Small spaces don’t have to sacrifice style for storage. Sometimes it takes a little creativity, innovative design and practical thinking to make the most out of a limited floor-plan.
How to Maximize Space in Kids’ Bedrooms
Rethink Side Tables
Whenever you’re dealing with a small space, first-and-foremost, you have to consider maximizing functionality. In kids rooms especially, you’ll want to think about how your child will be using their space and what your current hurdles are space-wise. One of the ways we tackled this compact girl’s room was to omit side tables completely.
However, you still need a surface handy in order to keep a glass of water, cellphone, reading, or tissues nearby. To get the best of both worlds, consider incorporating a pull-out shelf above the drawers in bedside built-ins. When not in use, this smaller sliding surface can be stowed out of sight and excess clutter avoided.
Sneaky Mirrors
A great way to make a smaller space feel larger is to add mirrors. Because they reflect light, mirrors make small spaces feel more open and airy, and give the appearance of almost being windows to more space. Use mirrors wisely, like we did in this bedroom remodel on either side of the bed, and then you can forego bulky vanities, over-dresser mirrors, or dorm-style back-of-the-door options.
Don’t Use Dressers
Hanging storage for clothing, drawers for pjs, sweaters and tops, and the like.
Storage that Makes a Statement
Our Wheeler Ave project pushed us to make the most of the small spaces. Instead of working around bulky furniture pieces, we decided to make a statement out of our storage solution with custom built-ins. By creating a focal point out of the headboard/dresser/side-table combination, we were able to draw visual interest into the bedroom without sacrificing practical storage space. The best part? We gained a lot of floor space by not needing a physical dresser and night tables after the built-in was completed. The room looks much more spacious now!
Vertical Storage
Looking for more storage? Think vertical! We are so accustomed to big dressers, chests, and side tables to hold our belongings that a good amount of space goes unused above those surfaces. Here, we were able to utilize vertical height to store out of season clothes and shoes, bulky items and memorabilia that don’t need to be accessed on a regular basis and take up valuable closet space.
Toys and Clutter stay Hidden
It doesn’t take a lot of clutter, toys, or knick-knacks to make a small space feel disjointed and disorganized. In fact, seeing a clutter of picture frames, accessories, and stuffed animals littered about your child’s room can actually make a small room feel smaller. Instead, create deep drawers, baskets, and cubbies to keep everything streamlined and organized.
Designer Tip
Work in a monochromatic colour palette. This will help everything appear more put together by being visually soothing. Too many colours and patterns together tend to be too busy visually and can also make a space feel smaller than it is.
Any combination of these 5 suggestions is sure to help make the most of your child’s room design. When everything has its place and every place has its things, it is much easier to stay organized. Our bedrooms are our havens, and when we design, we want the same for your children. Biggest benefit of all: When you kids love their rooms and there is a place for everything, that means NO clothes on the floor!!
Kid Room Decor
I’ve gathered some great things to update your teen’s room. If she’s like most teenagers, she’s likely spending extra time hiding out in there right now. Why not make it more functional and add some decor to make it pretty?
And a few things for the boy’s rooms too (of course you can mix and match;) )!
Does your child’s room need a makeover? Better yet, is it time to finally treat yourself and overhaul your master bedroom? We hear it all the time. Our room comes last. Why not prioritize yourself and create a haven to restore yourself. You deserve it right? Work with the Judith Taylor Design Team by contacting us here.
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*** My standard disclaimer: Please note, some of these items may be offered through affiliate links which means I could get a small commission if you order. That will never influence what I find lovely and want to share with you. I always offer suggestions I would buy for my home or recommend to a client. Also, rest assured it won’t affect the price you would otherwise pay.
WOW Judith! Brilliant design!! Love your creativity in making a challenging space both functional and beautiful!!
Thanks Karen! I love doing children’s rooms. In our older Toronto homes, storage is often overlooked since many of these were originally cottages.
It was such fun to do a girl’s room!
Beautiful room design Judith! I especially love those mirrors on either side of the custom built ins and the upholstered headboard. Cheers for sharing your fabulous tips!
Love all these little tips. We also utilized a Murphy bed in our daughter’s room. Those pull out shelves a genius!
What a beautiful space Judith! I love your custom built-ins for this space. Such a smart way to use every inch to its maximum.
Thank you Sheri, builtins are almost essential in the tiny houses in this beaches neighborhood where closests were a huge oversight!
Thank you so much Darla! Murphy beds are a great way to go too, and kid’s think they are the coolest thing!
Beautifully done, Judith! I love the built-ins with the mirrored doors and those slide out shelves! Brilliant!
The pull out drawer is genius. Beautiful space plan overall!
Thanks! A spot to place your i-pad or book is essential!
I love this post! I’m all about hiding the clutter in a kids room! That pull out side table is awesome!
It really is a helpful feature! I don’t kno wabout you but I always have things to put down at night. Glasses, book etc.
Yes, the mirrors really help to visually expand the space in a tiny room.
There are times when we sacrifice style because of the small space. I just love these ideas to maximize space in kids bedrooms & other small spaces.
Agreed, kids rooms or any small spaces don’t have to sacrifice style. You can have it all!
[…] furniture pieces that have multiple functions instead of pieces that are more decorative, per Judith Taylor Designs. Combining bunk or loft beds with under-bed storage is a great way to save […]