While your bedroom layout ideas will need to be tailored around the space you have to work with, certain arrangements tend to work better than others. Take a look at these brilliant bedroom examples for inspiration
(Image credit: ILIV)
Your bedroom layout ideas are just as important (if not more so) than the colours you paint the room and your choice of furniture.
Bedroom design is made up of many different elements and all need to be taken into account to ensure this is a space you can't wait to retreat to at the end of the day or wake up in to start a new one.
"In a world that often feels chaotic, having a serene and well-designed bedroom can create a welcome sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation," says Adam Brown, director of The Painted Furniture Company. "With a few key design principles and the right furniture selection, anyone can create the perfect bedroom retreat."
Here, we have focussed on bedroom layouts, looking at everything, from those that might work best in small spaces to ways to make the most of a view.
How to come up with the right bedroom layout
As with any room, there is not a one-size-fits-all approach to bedroom layout design. You need to take into account the room's size, its orientation, any existing architectural features and your storage needs.
While the most obvious way to create a bedroom layout is to use larger items of furniture to define each area of the space (sleeping, dressing and so on), there are other ways to do this in a room, such as using flexible room divides.
In bedrooms that will also be used for activities other than sleeping, such as for working from home or a hobby room, you will also need to think about how to provide for this — and do bear in mind your bedroom lighting ideas in either of these cases as they will make carrying out any specific tasks easier.
Adam Brown
The Painted Furniture Co. brand was launched in 2010 by husband-and-wife Adam and Rosy who were were keen to move away from bland furniture and had decided to swap more traditional lacquer for paint.
On a whim they asked one of their oak collection suppliers to paint a few pieces in a nice grey-green colour. The supplier responded with an oak dresser painted in a colour Adam and Rosy refer to as 'Rockford'. And with that piece, their first Cotswold collection was born.
1. Keep the ensuite as separate as possible
Aim to position the door to an ensuite as far away from the bed as you can(Image credit: Simon Burt)
When coming up with a bedroom layout that will incorporate ensuite bathroom ideas of any kind, do think about how the two rooms will work in relation to one another. While an ensuite is a convenient feature, if the door to the room is directly next to where you rest your head at night, it could be better to skip the idea altogether.
In this room, the entrance to the ensuite has been located well away from the sleeping area, helping to keep it feeling private. Elsewhere, large amounts of glazing are taken advantage of by the bed and seating arrangement.
2. Find ways to divide the space into zones
Constructing a simple stud wall is a great way to carve a bedroom into zones – this wall doubles up as a headboard(Image credit: David Burton)
It doesn't matter whether you are looking for small bedroom ideas or are working with a larger space, creating separate zones within the room can be a great way to define the various areas – perfect in spaces which will be used for several different activities. There are lots of ways you can do this, but larger items of furniture, built-in storage ideas, freestanding storage units and even portable room divides are all good ideas.
Here, a simple half-wall has been constructed from OSB to provide a divide between the sleeping area and the wardrobe – it also helps the ensuite, that lies beyond, to feel more separate.
3. Use large windows to make a room feel bigger
Bringing lots of natural light into a small bedroom will help it feel bigger than it is(Image credit: Jeremy Phillips)
If you looking for layout ideas on how make a small bedroom feel bigger, then this one is for you. One of the best ways to make the space feel more spacious is to allow as much natural light in as possible, as well as looking for colour schemes that can help. This is where neutral bedroom ideas can really work well.
In this master bedroom, a swathe of full height glazing sits opposite the bed. Not only does this afford the homeowners beautiful views on waking, but it also makes the room feel bigger than would be possible with a solid wall.
Never underestimate the power mirrors can have on the natural light in a bedroom either.
"To add a mirror to your bedroom, consider placing it facing the window to encourage the natural light, which can then be adjusted with curtains if necessary," advises Stephany Aubrey, brand specialist at Zinus.
4. Keep ground floor bedrooms private yet light
Ensure the windows of ground floor bedrooms can be suitably covered to allow a sense of privacy(Image credit: Richard Kiely)
Whether you are looking for the best bungalow interior design techniques, live in a ground floor apartment or simply have one or two bedrooms located on the ground floor of your home, special care needs to be taken when it comes to their layout –and in particular how to keep them feeling private.
Think about how you will approach window treatments – you want to allow light in but prying eyes out. This room features full-length blinds that still allow a certain amount of natural light in too, but you could also consider including some room dividers and place them in front of windows.
5. Make the most of any original features
Fireplaces in bedrooms make really cosy features so open them up and make the most of them if you have them in place(Image credit: Ben Knight)
If you are lucky enough to have any original features in place in your bedroom then do think about how you could incorporate them into your bedroom ideas in a way that further adds to the character of the space.
In this renovated property, inglenook fireplace ideas have really been taken to the max and the new log burning stove that has been installed both physically and visually adds warmth to the room.
6. Take care with furniture placement in a loft room
The layout of loft conversion bedrooms needs to take into account sloping ceilings(Image credit: Jeremy Phillips)
The best bedroom loft conversion ideas often involve either tracking down furniture that can fit under awkward ceilings, or having items custom made to fit. It makes sense to locate storage under the eaves and the bed under the highest point in the room – otherwise you risk hitting your head every time you sit up in the morning.
