“Most of us have at least one small bedroom that you feel can’t hold much more than a bed, side table and maybe a small chest of drawers. So we end up scrimping on everything. Here are some ideas on what ‘else’ you could consider putting in your small room, that aren’t expected.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
While it’s fun to look at photos of spacious bedrooms complete with sitting areas, fireplaces, large armoires and more, the reality is that most people sleep in much tighter spaces. Personally, I love a small, cozy bedroom — it adds to the snuggled-up feeling. But often we also want a piece of luxury to go with that practicality in our modestly sized bedrooms, even if there is barely room for a bed.
1. A chandelier. So long as you meet code and place it so you won’t be bonking your head, an elegant light fixture can really make a small bedroom room feel special. Be sure to put it on a dimmer so that you can adjust the mood.
2. Plants. By using a custom living wall system, these designers were able to bring in life on the headboard wall.
Plant mounts: custom, The Floral Fixx
3. Twin beds. These beds are U.K. single beds, which are approximately 35 inches wide, as opposed to American twin beds, which are usually 39 inches wide. Those precious extra 8 inches leave a comfortable space between the two. Also worth noticing is the smart reading-light strategy — sconces mounted to the wall save space.
4. Room to stash plenty of bedside reading material. There is ample room for dozens of books and magazines in this narrow bedroom, thanks to clever built-ins tucked behind the headboard. Note the nightstand surfaces and cabinets built in as well.
5. Privacy. Sometimes a bedroom is so shallow that a bed barely fits between the walls, and there is no clearance for a door to swing. A pocket door allows plenty of room to close the space off, even though the end of the bed is very close to the opening.
6. Yards and yards of textiles. The long drapes in this room add softness, pattern and color while providing privacy. They really make the room.
7. A large statement piece of art. With the walls taken up by handy shelves, a window and an upholstered headboard, you would think there wouldn’t be room for a big piece of art. But designer Jen Chu cleverly adorned this vinyl roller shade with a message stuck on with cut contact paper letters. (By the way, this quote is from Apocalypse Now.)
8. An office. This bed flips up into the cabinet, leaving plenty of room to get work done at the desk during the day.
9. A TV. If you love to catch up on your DVR right before bedtime, there are clever ways to tuck in a screen. This TV screen can be tucked right up into the ceiling when not in use.
10. Deep drawers. Precious drawers under these beds offer plenty of space for clothing, linens and other items.
11. The Lincoln Memorial. OK, not literally the Lincoln Memorial; let’s make that “a mural.” You shouldn’t give up on a large design element just because a space is tight. In fact, a small room is one of the best places to make a big statement. The wallpaper behind this bed is an image of the large stately columns of the Lincoln Memorial.
Originally published on HOUZZ, by Becky Harris