15 practical large bed small room ideas
- Take measurements
- Weigh financial options
- Bed as the focal point
- Bed placement
- Pick the right bed frame
- Adjust bed height
- Choose headboard shelves
- Try storage techniques
- Less bulky furniture
- Opt for Murphy beds
- Or sofa beds
- Other storage solutions
- Remove headboard
- Removes door entirely
- DIY it
It was only during my second move to my new home that I realized my bedroom was much smaller than I remembered. It was a queen size bed but we only had just enough room for our legs to dangle off the bed. I kind of wish I had this little guide at the time ( and wish I had taken proper measurements ).
So, to avoid these mistakes myself and that my family members repeatedly made, here are some out-of-the-box large bed small room tips you can follow.
Author: Valeria Torres
Editor: Michelle Bell
Contents
Can I put a big bed in a small room?
Absolutely. Providing you know the following:
- You have the correct room measurements.
- You don't plan on adding extra furniture.
- You know the door swing space.
However, with some creative large bed small room ideas and strategic planning, you can absolutely make it fit - even in the tiniest room of your apartment or house. The key is using smart space-saving techniques, ditching bulky bedroom furniture, and being selective about your other décor pieces.
How you can prepare your large bed small room
Photo credits: Francesca Tosolini
1. Start by taking room measurements
Before any kind of new investment, carefully measure every square inch of your small bedroom. Note the precise dimensions along with window/closet locations and map out a floor plan. This will help determine the full mattress size that can fit while still allowing adequate walkways around the bed itself. Don't forget to account for the swing space needed around open doors too.
This part is super important, and can save you a penny or two!
2. Consider your financial options
When furnishing, let's say, for example, a small master bedroom with an ensemble king bed can get pricey fast. Take stock of your budget and explore all options like b-stock, resale, or DIY storage beds before any new purchases. You may need to splurge but can likely cut costs on the actual bed frame or headboard pieces. Utilize financing or payment plans if taking on that initial investment.
This is not financial advice but just some options you can consider.
How do you make a bed fit in a small space?
Photo credits: Ushindi Namegabe
3. Make your bed the main focus
When it comes to a large bed small room, the bed naturally becomes the focal point by default. Build the entire room's aesthetic and design around it to ensure enough space. Embrace a minimalist, airy style and make the most of any negative wall space to prevent the area from feeling cramped or chaotic.
4. Strategic bed placement
Positioning is crucial for fitting a king bed into tight quarters. If possible, avoid simply pushing the frame flush against a wall. Instead, consider angling it diagonally across a corner or floating the king bed frame in the room's center to allow for walking paths on all sides. Wall-mounted or over-the-bed nightstand ledges can substitute for bulky bedside tables.
5. Select the right bed frame
The style of frame you choose makes a big difference in small spaces. Look for low-profile designs with little to no bodyboard. Try raised legs that create more space underneath for storage bins. Upholstered and platform bed frames tend to have less visual bulk compared to heavy wooden styles. King size beds with built-in headboard storage are ultra-efficient for small spaces.
6. Adjust your bed height
Take note of your ceiling height and bedroom dimensions. Higher ceilings may allow you to get a taller, loftier bed frame style to free up more precious floor area. Conversely, in lower ceiling rooms, a short bed frame or keeping the mattress lower to the floor can prevent that cramped, closed-in feeling. Let your room measurements determine what correct height you should aim for.
7. Try headboard shelves
One smart way to double up is by selecting a frame with built-in headboard shelving. These provide convenient small bedroom storage nooks while eliminating the need for a separate nightstand. This solution can come with either bare shelves or with pullout drawers, depending on your preference. Just be mindful of dusting and styling them intentionally.
8. Use clever storage techniques
Speaking of storage, you'll need all the help you can get in a tiny bedroom with an oversized bed. In addition to under bed storage bins, look into over-door organizers, wall-mounted cabinets, and multi-use storage ottomans. Don't be afraid to get creative with available vertical space on walls and doors.
