Smalls spaces can feel like a puzzle…
Limited square footage, a tight budget, and the expectation that your bedroom doesn’t look like a storage closet collide every time you look for a new apartment.
The Problem
Average new-build apartments in the UK are only 656 square feet – and with bedroom furniture prices increasing so rapidly, it feels like it’s impossible to put together a bed collection that’s both functional and stylish.
The thing is…
Living in a small space doesn’t have to mean you compromise on your style, comfort or budget. By thinking carefully about how to put together a bed collection, even the tiniest bedrooms can feel like a functional and stylish space that works for your lifestyle.
What you’ll learn:
- Why small apartment bed collections are different
- Smart storage bed solutions that actually work
- Multi-functional furniture ideas for tight spaces
- Budget-friendly ways to maximize your bedroom
- Interior design tricks that make rooms feel bigger
What makes a great bed collection when you’re living in a small apartment? Find out below…
Why small apartment bed collections are different
The biggest mistake people make when it comes to designing a small bedroom?
Thinking that less space means simpler design.
This isn’t true at all.
Bedroom collections for small apartments have to be even more carefully curated than larger bedrooms. In a small apartment, every piece of furniture has to earn its place in your bedroom by working really hard to be multi-functional.
Fun fact:
Cities like London now have 17% of new homes that are below the minimum two-person, one-bedroom space standard of 50 square meters. This means that in many apartments, your bedroom is competing with your living room, dining area, or even your home office for precious space.
If you’re living in a small apartment, the key to putting together a bed collection that works is choosing pieces that make the most of both style and function without overcrowding your bedroom. Check out https://www.thebedsupermarket.co.uk/ for options that could tick all your boxes.
When you think about it…
Your bed is the piece of furniture that takes up the most floor space in a bedroom. Get the bed wrong, and your whole room will look cramped and disorganized.
Smart storage bed solutions that actually work
This is one of the most fun parts of designing a bedroom for a small apartment…
Storage beds aren’t just a trendy hack for small spaces – they’re an absolute must.
The reason storage beds work so well is because they kill two birds with one stone.
Platform beds with built-in drawers mean you don’t need to have a bulky dresser in your bedroom. Ottoman storage beds give you somewhere to hide seasonal clothing, extra bedding, and anything else that’s cluttering up your bedroom.
But you can’t just grab any old storage bed you see. You need to choose the storage solution that’s best suited to your specific needs.
The best storage bed options to choose from:
- Lift-up storage beds: Great for storing bulky items like winter coats or extra pillows
- Drawer platform beds: Better for everyday items you need easy and regular access to
- Headboard storage: Great for books, charging stations and bedside essentials
- Under-bed storage boxes: Budget-friendly option that work with any bed frame
Remember, the key to really maximizing the functionality of your small apartment bedroom is to think vertically and use every square inch of space.
Multi-functional furniture ideas for tight spaces
One thing that might surprise you…
The best bed collections for small apartments use furniture that serves 2-3 functions, minimum.
For example:
A bedside table that’s also a charging station and a bookshelf. A bench at the foot of your bed that provides extra seating as well as storage.
The key to multi-functional furniture that transforms your small bedroom:
Nightstands with multiple compartments will keep your bedside essentials organized while also serving as display space for anything personal.
Storage ottomans can be extra seating when you have friends over, a footrest when you’re relaxing and hidden storage for all the things you don’t need to access day-to-day.
Wall-mounted floating shelves create storage/display space without taking up valuable floor area.
Folding desks are the perfect way to have a workspace during the day, vanity area in the morning, and then fold up against the wall flat when you don’t need it.
The ultimate goal of multi-functional furniture is to create a bedroom that adapts to your daily routines, without making it feel cluttered or cramped.
Budget-friendly ways to maximize your bedroom
Looking to create an amazing bed collection without breaking the bank?
Here’s the secret interior designers never tell you:
You don’t need to buy everything brand new/expensive to put together a cohesive bedroom design that works for your style.
Budgeting hacks that really pack a punch:
Mix vintage and contemporary pieces to create a one-of-a-kind look while also saving money. A contemporary platform bed with vintage nightstands will add visual interest and depth.
Focus your budget on one or two statement pieces like an oversized headboard or a bold colored duvet cover, then build the rest of your collection around budget-friendly neutrals.
DIY storage hacks can be just as effective as buying expensive built-ins. Under-bed storage boxes, over-the-door organizers and wall-mounted hooks add functionality for very little cost.
Shop end-of-season sales for bedding, pillows and decorative accessories. Refresh your whole bedroom’s look for the price of one expensive furniture piece.
Keep in mind that creating a beautiful bedroom collection is more about smart planning than about splurging.
Interior design tricks that make rooms feel bigger
If there’s one section of this guide you need to pay attention to, it’s this one…
The right interior design choices can make even the smallest bedroom feel twice the size.
Proven hacks that actually work:
Light colors make a room feel more spacious by reflecting more light. Stick to white, soft greys and warm beiges for your major furniture pieces.
Mirrors, when strategically placed, reflect light and make a room feel deeper and more open. Place a mirror or two opposite a window or light source to really make it work.
Hanging curtains close to the ceiling frame your windows and make them feel larger, which also draws the eye upward to make ceilings feel higher.
Minimalist bedding in solid colors and simple patterns stops your bed from visually overpowering your room.
The interior design secret most people miss…
Vertical storage draws the eye upward and makes ceilings feel higher. Choose tall, narrow furniture pieces over low wide ones when you’re furnishing small spaces.
Clear pathways around your bed will make your room feel more spacious. Even in tiny apartments, try to keep at least 18″ of walking space around your bed and furniture.
The goal is creating visual flow that makes your bedroom feel like a more open and breathable space.
Key takeaways for putting together your perfect bed collection
Building a great bed collection for a small apartment is 100% possible if you plan well and focus on the right priorities.
Prioritize these 4 things:
Smart storage beds that eliminate the need for additional furniture.
Multi-functional furniture that works for your daily routines and lifestyle.
Mixing budget and splurge pieces to get the most out of your decorating budget.
Light colors and mirrors to help your space feel larger.
Remember, the best bed collection for your small apartment bedroom is one that makes your day-to-day life easier and reflects your personal style.
Summing It All Up
Just because you live in a small apartment doesn’t mean your bedroom has to be uncomfortable or less stylish than other people’s.
The secret to pulling it off is all in how you approach your bed collection. Every piece of furniture needs to work really hard in a small space to be multi-functional, and every design choice you make needs to help your bedroom feel more spacious and organized.
Start with these essentials:
- Storage bed to eliminate clutter
- Multi-functional nightstands with built-in organization
- Light-colored bedding that makes your bedroom feel open
- Strategic mirrors and lighting to maximize your space
Focus on function first and style second, and you can create a bedroom in your small apartment that works and that you love, without emptying your bank account in the process.
