Trying to make a small 10’ x 10’ bedroom work for two people is very challenging. You’ll need a bed, storage for clothes and shoes. There must be enough space to walk comfortably into the room and to move comfortably around in it. That means doing things like opening interior doors, drawers, and cabinets should be easy, not a hassle.

Whether you’ve been together for 10 months or 10 years, finding places for all your stuff and your partner’s stuff, while also making the best use of the space, can have you throwing up the white flag of surrender!

But I know that isn’t you, right? That’s why you’re here. You’re a small space warrior, who wants to make the best use of every inch of that 10’ square bedroom! Not only that, but you also want it to be comfortable, cozy, and totally aligned with your tastes and design preferences too...

Well, you’re in the exact right place because I’m going to talk you through some of my favorite ways to plan out a small bedroom so you can have all the things you need, beds, furniture, storage, and more. I’m not just going to give you a list of random small bedroom tips, I’m going to give you 6 of my go-to small bedroom tips and I’m also going to tell you exactly why they’ll work.

But, before we get into it, I want you to embrace the space you have. Rule one is to stop thinking of your bedroom as “lacking” or “limited” in floor space because that’s contributing to your frustrations. Instead, I want you to think of the space that you do have as an opportunity to get creative with the full 10’ square room, floor to ceiling. When you flip your thoughts to considering incredible furniture solutions that will work best, you’ll easily let go of the ones that won’t. That’s the real benefit of this shift because creativity blooms in possibilities, not in limitations.

1. Zoning: Creating Areas Within Your Small Room

You might think that zoning space only applies to larger rooms where you want to create more intimate spaces and to define how to use the room. Well, zones also work in smaller rooms too. This helps bring more functionality to your small bedroom because you can visually separate areas without adding physical separation like walls, that would really limit your space.

• Use a rug to define your “bed” zone.

• Use a wall shelf to define a small workspace/vanity zone.

• Hang a mirror on the wall near a closet to define your “get ready” zone or for checking your posture for yoga poses.

Why It Works: Zoning helps organize the space, and it can also be very helpful when planning out all the functions you’ll need in the room. For example, the rug will set the parameter for the bed, and maybe a couple of small bedside tables. It defines the “sleep” space while also bringing in convenience and functionality with bedside tables. The workspace/vanity zone is a multi-functional space serving 2 or more purposes. And the mirror creates a useful spot to see yourself fully when you’re getting ready for your day.

2. Curate Your Furniture

Related to zoning, it’s best to prioritize what you need in terms of furniture. Maybe you’ve been struggling with wanting to have a seating area for lounging, or a bench at the end of the bed. You need to get honest with yourself though. If you have room for functional and convenient storage but no room for a small sofa and chair, functional storage should win. Maybe you have furniture that you or your partner wants to bring in. The trouble is it might be too deep, too wide, too bulky. And it’s a safe bet that the styles probably won’t match, or worse, could really clash. Sometimes it’s best to start from scratch and bring in furniture that both you and your partner will like. Stores like Serena & Lily have tons of style options that can work, even if you think your tastes are very different. If you want to create a comfortable, cozy small bedroom, trying to force things to work is a one-way ticket to frustration town!

• Small scale dressers like bachelor chests can take the place of full-size dressers or tall chests. They also work great in place of nightstands and give you a lot more storage.

• Consider buying kid’s furniture because it’s often smaller and less deep, which is helpful for not blocking pathways in the room.

• Choose a bed with built-in storage drawers. Pick ones that have drawers at the bottom so you can access them easier than ones on the side that could be blocked by bedside tables.

Why It Works: Curating your furniture will help you to minimize clutter while focusing on what you need to maximize every inch. Remember, the goal is to focus on parameters, not limitations, so it’s important to select furniture that vibes with both of your tastes, but it’s also important to use the space effectively too. Use drawer dividers to separate items like socks and underwear. Use plastic bins or containers in drawers or cabinets to corral small items like make-up containers, hair accessories, or jewelry. When you focus on functionality like this, even small-scale furniture will be maximized for all your needs.

3. Flex and Portable Furniture

This is all about furniture that is multi-functional and easy to move. Like using a storage bed, you should consider furniture that will serve different purposes and, most importantly, that will be small enough to fit into tricky spaces. Can it fit into a small corner? Will it fit beside a dresser and not be in a pathway?

• Choose something like a cube ottoman that can double as both a seat for a desk or a vanity and storage for essentials like bedding, office supplies, or other essentials

• A small work desk that can double as a make-up vanity. Pick one with drawers that can be used to store pens, paper, make-up, or clothes.

• A tall, narrow lingerie chest can easily fit into a corner and be used as clothes storage or as a jewelry cabinet and more.