9. Minimize bulky furniture or decor
With king storage beds already taking up so much space, be very selective about any additional furniture pieces or decor accessories. Stick to just a couple of slim dressers or wardrobes if truly needed. Use mirrors strategically to enhance sightlines. Opt for lightweight window curtains over heavy drapes, and stick to a couple of small decor accents.
Less is truly more with a large bed small room. Or, if you are looking decor tips, try our studio decor ideas post.
What kind of bed is best for a small room?
Photo credits: Matheus Bertelli
10. Murphy beds
If your bedroom ceilings are on the taller side, a Murphy bed could be an ideal small space-saving solution. While pricier, these bed frames can fold out or be wall-mounted giving you the vertical advantages. Perfect for studio loft apartments or multi-purpose spaces.
11. Sofa beds
Traditional sleeper sofas are another solid option for cramped bedrooms or multi-use areas. Look for newer models with upgraded memory foam or coil mattresses for decent sleeping support. Sofa beds allow for flexible living and lounging space during the day.
12. Other multi-functional options
Beyond Murphy beds or sofa sleepers, regular daybeds with trundle storage are very space-efficient for tight areas. Futons and cabinet beds that fold out from other furniture pieces can work too. The key is being flexible with storage space and finding multi-use furnishings that can transform any room with limited space.
What to do when bed is too big for room?
Photo credits: Max Vakhtbovycn
Even with meticulous large bed small bedroom planning, sometimes you realize your king bed setup is just too big. Do not panic - there are still a few clever ideas you could try:
13. Remove the headboard
Taking off the headboard can instantly give you back those precious inches of floor space around the bed frame. Use that newly open wall area for floating nightstand ledges or décor shelving instead of the bulky headboard.
14. Remove the door
In very tight quarters where every inch counts, you may need to resort to more extreme measures. That's right, removing the bedroom door entirely off its hinges. This allows full accessibility for maneuvering and angling in an oversized bed set. If privacy is still required, you can always add a simple curtain or freestanding screen.
15. Consider more DIY solutions
If all else fails, it's time to get handy with some customized DIY work. Carefully saw or cut down side rail lengths, sand down overly curved headboard edges, or swap out a thicker boxspring for a low-profile bunkie board. There are so many helpful DIY options out there, maybe we'll cover large bed small room DIY tips in the future, who knows!
Until then, read here for small den decorating tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a king size bed in a small room?
Yes, you can fit a king bed into even a very small room if you follow the right layout strategies. According to Serta, the average king size bed is approximately 6ft 6" long and 6ft 3" wide or 76 x 80 inches. Also, the average small room size is 10ft long and 7ft wide, so on paper, it is doable. Be sure to choose low-profile frame and utilize vertical storage.
Is a full size bed good for a small room?
Yes, a full or double bed is often the smart choice for cramped small bedrooms. This leaves a more open floor area while still accommodating couples comfortably. Even single sleepers seeking extra sprawling space can make a large bed small room work with clever planning.
Can a 12x12 room fit a king size bed?
It will undoubtedly be an extremely tight squeeze, but as mentioned above, yes. Even a compact 12x12 bedroom can technically fit a king bed if you opt for a sleek, low bed frame with under-bed storage. Be sure to remember your floating storage options to reduce any bulky additional furniture.
Can a bed be too big for a room?
Of course, having a bed frame or mattress size that's simply too large and out of proportion can easily overwhelm and shrink the space. It may block off walkways, make the room feel claustrophobic, and simply not be worth the hassle. Always remember to measure your small bedroom carefully but thoroughly.
If things still feel too cramped, read how you can make your room appear larger here.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we've explored numerous strategies for fitting a luxuriously large king size bed into even the smallest of bedroom spaces. From strategic layout positioning and selective furniture choices to space-saving Murphy beds and DIY customizations, there are plenty of viable small bedroom ideas that allow you to enjoy that cozy cloud-like sleeping oasis.
The most important takeaway? Measure diligently, make your bed the true focal point, and don't be afraid to get creative. Remove that door if needed! Hopefully, this large bed small room guide has saved you some space….and a little bit of cash.
If you want to read more, read our small rooms post.