What’s worse than choosing the wrong color for your walls? For me, it’s dealing with tight-knit rooms with clogged areas and impractical headboards.

The average size of a bedroom apartment in the US is 132 square feet. While this seems standard, it can easily get messy when you have to deal with TVs, wardrobes, chairs, tables, and more.

Whether you’re living in a studio apartment or a luxe apartment, choosing small space beds and headboards for small bedrooms can make a big difference.

Let me show you how!

How to Choose the Right Bed and Headboard

Beds and headboards are the centerpiece of a room. They are the first thing anyone notices because they take up more space than any other furniture. 

So, if you’re in the market for a new bed space, best you get it right the first time!

• Picking the Perfect Bed Size

For small rooms, measure your space and match it to the bed. A Queen (60" W x 80" L) or King (76" W x 80" L) can work if the frame fits. Here’s how three options stack up:

The Connor Boucle Upholstered Queen Bed (62.8" W x 86.61" L x 48" H, 95.7 lbs) blends modern style with a white boucle headboard and gray wood frame. It’s compact enough for a 10' x 10' room—my friend Joana fit it in her studio with space to spare.

The Bensen Upholstered Platform King (78.94" W x 83.66" L x 39" H, 81.4 lbs) offers king-size comfort with an adjustable gray headboard. Best for 12' x 10' or larger, its low profile keeps it airy.

The George Walnut Finish Platform Bed (78.74" W x 83.15" L x 49" H, 110 lbs) brings rustic walnut charm. Its adjustable headboard suits a 12' x 10' room—perfect angled in my guest space.

Tip: Leave 24-30 inches for walkways. Under 10' x 10'? Go Connor Queen. Bigger? Try Bensen or George King.

• Choose a Headboard for Style and Function

If you want to know how to choose a headboard, start off by considering the style and function you desire. 

During college, I often thought it was all about sturdiness. It’s just a bed, right? As long as I can sleep and wake up on it, everything else is not important_ or so I thought. But everything changed the day I visited over 8 high-class showrooms in New York City. 

From the bedroom dimension to overall aesthetics, I realized everything matters _especially when you’re trying to maximize a small space. 

First, I tried out the Bensen upholstered platform queen bed. The well-rounded curved headboard design was the first thing that caught my eye. The soft and warm touch of the headboard makes it perfect for people who like to sit up on the bed without worrying about poking their backs or feeling uncomfortable. 

If you’re a fan of sturdy, woody headboards with adjustable lengths, then you’ll like the George free-standing walnut finish headboard, king. Also a great option if you have kids and pets around.

My friend, Paul, wanted us to check out other rattan headboards for small spaces. He showed me the Tariq free-standing boho rattan headboard, queen. It had a tall yet adjustable headboard which made it stand out. I also loved the handcrafted woven airiness which I thought would add a natural relaxing vibe to my kid's room.

We also checked out the Arne free-standing wood and rattan headboard, King. This board had a supportive lounging for a comfortable backrest. My husband loved it at first sight, so we ended up taking it for our guest room. 

If you’re not sure about your decision to take any bed, then rent it temporarily. However, use an adhesive hook to avoid damage or permanent modifications on it. 

Our Best Beds and Headboards for Small Spaces

• Plush Boucle Beds:

Whether you prefer a modern yet artistic bed like the Connor boucle upholstered solid wood queen platform bed, a timeless distinctive luxury like the Haley boucle upholstered solid wood platform bed, or the soft padded fabric of Beatrice boucle upholstered solid wood platform bed, queen, you have an eye for the best things! 

These beds are cozy small bedroom furniture that creates a sense of comfort when used in tight corners. For a more homely feel, pair them with light beddings and use an under-bed storage bin to reduce clutters. 

• Sleek Walnut Beds:

Timeless, Durable, and Elegant — those are three words I’ll use to describe walnut platform beds. 

From its warm, low-profile elegance to the rich, dark brown colors, these sets of beds are perfect for small spaces.

A perfect example is the George walnut finish platform bed, queen, and the George walnut finish platform bed, King. Same specs, but with extra comfiness. 

If you have a really small space, carefully position the bed diagonally. This will add more elegance and stretch the space of your room. 

• Upholstered Beds with Built-In Headboards:

If this is your first time trying an upholstered platform bed, I’d recommend the Bensen upholstered platform bed, king, and the Bensen upholstered platform bed, queen.

These beds have soft, cushioned surfaces creating a supportive headrest for book lovers, coffee drinkers, remote workers, etc. With the right tool, this can serve as a reading or work area. 

You can take it as small bedroom solutions especially if you’re trying to save money or avoid clogging your room. 

Since the bed has in-built headboards, you don’t have to buy extra furniture, thereby clearing up space too.

• Boho Rattan Headboards:

The boho rattan headboards strike a perfect balance between delicate appearance and sturdy substance. 

When used in a small room, it creates a cozy, light, and airy feeling which prevents the room from being cluttered. 

A great example is the Arne free-standing wood and rattan headboard, queen/king. If you prefer one with adjustable heights, then check out the Tariq free-standing boho rattan headboard, queen/king, and Layla free-standing wood and rattan headboard, queen/king. 

These sets are perfect for small space boho decor because they fit almost all themes.

• Walnut Bed + Rattan Headboard Combo:

Create a lightweight, sturdy bed combo by pairing the George walnut finish platform bed, queen with Layla free-standing wood and rattan headboard, queen (or king version).

Mixing a walnut bed with rattan headboard will form a sleeky design made ideally for small spaces. 

To get extra space, place a slim ledge behind the headboard for storing your phone, and other appliances. 

The mixed material beds can also be paired with a woven rug to harmonize the designs without losing their functionality. 

Conclusion

Transforming your small space with exquisite bedroom furniture is totally possible. You can improve the aesthetic design of your room without using bunk beds, or other tiny unappealing beds.

In this article, we’ve highlighted the best beds and headboards for small rooms while focusing on their functionalities.