The only project more complex than decorating an empty bedroom is rearranging an existing one. In some ways, rearranging can be more challenging than starting from scratch. But that doesn’t mean you can’t create a comfortable, inviting bedroom layout you love.
When you’re rearranging bedroom furniture, planning is the key to success. From figuring exact bed placement to drawing the layout in advance, preparation will save time and get you closer to the Kelly Wearstler zone.
To help you start, we’ve put together this handy guide on how to rearrange your room. In it, you’ll find tips and tricks to help you pull off this home decor project like a professional designer.
How to Set Up a Bedroom
Maybe you’ve decided to rearrange your bedroom just to freshen up your space. Or maybe it’s because you’ve just acquired that new, refreshing piece of furniture and your current setup needs a matching update. Either way, you’re in for an enjoyable adventure.
But here’s a tip — before you start to rearrange nightstands and dressers, take a little head-scratching time to form an idea of what you’d like the end result to look like. This could be just the general vibe you’re going after. Or it could be an exact bedroom furniture layout.
How to Set Up a Bedroom
Maybe you’ve decided to rearrange your bedroom just to freshen up your space. Or maybe it’s because you’ve just acquired that new, refreshing piece of furniture and your current setup needs a matching update. Either way, you’re in for an enjoyable adventure.
But here’s a tip — before you start to rearrange nightstands and dressers, take a little head-scratching time to form an idea of what you’d like the end result to look like. This could be just the general vibe you’re going after. Or it could be an exact bedroom furniture layout.
Where to Find Inspiration for Your Bedroom Redesign
During this planning phase, a mood board is an incredibly helpful tool. It’s just a board (on paper, cork or on a tablet or computer) where you collect fun snips of inspiration.
Pinterest and Instagram are the best places to search for sparks of creativity. You’ll find plenty of professionally styled rooms, plus unique bedroom layouts you wouldn’t have thought of otherwise.
Once you’ve got a few looks narrowed down, pick one or two that match your room size, general layout and available furniture pieces. Then work on adapting it so it works with your own style preferences and room dimensions.
Where to Find Inspiration for Your Bedroom Redesign
During this planning phase, a mood board is an incredibly helpful tool. It’s just a board (on paper, cork or on a tablet or computer) where you collect fun snips of inspiration.
Pinterest and Instagram are the best places to search for sparks of creativity. You’ll find plenty of professionally styled rooms, plus unique bedroom layouts you wouldn’t have thought of otherwise.
Once you’ve got a few looks narrowed down, pick one or two that match your room size, general layout and available furniture pieces. Then work on adapting it so it works with your own style preferences and room dimensions.
Draw it out
The best way to visualize your new bedroom look is to draw it out. This will also help you to avoid mistakes like ill-fitting furniture. Start by measuring your room and furniture pieces such as dressers, benches, desks, chairs and nightstands. Then sketch your new bedroom layout to make sure everything looks right and fits perfectly.
Try to make your sketch to scale as much as possible. This will give you a good idea of how your room will look with all the furniture in it. You’ll also get a feeling for the distance between your bed and other bulky decor pieces. Remember not to “overstuff” your bedroom. Leave plenty of space for accessories and plants.
If sketching is not your cup of tea, go high-tech. Some apps let you create floor plans and realistic room layouts (sometimes in 3D) according to your bedroom’s measurements. Most are user-friendly and full-featured, and don’t require a degree in interior design.
Draw it out
The best way to visualize your new bedroom look is to draw it out. This will also help you to avoid mistakes like ill-fitting furniture. Start by measuring your room and furniture pieces such as dressers, benches, desks, chairs and nightstands. Then sketch your new bedroom layout to make sure everything looks right and fits perfectly.
Try to make your sketch to scale as much as possible. This will give you a good idea of how your room will look with all the furniture in it. You’ll also get a feeling for the distance between your bed and other bulky decor pieces. Remember not to “overstuff” your bedroom. Leave plenty of space for accessories and plants.
If sketching is not your cup of tea, go high-tech. Some apps let you create floor plans and realistic room layouts (sometimes in 3D) according to your bedroom’s measurements. Most are user-friendly and full-featured, and don’t require a degree in interior design.
Declutter and Clean Before You Start Moving
Rearranging a room is easier with less “stuff” in it. Place decorative items, indoor plants, rugs and smaller lamps in boxes, and move them to a different room. Moving your furniture around will be a lot less complicated after the floors and shelves are empty. With all the decor gone, you’ll also see your space in a whole new light. You may realize the potential for a different layout than you’d imagined, or even for a whole new style.
Next up, tidy beneath your bed and check if your floors are in good shape. If there are any dents, plan to cover them with an area rug or a piece of furniture later.
Wash your bedding, including pillowcases, duvet cover and blankets. You won’t need them again until you’ve finished with the move.
