Hello! Courtney here, sharing updates on my new small room design. If you missed my previous post with room photos, you can view it on my blog. Moving into a 9×9 room got me excited about solving small-space challenges and planning intentional organization. Even though the room is compact, I was thrilled to have a space all my own after years of sharing rooms with friends.
I treated this move as a fresh start. With only a few pieces of my own furniture, I chose items carefully, donated things I didn’t need, and pared my belongings to essentials. In a small room, every choice matters, so I focused on multifunctional pieces and items I genuinely loved.
My first priority was a bed. I ultimately chose a daybed I adore from West Elm. I considered the IKEA Brimnes daybed for its storage and pull-out option, but once delivery, assembly, and the lack of side rails were factored in, it wasn’t the right fit. I also worried a queen trundle might not extend fully without hitting the wall. Other contenders included a tufted daybed from World Market, an Overstock option with a trundle, and a nailhead daybed that was beyond my budget. The West Elm daybed arrived assembled in the room, which made moving much easier. Its cutout lattice detail gives an airy feel perfect for a small space.
Why I chose a daybed:
1) It doubles as a sofa during the day, making the room feel like a living space as well as a bedroom.
2) I wanted a piece that would remain functional long-term—daybeds work well as a sofa, guest bed, or sunroom seat.
3) In a tiny room, anything larger would dominate the space. A twin daybed under the window preserves floor area.
There was little room for a nightstand, so I installed an IKEA Lack wall shelf beside the daybed. It fits the narrow gap, mounts to the wall for a built-in look, and visually raises the ceiling. I paired it with a charcoal storage ottoman from Target that serves as an extra surface and storage.
A table lamp wouldn’t work on the small shelf, so I chose a white-and-gold plug-in sconce from IKEA. A clamp light or plug-in sconce is ideal for tight spaces, and the style matched my palette perfectly.
Closet space is limited. This closet contains a water heater in the middle, so I stored clothes in the front and added a tension shower rod and plastic drawers to maximize the usable area. On a narrow wall I installed a white IKEA Pax wardrobe with four shelves and a soft-closing drawer. Little details like a smooth-closing drawer bring unexpected joy.
I wanted brass hardware to elevate the simple white wardrobe and found long brass handles inspired by a blogger I admire. I chose the 10.5-inch option for more impact; a pretty handle can transform a basic piece.
My room is carpeted, and I’m planning to layer a rug on top. A patterned sisal rug fits the inspiration board and is a likely choice, but I haven’t ordered it yet. One advantage of a small room is being able to buy an affordable smaller rug that still makes a statement.
Opposite the bed I ordered a wooden tiered ladder shelf from Urban Outfitters. It’s ideal for an awkward angled wall and will hold books, plants, and baskets. I’m excited to display a blue-and-white lamp on it and use the shelves for both storage and styling.
I’ll share more photos once the shelf arrives and I unpack more. I’ll also post updates about the bathroom design soon.
Source list (some are affiliate links):
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 and fits nicely on a windowsill or shallow shelf.