Making the most of a small child’s bedroom can be challenging, but with some creative thinking and clever design, you can create a fun, functional and comfortable space your child will love. Here are eight top tips to maximise space in a small child’s bedroom.
1. USE FURNITURE THAT DOES DOUBLE DUTY
Look for furniture that serves multiple purposes to save space. Bunk beds are ideal for siblings sharing a room, freeing up the floor area. Kids cabin beds with storage drawers underneath are great space-savers. Opt for a desk that has shelving above to store books and toys. A toy box that doubles as seating is another good option. Dual purpose furniture maximises every inch. Consider pieces with fold-away elements like fold-down desks or extendable dining tables.
2. GO VERTICAL
Make use of vertical space to open up floor area. Wall mounted shelves and racks can hold books, toys and other items. Hang wall cabinets for extra storage. Place a board across a corner for a DIY corner desk. You can even mount a small desk or table on the wall. Going vertical with storage and furnishings prevents a cluttered look. Suspended beds that hang from the ceiling are an inventive way to sleep up high.
3. BUILT-IN STORAGE
Built-in cabinets, shelving, wardrobes and desks make the most of available space. Built-ins allow you to customise storage to fit the room, with clever inserts, adjustable shelves and other space-saving elements. They also prevent having large standalone furniture pieces taking up space. For ultimate efficiency, have built-ins designed and installed by a professional carpenter. Consider hidden nooks like under-stairs storage.
4. CLEVER BED SOLUTIONS
A standard double bed can dominate a small room, so look at space-saving alternatives. Kids cabin beds incorporate both bed and storage. Loft beds elevate the bed over a desk or play area below. Trundle beds have an extra pull-out bed underneath. Bunk beds allow two children to share efficiently. Experiment with unconventional bed shapes as well – there are triangular, rounded and curved options. Lofts with built-in stairs save on floor space.
5. MULTIFUNCTIONAL TEXTILES
Children’s bedroom textiles can do more than just look cute! Opt for textiles that offer extra practicality. Cubby hole cushions provide toy storage. Window seat cushions add seating. Under-bed storage boxes on castors easily roll out. Hooks on walls and furniture allow towels, bags and coats to hang. Textiles with multiple functions integrate storage and seating options. Look for chair pads or pouffes with hidden compartments.
6. KEEP FLOOR SPACE CLEAR
Limit floor clutter by having designated homes for everything. Baskets, bins and cupboards for toys, games, art supplies, clothes and books allow things to be tidied away. Use door-mounted hanging racks on the back of the door to conveniently store often-worn items. Keep surfaces clutter-free with boxes for small, loose items. Maintaining clear floor space makes the room feel open. Have kids help with cleanup and organisation.
7. MIRRORS REFLECT LIGHT
Strategically placed mirrors will visually enlarge a small space. Position across from windows to maximise daylight. Mirrored doors on wardrobes and cabinets give the illusion of more room. You can also use mirrors to make a narrow room feel wider by placing them on the perpendicular wall. Mirror stick-ons are affordable and easy to apply. Just be sure to use safety mirror film if concerned about glass shards.
8. NEUTRAL COLOUR SCHEMES
Stick to light, neutral background colours like off-white, pale grey and beige. These palettes keep the space feeling airy and roomy. Boost with pops of colourful accessories, art, patterned textiles, mobiles and wall decals. Painting one accent wall in a bright, fun colour adds cheer without being overwhelming. Neutral bases with colourful accents keep the room from looking too busy.
9. MAKE USE OF UNDER-BED SPACE
Don’t forget the area under the bed! This space is perfect for extra storage. Use rolling plastic bins or baskets to access items easily. Add castors to standard boxes for mobility. Slide-out drawers on rails are another option. You can also install permanent built-in drawers. Just be sure to leave clearance for bedding. Under-bed areas keep things tidy and out of sight.
10. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF CORNERS
Corners become useful with the right furnishings. Corner desks maximise workspace. Corner shelves hold books, toys and display items. You can even get corner cabinetry and built-ins custom made. A corner window seat with storage underneath adds both seating and storage. Paying attention to corners takes advantage of every inch.
Decorating and designing a small child’s bedroom can be challenging. But with clever, efficient furniture, ample storage, and a neutral colour palette, you can create a bedroom your child will happily inhabit. Built-in storage, multi-use furniture, and vertical space are key to maximising play and sleep space. With a little creativity, a small bedroom can become a big success!