The symmetrical placement of the furniture in this room, along with the simple blue and white colour palette, help make the space feel spacious and uncluttered.
7. Find ways to wake up to a view of outdoors
If there is a stunning view from your bedroom then be sure to design your layout to make the most of it(Image credit: Dan Duchars Ltd)
What could be better than waking up to a beautiful view of outdoors on waking? If you have the option, placing your bed on a wall opposite a window is a great idea and will really help you wake feeling positive.
That said, you will most certainly need to invest in some good-quality blackout blinds if you don't want to be woken at the crack of dawn.
This beautiful coastal house enjoys stunning sea views thanks to the large window ideas the owners have used – the thick curtains mean that it is still possible to get a good night's sleep.
8. Consider incorporating feng shui principles
The principle of feng shui is designed to help achieve balance and harmony through furniture placement(Image credit: The Painted Furniture Company)
Feng shui is an ancient method of laying out a home to help achieve balance in your life and has been used for more than 3,000 years – so it is well worth giving it some thought when it comes to your Feng shui bedroom layout or living room layout ideas for that matter, even if you only incorporate one or two of the principles.
"The feng shui bedroom layout encourages balance, with chests on both sides of the bed," says Adam Brown. "Positioning the bed is the most important feature of the layout, with rules such as not being able to see yourself in the mirror when lying down, and not having the bed in direct line with the door, in order to respect the ancient method."
9. Create distance between a bedroom and ensuite
No one wants to lie their head down at night right next to a toilet(Image credit: Dan Duchars Ltd)
In an ideal world, every bedroom in the house would be able to benefit from an ensuite – even small ensuite ideas can make life easier. Being able to access a bathroom – or shower room – without having to leave the privacy of your bedroom space is just far more convenient, for both homeowners and guests alike.
However, to work well, an ensuite bathroom needs to be carefully planned. You should aim to create something of an 'airlock' between your bedroom and the ensuite if possible, whether this is a small space used for the dirty laundry basket or a dressing room, if you have space.
In this bedroom, a small area has been created between the bedroom and the ensuite beyond.
10. Add a touch of luxury with a bedroom bath
What could be more luxurious than a bath in the bedroom? Do remember you will need good ventilation though(Image credit: Simon Burt)
If you are playing with master bedroom ideas then do consider including a touch of luxury – this is a room that should, after all, be somewhere you really look forward to spending time and feeling pampered.
A bath in bedroom option screams opulence – what could be nicer that emerging from a hot bath and crawling straight under the covers (after towelling off of course!)?
The moody grey walls of this bedroom help it to feel cosy and cocooning, while the inclusion of the stylish bath gives it a touch of upscale hotel chic.
What is the best place for freestanding storage?
If you haven't space for a walk-in wardrobe or, having weighed up fitted wardrobes vs freestanding wardrobes you've decided you prefer the look of freestanding clothes storage over built-in, then where should you place these larger items in relation to the bed? You might like to take inspiration from loft storage ideas in awkward spaces.
"Place wardrobes and chests of drawers against walls, preferably perpendicular to the bed. This will maximise floor space and allows for convenient access to clothing and storage while maintaining a clean and organised appearance," advises Adam Brown. "Consider the flow of movement within the room and ensure that you can comfortably open and close the doors and drawers without any obstructions. If possible, position taller furniture away from windows to maximise the natural light entering the room."
How do I choose the right bedroom furniture?
The bedroom furniture you choose will play a huge role in its layout so do bear this in mind when shopping around.
"Choose chests of drawers that complement the overall design aesthetic while providing sufficient storage for clothing and personal items," suggests Adam Brown. "Ensure the height and width of the chest are proportionate to the room size. Bespoke pieces are worth the investment, a low wardrobe to fit sloping ceilings or a chest of drawers built to fit an alcove, for example, will help make the most of your available space.
"Blanket boxes can serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. Consider placing them at the foot of the bed to add a touch of elegance and provide extra storage for blankets, pillows, or other essentials."
Bedrooms are such important spaces within the home but all too often are just not given enough thought.
While design and layout are extremely important, don't forget how the room actually feels, from a physical point of view, to spend time. A bedroom should neither be too hot or too cool and so it is crucial to think through both your heating choices as well as how to cool down a room. Adequate window shading in south-facing bedrooms, good ventilation and ceiling fans are all worth considering.
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Natasha was Homebuilding & Renovating’s Associate Content Editor and was a member of the Homebuilding team for over two decades. In her role on Homebuilding & Renovating she imparted her knowledge on a wide range of renovation topics, from window condensation to renovating bathrooms, to removing walls and adding an extension. She continues to write for Homebuilding on these topics, and more. An experienced journalist and renovation expert, she also writes for a number of other homes titles, including Homes & Gardens and Ideal Homes. Over the years Natasha has renovated and carried out a side extension to a Victorian terrace. She is currently living in the rural Edwardian cottage she renovated and extended on a largely DIY basis, living on site for the duration of the project.
