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22 Restful and Designer-Approved Bedroom Layout Ideas

By
Sarah Lyon
sarah lyon, writer for the spruce
Sarah Lyon
Sarah Lyon is a freelance writer and home decor enthusiast, who enjoys sharing good finds on home items. Since 2018, she has contributed to a variety of lifestyle publications, including Apartment Therapy and Architectural Digest.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 11/08/24
bedroom layout ideas

Michelle Boudreau Design

If you are looking for bedroom layout ideas to help you maximize space and create the ideal setting for a peaceful night of sleep, many options are available to accommodate any room size or shape. When filling any shaped room—square, rectangular, L-shaped, angled, or rounded—ensure you get furniture that fits, especially the bed and dresser. You can design the room with a desk or any elements as long as you measure and make allowances for doorways and windows.

Check out these stylish and functional bedroom layout ideas with expert tips on optimizing and beautifying this essential space.

Meet the Expert

  • 01 of 22

    Choose Bed Position

    Neutral bedroom with queen size bed and area rug underneath

    The Spruce / Jason Donnelly

    The placement of the bed position depends on the room's shape and the placement of the windows and doors. Most people choose to have the bed centered on a wall with the bed perpendicular to the door. Other options include placing the bed centered or off-centered, facing the door, in front of a window, diagonally, on the same wall as the door, or as an island.

    Bed Placement in Feng Shui

    If you are interested in feng shui or the traditional Chinese philosophy about the placement of your home and furniture, choose the commanding position for your bed. According to feng shui practices, do not put the bed directly opposite the door, with your feet facing the doorway.

  • 02 of 22

    Keep Size in Mind

    Stunning primary bedroom decor

    The Spruce / Marty Baldwin

    Consider room size when choosing how much furniture to include. A small bedroom may only have space for a bed, wall-mounted nightstands, and lighting. A medium-sized room may consist of room for a dresser or an armchair, while an oversized primary bedroom can include a lounge space with a small loveseat or a pair of armchairs.  

  • 03 of 22

    Work With the Room's Shape

    Rustic bedroom

    Erin Williamson Design

    Bedroom shapes vary, from square to long rectangular and irregular layouts in older homes with sloping ceilings and alcoves. Decide the best placement for the bed for easy access. Depending on the layout, this may be anchored against a far wall or from a side wall. 

  • 04 of 22

    Consider the Door and Window Placements

    Bedroom with an ensuite bathroom

    The Spruce / Alyssa Vela

    Make sure that there is a clear pathway to the bed and furniture from the main bedroom door. Ensure the entrance is unobstructed in a primary bedroom with an en suite bathroom. Work around architectural elements like windows when considering furniture placement and decor such as art and mirrors.

    Can You Put a Bed Next to a Window?

    While it's not ideal to put a bed next to a window, there are occasions where it's the only option. You can put the bed directly in front of the window, treating the window like a headboard. Covering the window and surrounding wall with drapery and treating it as a solid wall is another option if there are other windows to rely on for light.

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  • 05 of 22

    Decide the Bedroom's Use

    Small bedroom with striped throw blanket on bed and decorated office desk corner

    The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto

    How will you use the bedroom? Is it only for sleeping, or will you require a desk for studying or working from home? Do you want a reading nook or a lounge space with a TV? If the room is devoted to sleeping, make the bed the focal point, choosing the most comfortable size.

  • 06 of 22

    Build a Reading Nook

    Bedroom with reading nook

    The Spruce / Jason Donnelly

    Many bookworms have a reading nook retreat in their bedrooms. "If the size of the room allows for it, it's great to add a seating area with a chair, ottoman, or side table," said Adam Meshberg, an architect, designer, and developer. "Place a comfortable chair and side table under or closest to a window for the natural light and views, if any."

  • 07 of 22

    Make Bedroom Home Office With a Desk

    bedroom office layout ideas

    Becca Interiors

    Some room layouts will naturally lend themselves to setting up a bedroom workstation. "A writing desk tucked in a bay window creates a work zone and draws natural light to increase productivity," designer Michael Cox says. However, you can still achieve a small office space in bedrooms with less square footage. Placing a desk beside the bed and allowing it to double as a nightstand is common in more petite bedrooms.

  • 08 of 22

    Make Space for a Vanity

    bedroom layout ideas with vanity

    @whitesandsdesignbuild / Instagram

    Many bedrooms feature a vanity, eliminating the need to travel back and forth to the bathroom to style hair or apply makeup. A vanity can be placed in an empty, light-filled corner, but just as with a desk, you may also style a vanity to serve as a nightstand if needed.

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  • 09 of 22

    Create Bedroom and TV Lounge

    bedroom layout ideas with tv

    Kate Marker Interiors

    Those who enjoy TV in the bedroom will want to design their space to maximize viewing pleasure—and those who wish to save laying in bed for nighttime will want alternative seating. Cox states, "Having a pair of chairs or settee at the foot of the bed makes a cozy set up for TV entertainment." If you prefer to watch from bed, ensure you have the coziest bedding possible.

  • 10 of 22

    Add Extra Clothing Storage

    bedroom layout ideas with storage ideas

    @dominiquegebru / Instagram

    Not all bedroom closets are sizable enough to accommodate a resident's entire wardrobe, particularly if two people share a space. "Typically, with smaller primary rooms, closets tend to be on the smaller side as well, so residents can add armoires to the bedroom furniture to make up for that much-needed storage space," Meshberg notes. "Lay the armoire against a blank wall off to the side of the bed instead of in front of it."

