Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Real Homes
Real Homes
Eve Smallman

How to zone a bedroom — 7 tips for "maximizing space" and "elevating design" that design pros swear by

Learning how to zone a bedroom like this can be helpful. There is a pink bed with side tables, an area for dressing, a mirrored space and a red armchair on white rug for relaxing.

Finding out how to zone a bedroom will come in useful for the function of your space, whether you have a large area that needs dividing, or a small one which you want to maximize.

We've asked design experts how you can do this, and they've revealed seven useful tips. From harnessing the different elements of your space to optimizing your layout,  flow of your bedroom will improve greatly with their pro tips.

When looking for bedroom ideas, knowing how to make the space work functionally for you is just as important as making it look beautiful.

Everything you need to know about how to zone a bedroom

Both small bedroom ideas and bigger ones will benefit from these smart tips to zone your space for different functions.

Where our experts have recommended useful products alongside their advice, we've curated matching picks from trusted retailers.

The prices below were correct at the time of publishing this article. 

1. Lay down rugs

(Image credit: Ruggable)

One of the easiest ways to zone a bedroom is by laying down rugs in different areas, from the sleep space to the dressing nook. 

“I like to position area rugs to define boundaries between zones visually,” says Nina Lichtenstein, principal designer and founder of Nina’s Home Design.

She continues, “This creates separation without closing off space entirely.”

Be sure to choose a range of different-shaped rugs, from rectangular ones to circular ones (the Bridgerton Royal Garden Rug from Ruggable is an elegant choice), to create further interest in the space.

2. Enhance the lighting

(Image credit: Original BTC)

Giving your sleep space a glow-up with bedroom lighting ideas is a crucial part of bedroom zoning. 

“By utilizing different lighting fixtures and levels of brightness, we can visually and functionally separate areas,” explains Jerome Bertuglia, design expert and owner of Prime Homes Inc.

“Overhead dimmable LED fixtures combined with task-specific lighting like wall-mounted reading lamps or desk lamps can define each zone's purpose while also allowing for flexibility based on the time of day or the activity being undertaken,” he adds.

We recommend going for versatile lights that will work no matter how you design your bedroom, such as the Simple Designs Mini Table Lamp from Walmart.

Wall sconces are gorgeous and once were only the gamut of homeowners, but now renters can enjoy them too with wire-free options that run on rechargeable bulbs, such as the gold and white pair that have gone viral on socials, similar to the Aipsun Rechargeable Sconce Pair on Amazon

Just remember to use removable adhesive Command strips to help you zone your bedroom with sconce lighting without damaging your walls.

3. Keep the design consistent throughout

(Image credit: Nkuku)

Even if you’re separating areas of your room, keeping the style consistent throughout your room will make the zoning look intentional and tied together.

“Maintain a cohesive design theme across all zones to unify the space,” Nina says. “Choose a color palette, materials, and decor that complement each other,” she adds.

To make your life easier, we advise choosing one of the best paint colors for bedrooms and having it on all the walls, and even on pieces of furniture for a put-together feel across your space.

Benjamin Moore’s Revere Pewter is a beautiful shade that will go with everything, for example.

4. Optimize for traffic flow

(Image credit: Loaf)

There is nothing worse than waking up in the night, stepping out of bed, and tripping over something. This is why it’s a good idea to ensure the floor space is as clear as possible when zoning your bedroom.

Nina suggests, “Ensure that each zone flows seamlessly into the next and that there's ample space for movement. Avoid overcrowding any one area and maintain clear pathways throughout the room.”

If you’re looking at your mess and aren’t sure where to start (we aren’t judging, we've all been there!), you may want to learn how to declutter your bedroom.

5. Add dividers

(Image credit: Claire Garner Interiors / Jonathan Gooch)

Adding in dreamy dividers can be a chic, hotel-style way to zone your bedroom, whether you go for a permanent solution or not.

Jerome says, “For clients who prefer fixed structural elements, we often use half-height walls or decorative screens to delineate spaces within a bedroom.”

“These are particularly effective for creating a separate office nook or a quiet reading area without completely closing off parts of the room,” he says.

For those who don’t want to go all-in on construction, the Scarlet Rattan Room Divider from Anthropologie is top-rated by customers who call it "absolutely gorgeous," though some mention an off-gassing smell (that smell of new products that dissipates over hours/days) when first opened.

6. Make your zones flexible

(Image credit: Furniture And Choice)

For those with small bedrooms, making your bedroom zones easy to move and put away will enhance the usability of your room.

“Think about using furniture that can be put away easily, such as fold-away desks,” suggests Adrian Pedraza, design expert owner of The California Home Buyer.

We like the Wohomo Folding Desk from Amazon, which can be tucked away neatly and can blend into your decor seamlessly when you do need it.

7. Remember functionality

(Image credit: The Painted Furniture Company)

When deciding where to place your bedroom zones, having in mind the purpose of each one is arguably the most important factor of all.

“For instance, placing a desk or workspace in a quiet corner away from the bed can create a separate zone for work or study,” says Jonathan Faccone, design expert and founder of Halo Homebuyers.

This will help you get your head in the game of whatever task you get up to, whether that’s catching Zs or having a productive day at your desk.


Adding zones to your bedroom is a breeze to do and the results will be visible aesthetically and practically.

“Whether you live in a studio apartment or a spacious home, zoning your bedroom can maximize space utilization and elevate the overall design,” Nina finishes by saying.

If you’re working with a small space and still feel like it needs something extra to finish it, you may also want to learn how to refresh a small bedroom.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.