Declutter and Clean Before You Start Moving
Rearranging a room is easier with less “stuff” in it. Place decorative items, indoor plants, rugs and smaller lamps in boxes, and move them to a different room. Moving your furniture around will be a lot less complicated after the floors and shelves are empty. With all the decor gone, you’ll also see your space in a whole new light. You may realize the potential for a different layout than you’d imagined, or even for a whole new style.
Next up, tidy beneath your bed and check if your floors are in good shape. If there are any dents, plan to cover them with an area rug or a piece of furniture later.
Wash your bedding, including pillowcases, duvet cover and blankets. You won’t need them again until you’ve finished with the move.
Tools for Moving Furniture Around
There are several tools that will make your life much easier when it’s time to rearrange your bedroom furniture. These help especially with bulkier pieces such as your bed frame, dresser, side table or bookshelves.
If you have hardwood floors, invest in good-quality furniture sliders. They’ll make moving heavy furniture a breeze as they protect your floors from dents and scratches. They’re usually reusable and there are also some that work on carpets.
If your bedroom is on the smaller side and your furniture is bulky, have a couple of old or inexpensive blankets ready. Wrap the furniture in them before you move it to the hallway. They’ll protect the decor and the walls from scratches during bedroom furniture arrangement.
Stair rollers are a lifesaver, too. They help you move heavy items safely up and down the stairs. If you’ll be moving things to storage, have plenty of boxes on hand for accessories and decorative items, as well as packing tape and labels.
Tools for Moving Furniture Around
There are several tools that will make your life much easier when it’s time to rearrange your bedroom furniture. These help especially with bulkier pieces such as your bed frame, dresser, side table or bookshelves.
If you have hardwood floors, invest in good-quality furniture sliders. They’ll make moving heavy furniture a breeze as they protect your floors from dents and scratches. They’re usually reusable and there are also some that work on carpets.
If your bedroom is on the smaller side and your furniture is bulky, have a couple of old or inexpensive blankets ready. Wrap the furniture in them before you move it to the hallway. They’ll protect the decor and the walls from scratches during bedroom furniture arrangement.
Stair rollers are a lifesaver, too. They help you move heavy items safely up and down the stairs. If you’ll be moving things to storage, have plenty of boxes on hand for accessories and decorative items, as well as packing tape and labels.
Ways to Move Your Room Around Efficiently
For a successful and efficient move, plan the order of events before you start. Begin with bulky items that require the most space and effort. If you plan on putting an area rug under the bed, place it on the floor before the move. That way, you don’t have to lift your bed again to slide the rug beneath. This tip is especially helpful if you sleep on a heavy king size bed.
Plan to move your bedframe and mattress separately. Once they’re in their new homes, double-check that you’ve left plenty of space to open bedroom and closet doors.
Next, proceed with smaller furniture pieces like desks, nightstands, chairs, ottomans or shelving units. Your decorative items, plants and sheets go last.
Ways to Move Your Room Around Efficiently
For a successful and efficient move, plan the order of events before you start. Begin with bulky items that require the most space and effort. If you plan on putting an area rug under the bed, place it on the floor before the move. That way, you don’t have to lift your bed again to slide the rug beneath. This tip is especially helpful if you sleep on a heavy king size bed.
Plan to move your bedframe and mattress separately. Once they’re in their new homes, double-check that you’ve left plenty of space to open bedroom and closet doors.
Next, proceed with smaller furniture pieces like desks, nightstands, chairs, ottomans or shelving units. Your decorative items, plants and sheets go last.
Don’t Shop for New Furniture
Unless you’re doing a complete style overthrow, don’t invest in all new items. First, try to settle on the best room setup that fits your current furniture. This will save you time and money, since it uses your existing assets. At the end of your project, you may realize your room could use a sitting area. If you have the space for it, then you can buy the items you need then. But avoid adding new decor pieces — especially bulkier ones — before you rearrange your furniture.
Don’t Shop for New Furniture
Unless you’re doing a complete style overthrow, don’t invest in all new items. First, try to settle on the best room setup that fits your current furniture. This will save you time and money, since it uses your existing assets. At the end of your project, you may realize your room could use a sitting area. If you have the space for it, then you can buy the items you need then. But avoid adding new decor pieces — especially bulkier ones — before you rearrange your furniture.
Rearranging Bedroom Ideas
Your new bedroom furniture layout will largely depend on the size of your space and your personal preferences. Even so, here are a few ways to rearrange your room that look great and are easy to achieve.
Rearranging Bedroom Ideas
Your new bedroom furniture layout will largely depend on the size of your space and your personal preferences. Even so, here are a few ways to rearrange your room that look great and are easy to achieve.
Place Your Bed Away From the Windows
This classic bedroom layout puts the bed against a wall and parallel to the windows. Your night tables will go on both sides of the bed. You can place a desk or dresser parallel to the bed or on the opposite wall. Before you choose this layout, consider whether your bedroom gets the most light in the morning or the afternoon. If your room faces east and you don’t like waking up with the sun in your face, select a different setup.
