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laura_04

what do do with tiny bedroom?

7 years ago

We have a small 9’ x 11’ bedroom that is currently a catch all/ office/ pantry/ library. Basically a mess. Our kitchen lacks storage and i end up throwing bulk things in there or things i plan to rehome or sell. I want to make this room feel like it belongs & has a purpose rather than just storage. Thinking bookcases and a twin sleeper sofa? It would be nice to use it as a guest room/ extra sitting room and still use it for extra storage. What would you do? How would you lay out furniture?

Comments (45)

  • 7 years ago

    I’d just do a daybed under the right window with bookcases flanking it and pull out drawers underneath it

  • 7 years ago

    Like this but for adults and in XL.

  • 7 years ago

    Oooo good idea! I hadn’t thought about facing bookcases toward each other like that. Thanks!

  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    Consider redoing the door of the closet so it doesn't need to open into the room to take up space where furnishings could be put -- have the door face the entry door. In fact, if you can find cabinets that meet your needs, you might even remove the small closet altogether.

    If you want/need a bed in this room, consider a Murphy bed or twin sofa bed or even investing in an inflatable bed/mattress -- a bed that can be put away when you don't actually need it.

    Putting wheels/castors on whatever furnishings you put in this room will enable you to rearrange it easier.

    Also consider shelves above the door and window onto which you could place matching baskets for seldom used items you want/need to keep. (Ladder required to reach them.)

    If you're redoing this room on a small budget, visit your local Habitat For Humanity Restore Store or other thrift store for bargains. With digital tv now the norm, there are a lot of cabinets (some of them really good solid wood ones) with doors on the front that were once tv cabinets -- cabinets that, with the addition of a solid plywood back and a shelf or two, you could end up with a lot of hidden storage.

  • 7 years ago

    I think I’d try a sleeper sofa on the long wall with the door, to give you more space for storage. Here are a couple of examples, but I’d look online for cupboards with doors to hide those bulky items or what they call a “kitchen pantry.”

  • 7 years ago

    Thanks for all the suggestions. Clever idea repurposing an old entertainment center! Would be much cheaper than buying new solid wood bookcases.

  • 6 years ago

    So after shopping for bookcases and a daybed... I found a carpenter who is building us this!! Excited. But not sure what finish (?) Our trim and doors in this room are white. Planning to paint kitchen cabinets white (kitchen is next to this room). Should I have this painted white as well or a darker color? Also posting the cushion I got. It’s actually going to be more like a deep window seat than a daybed, but i know I’ll love it. Also, rug suggestions?

  • 6 years ago

    Since you’re starting from scratch in this room, it’s up to you. This is pretty much the focal point so what do you love better? I do like how the wood tones/darker tones go with the moss cushion though.

  • 6 years ago

    White can be the wall. The built ins don’t need to match the wood work.

  • 6 years ago

    I love the cushion against the wood! but I thought staining the built in would be too much for this tiny room so I chose to paint. I guess I still could but he’s building it with maple and I’m not sure I like stained maple...

  • 6 years ago

    Maybe a darker green to offset then if you don’t like white? I know people like black/ dark charcoal and visually I do too... I just don’t like dusting bookshelves that often because it shows up in non-mid tones every few days. Dusted my black bookshelves all the time. White wouldn’t be wrong, just don’t constrain to it.

  • 6 years ago

    Since it's such a small room, I would keep it white. Then you can get your colors from the Linens, cushions, and a rug.

  • 6 years ago

    A guest who is 6'4" would not have an issue sleeping in the bed?

  • 6 years ago

    Seregiel, I hadn’t thought about the dust showing either so thanks for bringing that up.
    Nancy, it’ll be more of a window seat. The seat is 27” x 74”. I felt like 36”-39” wide would take up too much of the room.
    I’m not against white but wouldn’t want stark white. Choosing a color for the built in just feels so permanent and I don’t trust myself with permanent choices ;) So I appreciate all of your opinions!
    How about oyster white- trim, walls, and built in all the same but different sheens (?)
    I have an antique walnut dresser that will also be in this room, and want to find a rug and a small chair.

