11 x 13 Bedroom Design Ideas: Make the Most of a Mid-Sized Room

When I first moved into my 11x13 bedroom, I thought I’d be stuck with a space that was neither big nor truly small—just awkward. But after a few weekends of trial and error, I discovered it’s not about size; it’s all about smart layout choices. Below are practical ideas, layout tips, and styling suggestions that actually worked for me.

Don’t rush to buy—start with a layout plan, test your ideas virtually, and only then move in.

Popular Styles That Work Beautifully in 11x13 Bedrooms

Before diving into floor plans, let’s talk about design vibes. The right style can shape how your bedroom feels, even before you rearrange anything. These are the ones I’ve tried and loved most:

Modern Minimalist: Think white walls, clean lines, and wood accents. Great for maximizing wall storage without visual clutter.

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Scandinavian Comfort: Light gray walls, cozy textiles, lots of natural light, and some greenery. Soft, breathable, and perfect for small spaces.

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Bohemian Chic: Rattan lighting, woven throws, hanging plants, and layered rugs. A creative, unstructured feel.

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Industrial Cool: Exposed hardware, metal-framed furniture, and deep neutral tones. Adds personality in a small footprint.

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Mid-Century Vintage: Geometric art, brass fixtures, and warm-toned wood. If you like a nostalgic touch, this is it.

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Each of these styles has been modeled in design tools like Coohom or Planner 5D. I strongly recommend previewing layouts in 3D before committing!

Bed Placement: What Worked Best for Me

Don’t assume there’s just one way to place your bed in a mid-sized room—11x13 offers more options than you think. Here are the three layouts I tested:

1. Centered Placement: Ideal for a shared bedroom. Leaves room for nightstands on both sides and creates visual balance.
2. Wall-Adjacent: Place the bed against one wall to free up space for a desk, clothing rack, or reading corner. Perfect for solo use or remote work setups.
3. Zoned Layout: Divide the room visually using rugs or a low shelf—sleep area on one side, work or dressing zone on the other.

My favorite version was placing the bed near the window with a half-height divider behind it to form a cozy wardrobe nook. Kept things bright and private.

Traffic Flow Is Everything: Lessons from My Layout Mistakes

Let me be honest—I messed up a few times before getting it right:

1. Blocked Windows: Putting a tall cabinet near the window turned the whole room dark and gloomy.
2. Too Much Furniture: I once tried to fit a sofa and vanity in there—major regret. It became a maze.
3. Poor Door Clearance: I placed a wardrobe right behind the door, and every time I opened it, it hit the cabinet.

What finally worked:

1. Keep 24"+ (60cm) clear walking space.
2. Use leggy furniture that looks lighter and allows visibility under pieces.
3. Switch table lamps for wall-mounted lights.
4. Pick sliding-door wardrobes to reduce space conflict.
5. Try combo furniture—I now use a wardrobe/desk hybrid unit, and it’s been a game changer.

Smart Visual Tricks to Maximize the Room

Even if your layout is functional, a few visual adjustments can completely transform the vibe.

1. Use Mirrors: Especially across from windows—makes the room feel brighter and bigger.
2. Layer Lighting: Overhead + wall sconces + ambient strips = depth and flexibility.
3. Go Light on Walls: Whites, pale grays, or pastel tones visually expand space.
4. Wall-Mounted Everything: Desks, shelves, even laundry baskets—free the floor!
5. Under-Bed Storage: Drawers, bins, or a raised frame can hide clutter without eating up real estate.

Tools I Used for Planning

If you're still unsure, don’t skip the virtual sketch! These are the tools that helped me simulate layouts before making purchases:

1. Coohom: Excellent for dragging furniture and getting a realistic 3D feel.
2. Planner 5D: Great for testing style combinations and different furniture sizes.
3. Roomstyler: Useful for playing with color schemes and lighting effects.

Quickfire Q&A (Stuff I Wondered About Too)

Q: Can a full-size bed and wardrobe both fit?

Yes, but pick a narrow, tall wardrobe rather than a wide, bulky one.

Q: Where’s the best wall for the bed?

Try the 13-ft wall—it leaves better clearance for adding a small desk or floor mirror.

Q: Can I still add a workspace?

Yes, a wall-mounted or corner desk does the trick, especially near a window.

Q: Is a projector setup possible?

Totally. I used a pale gray wall at the foot of the bed instead of a screen. Works perfectly.

Final Takeaway

A mid-sized bedroom like 11x13 might seem average at first, but it’s packed with design potential. When you get the layout right, even simple furniture can feel luxurious. My advice? Don’t rush to buy—start with a layout plan, test your ideas virtually, and only then move in.

A great space doesn’t need more square feet—it just needs smart thinking.