In smaller houses and cozy apartments, master bedrooms are often special in name only. But squeezing two full-grown adults into a room only a little bigger than the kids’ is no small feat. Still, having a small master bedroom is a reality that many of us have to face. Unless you’re willing (or even able) to knock back a wall, there aren’t many ways to bulk up your bedroom. That said, there are ways to maximize the space you have and enjoy every inch without feeling a cramped.
The first thing you should do is prioritize the bed in your bedroom. I’ve mentioned before that your mattress should fit your room, which in small bedrooms probably rules out a king size. But that doesn’t mean that you should try to save space by opting for a bed that’s uncomfortably small. Some people toss and turn at night, and that means a bigger bed is necessary to not bother your partner. Having a bed that’s big enough should be the highest priority when decorating a small master bedroom. You can make do without some of the typical bedroom amenities; you can’t make do with a too-small bed.
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Finding yourself with a larger bed and no space for much else? Get rid of the nightstands on either side of your bed. Instead, save space with a wall-mounted or pendant light that doesn’t require a surface to stand on. These pendants have the added benefit of being a very modern fixture for contemporary bedrooms; it’s a switch that’s both stylish and functional. If you have a little remaining space, opt for smaller nightstands or shelves; it’ll be plenty of surface space without a bulky lamp hogging the tabletop.
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Another solution is to double up on furniture use. Instead of having an independent nightstand, use a piece of furniture that serves another purpose, like an office desk or a low dresser. This way, you get all the functionality of both pieces but save space by only having one. Dual purpose furniture can really help out a smaller bedroom; instead of acquiring more furniture, you can maximize the pieces you have. Too much screen time before bed is a no-no. But setting up an office space in a bedroom ensures you have privacy and won’t be disturbed while you’re working.
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Your headboard takes up a lot of space, so it’s time to think about what it contributes. If you need more shelving, opt for a headboard that does double-duty as a storage unit. A headboard shelf can hold books, knick-knacks, or just your phone, while still maintaining the framing look for your bed. If your headboard’s purpose is purely decorative, you can also ditch the headboard entirely; use wall art or floating shelves to fill up the vertical space it leaves behind.
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Your headboard is not the only space that can double as storage. Underneath your bed can be a treasure trove of storage space, for built-in shelving or just a gap to fill. Store clothes, shoes, or bedding underneath for easy access and save space in your dresser or closet. Even just switching from a traditional mattress and box spring to a modern platform bed can give back all the space a box spring would have taken up, and let you use it for storage.
A small master bedroom won’t give you much space to work with. But using your space wisely can help you create a room that fits all of your things and lets you sleep comfortably without feeling crowded.