You may think that a bed would not fit in a small room. Gather some facts, measurements, and decide which bed fits. Let your creativity flow, and you will find a solution. However, it does not just take creativity, and you will need to check out bed sizes and room sizes to see what will work.
The placement of your bed does matter so that you are comfortable. To make a decision that you will be happy with, read below for information concerning bed measurements and placement in your bedroom.
Which Beds Will Work in a Small Bedroom?
There are at least ten types of beds for small rooms, and the choice is up to you. You should choose your bed to accommodate the room and the person. Do not compromise comfort for size, and you will not have to because there are many options regarding placing a bed in a small room.
Moving a bed into a small room can be a challenge; however, there are beds designed specifically for small spaces. Surprisingly, there are various options so that they appeal to everyone’s individual taste. Here is an explanation of different style of beds that could work for you.
1. Sofa Sleeper with Storage
This selection gives you a place to sit and a place to sleep. This option could allow you to work from the privacy of your bedroom. For a small room, a two-seater that opens into a double bed is a good idea.
2. Classic Murphy Bed
This bed is a classic from the 1900s. It is also called a wall bed, fold-down bed, and hidden bed. During the day, it rests in the wall, and at bedtime, you pull it down with a cord or handle. This option will leave the room available for other activities during the day.
3. Day Bed
Day beds come in two twin sizes of 30 inches wide and 38 inches wide. The smaller one only has a mattress and would be comfortable for a small person. The larger twin size has a mattress and box spring like a traditional bed. You can place a pull-out bed underneath.
4. Classic bunk beds
Bunk beds are ingenious because you can get two beds into one space without taking too much room. They work really in kids’ rooms because it is exciting to sleep on the top bunk.
5. Loft With a Desk
This version is a top bunk bed with a desk underneath that will not gobble up space in a small room. The desk can provide a place for work or study, and if you do not need the desk, you could create a reading nook with a comfy chair and a light.
6. Bookshelf Bed
A platform bed with storage underneath, and it sits against the wall with a headboard that goes the length of the bed, has book storage, and room on top for lighting and treasures. This bed takes a little more space because of the headboard, but the storage underneath is convenient.
7. Bunk Beds With a Loft
Traditional bunk beds are shaped like an “L” with a loft. Three can sleep, and there can be a work center under the loft. This setup has been used in college dorms to accommodate more than two students.
8. Platform Corner Bed
Placing the bed in a corner is not always easy, but if you do not have much room, this will help. The platform is high so that you can put storage underneath, and when placed in a corner, it takes less space in a small room.
9. Bunk Beds with Trundle
Under the lower bunk, a third mattress is on a cart with wheels. When you pull it out, it will pop up to make a third bed. The third bed is useful for an overnight quest.
10. Storage Bed
The mattress is hinged, and you can lift it, exposing enough storage for anything you want. It is great for clothing, shoes, and other items you need to store.
There are more than ten-bed solutions for that small room, and with more investigation, you will find them to fit your decorating palate. These beds will accommodate all ages, and they are as comfortable as they are stylish.
When Choosing a Mattress Size does Matter
Beds come in many sizes, and there is minimum space required to fit specific size mattresses comfortably. You should ask yourself some questions before you make your bed purchase. You should make sure that you can fit a nightstand on one or both sides of the bed and other furniture.
People will tend to choose a nightstand on both sides for more storage and balance. Two nightstands are not a rule, and it is just a matter of preference.
- Nightstands – Will they fit on one or both sides?
- Other furniture – Will there be room for additional furniture?
- Extra space – Will I have room to move?
- Will I be comfortable – Is a twin enough for me, or do I need something more significant.
