Hello! I’m Courtney, and I’m excited to share updates about my new small room design. If you missed my previous post with photos, you can find it on my site. As soon as I decided to move into this roughly 9×9 room, I began planning the layout and organization. Small spaces present unique challenges, but they also encourage thoughtful choices. This room being all mine made the process even more fun — I’ve enjoyed sharing spaces with friends over the years, and having a private space now feels great.
I treated the move as a fresh start. With only a few pieces of my own furniture and decor to begin with, I was intentional about each purchase. I also pared down items I didn’t need, keeping only what would be useful or meaningful. In a small room, every item makes a visual difference, so I focused on functional pieces I genuinely loved.
My first priority was finding a bed. I chose a daybed that I absolutely love. I had considered alternatives like an IKEA Brimnes daybed for its storage and pull-out option, but when I factored in delivery, assembly, and the lack of supportive side rails for pillows, I opted for the other daybed. The West Elm daybed I purchased arrived and was assembled in the room, which simplified moving in. Its cutout lattice detail gives a light, airy feel that’s perfect for a compact space.
Why I chose a daybed:
1) It functions as both a bed and a sofa during the day, so the room can feel like a living space as well as a bedroom.
2) I wanted a piece that would remain useful over time — as a sofa, guest bed, or even a cozy spot in another room.
3) In a very small room, a twin daybed under the window conserves floor space and keeps the layout open.
There’s very little room for a traditional nightstand, so I installed an IKEA Lack wall shelf. It fits neatly in the narrow space beside the daybed and mounts to the wall, which visually lifts the ceiling and creates a built-in look. In addition to the shelf, I found a charcoal storage ottoman that serves as an extra surface and hidden storage.
Because the shelf can’t hold a table lamp, I chose a white-and-gold plug-in sconce with a cloth cord. A clamp light or plug-in sconce is a smart small-space solution when a lamp won’t fit, and the finish complemented my color scheme perfectly.
Closet space is limited in this room — the closet houses a water heater in the center, leaving storage only at the front. To maximize usability I added a tension rod and plastic drawer units to the front area. I also installed a single IKEA PAX wardrobe on a narrow wall, outfitted with four shelves and a soft-closing drawer. The soft-close feature is a simple pleasure; I confess I sometimes open and close the drawer just to watch it glide shut.
To dress up the plain white wardrobe, I added long brass handles. I chose 10.5-inch handles to create a noticeable, elegant detail. The brass finish adds warmth and elevates the simple cabinetry.
The room is carpeted, and I plan to layer a rug on top. I’m leaning toward a patterned sisal-style rug similar to the one on my inspiration board. A smaller room means a smaller rug, which can be more affordable while still adding texture and pattern.
On the wall opposite the bed I ordered a wooden tiered ladder shelf that will arrive soon. It’s ideal for an awkward angled wall and provides shelving for books, plants, and baskets. I’m looking forward to styling it with a blue-and-white lamp and a few favorite items.
I’ll share more photos once I unpack and the shelf is installed, and I’ll include details about the bathroom design as well. For now, I’m enjoying the process of creating a compact, calm, and functional space that feels uniquely mine.
Source List:
Daybed
IKEA Lack Wall Shelf Unit
Rug
White Euro Shams
Single IKEA Pax Wardrobe Frame with Bergsbo door
Ticking stripe duvet and pillowcases
Wardrobe gold handle
Tiered Ladder Shelf
White and Gold Plug-in Wall Sconce
Alarm Clock
Gray Storage Ottoman
Rose Gold Portable Bluetooth Speaker
White Cotton Blanket
My ginger jar was a flea-market find; it sits perfectly on a windowsill or shallow shelf.