10 Clever Ideas for a 17' x 13' Bedroom/Study: Smart Design Tips to Maximize and Personalize Your Combined Space

One time, I nearly gave a client a king-sized bed and a massive work desk in their 17' x 13' room—only to realize there’d be no space left to walk. That close call taught me that in a medium-sized bedroom/study, creativity and proportion matter more than cramming in everything. Small(ish) spaces tend to push us toward clever layouts, and I’m sharing 10 of my favorite ideas here, inspired by years of transforming multifunctional rooms.

1. Floating Desk by the Window

I love placing a custom wall-mounted desk under a window. It brings in natural light, saves floor space, and feels more inspiring. If needed, you can mock this up with a room planner to get proportions right before drilling into walls.

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2. Storage Headboard

Ahead of trend, storage headboards integrate shelves or hidden compartments without adding bulky dressers. It’s perfect if you love reading in bed but hate bedside clutter. Just be mindful of dust build-up inside open shelves.

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3. Fold-Down Murphy Bed

A Murphy bed instantly frees up floor space. Closed, it gives room for workouts or additional seating. But make sure you invest in a good mechanism; a wobbly bed frame can be a daily nuisance.

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4. Dual-Purpose Built-ins

Consider a built-in unit that combines wardrobe space with an integrated desk or bookshelf. It’s sleek and gives the room a custom feel without visual clutter.

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5. Layered Lighting

Having a central light plus desk lamps and floor lights creates zones for work and rest. I once installed a dimmer on every light, and it changed the room’s vibe from “focus mode” to “relax mode” in seconds.

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6. Sliding Door Wardrobe

Sliding doors save the swing space of regular wardrobes and can hide messy shelves. If you’re unsure about dimensions, a quick test using a free floor plan creator can prevent expensive mistakes.

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7. Zoned Rug Layout

Two rugs—one under the bed, one under the desk—help visually separate your sleep and work areas. Just remember that patterned rugs can make the room look busy, so balance with neutral walls.

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8. Vertical Shelving Above Desk

Instead of spreading storage across the room, build upward above your workspace. This keeps work tools close, and you won’t trip over storage boxes on the floor. I often leave the top shelf purely decorative to soften the work corner.

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9. Multipurpose Seating

A storage ottoman or a bench at the bed’s foot can store blankets, hold books, or act as extra seating. In smaller households, these multipurpose pieces are lifesavers.

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10. Statement Wall for Focus

Whether behind the bed or the desk, one striking wall—paint, art, or texture—anchors the space and defines its purpose. I once used peel-and-stick wallpaper, and it was both budget-friendly and easy to change later. You can play with concepts easily in a AI interior design tool before committing.

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FAQ

1. How do I arrange furniture in a 17' x 13' bedroom/study?

Keep large pieces against walls, use floating or foldable furniture, and create zones for work and rest.

2. Can I fit a queen bed and desk in this size room?

Yes, but proportion matters—opt for a streamlined frame and a compact desk to maintain open space.

3. What’s the best lighting for a combined space?

Use layered lighting—ambient, task, and accent. Dimmer switches help adapt the mood for different uses.

4. How to avoid a cramped look?

Choose furniture with visible legs, light colors, and keep some wall area open to let the room breathe.

5. Are Murphy beds comfortable for daily use?

High-quality Murphy beds with real mattresses can be just as comfortable as fixed beds, per The Spruce’s 2023 guidelines.

6. How can I separate the work and sleep areas visually?

Use rugs, lighting, or partial dividers to create a subtle but effective split.

7. Do I need custom built-ins for a small bedroom/study?

Not always—modular furniture can achieve the same flexibility, though built-ins give a more seamless look.

8. What’s a budget-friendly way to test design ideas?

Try free online planning tools to visualize layouts before buying anything or drilling into walls.