Place Your Bed Away From the Windows
This classic bedroom layout puts the bed against a wall and parallel to the windows. Your night tables will go on both sides of the bed. You can place a desk or dresser parallel to the bed or on the opposite wall. Before you choose this layout, consider whether your bedroom gets the most light in the morning or the afternoon. If your room faces east and you don’t like waking up with the sun in your face, select a different setup.
If your room has floor-to-ceiling windows and a particularly beautiful view outside, place your bed so you can get the most enjoyment from it. Then arrange your other furniture around this central setup. The gorgeous scenery becomes your bedroom’s focal point.
Place Your Bed Directly Against the Windows
Some interior decorators advise against partially blocking windows with your headboard. But you can obscure a window or two and still achieve a magazine-worthy bedroom look. Just make sure your bed doesn’t shut out most of the sunlight that comes in from outside. Dark bedrooms tend to look and feel smaller and more cavernous. This bed placement layout works best if you have plenty of other windows.
Place Your Bed Directly Against the Windows
Some interior decorators advise against partially blocking windows with your headboard. But you can obscure a window or two and still achieve a magazine-worthy bedroom look. Just make sure your bed doesn’t shut out most of the sunlight that comes in from outside. Dark bedrooms tend to look and feel smaller and more cavernous. This bed placement layout works best if you have plenty of other windows.
Place Your Bed Between Two Windows
Another popular way to rearrange your room is with your bed against a wall, between two windows. This is a great way to use a large horizontal space that might otherwise be too big for other furniture. Put your desk on the opposite wall so it gets plenty of direct sunlight during the day. Or — hang a mirror to make the bedroom feel even larger.
Place Your Bed Between Two Windows
Another popular way to rearrange your room is with your bed against a wall, between two windows. This is a great way to use a large horizontal space that might otherwise be too big for other furniture. Put your desk on the opposite wall so it gets plenty of direct sunlight during the day. Or — hang a mirror to make the bedroom feel even larger.
How to Set Up a Small Bedroom
In an undersized space, the key to rearranging bedroom furniture is not to overfill it. Only leave furniture pieces that come in handy daily, and get rid of everything else. Also, optimize your storage space so your room looks tidy and uncluttered. Add new floating shelves and plenty of baskets.
When your bedroom is on the small side, it’s best to place your bed against a window wall. That way your bed and windows work together as a focal point. This setup makes the space look airier and brighter.
How to Set Up a Small Bedroom
In an undersized space, the key to rearranging bedroom furniture is not to overfill it. Only leave furniture pieces that come in handy daily, and get rid of everything else. Also, optimize your storage space so your room looks tidy and uncluttered. Add new floating shelves and plenty of baskets.
When your bedroom is on the small side, it’s best to place your bed against a window wall. That way your bed and windows work together as a focal point. This setup makes the space look airier and brighter.
If you have a TV, mount it directly on the wall opposite your bed and skip the console. Otherwise it will only take up valuable floor space.
How to Rearrange Your Room in a Loft
When it comes to reorganizing a bedroom, lofts are a whole new ballgame. With a loft, you’ll need to group your furniture by room type. Keep your bedroom furniture pieces close together, anchoring them with a single oversized area rug if possible. While lofts are incredibly spacious and chic, making them feel homey and cozy can be challenging. By grouping bedroom, living room or dining room furniture together, you’ll visually organize the space into “rooms” without the need for walls.
How to Rearrange Your Room in a Loft
When it comes to reorganizing a bedroom, lofts are a whole new ballgame. With a loft, you’ll need to group your furniture by room type. Keep your bedroom furniture pieces close together, anchoring them with a single oversized area rug if possible. While lofts are incredibly spacious and chic, making them feel homey and cozy can be challenging. By grouping bedroom, living room or dining room furniture together, you’ll visually organize the space into “rooms” without the need for walls.
Need Professional Help With Rearranging Your Room?
If you need more tips on how to rearrange your room, book a complimentary consultation with one of Parachute’s stylists. During your one-on-one video or phone chat, you’ll get help from an expert interior designer who can give you the best tips on how to maximize your bedroom space. Afterward, they’ll also send you a personalized lookbook with even more bedroom layout ideas.
If you’re looking for a book recommendation on this topic, check out Ariel Kaye’s excellent book, How to Make a House a Home. Inside, Parachute’s founder, Kaye, shares everything you need to know to make your home more beautiful and functional. You’ll find dozens of easy ideas to create a space that works for your lifestyle.
Need Professional Help With Rearranging Your Room?
If you need more tips on how to rearrange your room, book a complimentary consultation with one of Parachute’s stylists. During your one-on-one video or phone chat, you’ll get help from an expert interior designer who can give you the best tips on how to maximize your bedroom space. Afterward, they’ll also send you a personalized lookbook with even more bedroom layout ideas.
If you’re looking for a book recommendation on this topic, check out Ariel Kaye’s excellent book, How to Make a House a Home. Inside, Parachute’s founder, Kaye, shares everything you need to know to make your home more beautiful and functional. You’ll find dozens of easy ideas to create a space that works for your lifestyle.
