How to Save Space in a Small Bedroom or Spare Room
Small rooms are one of the most common challenges in modern homes across New Zealand, Australia, and the UK. Whether it's a compact apartment in Auckland, a terrace house in Sydney, or a period property in London — space is always at a premium. The good news is that with the right approach, even a small room can feel open, functional, and liveable. Here are the most effective space-saving strategies for small bedrooms and spare rooms.
1. Install a Murphy Bed
This is the single biggest space-saving upgrade you can make in a spare room. A Murphy bed folds flat against the wall when not in use, returning the entire floor area of the room to you. A standard queen-size bed occupies around 4.5 square metres of floor space — that's a significant portion of a small room, cleared in 30 seconds.
For rooms that need to serve as both a guest room and something else (office, gym, studio), a Murphy bed is the obvious answer. A DIY kit from Easy Fold Murphy Bed is an affordable way to do this well.
2. Use Vertical Space
Most small rooms are underutilised above shoulder height. Tall shelving units, wall-mounted storage, and overhead cabinets can dramatically increase your storage without taking up any extra floor space. Think bookshelves that reach the ceiling, wall-hung desks that fold away, and floating bedside tables instead of freestanding ones.
3. Choose Multi-Functional Furniture
Every piece of furniture in a small room should ideally serve more than one purpose. Consider:
• Ottoman storage benches (seating + storage)
• Beds with built-in drawers underneath
• Desks that fold into the wall
• Dining tables that extend only when needed
The Murphy bed is the ultimate expression of this principle — it's a full bedroom at night, and whatever you need it to be during the day.
4. Reduce Visual Clutter
Small rooms feel smaller when they're visually busy. A few simple changes can make a room feel significantly larger:
• Use a consistent, light colour palette on walls and furniture
• Keep the floor clear wherever possible
• Use concealed storage rather than open shelving for everyday items
• Choose furniture with clean lines rather than ornate designs
• Use mirrors strategically to reflect light and add depth
5. Optimise Lighting
Good lighting is transformative in a small space. Natural light should be maximised — avoid heavy curtains that block windows. For artificial lighting, avoid a single overhead light in favour of layered lighting: wall sconces, floor lamps, and task lighting. This creates depth and warmth that makes small rooms feel more inviting.
6. Rethink the Room's Primary Function
One of the most powerful things you can do is simply ask: what does this room actually need to do? If it's a spare room that's only used for guests a few times a year, dedicating it entirely to a static bed is an enormous waste. A Murphy bed lets you reclaim that room as a daily-use space — home office, hobby room, workout space — while still having a comfortable guest bed available whenever you need it.