Reimagine Your Living Room Layout - Make it a Bedroom Instead
With housing costs rising and more people downsizing to tiny homes, it makes sense to transform existing rooms into Multipurpose spaces. Converting your living room into an additional bedroom can add functionality and value to your home without the expense of adding on.
Turning a living room into a comfy bedroom retreat might sound daunting, but it can actually be a fun DIY project. Follow this guide to reimagine your living room layout and make it a bedroom instead.
Assess Your Current Living Room Layout and Space
First, take measurements of your living room including length and width as well as window and doorway placements. Note where you currently have furniture set up and how the space is utilized. Identify any potential sleeping, dressing, and storage zones based on the existing layout.
Consider how the traffic flows through the room and where natural light comes in. This will help you determine optimal areas for placing a bed, dividing the space, and adding storage when designing your new bedroom layout.
Design the New Bedroom Layout
Next, sketch out some possible bedroom layouts for the space. Experiment with different arrangements on paper, keeping in mind any constraints like built-in features or exits. Use an online room planning tool to virtually try out different setups.
Decide if you want to place your bed against a wall or have it floating more centrally in the room. Ensure you have enough space to walk around it comfortably.
Choose the Bed Size and Style
Measure the amount of floor space you have available to figure out which bed sizes can reasonably fit. Optimize your layout by selecting a low profile platform bed or one with storage built into the base.
Consider a murphy bed that can be folded up if you need your bedroom to double as a living space during the day. Pick a comfortable mattress according to your preferences.
Define Separate Sleeping and Dressing Zones
Use free-standing folding screens, curtains on ceiling tracks, or strategically placed wardrobes to delineate dressing and clothing storage areas without losing an open feeling. Install flowing drapes or blackout shades on the windows to control light.
Place nightstands on both sides of the bed for handy access to lamps, alarm clocks, and other bedtime necessities. Position a dresser, chest of drawers, or armoire at the foot of the bed for clothing storage.
Add Storage Furniture and Shelving
Incorporate storage ottomans, shelving units, under-bed drawers, and other multifunctional furniture. Floating wall shelves add storage without taking up floor space. Take advantage of vertical space!
Built-in cabinetry or repurposed kitchen cabinets can maximize storage while also serving as room dividers. Make sure to include enough space for hanging clothes.
Create Privacy in an Open Floor Plan
If your living room is visible from other rooms, use screens, bookcases, cabinets, or accent walls to carve out a private sleeping sanctuary. Place tall plants like fiddle leaf fig trees or folded privacy screens to delineate areas in a natural looking way.
Install ceiling to floor drapes or curtains on decorative tracks to cordon off space. Sheer curtains still allow light through while obscuring views.
Incorporate Lighting for Both Day and Night
Maximize natural light from existing windows during the daytime with adjustable curtains and shades. Add task lighting like articulating arm lamps or wall sconces for reading in bed at night.
Install overhead lighting on dimmer switches to control brightness levels. Place lights in zones throughout the room on multiple circuits for custom lighting scenes.
Blackout window treatments will make the room darker for sleep. For guest rooms, opt for lighting that can be adjusted to set the right mood.
Personalize the Vibe with Decor
An upholstered headboard adds comfort and visual appeal to your bed. Match the style to your taste with tufted, nailhead, or button details. Finish off with decorative pillows and plush bedding.
Ultimately, the new bedroom decor is up to you. Pick artwork, mirrors, wallpaper and fabrics that enhance the ambiance you want. Coordinate a calming oasis or vibrant retreat.
Depending on the extent of your living room bedroom conversion, your local regulations may require permits for things like moving walls or electrical work. Research building codes in your area beforehand to ensure your plans are compliant.
Even simple layout changes like removing walls to expand the space may need approval. Better to check and be sure so your project isn't derailed by permitting issues.
Converting your living room into a bedroom can be an exciting way to gain an additional private retreat without the major commitment of adding square footage. Follow this guide to reimagine your current layout and makeover the space to suit your needs.
With creativity and the right design choices, you can transform wasted living room space into the bedroom of your dreams.