Seeking advice: furnishing a 12 m² bedroom
Hello everyone!
I'm new here and just beginning to learn the basics of interior design. My partner and I recently bought a house, and we are starting from scratch with furnishing and some DIY renovations. We would love your advice before committing to any major decisions, starting with our main bedroom.
Context:
We live in the Netherlands, a country known for its cloudy weather, so maximizing brightness and creating a cosy atmosphere are top priorities. For that reason, we would like to avoid placing the bed with its back to the balcony windows.
We appreciate simplicity and practicality – so we need to make sure the space feels warm and inviting.
The space:
- Approximately 12 m² (4,50 m × 2,69 m)
- Wall paint can change.
- The furniture in the photo is from the previous owners and will be removed.
- They had a corner wardrobe, which felt bulky and overwhelming.
- We don’t need a TV in the bedroom.
What we need to buy:
- Bed/Bed frame: we already own a 140 x 200 cm mattress.
- Bedside tables & lights: minimal but functional.
- Clothing storage: we are unsure about the best type and size to fit this bedroom.
- Blackout curtains: absolutely necessary for the early sunrises.
From my explorations, Layout A seems to make the most sense, with the bed opposite the bedroom door. In Layout B, the bed would be right behind the living room TV, which feels less ideal.
Questions:
- What is the best bed placement?
- Are there better layout options we might have missed?
- What type of clothing storage would best fit this space without making it too crowded?
- Would fitted wardrobes or standalone pieces work better in a small room?
- What types of bed frames would best fit the space?
We are open to suggestions on layout, ideal types of furniture, and storage solutions that balance practicality and simplicity with a warm feel. Any tips or inspiration would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you so much!
Comments
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Welcome to our community, Catarina! And congrats on your new home ☺️ I'd go with layout A — I like that the bed feels slightly tucked in that alcove because of the closet. What if you sourced a bedframe with built-in storage underneath? I'm hesitant to recommend placing a dresser across the bed because you won't have much room to walk around or open drawers. Your ceilings look really tall though! Could you do a custom bookcase with cubbies/bins for additional storage? Beautiful floor-to-ceiling bookshelves would also balance form and function
To lean into the warm feeling you want, I suggest adding a large area rug to cover most of the floor. You want to have a lot of texture and warm lighting. Is it just overhead lighting in there right now? Bring in floor lamps or wall sconces to add a nice glow. Paint would do wonders in here too. What colors do you like? I love a dusty mauve, terracotta, or sage for an inviting bedroom, but it depends on your personal style. Excited to hear more!
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