The 7 Layouts we’re Considering for Carson’s Room
We are ever-so-slowly figuring out some design plans for Carson’s new bedroom. While we’ve managed to put together some general ideas for this space, there’s still a lot to figure out. We’ve collected ideas for all sorts of different elements (find them all linked up below), but it’s hard to really pull the trigger on anything without a clear idea of what we’re actually going to need in here. I feel like our starting points need to be the layout of furniture (and whether we’ll be adding in a cozy bed nook) and figuring out which wallpaper we’d like to go with so we can get an idea of colours and start sourcing some of the furniture and decor (find all of our favourite wallpaper options here). We’re still waiting on a few more wallpaper samples to arrive, but in the mean time, I’m hoping to get the layout for this space all figured out.
Carson has a lot of ideas he’d like to work into this space – a secret bookshelf door, a built-in desk and a cozy bed nook that would double as a bed for sleepovers (read about them all here). I think we’re planning to add a secret bookshelf door to his closet, assuming we can come up with a design that is practical enough to use everyday and we’ve already built out a little alcove for a built-in desk area (pictured below), but, because of all the windows in the space, I am finding it a bit hard to find a good spot to put a bed nook. Because the layout doesn’t feel entirely clear to me, I thought I’d try drawing it out to test out a few different ideas. Here’s what we’re currently working with in here…
And, here are the 7 different layouts I’ve come up with for the space…
OPTION 1: Tucking the beds into the corners.
Pros: lots of floor space, windows unobstructed, bed nook faces windows.
Cons: bed in corner, bed turned sideways.
While I like that this option keeps the windows open and leaves a lot of floor space, I’ve never been a fan of tucking beds up against a wall (they’re so much harder to make when you can’t reach from both sides!). I’d say this is my least favourite option, but I had it drawn out, so figured I might as well share.
OPTION 2: Offset bed layout.
Pros: access to bed on both sides, bed nook faces windows, lots of open floor space, windows relatively unobstructed.
Cons: bed is not centred in the room, bed is not centred under the windows.
I think this layout works fairly well over all. I like the idea of building the bed nook to face the windows, I think this would be a perfect little cozy corner. I also like that it adds a bit of definition to the entrance of his bedroom (I LOVE a vestibule moment, there’s something about it that feels a little more elevated I think). I really don’t love that his main bed wouldn’t be centred under the windows on the wall space that is left, but I think I could find a way to work around it.
OPTION 3: Double bed nooks.
Pros: beds centred on wall, custom built for space, fun and unique feature.
Cons: I do wonder how hard it will be to make a bed that’s tucked into a built-in nook, some windows would be obstructed by the beds.
I actually really like this option. Building out custom beds for the space would help us to maximize the floor space and I think this design really helps to balance out the dimensions, giving the room a bit more of a square feel rather than a longer rectangle shape. Obviously, a wall of built-in beds would be a really cool feature for this space and I think having a little window within each bed space would make them feel extra special. I have no doubt we could come up with a really fun design for this, but I do worry about the longevity of it in terms of aging with our soon-to-be teenager. I also have concerns about how annoying it might be to make a built in bed each morning (convincing C to make his bed everyday is already hard enough).
OPTION 4: Two double beds.
Pros: love the symmetry and classic design, access to both sides of each bed, could have multiple nightstands, still an extra bed for sleepovers.
Cons: worried it may feel like a hotel room, second bed won’t be used enough to justify the space and expense.
In terms of looks, this layout is hands down my favourite, but when considering how often that second bed will be used, I’m not sure it’s worth the extra expense, nor the space it takes up. I also genuinely worry that this layout could make C’s room feel like more of a hotel room than his bedroom. While I LOVE the symmetry of this design and how great I could make this room look because of it, I’m not sure it’s the most practical or cozy when it comes to actually living in it.
OPTION 5: Sofa seating area.
Pros: sofa provides a cozy sitting area, pull-out would provide an extra bed for sleepovers, windows are relatively unobstructed, access to both sides of bed, potential to age best with Carson through his teenage years.
Cons: offset furniture (not symmetrical), sofa may feel a bit out of place in a bedroom.
While I think this would be a very practical layout for us, giving C a seating area, an extra bed for sleepovers and access to both sides of the bed, I’m not sure I love the idea of a sofa in a bedroom. I do however, think this would likely be the easiest option to grow with C as he heads into his teenage years. While I worry it won’t look or feel as cozy, I still think this layout is a solid, practical option for us.
OPTION 6: Bed nook in alcove, desk across.
Pros: layout feels more intentional within the space, potential to add some built-in shelves along the window bench wall, still a built in reading nook.
Cons: smaller seating area for a cozy reading nook, no extra bed for sleepovers.
If we moved the cozy reading nook into that little alcove we’d originally built for C’s desk, and then tucked his desk into the corner across from it instead, not only could we build out an extra cozy nook, but we could also add some built in shelves onto that window bench wall as well (I LOVE the idea of covering that entire wall with shelves). While this wouldn’t give us enough room for even a twin mattress in the bed nook, we could potentially add some sort trundle bed under C’s double bed for easy sleepovers.
OPTION 7: Bed nook in alcove, desk by door.
Pros: layout feels more intentional within the space, potential to add some built-in shelves along the window bench wall, still a built in reading nook, potential for a larger desk area.
Cons: smaller seating area for a cozy reading nook, no extra bed for sleepovers.
Continuing with the idea of building out a smaller bed nook in the alcove, we could move the bed to the far side of the room and build C’s desk in on the wall beside the door. This layout would not only allow us to fit in the bed nook he’s been hoping for, but would also allow for the largest desk area of all the layouts. I think in terms of movement around the space and sight lines, this would be high up on my list of options – I like that the bed isn’t right in front of the door like many of the other options. We’d have to look into trundle bed options with this layout too.
Obviously, we’ve got a lot to think about over here – you can see how we’d be feeling stuck with so many great layout options. Writing it all out like this, I’ve definitely found some favourites, but I’m curious, which layout would you go with?
Wishing you such a lovely day!
I wouldn’t put a bed against the wall. Been there, done that, it’s a nightmare. You’ll spend a lot of time discovering his new ways not to make that side of the bed. I like the pull out sofa. I had a sofa in my master bedroom and i wish I had room in this house for it. It’s a great place to read and you won’t regret it. Have you considered a Murphy bed in one of the nooks. I bet you could do one that had a desk attached when it was closed.
Yes! I think you’re absolutely right! Really not interested in tucking a bed against the wall. I love the idea of a sofa too – I think it would get used all the time! And I hadn’t even thought of a murphy bed, but that would be a brilliant solution to the double bed problem. Definitely an idea to play around with. Thanks so much for sharing Linda!