Whether you have a luxurious master bedroom with an adjoining bathroom or a modest attic loft, the way you lay out furniture and accessories affects the feeling of the interior. Plan your bedroom layout by plotting out the space and essential furnishings on a piece of graph paper, then sketching different plans. Remember that function is as important as form, so keep the space open and comfortable---as well as stylish.
Bed Placement
The bed is the centerpiece of a bedroom, so proper placement within the room's layout is essential. If possible, avoid situating the head of the bed where the morning sunlight enters. Some people set the bed at a diagonal, projecting outward, while others place it in the middle of a wall. These positions are more preferable than placing a side of the bed against a wall, which inhibits movement and limits storage under it. People who enjoy a balanced look might place the bed between two nightstands and hang a painting above the headboard.
Space within a Space
Often the bedroom serves multiple purposes, such as being a place to exercise, study or watch your children play. Consider the room's necessary functions and lay out your bedroom furniture accordingly. Frame a study area with a desk and a floor lamp and natural light, if possible, and use a low-set window to create a reading corner or yoga space by adding a throw rug and floor cushions in bright colors and patterns.
A tri-fold Asian screen is ideal as a room divider or window covering and can be adjusted and moved to serve different purposes. You can also use a tall bookshelf or armoire to create a more fixed room division.
Small Space Solutions
If is small, features oddly shaped corners or lacks a closet you'll have to be creative. Use a closet organizer or a tall corner shelf for stowing clothes, shoes and accessories. Invest in low, modular furniture, such as futons and ottomans, that you can move when necessary. If a nightstand is too bulky, try a wire plant stand to hold magazines and books. Use vertical space with tall, narrow shelves or install floating shelves. Use baskets or boxes to hold necessities.
You can avoid the trap of having all your furniture flanking the walls of the room by adding a trunk at the foot of the bed for storing textiles or setting a narrow chaise lounge at an angle.
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