What to do with a box bedroom

A box bedroom—a small, rectangular, or square-shaped room—can often feel cramped and difficult to work with. However, with some clever design tricks and smart choices, you can transform a small bedroom into a cozy, functional, and even stylish retreat. Whether you're dealing with a tiny guest room, a child's bedroom, or your own compact sleeping space, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your box-shaped room.

Here’s how to maximise your box bedroom while making it feel spacious, comfortable, and well-organised.

1. Opt for Light, Neutral Colours

One of the easiest ways to make a box bedroom feel larger is by choosing light colours. Soft whites, pale greys, pastels, or light neutrals for the walls and furniture help reflect light, making the space feel brighter and airier.

• Tip: Use different tones of light colours (e.g., a pale grey with white accents) to add depth and interest without overwhelming the space.

2. Create Vertical Storage

With limited floor space in a box bedroom, vertical storage is key. Shelving, tall cabinets, and hanging storage solutions will help you keep your room organised while minimising clutter.

• Install wall-mounted shelves: These are great for books, decorative objects, or plants. They draw the eye upward, giving the room a feeling of height.
• Use tall, slim wardrobes: Instead of wide dressers, go for a tall wardrobe or closet to store clothes and other items. It saves floor space while providing ample storage.

3. Go for a Floating Bed or Wall-Mounted Furniture

In a box room, every inch counts. A floating bed or wall-mounted furniture can create the illusion of more space and make the room feel less crowded.

• Floating beds: These beds hover above the floor, offering storage underneath and a clean, minimal look.
• Wall-mounted desks or nightstands: Install wall-mounted furniture like a small desk or nightstand. This keeps the floor open and allows for more storage underneath or around the furniture.

4. Use Multi-Functional Furniture

When dealing with a small bedroom, multi-functional furniture is your best friend. Look for pieces that serve more than one purpose to make the most of your space.

• Storage beds: Choose a bed with built-in drawers or a lofted design, which frees up space for additional furniture or a small work area underneath.
• Foldable desks or tables: If you need a work or vanity space but don’t want it to dominate the room, opt for foldable or collapsible furniture that can be tucked away when not in use.
• Ottomans with hidden storage: Ottomans are great for extra seating, but when they come with hidden compartments, they can also be used for storing linens, shoes, or other items.

5. Embrace Mirrors and Reflective Surfaces

Mirrors are a game-changer for making a small room feel bigger. When strategically placed, they reflect light and space, making your box bedroom feel larger and more open.

• Full-length mirror: A tall, full-length mirror placed on one wall or behind the door adds the illusion of height and depth.
• Reflective furniture: Consider furniture with glass, mirrored, or shiny metallic surfaces, which reflect light and make the room feel more spacious.

6. Keep Window Treatments Simple

Heavy curtains can make a small room feel even smaller. Instead, opt for simple, light window treatments that allow natural light to flood in and keep the space feeling open.

• Sheer curtains or light-coloured blinds let in plenty of natural light while maintaining privacy.
• Roman shades or roller blinds are sleek options that won’t take up valuable space.

7. Choose a Bed with a Simple, Streamlined Design

A large, ornate bed can overpower a box bedroom. Instead, go for a sleek, minimalist design that won’t overwhelm the room.

• Platform beds are great for smaller spaces since they often have a lower profile, making the room feel less crowded.
• Iron or upholstered headboards that are simple and low-profile are great options that won’t take up much visual space.

8. Use Colour and Pattern Wisely

While neutral tones can open up a room, adding a pop of colour or pattern can inject personality and charm. Just be sure not to overdo it, as too many bold choices can make a small room feel even smaller.

• Accent wall: Consider painting one wall a slightly darker or contrasting colour. This draws the eye to one focal point, giving the room depth.
• Textiles: Use colourful bedding, cushions, or rugs to bring life to the space without overcrowding it with too many different colours or patterns.

9. Maximise Under-Bed Storage

If you’re limited on space, make use of under-bed storage to keep the room uncluttered.

• Storage boxes or drawers: Use shallow storage boxes or drawers to store clothing, shoes, or extra bedding.
• Pull-out trays: Some bed designs have built-in pull-out trays that can store books, electronics, or small personal items.

10. Hang Art and Decor Creatively

In a small room, wall art and decor should be used sparingly but thoughtfully. Large, overpowering artwork can make a small space feel cramped, but smaller or well-placed pieces can add personality without overwhelming the room.

• Gallery walls: Create a curated, minimal gallery wall above your bed or desk. Arrange artwork in a tight cluster to avoid a cluttered look.
• Wall hooks or pegboards: These provide a way to display accessories, bags, or even plants in a functional and stylish manner.

11. Incorporate Vertical Plants

Adding plants to your room helps purify the air and adds a natural touch, but in a small bedroom, consider plants that don’t take up much floor space.

• Hanging plants: Use wall-mounted planters or ceiling hooks to hang trailing plants. This adds greenery without sacrificing floor space.
• Tall, narrow plants: Consider tall, skinny plants like snake plants or bamboo, which won’t take up much room but will still bring life to the space.

12. Use Hidden or Sliding Doors

In small spaces, every inch counts, and traditional swinging doors can eat up valuable space. Hidden or sliding doors are a great alternative to save space and make the room feel more open.

• Sliding doors: These doors glide across the wall and don't require the space needed for a standard door swing.
• Pocket doors: Pocket doors are even more space-efficient as they disappear into the wall when opened.

13. Incorporate an Open Closet or Wardrobe

A box bedroom may not have a dedicated closet, but an open wardrobe system or a wardrobe with sliding doors can help keep your clothing organised without the bulk of traditional closet doors.

• Rail-style wardrobe: A simple clothing rail or rack with open shelving is a great option for a small room, keeping clothes accessible and organised.
• Compact wardrobe with sliding doors: Sliding doors allow for easy access without taking up room for a door swing.

14. Choose a Corner Desk or Compact Work Area

If you need a work area in your bedroom, try a corner desk or a wall-mounted floating desk to save space and keep things organised.

• Corner desk: Use the corner of the room for a small, L-shaped desk. This keeps the work area tucked away and helps the room feel less crowded.
• Foldable desk: Opt for a desk that folds down when not in use, freeing up space for other activities or sleeping.

Final Thoughts

While a box bedroom can feel limiting at first, there are countless ways to make it work for your needs. By prioritising space-saving solutions, smart storage, and a minimalist design, you can transform your small room into a cozy, functional retreat. Whether you want it to feel more spacious, more personalised, or simply more organized, these ideas from SJ Interior Designs can help you make the most of your box bedroom and create a space you truly enjoy.