Does Bedroom Size Matter When it Comes to Designing Your Sleep Space?

Understanding key measurements when designing (or redesigning) your bedroom

We spend more time in our bedrooms than we do in any other room in our homes. While your bedroom may be an oasis of peace in this busy world, it might also serve as an ad hoc home office or a family gathering place. It’s where we begin our days and end them. It’s where we dream, hope, plan – and hopefully find a good night’s sleep.

But does size matter when it comes to designing your bedroom? Is there a perfect sized dream bedroom? While you may not be able to change your bedroom size, unless you’re planning a home renovation, there are things you can do to maximize the space. In some bedrooms, bedroom furniture placement options are limited and pretty obvious, but not always…

Planning your bedroom space

A room for sleeping – according to most building codes – should be at least 70 sq ft, which is the size of a small nursery (7’ X 10’). The average bedroom in an apartment is 132 sq ft, in a house it’s 219 sq ft. Of course, those sizes vary depending on whether you’re in NYC or a more rural location, a small subdivision or a sprawling new build.

The first – and biggest – piece of furniture to go in your bedroom is your bed. You’ll want to measure your room before shopping so you know what size bed (and mattress) will fit best.

Most sleep doctors and sleep coaches recommend a king size mattress for couples as it allows both people to move freely at night without disturbing the other. But do you have the space for it? For a king size bed to fit comfortably in your room, you’ll need at minimum of 144 sq ft (12’X12’). A queen size bed requires a minimum of 120 sq ft (10’X12’).

Measure how large of a bed can fit in your room and still walk around it. Then ask yourself a few questions:

• Can you fit nightstands on either side of the bed?
• What other furniture can you fit comfortably in the room?
• Do you need more than one dresser and/or armoire?
• Do you have room for a seating area?

Where does the sun rise and set and do you want to see the show from your bed? That may play a factor in where you decide to put your bed. The most popular place for the bed is against the wall (centered) across from the door. If you choose this option, invest in a statement headboard since it will become the center of the attention for the room.

Placing your bed opposite the door isn’t always possible so look closely at the other walls in the room – are any of them long enough to house your bed and nightstands beside it? If you can add or remove walls, consider adding a wall that doesn’t reach the ceiling, dividing the sleeping area from the functional living space. If you have space to spare, consider placing your bed diagonally. Speaking of big bedrooms, you could also float your bed in the middle of the room. This option works well with minimal furniture around the bed.

Furnishing a small bedroom

While most bedrooms contain a closet, having a built-in space for clothing is a relatively new addition to our sleeping space. Generations ago, a wardrobe or armoire – or a closet in a nearby room – would have sufficed.

If your bedroom is on the smallish side and you’d like to free up more floor space (and control clutter), consider moving a chest of drawers into your closet (if it’s big enough), buy containers that slide under the bed and instead of nightstands, install floating shelves next to your bed. Hang your TV rather than a stand on the floor. And eliminate any non-essential pieces of furniture. For the bed itself, choose a bed with just a headboard and no footboard to create a greater sense of spaciousness. Also stick to lighter colors throughout, from duvet covers and curtains to rugs and other furniture, like chairs and desks.

And lastly, don’t forget about your mattress foundation

The mattress foundation is often overlooked but it’s actually just as important as your mattress. The right foundation can extend the comfort life of your mattress, provide additional support, add height and improve airflow. A box spring (springs within a wood or metal framework) is a traditional and popular foundation choice. A solid platform bed sits on the floor and provides superior support and durability. Some come with built-in storage, which is super-handy.

You might also want to consider an adjustable base. Especially if you read in bed, watch TV or want to tackle medical issues like acid reflux, back pain and snoring. Courtesy of a remote control, you can elevate the top and bottom portions of the bed for maximum comfort.

And just in case you’re curious, all Restonic mattresses are adjustable-base friendly. No matter what choices you make, let comfort and a good night’s sleep be your guide when it comes to designing (or redesigning) your bedroom.

Rest well & wake up ready to go!

Better sleep gives rise to better mornings, bringing your goals into focus and dreams within reach. Hungry for more sleep info? Dig into these posts:

• 7 mattress myths debunked
• How to create a luxurious sleep spa at home
• The essential guide to creating a bed(room) you’ll love sleeping in