You should also have 3 feet of space between the bed and other furniture such as a dresser, armoire, and perhaps a desk if needed. Also, ask yourself if you can squeeze in a comfy chair to unwind in at the end of your day. See the following room size required for different beds.
| TYPE OF MATTRESS | SIZE OF MATTRESS IN INCHES | SIZE OF ROOM IN FEET |
| KING REG | 76 x 80 | 13 x 13 |
| KING CALIFORNIA | 72 X 84 | 14 x 12 |
| QUEEN REG | 60 X 80 | 10 X 14 |
| DOUBLE REG | 54 X 75 | 10 x 12 |
| TWIN REG | 38 X 75 | 9.25 x 9.25 |
| TWIN XL | 38 x 80 | 9.25 x 9.25 |
The above are the smallest size rooms for these types of mattresses. These measurements are for placement that would be comfortable without overcrowding. Your bed should be comfortable and fit in your room with some room to spare.
How Small is a Small Bedroom?
There are specific criteria for a room to be considered a bedroom. It must be at least seven by ten feet, have a door, a window, and the ceiling is required to be at least seven feet tall. The reason for the door and the window is that you have to have two ways in and two ways out.
Having a closet in the room is not a code issue, but it is good to have some place to put your stuff. Typically, the third or fourth bedroom is usually the smallest, and it is popularly used as an office. A single Murphy Bed or a small Twin in the corner would work.
The average small bedroom in today’s home is ten by ten, with the same criteria as any bedroom—a room this size is typically used as a guest room or a room for a small child. The room could also be used for a baby. The beds for this room would be:
- Crib
- Murphy bed
- Regular double
- Twin
- Sleeper sofa.
As you can see, you have a number of choices for beds. You should weigh the pros and cons of each one and then decide.
How do you Arrange a Bed in a Small Room?
Since the average small bedroom is 10 by 10, work with that measurement to figure which bed is best for you. The four walls measure the same of 120 inches each. Compare the space needed for a twin and a double bed. If you begin with deciding how much bed you need, this will help.
If you are comfortable in a twin bed, you will need about 40 inches of wall space for your headboard. If you prefer a double bed, you will need about 56 inches of wall space. Both beds are 80 inches long. Night tables will fit on both sides of either bed.
If you have a small closet, you will need extra storage; a small chest of drawers would be suitable across from the foot of the bed. You could also place a short dresser in the closet, saving floor space in the room and storage inside the closet with hanging room.
If you have 10 feet of free wall space, you could use a regular size dresser that is 60 ” wide, 20 ” deep, and 30 ” tall. Put your TV on the dresser; no TV stand is needed.
With this setup, you may be able to add a comfortable chair. Make sure to leave some space so that you can maneuver the room to get dressed and move around freely. Try to leave a three-foot path which should be enough space to navigate.
How do Non-Traditional Beds Fit in a Small Room
The chart below will help you out to decide which is right for you. There are many different beds to choose from. It all hinges on your style and personality. It also hinges on the age and size of the person. For example, if they are a toddler, they will just need a little bed.
| BED TYPE | BED SIZE | LENGTH INCHES | WIDTH INCHES | HEIGHT INCHES |
| Sofa Bed | Double | 72.6 | 60 | 39.6 |
| Murphy Bed | Twin | 80 | 45.5 | 18.75 |
| Murphy Bed | Double | 82 | 60.5 | 18.75 |
| Narrow Twin | Twin | 75 | 30 | n/a |
| Regular Twin | Twin | 75 | 38 | n/a |
| Storage Bed | Twin | 80 | 46 | 56 |
| Storage Bed | Double | 80 | 61 | 56 |
| Bunk Beds | Twin Only | 80 | 42.5 | 71 |
| Bunk Beds | Double Bottom | 80 | 57.5 | n/a |
| Bunk Beds | Twin With Stairs | 100.25 | 42.5 | 71 |
The table above gives you some ideas regarding the space the beds use. You could opt for a sofa bed that opens for sleep and stays closed during the day, so there is room for other activities in the space.
The Murphy Bed is also a good pick for more daytime space. You could place some bookshelves, with storage, on either side of the bed for an attractive and practical addition. In a ten-by-ten room, either a double or twin Murphy bed will work.