  • 6 years ago

    Oops meant to reply to shirlpp but typed Nancy

  • 6 years ago

    As for the closet and hidden storage, Check out Johnson 1601 hinges.
    I found them 30 years ago and many of my friends have copied the idea.
    Bifold doors can open all the way allowing full access to the space. I gained 18 “
    so I can store a step stool, and ironing board beside my washer and dryer on one side and a wooden drying rack on the other.
    I tried to post the screen shot I took of the web site....failed.

  • 6 years ago

    I’ve not heard of that before. Clever! I have a hallway closet those would be awesome for.
    The closet in this room is original to our 100 year old house so I can’t bring myself to change it.

  • 6 years ago

    .

  • 6 years ago

    Do you have updates? I'm looking forward to seeing what the carpenter built.

  • 6 years ago

    A sleeper sofa is hardly ever comfortable. I would put a good twin bed or a twin, with a trundle under it, to accommodate one or two guests (tight but doable), a small dresser for the guest and a chair.

  • 6 years ago

    Sorry...you seem to have solved your issue. If it hasn’t been built, you may still be able to add a trundle bed below.

  • 6 years ago
    <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><md>My update
  • 6 years ago

    Not sure why the pic wouldn’t post. It’s just a stack of wood ;) I went with a 27” window seat vs a twin bed to save floor space. I think it’s going to be great! I needed storage more than a guest room & can still put out an air mattress if needed... The nook is being built as 5 separate pieces of furniture so I could repurpose down the road if I want to :)
    Still stuck on what to paint walls, trim, and the nook. Leaning towards all creamy white.

  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    :-) When you are ready, trying using the insert photo icon button below the comment box.

  • 6 years ago

    Found an inspiration pic! My room’s probly 1/2 the size but love this

  • 6 years ago

    seregiel
    Amazing work right? I’m super thankful for your ideas :)

  • 6 years ago

    Love it!

  • 6 years ago

    An actual twin bed with a real mattress and box spring is much more comfortable than a sleeper sofa, plus you won’t have the extra cushions and such to put somewhere when using it. If the room is next to the kitchen, I would use it for an office/walk-in pantry with a desk and closed cabinetry for kitchen supplies.

  • 6 years ago

    We ditched the guest room idea... with the window seat, deep drawers to the sides, an old dresser, and the closet we’ll have a great storage space disguised as a cozy quaint sitting room. I’ll probably tuck an air mattress under the window seat. I think this will work really well for our family and our home :)

  • 6 years ago

    looks nice!!

  • 6 years ago

    can't wait to see final photos

  • 6 years ago

    Excellent choices.

  • 6 years ago

    I would have said to divide the room into a pantry and office/library. Since that is what you're currently using it for, that is probably what you need.

  • 6 years ago

    Your wood worker is amazing!

  • 6 years ago

    So perfect

  • 6 years ago

    Wow I can’t wait to see it all put together in that room. Will look great

  • 6 years ago

    The oyster white will work. Then you can add color (which is changeable when you feel the need) in accessories. Very well done woodwork. This resource is a keeper. It looks exactly like the suggestion in the photo.

  • 6 years ago

    I love your nook furniture! So cute

  • 6 years ago

    Amazing!! And useful which is s bonus. Looks great- you have a great carpenter.

  • 6 years ago

    Looks beautiful!

  • 6 years ago

    I love the cushion color against the rusts in the pillows and carpet. So pretty.

  • 6 years ago

    Thank you! Etsy was my friend in this. Affordable Turkish carpets and Kilim pillows. I’m super happy with it all! I appreciate your input and sparking this room to life.

  • 6 years ago

    Looks great.

  • 6 years ago

    Love this !