimalistic approach, opt for a single large-scale artwork or a gallery wall with a collection of smaller pieces. This not only adds personality to the room but also directs the eye toward the bed, making it the central focus.
3. Highlighting your King-size Bed as the Centerpiece: Make the bed the undeniable centerpiece of the room. Dress it up with luxurious bedding, accent pillows, and a cozy throw blanket that coordinates with the overall color scheme. Consider using layers and textures to add depth and visual interest. By carefully styling the bed, you emphasize its importance in the room and create a focal point that immediately catches the eye.

Remember, when creating a focal point, it’s important to keep the scale and proportions of the room in mind. Avoid overcrowding the space with too many elements that can make the room feel cluttered. 

Conclusion:

Remember, limited space doesn’t mean limited possibilities. With the right design choices and a touch of creativity, you can transform your smaller bedroom into a cozy haven that perfectly accommodates your dream bed.

So, don’t let a smaller room discourage you; just remember “less is more” and you will love your king bed!