Introduction
When the area is limited, and coziness and comfort remain a priority, it is important not only to choose furniture, but also to place it correctly. The bed is the central element of any bedroom, and not only functionality, but also the overall perception of space depends on what it will be and how it will fit into the interior. In this article, we will share useful tips and tricks that will help you create a harmonious atmosphere and make the most of every square meter of the room.
Bed For A Small Bedroom: Principles Of Ergonomics
Sometimes the room is so small that you have to choose between a bedside table or a dressing table. Of course, you want everything in the bedroom to look beautiful, but convenience and ergonomics in this case come to the fore. Let's dive into the process of transforming a small bedroom together - from creating a plan to choosing a décor.
Room plan
Even if you already have a rough idea of what the bedroom will look like, we recommend transferring your ideas to paper or creating a project in a special design program. The plan should include the exact measurements of your room at the correct scale. Calculate all distances and dimensions with an accuracy of up to a centimeter.
With This Data Alone, Your Plan Will Allow You To:
- correctly visualize how the furniture will be placed;
- assess how much space each element will take up and whether it will be comfortable to open cabinets and move around the room;
- take into account the location of lighting, ventilation and sockets.
Basic Placement Rules
Ergonomics is the science that studies how to organize space effectively with furniture. At first glance, it may seem that it is not easy to understand its principles, but this is not so. The main thing is to understand the features of the room and its purpose. The main idea is to make it convenient and safe to use furniture.
According To The Principles Of Ergonomics:
In an adult bedroom, there should be at least 50% of the space free of furniture. In the nursery, furniture can occupy only 30% of the area, we leave most of it for games;
The optimal width of the aisles should be 70 cm. If the room is very small, then you can reduce them to 50-60 cm, but not less, otherwise it will be uncomfortable for you to constantly squeeze between the bed and the chair, besides, you risk constantly hitting your feet on the furniture corners;
- Drawers And Cabinet Doors Should Open Freely;
- It is better to choose furniture with rounded corners so that meetings with them do not end in injury;
- Bulky items and an abundance of décor overload the interior.
Choosing A Bed For A Small Bedroom
The bed should match the style of the interior, be reliable and comfortable, but the question often rests on the dimensions. The main mistake is to buy a larger bed than you actually need. A large bed in a small bedroom is most often a whim of the owners, and not at all a rational decision. It "eats up" almost all the free space and does not allow you to create a balanced interior. How to choose a model that will meet your requirements and fit perfectly into the geometry of a small room, we will tell you below.
Optimal Size Of The Bed
A comfortable place to sleep for you depends on your own parameters.
Length. If you choose a double model, consider the height of the taller partner. Add 10-15 cm to his height. With this length, the sleeper's legs will not hang down or rest on the footboard. So, a 200 cm long bed will be comfortable for a person up to 185 cm tall.
Width. Throw your hands behind your head and spread your elbows to the sides. Elbow spacing is the width of the place where you can roll freely without disturbing your neighbor. If you sleep together, then do it together with your partner to choose the right size. For single beds, the elbows should fit completely within the bed.
Height. It depends on the design of the bed and mattress. It is optimal that the surface of the mattress is at the level of the knees - about 50 cm from the floor. This will make it easy for you to lie down and get out of bed. The exception is older people who find it difficult to go to bed. They need to individually select a sleeping place with a height at hip level or even higher.
Standard Bed Sizes
When you decide on your parameters, you can start selecting the right bed for you. All beds are divided by width into several standard categories: single, one-and-a-half and double. We advise you to choose furniture from the "standard", as it will be easy to choose a mattress, bed linen and bedspread for it later. Most manufacturers focus on generally accepted sizes. Next, let's talk about each type of bed in more detail.
Single - 90x200 cm. Suitable for one child or an adult of medium build. A great option for children's or guest rooms, as well as for bedrooms up to 8-9 sq.m
One and a half beds – 120x200 cm. Intermediate options between single and double beds. This model has an increased level of comfort compared to the previous model, while taking up less space. It will be comfortable to sleep on such a bed for both a large adult and a mother with a child. If space allows, we recommend choosing this size instead of a single bed.
Double - its dimensions can be from 140 to 200 cm in width and 200 cm in length. Suitable for couples or for a single person who prefers to sleep with their arms and legs spread out like a starfish. The ideal size for a small room is 160x200 cm. Options with a larger width may not fit in a small room, but if you want and a well-thought-out design project, a king size bed can also fit into a bedroom of 14-16 sq.m.
Please note that the model descriptions indicate 2 types of sizes - the dimensions of the bed and the bed for selecting a mattress. The first indicator is usually 10-15 cm more than the second and it is worth considering when planning a room. This is especially important if the room has a non-standard layout, for example, there is a niche, or it is planned to install built-in furniture that cannot be moved so easily.
Additional Bed Options
When choosing a bed for a small room, it is important to consider not only its size, but also its functionality. This will make the most of the space and create a cozy atmosphere.
- Ample storage: A bed with built-in drawers or a lifting mechanism allows you to use the space under the mattress for seasonal storage. Up to 4 sq.m of additional usable area!
- New options: A bed that combines several functions will be an ideal choice for a small bedroom. Many modern models are equipped with built-in tables or shelves.
- Easy to clean: If you don't like cleaning, buy models with floor-length drawers. Less dust accumulates underneath. If you have opted for a bed with legs, then it is desirable that they are at least 10 cm.
- Comfortable stay: A bed with a high upholstered headboard is not only a place to sleep, but also a cozy relaxation area. It is difficult to place an armchair or sofa in small bedrooms, so a bed will be an alternative to them. You can sit comfortably with a book or watch TV, leaning on the headboard.
Is It Worth Using A Sofa Instead Of A Bed?
Installing a folding sofa instead of a bed in a small room has its advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, such a sofa allows you to use the space efficiently, since during the day it serves as ordinary furniture, and at night it turns into a comfortable place to sleep.
But This Substitution Still Has More Disadvantages.
Not all pull-out sofas can provide the same level of sleep comfort as full beds. A high-quality mattress supports the spine in the correct position, allows you to completely relax and get a good night's sleep. Sofa fillers are inferior to mattress fillers in many respects.
The sofa should be folded and unfolded daily, and the bed should be made up. The bed is just enough to cover with a beautiful blanket, which saves you time and effort.
Do not forget about the psychological aspect. The bed creates an atmosphere designed for relaxation, which sets you up for a restful sleep. We associate quality rest with a bed.
If you often receive guests and space is limited, a pull-out sofa can be a great choice. However, if comfort and quality of sleep are a priority for you, it is wise to consider the option of a compact bed.
How To Place A Bed In A Small Bedroom
When choosing the best place for a bed in a small bedroom, you always have to find a balance between comfort and practicality. In bedrooms of different shapes, it is achieved in different ways.
In A Square Bedroom
It is best to install a double bed across the room with a headboard in the center of one of the walls, then bedside tables or narrow pencil cabinets will stand on the sides of it. It is best to place a wardrobe or chest of drawers in front of the bed. The rest of the furniture, such as a dressing table or a desk with a small armchair, can be placed along the walls with a window and door, if space allows. It is important that the aisles around the bed are at least 60 centimeters wide.
Try to place the bed so that you can see the entrance from it. And it is advisable not to place the sleeping place directly opposite the window or door.
Pros
- Go to bed comfortably on both sides;
- The sleeping place is equidistant from the window and from the door, which means that you do not have to be afraid of the heat of the radiators and drafts;
- Visually increases the space of the room;
- You can arrange the furniture in the room symmetrically and beautifully decorate the headboard.
Cons
- Suitable only for rooms with a width of more than 2.5 meters.