10 Creative 11 x 13 Bedroom Ideas: Personal design tips from 10+ years of transforming medium-sized bedrooms into stylish, functional havens.Clara SunwoodSep 24, 2025Table of Contents1. Create a Focal Wall2. Make the Most of Vertical Space3. Layer Your Lighting4. Slide in a Reading Nook5. Go for Multipurpose Furniture6. Use Mirrors to Expand the Space7. Keep the Palette Cohesive8. Slide the Bed Off-Center9. Make Closet Doors Work Harder10. Add Statement Art Above the BedFAQTable of Contents1. Create a Focal Wall2. Make the Most of Vertical Space3. Layer Your Lighting4. Slide in a Reading Nook5. Go for Multipurpose Furniture6. Use Mirrors to Expand the Space7. Keep the Palette Cohesive8. Slide the Bed Off-Center9. Make Closet Doors Work Harder10. Add Statement Art Above the BedFAQFree Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREEOnce, I had a client who insisted on placing a king-sized bed diagonally in his 11 x 13 bedroom. It looked dramatic… and also made it impossible to open the closet. That little fiasco taught me that medium-sized rooms like this are a sweet spot for creativity, but they still demand smart planning. Today, I’ll share 10 design ideas I’ve used in real projects to make an 11 x 13 bedroom feel bigger, cozier, and more personal.1. Create a Focal WallI love using one wall as an accent – maybe a bold paint color or textured wallpaper. It grounds the room and draws attention. In a space this size, one visual anchor keeps things intentional instead of cluttered.save pin2. Make the Most of Vertical SpaceThink shelves above the headboard or tall bookshelves. Adding storage upwards keeps the floor clear and the room airy. I once designed a guest room using a room planner to test different shelf heights – saved us from drilling unnecessary holes.save pin3. Layer Your LightingOverhead lights alone look flat. I suggest mixing table lamps, sconces, and perhaps LED strips behind the headboard. Layered lighting can change the mood from bright morning energy to soft evening calm.save pin4. Slide in a Reading NookIf you have a window, tuck in a small armchair or bench with storage underneath. I’ve done this for clients who didn’t think they had space – they ended up loving their cozy corner.save pin5. Go for Multipurpose FurnitureA storage bed or ottoman saves space without sacrificing style. In one remodel, a hidden-drawer nightstand became the client’s favorite feature because it kept the tabletop clutter-free.save pin6. Use Mirrors to Expand the SpaceA large mirror opposite a window can double the light and make the room feel wider. Just be careful with placement – you don’t want your mirror reflecting a messy pile of laundry.save pin7. Keep the Palette CohesiveSoft neutrals with 1–2 accent colors make an 11 x 13 room restful. I sometimes break the rule with a bold patterned rug – but I check proportions first using a free floor plan creator to visualize scale.save pin8. Slide the Bed Off-CenterIt sounds counterintuitive, but shifting the bed slightly can open up space for a desk or extra storage. I’ve done this in shared bedrooms to create separate “zones.”save pin9. Make Closet Doors Work HarderSwap swinging closet doors for sliding ones, or add full-length mirrors to them. Saves space and adds double use – a win-win.save pin10. Add Statement Art Above the BedBig art can be more impactful than a cluster of small prints. In one master bedroom, I framed a tapestry as the headboard focal point, and the couple said it felt like “sleeping under a story.” I always prototype spacing with a AI home design tool so we can get the balance just right.save pinFAQ1. What size bed fits best in an 11 x 13 bedroom?A queen bed usually balances comfort and space, leaving room for side tables and walking clearance.2. Can I fit a king bed in an 11 x 13 room?Yes, but you’ll need to plan carefully for circulation and storage – sometimes it means sacrificing other furniture.3. How do I make the bedroom look bigger?Use light colors, mirrors, and keep furniture proportional. Vertical storage also keeps the floor area open.4. Is carpet or hardwood better for this size room?Both work – hardwood with a rug can make the space feel larger, while carpet adds cozy warmth.5. What’s the best lighting approach?Layered lighting: a central fixture, bedside lamps, and ambient options for mood control.6. How much clearance should I leave around the bed?Try for at least 24 inches on each side for comfortable movement, per NKBA guidelines.7. Should I use a dresser or built-ins?If you want more floor space, built-ins win. Dressers are fine if you have flexible layout options.8. Where can I experiment with layouts before moving furniture?You can use online planning tools to test arrangements virtually before committing.Start for FREEPlease check with customer service before testing new feature.Free Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREE