15 Bedroom Layout Mistakes That Are Making Your Room Feel Smaller
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Your bedroom is not just a place where you rest; it’s a little sanctuary where you rest well, relax, and even get inspired. Unfortunately, some design decisions can make it seem cramped, chaotic, or claustrophobic.
It’s difficult in small rooms, but even in bigger ones, it’s not easy to feel spacious when the right setup isn’t used. If you aren’t fully using your space right now, here are some common bedroom layout mistakes to avoid. A few simple modifications will help you notice the change.
Putting the Bed Against the Shortest Wall
Putting your bed against the shortest wall in your room can make it feel boxed in and unbalanced. This setup usually has less space around the bed, leaving the entire area crowded. See if you can move the bed to another base leg and corner of the room (by the longer wall) so that you or your spouse can walk around the bed. It also allows movement in other parts of the room and allows you to put additional furniture in the room without the feeling that you’re on top of one another.
Lack of Walking Space Near the Bed
You might think cramping your bed against a wall or fitting it into a corner is a space saver, but more often, it’s a space stealer. The bedroom can become crowded without room to walk around. Try to maintain at least two feet of walking space on one or both sides of the bed, thus leaving it feeling open and airy. It might be this small of an adjustment, but if you do it, it will make the whole room feel more balanced.
Choosing Bulky Furniture
Bedrooms tend to be smaller than ordinary rooms, and oversized or especially heavy furniture could easily make a bedroom feel even narrower. Grand pieces like a bed frame or wide dresser can be used, but slider or compact pieces take the floor space. Find lightweight or floating furniture designs that keep storage out of the room. That way, your space feels more open and practical.
Cluttering the Bedside Tables
Bedside tables are great, but we end up filling those up with books, lamps, chargers… the list goes on. Too much stuff on display makes the room go from inviting to messy; a move in the right direction changes the room from a much cluttered, small-feeling room to a spacious room. Go with tables with storage or clear the surface off regularly to keep things streamlined.
All Walls in Dark Colors
Small rooms can feel tight in dark colors, so a bit of color will give you a nice pop, but without much width, darker colors can close in the space. The problem is that when all walls are in dark hues, they will absorb natural light and make it feel cramped. If you’re a fan of dark colors, use them as accents or on one wall. That way, you’ll have the room bright and open but in the style you like.
Blocking Natural light Sources
If you position furniture in front of windows, you’re cutting off one of the most powerful tools for creating a sense of spaciousness: natural light. Always make sure your windows are unobstructed so that rooms do not feel closed in, and a little sun will help rooms feel more inviting and open. Keep large furniture like dressers or a tall plant right in front of light sources. Instantly, a well-lit room feels bigger.
Too Many Decorative Items
There are so many beautiful objects tempting you to decorate your room, but too many accessories will make it look chaotic and small. Artwork, plants, etc. Adding personality is important, but if there are too many, moderation is important. Concentrate on a few that really stand out and let them do the talking without creating too much of a mess. A nice, well-curated room feels much more open and inviting.
Often Using Too Many Patterns or Textures
Patterns and textures give visual interest, but too much of either can overbear a room, smoothening it out and making it seem smaller. If you are looking to mix patterns but don’t want them to overwhelm the room, mixing different patterns on the bedding or rugs and on the walls can make it feel too busy and detract from the room’s openness. Use one or two patterns and balance them with solid colors. It will work to create a whole and serene space that feels bigger.
Ignoring Vertical Space
You should never forget to use vertical space when designing your bedroom layout. If the furniture and storage are at eye level or below, the room feels closed in. Use tall shelves, hanging organizers, or wall-mounted storage to raise the eye. It’s a simple trick that will give the space more height and airiness.
Heavy Drapes or Curtains Have to be Used
Dark, thick drapes might be luxurious, but they can cut light and restrict the feeling of a room. If you want natural light to filter through while still being able to have privacy, then opt for lighter, sheer curtains. They will leave the room feeling airy, making it seem much bigger. If you require more privacy, consider layered curtains or blinds, where you can adjust between them.
Using Large Rug in a Small Room
A heavy rug can create a lovely feel in a large bedroom, but in a small room, it tends to shrink the floor space. Instead of one huge rug, if you’re going with an area rug, opt for a smaller one. It allows more of the floor to be seen and makes the room seem more spacious. Additionally, light-colored, pale-toned rugs with subtle patterns will enhance the idea of openness.
The Overstuffing of the Closet
An overflowing closet with things spilling out can make a bedroom feel crowded. If your closet doesn’t have good organization, use storage systems such as bins, shelves, and hangers to keep things organized. By maximizing closet space, you can also reduce the clutter in the rest of the room and make the room feel more open. When your closet is tidy, your bedroom is spacious.
Not Using Mirrors to Reflect Light and Space
According to the Economic Times, mirrors are sometimes used in bedrooms to create the illusion of space. When a mirror is strategically placed, it reflects light and makes the room look bigger. Hanging a mirror over a window helps to get the maximum amount of natural light. Closet doors with mirrors or even a headboard mirror can make you feel as if the room is larger.
Furniture Misaligned With Room’s Natural Shape
If furniture doesn’t fit your room’s floor plan, it can make the room feel awkward and have spaces that are a waste. For example, if you put items diagonally, the room can feel as if it is cramped. Let go of the constraint of having everything lean out from the corners. If the room is well aligned, it is both spacious and harmonious.
Too Many Small Pieces Filling up the Room
Small furniture might seem like it’d open up a room, but if you have too many small things, it can create the appearance of clutter. Instead, search for a couple of larger, facial pieces that also serve various needs, like a bed with file drawers. This gives the room a simple layout and avoids the feeling that comes when too much furniture gets stuffed into place.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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