King size bed in a small room: maximising space efficiency

Prefer to have a king size bed but feel that your room is too small? Don't fret – with some clever tricks and smart furniture choices, even a small bedroom can be cosy and stylish. Read on to discover our tips and styling ideas on how to maximise space in your bedroom when working with a king size bed!
Evaluating your room's dimensions
Before we dive into styling a king size bed in a small room, we'll first need to ensure that it can fit comfortably within your space. With a measuring tape, determine the length and width of your room. Then, find out the dimensions of your king-size bed. Remember, bed frames may add extra inches to the width and length.
After getting both measurements, compare them to see how much space you have left. Try to leave at least 18-24 inches of walking area on each side of the bed and at the foot. This will let you walk around the room comfortably without feeling squeezed.
Imagining the bed’s space can be very useful. Use masking tape to outline the king bed on the floor will help you visualise how much room your new bed will take before you make the investment, and will also give you a better idea of what other pieces might work best in your space.
The importance of proportions and layout
Once you've determined that a king size bed can fit in your room, the next step is to assess its aesthetic appeal. Here, both size and layout play significant roles, and it's important that you have a comprehensive understanding of what to look out for before picking your piece. A large, bulky bed in a small room can make a space feel cramped and claustrophobic, whereas a king bed with the right design elements can enhance the perception of spaciousness.
How you arrange the other pieces in your bedroom is arrangement of your room is just as important as the bed itself. Positioning your bed thoughtfully whilst considering the location of doors, windows, and other furniture pieces can optimise space utilisation. Experiment with various configurations until you find the ideal layout that seems spacious and allows you to easily move throughout your room.
Selecting the right king bed and furniture for small spaces
If opting for a king size bed is a top priority in your bedroom, then it's important to look for thoughtful design choices to ensure it fits seamlessly in your room.
Choose a slim frame design
A sleek, slim frame design for a king size bed can help maximise space efficiency, bringing functionality and style to your room. Its clean lines and a slender silhouette will give way to a pared-back design that's perfect for the modern minimalist, and will help create an illusion of more space. Try to avoid a bed frame that have substantial footboards or thick side rails, as these can add several inches to your piece and thereby take up more floor space. While metal frames usually have a more lightweight appearance, many of today's wooden king size beds feature contemporary, slimline silhouettes that can help maintain an open and airy look.
Top TREE tip: A platform bed or a low-profile frame that sits close to the floor gives more visual space above the mattress, and will enhance the look of a clean, uncluttered bedroom. We particularly love a design that looks as if it is floating above the ground, as it gives the piece a weightless look and feel whilst creating the illusion of a bigger space.
Opt for minimalist headboards
When selecting headboards for a king size bed in a small room, opt for minimalist designs that take up less visual space and create a more open feel. Bulky, decorative headboard styles tend to overpower a room, and opting for sleek and simple design will maintain a sense of spaciousness. By choosing a headboard that is clean-lined and understated, you can enhance the room's aesthetics without compromising on style or function. You could also consider a bed with no headboard at all!
Use double-duty furniture
Utilise versatile, space saving furniture like storage ottomans or beds with built-in drawers, which will help you make use of every inch of space in your bedroom. Multipurpose will enable you to reduce clutter and therefore free up your floor space. Look for items that can adapt to different needs, such as foldable tables or extendable desks, or opting for dressers that can double as side tables, which will ensure practicality without compromising on style.
Mirror, mirror
Mirrors serve as an effective tool to enhance the perception of space in a small room. When placed thoughtfully, they can create an illusion of depth while also increasing the natural light, which will help make your area seem larger. By reflecting both artificial and natural light, mirrors help to illuminate the environment and counteract any sense of confinement. Furthermore, using mirrored walls or panels can effectively double the visual space, contributing to a more open and airy atmosphere that enriches the room's overall vibe.
Let there be light!
You can enhance the feeling of spaciousness by employing clever lighting strategies. Choose ambient lighting for an even brightness, as well as task lighting by the bed to ensure you have ample light for enjoying your latest read. Wall sconces or pendant lights are another excellent option to illuminate whilst adding visual interest to your space – all without taking up precious floor space. By layering a mixture of table, wall and floor lamps, as well as utilising adjustable lighting fixtures, you can tailor the atmosphere according to your preferences, amplifying the sense of openness in your compact bedroom.
We hope today's post has helped you get a better idea of how to style a king size bed in a small room! With the right measurements, proportions, layout and design choices, you can maintain the look of a serene, well-balanced sleeping sanctuary.