George Clarke knows a thing or two about making the most of small spaces. Now, the architect has revealed the ‘essential’ ingredient that can make a bedroom feel larger – even when space is limited.
George is back on our TV screens with George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces: First Homes (Friday 18 September at 8pm on Channel 4), where he meets people who have found unconventional and creative ways to overcome the housing crisis and get themselves on the property ladder. From building a tiny eco-home in Wales to turning a refrigerated lorry into a house, the new series explores some truly ingenious uses of space.
So, who better to ask for advice on making a small bedroom feel bigger? After all, a bedroom can quickly feel cramped once you’ve squeezed a double bed inside. Here’s what George says every small bedroom needs…
1) Picking the right-sized furniture
First things first, George stresses the importance of choosing furniture that’s properly proportioned for the room. 'It might sound like a really obvious one, but I've seen people put oversized furniture in small spaces,' he says.
Bulky furniture can quickly dominate a small bedroom, making it feel cramped and difficult to move around. Before buying anything, measure the space carefully, including the width of doorways and the clearance needed around the bed. Where possible, opt for streamlined pieces that serve a clear purpose. A narrower bedside table or compact chest of drawers, for instance, can help you make the most of the floor space without overcrowding the room.
Read more: How to position your bed to make a small bedroom feel bigger and more luxurious
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2) Prioritising natural light
Next, George recommends maximising the amount of natural light in the room. 'If there's a way that you can get natural light in there – for instance, if you've got an upper-level bedroom, you might be able to get a skylight in,' he explains.
'I think a skylight is just amazing. You can lie back and look at the sky and the stars. A top light can also make the space feel brighter than a conventional vertical window.'
Natural light can make a small bedroom feel brighter, airier and more open, while a skylight has the added benefit of drawing the eye upwards. If installing one isn’t practical, keep windows as clear as possible, avoid placing tall furniture directly in front of them and position mirrors carefully to help bounce light around the room. The aim is to maintain an open, airy feel rather than blocking or absorbing the available light.
Read more: 3 design mistakes quietly stealing natural light from your home
3) The key ingredient? Integrated storage
'Integrated storage is essential. If you've got a bedroom with a wardrobe and you need access to lots of stuff, be as inventive as you possibly can with storage,' George stresses.
'You can have storage under the bed or pull-out sections. I've even seen beds that fully lift up, giving you full access to the storage beneath. I've also seen some variations of vans where they've put storage on the floor. That's not something you can do in a conventional house, but on Amazing Spaces, people have these kinds of panels that you lift up, with 60 or 80 centimetres of storage underneath.'
Integrated storage is particularly useful in a small bedroom because it makes use of often-overlooked areas. Built-in wardrobes can be designed around the room’s exact dimensions, while floor-to-ceiling cupboards provide extra storage without taking up more floor space.
It’s also worth looking beyond traditional wardrobes and drawers. Storage beds, lift-up ottoman beds, pull-out sections and under-bed boxes can all help keep belongings organised and out of sight. Keeping the floor as clear as possible will make the space feel calmer, tidier and more spacious.
Read more: Built-in wardrobes, fitted cupboards and bespoke storage ideas
Together, correctly sized furniture, plenty of natural light and well-planned storage can make a small bedroom feel noticeably bigger – without changing its actual dimensions.
• George Clarke's Amazing Spaces: First Home debuts on Channel 4 on 18 September at 8pm
