15 Bedroom Layout Ideas for Small & Large Bedrooms
A personal sanctuary, your bedroom is where you sleep, retreat from the rest of the world, unwind and recharge. Or at least, it should be. Thoughtfully designing your bedroom layout can make all the difference, turning it into a space that’s practical yet immediately invokes a sense of calm.
And with bedroom layout ideas searches on the rise, it shows just how many of us are on the hunt for the perfect setup. Whether you’re working with a snug space that leaves little room to breathe or a spacious master suite begging to be filled for a luxe, curated feel, our bedroom layout ideas will give you plenty of inspiration.
We'll walk you through layout ideas tailored to different room sizes and shapes, offering practical tips to maximise comfort and make those awkward spaces work harder—while sneaking in a few bedroom pieces to complete the look.
How to design a bedroom layout: 15 bedroom layout ideas
1. Make the most of compact spaces with multi-functional furniture
Chalbury Console Desk in Warm White - £399
When floor space is limited, every piece of furniture should work double-time. A beautiful bed with built-in drawers or a stylish ottoman at the foot of the bed can double as seating and storage.
Make your space function better for you with floating bedside tables that are fixed to the wall. The perfect example of multi-functional furniture, these are an absolute game-changer, creating a minimalist look, adding calming symmetry and providing extra storage while freeing up precious room—the list goes on.
2. For narrow bedrooms, optimise space with sleek, slimline furniture
Ashwell Taupe Pine Wood Tall Boy - £265
Long, narrow rooms can feel like a challenge, but clever furniture choices can quickly change that. Choosing streamlined pieces like a narrow console table instead of a chunky chest of drawers maximises space, and wall-mounted lighting keeps surfaces clear while creating a cosy ambience.
A well-placed mirror at the far end of the room adds depth, giving the illusion of a bigger space (there really are more options than you might think).
3. Select spacious wardrobes that provide ample storage and complement the room
Chalbury Triple Wardrobe in Pebble Grey - £1,250
Wardrobes do more than hide your clothes—they also hide your clutter, provide a beautiful focal point and make stunning additions to any bedroom. Look for styles that add character with built-in compartments or adjustable shelves to keep everything organised.
Sliding doors are perfect if you’re tight on space, while mirrored panels can brighten the area and tie the entire room together.
4. Make the space look bigger with light colours
Chalbury 3 Over 4 Chest of Drawers in Warm White - £499
Lighter shades invoke calm and have the magical ability to open up a room. Soft creams, pastel tones or crisp whites reflect natural light, making the smallest bedroom feel airy and inviting.
Pair these hues with sheer curtains and light-coloured furniture to keep the atmosphere bright and breezy. Go one step further and add texture with subtle patterns, home décor or a cosy rug to avoid a flat, one-dimensional look.
5. For master bedrooms, enhance luxury with high-quality, spacious furniture
Burford Triple Wardrobe with 2 Drawers in Natural Oak - £1,299
A master bedroom deserves furniture that takes up the space and exudes comfort, elegance and luxury. Invest in a statement bed frame, like a plush upholstered design or a sleek four-poster.
Large bedside tables offer plenty of room for essentials, while an intricate, well-crafted dresser with plenty of design details adds style alongside some much-needed practicality. Soft furnishings like blankets and cushions complete the luxurious feel.
6. Choose space-saving bed frames
Chalbury 4ft 6" High End Double Bed Frame in Dusky Black - £599
A bulky bed frame can dominate a room, but a well-chosen design can do the exact opposite. Increasingly-popular platform beds with clean lines keep things low-profile while maximising under-bed storage.
Look for frames with built-in shelving, divans with integrated drawers or delicate frames with plenty of room to slide storage underneath—they’ll help you keep essentials within reach without taking up more floor space than they need to. Pair with non-fussy bedding and simple headboards to keep the room open and airy.
7. Opt for bedside tables that blend function with design
Marca Sand Wash Acacia Wood and Black Metal Bedside Unit - £349.99
An often overlooked part of bedroom décor, bedside tables are the silent heroes of interior design and should be more than just a place to stash your phone. Choose designs that enhance the aesthetics of your room and offer convenient storage for holding your hand creams, favourite reads and all your other night-time essentials.
A bedside table with a single drawer keeps clutter at bay while leaving room for a statement lamp. If you’re short on space, consider wall-mounted options or slim ladder shelves that provide a modern twist without being bulky and taking up too much space.
8. Arrange furniture strategically in a square room to maintain symmetry and function
Siena Bouclé Tub Chair With Black Legs - £369.99
Square bedrooms are a dream for symmetry lovers. Position your bed in the centre as the focal point, flanked by matching accent tables to create a balance that’ll please even the toughest perfectionist.
If you have the space, add a statement armchair in one corner to create a cosy reading nook. Keep larger pieces, like wardrobes or dressers, along one wall to maintain a sense of order and ensure everything flows seamlessly.
9. Integrate a small desk to maximise space
Chalbury Dressing Table with Drawers in Warm White - £699
Chalbury Mirror in Warm White - £99
Chalbury Stool in Warm White - £99
Do you need a work-from-home setup without sacrificing your bedroom’s vibe? A compact desk tucked into a corner or placed under a window can do the trick.
Pair it with a stylish leather or plush boucle chair and wall-mounted shelves to create a functional yet chic workspace. Desks with built-in drawers keep supplies hidden, while a small lamp ensures the area stays well-lit without taking up too much surface space.
