The foundation of any well-designed small bedroom starts with choosing the right furniture. I always tell my clients that in compact spaces, every piece needs to earn its place. Multi-functional furniture isn't just clever - it's essential.

Ottoman beds have become something of a go-to recommendation in my practice. These brilliant pieces offer abundant storage without sacrificing style or comfort. I recently helped a client in a London flat incorporate one, and she gained enough storage space to eliminate her need for a chest of drawers entirely. 

The key is selecting an ottoman bed with quality hydraulics - nothing ruins the functionality quite like a temperamental lifting mechanism.

Wall-mounted bedside tables (or floating shelves functioning as such) free up valuable floor space while providing necessary surface area. Remember to consider the visual weight of furniture - glass or acrylic pieces can help maintain an airy feel while serving practical purposes.

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Lighting can dramatically influence how spacious a room feels, and I've seen remarkable transformations through strategic lighting choices alone. 

The trick is to create layers of light that draw the eye around the room, making the space feel larger and more dynamic.

Wall-mounted swing arm lamps are particularly brilliant for small bedrooms. They free up precious bedside table space and can be adjusted for reading or ambient lighting as needed. I always suggest installing them on dimmer switches for maximum flexibility. 

Uplighting, particularly in corners, helps to lift the eye upward and create a sense of height - rather like stretching the room upward.

Natural light is your greatest ally in a small bedroom. If you're lucky enough to have a window, make the absolute most of it. Sheer curtains layered with blackout blinds offer both light control and the ability to maximise natural brightness during the day.

The layout of a small bedroom can make or break its functionality. Here's my tried-and-tested approach to space planning in compact bedrooms:

Essential Bedroom Layout Measurements:

The bed placement is your starting point - typically, positioning it along the longest wall creates the most efficient flow. However, don't be afraid to experiment. I recently worked with a client who was convinced their bed had to go against the far wall, but by placing it along the side wall instead, we created space for a compact home office nook.

Consider the natural pathways through the room. You want to ensure smooth movement without creating obstacles. Think about morning routines - the path from bed to wardrobe to door should be as unobstructed as possible.