HomeOur Bedroom: How We Planned Storage and Headboard in Tiny Bedroom
homeblissbyNi
65sqm 3Rm resale | Light wabi-sabi & Japandi ✨
Our Bedroom: How We Planned Storage and Headboard in Tiny Bedroom
117
- Japandi
- HDB (Resale)
- ~700 sqft
- 2 br
- Couple Living
Living in Singapore means small spaces are the norm, and our unit is even smaller than the average 3-room flat. So when it came to renovating, I was super worried about storage (especially with a closet full of clothes - girl things, you know!). 
The space between our bed and the wall is only 80cm (see the thin End-of-Bed Cabinet in pic) which doesn’t leave much room. After tons of research and inspiration hunting, we decided to build a 35cm custom cabinet at the end of the bed, and here’s what we’ve learned: 
1. Measure your space first! Whether it’s you or your ID, make sure to measure the distance between your bed and the wall. If the depth for cabinet is only allowed 30cm or even smaller, I’d suggest getting a ready-made piece instead, custom work won’t be worth it in terms of cost and storage. 2. Decide the cabinet size wisely. Think about the walking space vs. cabinet depth. For us, we chose 45cm for walking and 35cm for the cabinet, since we didn’t want the room to feel cramped. 
3. Plan your cabinet doors! This is so important! When we brought up the idea to our ID, they immediately said it couldn’t work because the doors wouldn’t open. But… that’s what folding or sliding doors are for, right? We originally wanted “bus doors,” but due to limitations, we went with folding doors (see pic) and they’ve worked great! 
4. Customize the inside layout. Think about what you’ll store. I have a lot of clothes, so I included a pull-out rod. The other half of the cabinet is drawers for jewelry, watches, and small bits. I even sketched it out for my ID to help visualize it. 
We are super satisfied with the result. Turning this idea into reality was so worth it! The space may be small, but every bit counts! Even though the space at the end of the bed is quite limited, having this 35cm cabinet has made such a big difference in our daily life. It’s not a huge storage solution, but it’s better than nothing, and it helps keep our small bedroom so much more organized and tidy. Sometimes it’s the little improvements that bring the most satisfaction. 
The next space-saving idea we insisted on was focused on the headboard area! Since the overall space from wall to wall in our bedroom was really limited, we had to be super careful with every little detail. After some discussion, we asked our ID to create a small “recess” in the wall for about 5cm deep, so that the mattress and divan could be slightly set into it. At first, 5cm might not sound like a lot, but in a compact room like ours, even the smallest adjustments can have a big impact. 
By doing this, we gained just enough extra walking space without sacrificing comfort or design. It also made the whole room feel a little more open and less cramped, which was exactly what we were hoping for. Honestly, when you’re working with small spaces, thinking creatively about how to maximize every centimeter really pays off. It’s little tweaks like this that can completely change how practical and comfortable a small home feels. If you’re also designing a small bedroom, don’t overlook these tiny adjustments, they add up to a big difference in the end! 
After 1+ year of living with it, I’m so glad my husband insisted on building the 35cm cabinet and 5cm recess headboard. Both keep everything neat — clothes, bags, even random things, and blends beautifully with our room. If you’re struggling with a small space too, don’t be afraid to get creative, you’ll be surprised how much it can transform your home!
