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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