  • 11 of 22

    Keep Nightstands Minimalist

    bedroom layout ideas nightstands

    Michelle Berwick Design

    When space allows, a bed flanked by two nightstands is a typical setup, given that the bedroom serves as valuable storage for everyday essentials. "Having bedside tables with storage is paramount," says designer Lauren Piscione. "I need a place for books, a notebook, and all the provisions needed for a good night's rest." Tuck your clothes into the closet and keep the rest of the space clear for a minimalist oasis.

  • 12 of 22

    Warm Up With a Bedroom Fireplace

    bedroom layout with fireplace

    @lemonleafhomeinteriors / Instagram

    When a bedroom features a fireplace—or even a nonworking mantel—you will want to station the bed to face this area. The mantel is a great area to mount a TV, hang a mirror, or display oversized artwork. Place a comfy chair beside the fire for a cozy, relaxing spot.

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  • 13 of 22

    Design a Bedroom With Two Beds

    twin bedroom layout ideas

    victoriabelldesign

    If a bedroom has two beds but is on the smaller side, it is best to place a nightstand between them. More spacious rooms can accommodate a nightstand to the left of the lefthand bed and the right of the righthand bed. The middle space between the two beds can be left empty, or something smaller, such as a basket or plant, can sit in between.

  • 14 of 22

    Place the Bed in Front of Windows

    bedroom layout ideas windows

    @cathiehonginteriors / Instagram

    Sometimes, the only space a bed can fit is directly in front of the windows. Curtains then become a vital component of the design—they must be long enough and well-made to block out light streaming directly into the room and should also complement a room's aesthetics.

  • 15 of 22

    Create Zones With a Room Divider

    studio apartment bedroom layout ideas

    Design by Meghan Donovan / Photo by Allie Provost

    In a studio apartment, the bedroom may consist solely of a bed and maybe one nightstand. A chic room divider separates a sleep space from the rest of the unit and discourages guests from wandering into this private spot.

  • 16 of 22

    Create a Bedroom and Social Space

    bedroom with accent chairs

    @grayspaceinteriordesign / Instagram

    If you want a kid-free zone bedroom for you and your spouse to hang out, ample seating will be necessary. Positioning accent chairs so that they face toward the bed and not away from it makes a room designed for conversation (as opposed to TV-watching) feel more open.

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  • 17 of 22

    Encourage Symmetry With a Shared Headboard

    twin bedroom layout ideas

    Christina Kim Interior Design

    A shared headboard for twin beds in a kids' room or guest room creates a built-in feel that anchors the room's layout. In this twin bedroom from Christina Kim Interior Design, a long wall-mounted pale blue velvet headboard and matching linens create a unified look.

  • 18 of 22

    Define a Lounge Space With an Area Rug

    bedroom suite layout ideas

    Forbes + Masters

    Define zones in a larger bedroom with area rugs. This spacious bedroom suite from Forbes + Masters includes plenty of room between the large king-sized bed anchored against one far wall and the dedicated lounge space on the other. The sofa faces away from the bed to create a sense of separation. It is anchored by an area rug placed over the existing carpet. The rug adds a soft texture and helps the space feel like its own.

  • 19 of 22

    Add a Window Seat

    bedroom layout with window seat

    Design by Cathie Hong Interiors / Margaret Austin Photo

    Add a window seat to your bedroom or kids' room to create a relaxing place other than the bed. This minimalist space from Cathie Hong Interiors includes a bay window seat with built-in storage beneath it to hide clutter. The room is large enough for an adjacent reading corner with an armchair, a side table, and a lamp.

  • 20 of 22

    Invest in a Space-Saving Daybed

    bedroom layout ideas with daybed

    Brexton Cole Interiors

    Maximize floor space for playing with a daybed in a kids' or teen's room. In this room from Brexton Cole Interiors, a daybed is placed against the long side wall. It includes extra throw pillows and blankets to make it a cozy place to read or hang out with friends during the day while leaving plenty of room to race around a toy car or play games.

    Continue to 21 of 22 below
  • 21 of 22

    Try a Freestanding Headboard

    guest bedroom layout ideas

    Forbes + Masters

    Create a dramatic focal point in a primary bedroom or large guest suite with a monumental freestanding headboard. This wrap-around channel tufted headboard from Forbes + Masters accommodates a pair of nightstands and creates a room-within-a-room feel in the spacious bedroom. In a smaller space, consider floating a bed in a four-poster bed frame in the center of the room rather than pushing it up against a wall to create a light and airy feel.

  • 22 of 22

    Go With Bunk Beds

    kids bedroom layout ideas bunk beds

    Design by Cathie Hong Interiors / Christy Q. Photography

    Save space in a shared kids' bedroom with bunk beds, like this boys' room from Cathie Hong Interiors. If you are looking for a space-saving way to lay twin beds in one room without using a bunk bed, consider arranging the beds along the walls of a corner of the room and adding a shared nightstand.

FAQ
  • How should I layout a small bedroom?

    When planning your bedroom layout, start with the room's size and select properly sized furniture to accommodate it. Ideally, there should be space to walk around both sides of the bed and a clear path to any dressers or storage furniture. If possible, try not to put the bed in front of a window.

  • Is it OK to put a bed in the corner of a room?

    If space is an issue or only one person sleeps in the bed, then positioning a bed in a corner with one long side against the wall is OK. Pushing a bed to the corner of the room gives you the most floor space.

  • Can I push my bed against the wall?

    Place your bed against the most soundproof wall to get the best sleep possible. However, avoid placing your bed next to a wall next to your hallway and position it adjacent to the hallway instead.

  • Where should I place the bed in a small bedroom?

    A bed in a small bedroom is best placed at the center of the wall and perpendicular to the door. Maximize your bedroom's square footage by working with the room's vertical space, adding smaller nightstands, using dual-purpose furniture, and installing floating shelves.