The golden rules of bedroom layout

Crafting a blueprint for your bedroom’s layout should be the first step in your bedroom redesign. Sketching out the shape of your room will help you visualise where you want your furniture to go and envision its potential.

By planning your layout, you can consider what you want most in your room beyond just a place to sleep. Perhaps it’s a cosy reading nook, a special corner for getting ready in the morning, or a dedicated spot for yoga. Whatever you envision, it must flow well. That’s why adhering to the golden rules of layout is crucial.

To bring your vision to life, let’s explore the key rules of bedroom layout…

As your bedroom’s largest piece of furniture, the placement of your bed will set the tone for the entire space.

Deciding where the bed goes is the first layout consideration you should ponder, but there are guidelines to consider depending on the bedroom’s shape:

Do:

• Decide where the bed goes first for an optimal layout.
• In square bedrooms, place the bed centrally for balanced space access.
• Create zones in rectangular rooms for different activities.
• Centre the bed vertically along the longest wall in larger bedrooms.

Don’t:

• Place the bed randomly without considering the room’s shape.
• Overlook the potential for creating functional zones in rectangular rooms.
• Waste space by not utilising corners in small bedrooms.

Credit: @renovating_192

Work with the view outside to encourage moments of relaxation.

It would be rude not to take advantage if you’re fortunate enough to have a view of a sandy beach, luscious green field, or panoramic cityscape. Designing your room to embrace the view will create accidental moments of peace, allowing you to watch the world go by from sunrise to dusk. If you don’t have any views, you can bring nature into your room with bedroom plants and incorporate natural colours and textures.

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An oddly shaped room can influence your layout choices and spark creative opportunities.

Adding smaller furniture pieces can make use of otherwise wasted space. Transform a uniquely shaped corner into a chic coffee table area. Use a protruding fireplace to display treasured memories on either side or turn a bay window into a snug reading nook. Embracing these areas will add character to your bedroom and maximise your space, creating a one-of-a-kind room.

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We seem to find great comfort when everything is aligned, and the same goes for bedroom furniture.

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Strategic placement of mirrors can create a sense of spaciousness in a room.

Adding just one large vertical mirror in your room will create a clever optical illusion, making the space appear larger and more open. By strategically placing the mirror to reflect the view from your window, you can bring the outdoors inside, enhancing the room with more natural light. This brightens the area and gives the impression of a different layout, adding depth and dimension.

If your bedroom has an angled wall or a spare corner, add a mirror. The mirror’s reflection from multiple angles will create a sense of depth and use any available light source to brighten up the entire room. This will make the space more inviting and spacious, transforming awkward areas into beautiful, light-filled features.

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Make the most of the glorious sunshine.

Whether your sanctuary is graced with traditional windows or charming skylights, inviting daylight into your space enhances its utility and delivers ambience.

If you want to feel the sun on you whilst reading or have a seating area dressed in sunlight, understanding where natural light travels in your room will help you design your layout. Make sure to consider the time of day you need the most natural light and where the sun is facing.

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Say goodbye to messy bedrooms by designing a charmingly functional room.

Design your room to harmonise with everyday life. Free-standing wardrobes and drawers should be strategically positioned for ease of access. Still, if you are seeking something more seamless, then built-in wardrobes will utilise the contours of your room, leveraging every inch of your space with storage. But if that’s not enough, or you don’t want storage to compromise the room’s theme, then an ottoman bed is a versatile addition to your bedroom.

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Lay your room out in a way that allows you to navigate around the room freely.

Encountering obstacles in your room will create frustration, but leaving a pathway will allow you to access all of your bedroom calmly. This layout consideration is a guiding principle of Feng Shui bedroom design, but it is essential for all bedrooms.

Planning your layout to have space on either side of your bed, room for pull-out drawers, and doors that can fully open will create a relaxing environment for you to settle down each day.

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Don’t let the space beneath a slanted ceiling go to waste or let a high ceiling be left to squander.

Maximise the charm of a loft bedroom by smartly utilising the space under a slanted area. You can create a snug seating corner or add a cosy day bed, embracing the lower ceiling to make a sanctuary for unwinding outside the comfort of your bed.

If you have a bedroom with high ceilings, you can take advantage of these areas to add storage features or shelving. A chandelier or an art display is also ideal for bedrooms with plenty of room above your head.

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Turn the prospect of getting out of bed into a delight with a room designed for an early start.

Having what you need in front of you when you hear your alarm can make those early starts a little easier. A place to put your dressing gown or a drawer to keep clothing within reach may help you wake up peacefully each morning. The chill of a cold wooden floor can turn getting out of bed into a challenge, but placing a soft, plush rug underneath your bed and creating a path to your morning destination will cushion your way to a happier start.

Additionally, if you aim for a consistent morning workout routine, designate a space in your bedroom for laying out your workout mat. Whether next to your bed, ready for when you rise, or in a corner of the room, a dedicated area for exercise will motivate you to stick to your morning schedule. Alternatively, if you prefer a slower start to your day, create a designated area in your room for journaling and meditation. Consider adding a cosy accent chair in this spot to enhance your comfort.

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When selecting a bed that best suits your layout, there are several factors to consider for functionality and aesthetics.

The ideal bed size will depend on the dimensions of your bedroom. Opt for a small double or a double to maximise space in small rooms. Alternatively, if you have a larger layout, add a king-size or a super-king to fill the space and create a luxurious setting. Another way to add to the feel of the room is by considering the headboard shape. Add a statement upholstered headboard if you have high ceilings and want to create a sense of elegance and sophistication.

Consider having a sofa bed for multifunctional bedrooms like home offices or guest bedrooms. This way, you can collapse the bed when it is not in use and make the most of your available room. For more inspiration on multi-purpose rooms, read our guide to guest bedrooms.

Thoughtfully designing your bedroom layout can transform your space into a beautiful sanctuary. Symmetry and clear pathways will bring balance and harmony, while strategic storage solutions will keep your room clutter-free. Remember to use ceiling heights and factor in a layout that accommodates your morning routine. With these ideas, your bedroom will not only be functional but also a reflection of your style and needs.