Why It Works: These kinds of pieces offer a lot of flexibility and adaptability, which is ideal for smaller bedrooms where needs can change quickly. Each of these options can have storage, within storage as well. Drawer dividers, baskets, and containers with lids will keep your stuff neatly organized and easily accessible when needed.

4. Storage in Hidden and Underutilized Places

This is one of the areas where you can really get creative and consider storage options that you would likely never think about in larger bedrooms. Take some cues from very small and efficient places like boat cabins, and tiny houses. They use EVERY available space in genius ways to maximize storage and functionality.

• Use the entire space underneath the bed as storage by getting a hydraulic lift mechanism to support your mattress instead of a box-spring. The lift makes it easy to get access to your whole under bed space.

• Behind the door organizers allow you to use the space on the back of your door to hold everything from a perfume bottle collection to neck ties and belts.

• Create additional storge between the studs in your wall. This essentially allows you to create recessed niches that can serve as open or closed storage. Put cabinet style doors on them to create closed storage or insert shelves for open storage or display.

Why It Works: This hidden or underutilized storage makes the most of every available inch without compromising aesthetics or functionality. Keep your mind open and always consider if storage can go in narrow vertical spaces, under things, behind things, or even over things…

5. Use Sliding Doors for the Closet

Sliding doors are amazing space-savers, allowing you wider access to your closet. With sliding doors, you don’t have to worry about a door opening and bumping a chest of drawers right next to the closet. They also won’t swing into a pathway making it hard for one of you to pass by while the door is open. And there are plenty of door styles, from flat panel or barn-door styles to suit any decorating style.

• Sliding doors can be painted with the same wall color so they practically disappear when closed. (If you have wallpaper, continue the pattern on the closet doors to make them disappear that way.)

• Frosted glass on the doors can provide a bit of opacity for closets that are the “workhorse” storge of the room. They’ll hide any messy storge and give the room a lighter feel.

• Mirrored sliding doors are also a great option for dual functionality. This is both a door and a spot for a “wall” mirror, especially if you don’t have an open wall for a mirror to begin with.

Why It Works: It’s obvious that typical closet doors, like most all interior doors, open into a room. The swing of the door can take up 3 feet or more of floor space. If you have a double closet door, that can eat up 3 feet for both doors, depending on the width of the closet opening. When every inch is needed, this can really limit any other needed furniture close to the closet.

6. Use the FULL Capacity of Your Closet

Let’s stick with the inside of the closet for this last tip. Whether you have a tiny bedroom closet or a one that takes up a whole wall, there’s smart ways to use all the available space you have inside. Always, aways, always use the height inside your closet. Never, never, never only rely on hanging storage alone.

• I love closet systems that allow you to customize your closet interior for whatever you need. Adjustable shelves, hanging drawers, shelves and cubbies are perfect for customizable and changeable storage.

• Use not only the back wall of your closet, but also use the two side walls as well. Side walls are perfect storage for hanging belts, scarves, and handbags.

• Narrow tower shelves are the perfect shoe storage if you want that grab-and-go option for shoes. You can also use the floor space under the bottom shelf for shoe storage as well.

• If you have tall ceilings, use that height inside the closet! Install shelves that go all the way up and use that storge for things like off-season clothes, or anything you don’t need access to every day.

Why It Works: Your closet can be the place where you just might get the best storage in the entire room. If your closet is deep, you can install a small chest of drawers inside. If your closet is shallow, use shelving and hanging storage that fills the space. If you have only hanging storage, rip that out and install a system that will allow you to use the space, floor to ceiling. Trust me, you’ll have no trouble finding store-bought closet organizing options, or you can DIY your own, or alter a system to make it fit your space.

Remember, a 10' x 10' bedroom isn’t a problem—it’s a canvas that needs your creativity to bring it to life. Whether you go with hidden storage, clever furniture choices, or unexpected design tricks, the goal is to make your space work harder, smarter, and more beautifully for you and your partner. Most important of all, don’t view your small space as limiting in any way. Regardless of its size, there’s a solution to make it everything you want it to be. Possibilities will help you customize your space. Thinking in limitations will keep you frustrated.

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I write about small space design and decorating, sustainable furniture options, positive self care and a variety of do-it-yourself home décor.

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Michael is Principal designer and blogger at Michael Helwig Interiors in beautiful Buffalo, New York. Since 2011, he’s a space planning expert, offering online interior e-design services for folks living in small homes, or for those with awkward and tricky layouts. He’s a frequent expert contributor to many National media publications and news outlets on topics related to decorating, interior design, diy projects, and more. Michael happily shares his experience to help folks avoid expensive mistakes and decorating disappointments. You can follow him on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook @interiorsmh.