Simple Tips to Turn Living Room into Bedroom

Do you have a living room that sits unused for most of the day? Or perhaps you need an extra bedroom but don't have the space? Converting your living room into a makeshift bedroom is an innovative way to repurpose wasted space. With some strategic planning and a few adjustments, that underutilized living area can become a cozy extra bedroom.

Transforming a living room into a fully-functioning sleeping space is easier than you may think. By following a few simple tips, you can adapt your living quarters to include the amenities needed for a good night's rest. Read on to learn the basics of converting a living room into a bedroom.

Design the Layout

The first step in any living room to bedroom conversion is planning out the layout. Take measurements of the existing living room, including wall lengths, window placement, and doorway locations. Map it out on a floorplan, either using graph paper or room planning software. This allows you to experiment with different positioning options for maximum functionality.

Determine the Sleeping Area

When designing your floorplan, think about the most logical area to place the bed. Often this is along the longest wall opposite from doorways or adjacent to windows. Be sure to leave enough space around the bed for entering and exiting easily. Allow room for bedside tables as well. Positioning the bed so it doesn't disrupt the flow of the living area is key.

Include Multi-Functional Furniture

Look for furniture that can serve multiple purposes, especially for small living rooms. For example, choose a storage ottoman that provides extra seating for guests as well as keeping bed linens neatly tucked away. Opt for a Murphy bed or a convertible sofa bed that can be folded up or stowed out of sight when not in use. Dual-purpose furniture maximizes both sleeping and living capabilities.

Incorporate Storage Solutions

Be sure to incorporate storage furniture like dressers, armoires, and clothing racks to keep bedroom necessities organized. Floating shelves, slide-out drawers under sofa beds, and creative cubby solutions offer handy extra storage without taking up valuable floorspace. For a separate closet, a accordion-style partition or curtain divider works nicely.

Define Separate Zones

Use area rugs, different flooring materials, or varied paint colors to define the living room versus sleeping zones. Strategically placed bookshelves or room dividers can also help delineate individual spaces. Make use of lighting options such as floor and table lamps to distinguish the lounge area from the sleep environment.

Prepare the Room for Conversion

Once you settle on a layout, it's time to tackle furniture rearrangement. First, remove any existing living room pieces that won't fit the new floorplan. This may involve relocating items to other rooms, placing extras into storage, or removing items entirely. Take measurements to ensure new bedroom additions will work seamlessly within the existing dimensions before making any purchases.

Add a Comfortable Mattress

Invest in a high-quality mattress in the proper size for the bedroom. Even if using a sofa bed or futon, pay attention to the mattress thickness and materials for a comfortable night's sleep. Platform beds or mattresses without bulky headboards maximize space efficiency. Be sure to include pillows, sheets, blankets and other bedding gear as well.

Include Bedside Tables

No bedroom is complete without bedside tables for ambient lighting, storage for books or glasses, and to keep phones and alarms close at hand. Measure room dimensions to select the right bedside table height and depth options. Tables with drawers provide out-of-sight storage for extra bedding, chargers or personal items in this convenient new bedroom space.

Add Storage Furniture

Accommodate clothing storage needs through multi-purpose ottomans or benches, hanging wall racks or closet rods, under-bed roll-out drawers, or narrow dressers that tuck into tight spaces. Cubbies or basket organizers also come in handy for folded garments and small clothing items, shoes, and accessories.

Include Room Dividers

Use screens, curtains, or partition panels to divide living zones from sleeping quarters for privacy. Free-standing bookshelves or folding screens cordon off spaces in an aesthetically pleasing manner while still allowing the passage of light. For more separation, temporary walls block sound and create a greater sense of solitude when desired.

Include Finishing Touches

To complete your living room's transformation into a bedroom, include some finishing design details. Incorporate lamps, artwork, rugs, plants and other accessories to make this new room feel like home. Adding personal touches turns an ordinary living room into a restful retreat.

Add Bedside Lights

Include lamps or wall sconces to create soft, ambient bedside lighting. Opt for dimmer switches to control brightness levels. Make sure illumination is accessible from the bed for late night reading or finding belongings in the dark.

Incorporate Bedroom Decor

Include bedroom-appropriate wall art and decorative items like throw pillows, area rugs, or calming plants. Use colors like cool blues, greens, grays, and tans to elicit relaxation in this new sleeping space. Add personal photos, cozy textiles, or wall prints to finish personalizing the design.

Install Window Treatments

Block outside light and increase privacy with window curtains, blinds, or shades. Blackout shades prevent waking at dawn so you can catch up on precious sleep. For design harmony, select window coverings that coordinate with new paint colors, bedding, and accent decor items.

Update Wall Color

A fresh coat of paint does wonders for transforming a living room into bedroom. Neutral tans, grays, pale greens and blues make soothing backdrops ideal for sleep and rest. Paint ceiling, walls, and even floor trim to establish a cocooning effect. Just be sure to use zero-VOC paint to prevent unwanted odors.

Focus on Practical Necessities

When converting a living room into a makeshift bedroom, consider creature comforts for optimal overnight use. Focus on getting the lighting, storage, noise control and other basics right so your new room offers a fully-functional sleeping space.

Muffle External Noises

Mitigate street sounds or household ruckus to prevent sleep disturbances. Soundproof the bedroom area by sealing air gaps around windows, doors and electrical outlets. White noise machines, ear plugs, or a box fan can further dampen any ambient noise. Blackout curtains also help absorb exterior sounds.

Regulate Room Temperature

Ensure comfortable sleeping conditions by installing a ceiling fan or portable air circulator to regulate temperatures. Position a fan to prevent direct air flow on sleepers. Open windows for fresh air or utilize a heating vent to maintain an ambient room temperature for quality slumber.

Include Plenty of Lighting

Proper illumination transforms a basic living room into a fully-equipped bedroom. Table and floor lamps prevent late night stubbed toes while wall sconces provide soft ambient glows. Install dimmer switches for adjustability. Position lamps or overhead lights to accommodate late night reading in bed if desired.

Ensure ample electrical outlets placed strategically around the room's perimeter to power various devices. Include outlets near the bed for convenient access. Position them according to safety codes and use extension cords only when necessary. Having power outlets readily available makes overnight use more practical.

With strategic furniture arrangements, integrated storage solutions, and a few special touches, under-used living space can become the perfect extra bedroom. Follow these fundamental tips for a smooth transition process. Soon you'll have an additional sleeping quarters to accommodate overnight family or guests. Get ready to host your next slumber party in an innovative new bedroom without the construction hassles!