10. Consider the flow of the room by ensuring easy movement and access
Fairford Satin Black Pine Wood 2 Drawer Console Table - £199.99
A well-designed bedroom has clear, intuitive pathways that encourage natural movement for effortless navigation. Prioritise the flow of your room by leaving clear paths around the bed and creating easy access to crucial everyday pieces like wardrobes and chests of drawers.
Place larger items against walls to create more floor space, and keep frequently used items, such as floor lamps or storage baskets, within easy reach. Thoughtful placement helps your room feel more open and inviting, regardless of size.
11. Create symmetry and balance with larger furniture pieces
Chalbury 5ft High-End Kingsize Bed Frame in Warm White - £649
Chalbury 3 Drawer Bedside Table in Warm White - £175
Even if we don’t like to admit it, humans tend to have a preference for balance and order, seeking comfort in symmetry that adds instant calm to bedrooms and beyond.
Place the bed centrally before adding matching bedside tables or lamps to anchor the room. If you have a wardrobe or chest of drawers, position it opposite the bed to maintain balance and create a harmonious look that feels polished and inviting. Add a bench or storage trunk at the foot of the bed for a practical but stylish finishing touch.
12. Choose compact bedside tables and a chest of drawers to maximise space
In smaller bedrooms, every inch counts. Opt for petite bedside tables with built-in storage to keep essentials and decorative items, like vases, close without overwhelming the room.
If you're pinched for space, consider choosing a slim chest of drawers. Not only do they hold a surprising amount of clothing, but they're super easy to squeeze into compact areas. Avoid bulky designs and opt for on-trend furniture with raised legs, which help create the illusion of more space to keep your room feeling light and uncluttered.
13. Choose the perfect bed to maximise space, comfort and style
Burford 5ft High-End Kingsize Bed Frame in Natural Oak - £699
The bed reigns as the undisputed heart of the bedroom, so it’s important to pick one that enhances the overall visual appeal of your space.
A statement piece like a four-poster or upholstered frame adds drama and elegance to spacious rooms, while platform beds or those with built-in storage are lifesavers for small bedrooms. While many opt to position their bed against a wall—an easy and common solution—this isn’t always the best choice. The ideal placement will depend on factors like door placement, room size, radiators and windows. Sometimes, floating the bed away from the wall or centre it under a window can create a more balanced and visually appealing layout. Pair your chosen bed with plush bedding and a coordinating headboard to tie the look together and create a luxurious feel.
14. Maximise comfort with the right furniture arrangement and soft furnishings
Ardley 3 Seat Sofa Bed in Warm Grey - £2,299
A well-thought-out layout can make all the difference when it comes to comfort. Position your bed to face natural light for a refreshing start to the day, and arrange seating or storage pieces within easy reach.
Now that you’ve nailed the layout, make the room even more inviting by adding plenty of character with soft furnishings like cushions, blankets and a cosy rug for extra warmth and texture.
15. For small bedrooms, choose space-saving furniture and clever storage solutions
Bali Grey Kubu Set of 2 Rectangular Chests - £215
Small bedrooms can still pack a punch with the right furniture. Choose a bed with under-bed storage or a loft-style design to free up valuable floor space.
Wall-mounted shelves provide extra storage without crowding the room, while a compact wardrobe keeps everything neatly tucked away. Focus on multi-functional pieces to maximise every inch, creating a room that’s both stylish and practical.
Bedroom layout dos and don’ts
Designing a bedroom layout can feel like a puzzle, but a few simple rules can make all the difference.
Dos
- Centre your bed where possible, ensuring enough space on both sides for symmetry and balance as well as easy access to bedside tables.
- Keep windows clear to maximise natural light. Use sheer curtains or blinds to let in light while maintaining privacy.
- Prioritise flow by leaving clear paths around everyday furniture for easy movement and keeping the space open.
- Incorporate various storage solutions, such as under-bed drawers, storage baskets or wall-mounted shelves, to keep clutter at bay without eating into your floor space.
- Use rugs to define specific areas in larger rooms, with a well-placed rug under the bed helping to anchor the space while adding warmth and texture.
Don’ts
- Avoid blocking doors or windows with bulky furniture, which can make the room feel cramped and disrupt natural light or airflow.
- Don’t overcrowd the room with too much furniture—focus on multi-functional pieces that save space and serve multiple purposes.
- Avoid placing your bed directly against a wall in larger rooms unless absolutely necessary. This isn’t always the best place for a bed and can throw off the room’s balance depending on its layout.
- Don’t ignore the importance of lighting. Relying solely on overhead lights can create a harsh atmosphere. Layer your lighting with bedside lamps, wall sconces or dimmable options.
- Avoid mismatched furniture that clashes in style or scale, making the room feel chaotic and cramped.
Create your dream bedroom layout with Harbour Lifestyle
Room layout is one of the most crucial aspects of good interior design. It not only shapes how a space looks but also how it feels and functions in daily life. Your bedroom should provide a peaceful retreat, enough room to get ready each day and a layout that feels both practical and inviting. No two bedrooms are the same, so don’t be afraid to experiment with our bedroom layout ideas. Move your bed, reposition your dresser and use multi-functional pieces until you discover the layout that works best for you and your lifestyle.
Harbour Lifestyle offers a range of premium furniture and accessories designed to fit beautifully into any room, be it square, rectangle or L-shaped. Explore our collection today and start creating a bedroom that’s enjoyable to use on a day-to-day basis.
FAQs
Where should the bed be placed in a bedroom?
Beds tend to be the main focal point in a bedroom, meaning that, ideally, they should be on the wall directly across from the door. However, this will all depend on the layout of your room, including factors such as size, windows and radiators. Placing the bed against the longest wall is a common option, leaving space on both sides for bedside tables to create balance and ensure easy movement around the room.