Where Should I Place my Bed?
The room’s main wall is the space you should use, which would be the wall opposite the door. Most individuals prefer to have their beds placed where they can see the whole room and the door. If there an intruder is in the doorway, they will be spotted before entering the room.
It does not matter if your room or your bed is large or small. Your bed will fit in the room if you do your measuring in advance, but placement does matter. See the suggestions below for the perfect placement.
- Most people will choose the main wall for their bed because it is the first thing you look at when you walk through the door.
- On a wall where you can see the door – some choose this location because it gives them a secure feeling. This arrangement should be where you see the door, but someone looking in the door may not necessarily see you.
- On the same wall as the door – light coming from the hallway will not shine on you and interrupt your sleep. Also, you would see someone at the door before they see you.
- Facing a window – There is no better way to start your day than looking at the beauty outside of your window.
At the end of the day, all that matters is that the bed fits in the room and that you are comfortable with the placement. These are all options that are best for adequate rest.
Where Should I Not Place my Bed?
Where you should not place your bed is just as important as where you should place your bed. If your bed is in the wrong place, it can inhibit a good night’s sleep. As long as the bed fits in the room, try to pay attention to placement so that you are satisfied with your choice.
They say that you sleep away one-third of your life, so you may as well be comfortable. See below for areas your bed should not be placed; if you try these suggestions, you could have an undisturbed sleep.
- On a wall with plumbing inside – you will be disturbed by water flowing through pipes
- Against the door – you will not be able to get in or out of the room easily
- Share a wall with the bed in the next room – you will hear activity in the next room
- Facing a mirror – can cause a distraction by you detecting your own movement in the mirror
- Facing the door – also called the coffin position, with your feet facing the door; where an intruder would have the upper hand
- With your head facing north – there is a gravitational pull, and there is iron in the blood; this causes pressure in the brain and disturbed sleep. In the US, your head should point eastward.
Finding the right location to put your bed takes creativity and patience. Knowing where not to place your bed can be a challenge. If you choose to follow these simple tips, you could experience quality sleep.
My Bed is Huge; What Should I Do?
Your room may be small, but you enjoy a lovely king-size bed. There are certain things you can do to utilize your space. The following instructions can help you finagle a room without having to compromise the comfort of a large bed. All you need is a space of 6.5 x 6.5 for the bed itself.
- Focus on the bed – This is where a platform bed with storage underneath would be a good choice. Also, if your closet has sliding doors, you can place the bed closer to that wall.
- Ditch the headboard – You can get a platform bed with no headboard. You can get one with small extensions on each side to use as night tables. They only use about 12 inches of room on both sides. Now you need 8.5 feet for the head of the bed.
- Try a slim frame – Your bed could sit on the frame, and you could use decorative legs, although you might have to sacrifice the under-bed storage. If you use a taller leg, you could utilize under-bed storage solutions.
- Less is better – Omit extra bedding pieces and eliminate a bulky comforter. This omission will make it easier to navigate around the bed, and the absence of bulk can be pleasing to the eye.
- Have room to walk – Try to leave about 2 feet around the open areas of the bed, although 3 feet is better. You should be able to walk all around the bed without any trouble with a 2-foot path.
- 10 x 10 – With this size room, you will fit the king and have some space for other items, with a small dresser and maybe even a comfortable chair.
Even though 13 x 13 is an ideal space for a king-size bed, you could be comfortable in a 10 x 10 room, providing you do not go overboard with extra pieces of furniture. Today’s room sizes are smaller, and if you do not want to give up the comfort of a large bed, stick to the suggestions above, which can work for you.
Conclusion
You can fit a bed into a small room. Knowing your measurements and choosing a comfortable and appropriate size bed that suits your lifestyle will work for you. As long as the bed fits and you are comfortable in it and sleep well, you have made the best choice for you.