How do I make my bed take up less space?

Having a bed that takes up a lot of space in your bedroom can make the room feel cramped and cluttered. However, there are several clever tips and tricks you can use to make your bed take up less space without having to get rid of it or buy a new one.

Use a low-profile bed frame

One of the easiest ways to instantly make your bed take up less space is to use a low-profile bed frame. Tall, bulky bed frames like box springs can make the bed feel like it’s eating up the entire room. A platform bed frame that sits closer to the ground can have the same effect as getting a smaller mattress, without actually having to replace your mattress.

Look for platform bed frames made of wood or metal that are around 5-7 inches tall. Going with a simple, streamlined design without a footboard can also make the bed feel lower profile. Having a few inches of space under the bed to vacuum or store extra items can also help the room feel more open.

Opt for a smaller mattress

Trading your queen or king mattress for a full or twin is one of the most effective ways to drastically reduce the space your bed requires. Just going with a full-size mattress that’s 54 inches wide instead of a queen at 60 inches wide can make a significant difference.

Of course, switching to a smaller mattress may not work if you share the bed with a partner or simply like having extra room to spread out. In that case, a folding guest bed or cozy chair that can double as a makeshift bed for guests can help you maximize space when you don’t need all that extra room.

Use a space-saving murphy bed

Murphy beds are specially designed to fold up vertically into a cabinet or wall so they’re completely hidden away when not in use. This allows you to free up floor space for other furniture or activities during the day. At night, simply fold down the murphy bed to have a regular bed to sleep in.

Murphy beds can also come in smaller sizes like twin and full that take up less space than a standard queen or king. Even if you opt for a queen or king murphy bed, the fact that it folds upright helps it take up less overall square footage than a permanent bed frame.

Add storage drawers underneath

One way to prevent the space under your bed from feeling like wasted, empty space is to add storage drawers or bins. Low profile drawer systems on rollers can provide valuable hidden storage without making the bed feel bulky.

For a DIY approach, use fabric bins or baskets that slide neatly under the bed. Label them by category like “out of season clothes” or “extra linens” to keep everything organized. This also maximizes storage and makes the room feel more streamlined.

Elevate the bed higher off the floor

Contrary to what you may think, another counterintuitive technique for making a bed feel less space-hogging is actually to elevate it higher off the floor. Raising the bed frame by at least 5-7 inches using risers or a taller bed frame creates the illusion of more open space underneath.

This extra space underneath makes it easier to vacuum or quickly stash items out of sight. Just place a thick, plush area rug underneath to make the floor space more cozy and defined.

Skip the box spring

Box springs can be incredibly bulky and space-consuming. In many cases, you can get rid of the box spring altogether and simply place the mattress directly onto a platform bed frame or metal frame with slats.

Without a box spring, the mattress will sit several inches lower to the ground, reducing the overall height of the bed. Just make sure the base of the bed frame or slats provide enough support for the mattress before ditching the box spring.

Get creative with room dividers

For studio apartments or other small spaces where the bedroom flows into other living areas, consider using a room divider or privacy screen next to the bed. This can make the bed area feel more private and defined without a traditional wall and door.

Room dividers with shelves double as extra storage. Or try a simple screen or curtain on a portable track that you can pull closed at night and push open during the day to reveal more floor space.

Minimize bulky bedding

Oversized duvets, blankets, and throw pillows that spill over onto the floor can make a bed feel massive. Stick to bedding and pillows just big enough to cover the mattress – no more. This helps contain the bed so it doesn’t sprawl outward.

For ultimate space-saving, opt for a duvet only slightly bigger than the mattress instead of top and bottom sheets. Lightweight quilts or coverlets take up less space than heavy comforters as well.

Paint walls a light color

Don’t underestimate the power of paint to make a bedroom feel more spacious. Light, neutral paint colors like white, beige and soft grey reflect light and make the room feel more open and airy.

This helps downplay the dominance of a big bed in a small space. Keep the floors light as well to contribute to the airy effect.

Incorporate multifunctional furniture

Look for furniture and accessories that serve more than one purpose to maximize usefulness in a compact bedroom. Some space-saving ideas include:

• Nightstands with built-in shelves for extra storage
• Footstools that open up into storage ottomans
• Headboards with shelves to hold books, clocks and reading lamps
• Benches or trunks at the foot of the bed to hold extra linens or serve as seating

Floating wall shelves, hanging racks, and over-the-door organizers also provide storage without taking up floor space.

Keep it simple and decluttered

No matter what tricks you use to minimize the bed, clutter will make any bedroom feel smaller and more crowded. Get rid of any furniture you don’t use regularly and keep decor simple.

Stash away off season clothing items you won’t use for months. Cleaning under the bed periodically also prevents it from acting as clutter storage.

Add a mirror or reflective surfaces

Mirrors reflect light and create the illusion of a larger space. Hang one large mirror (ideally at least 24 inches wide) opposite the bed to make the room feel more expansive.

For a canopy bed, add mirrored panels above the bed to reflect light and create more visual interest.

Conclusion

With some clever solutions like compact bed frames, convertible murphy beds, and space-saving furniture, you can make even a queen or king-sized bed work in a small bedroom. Simple styling tricks like keeping clutter at bay and letting in ample natural light also prevent the bed from feeling like a space hog.

Experiment with one or two of these bed space-saving tips to transform your bedroom from cramped to cozy.