How to Arrange Furniture in the Bedroom: Principles of Ergonomics

Dasha Ukhlinova shared simple but important tips for bedroom decoration – thanks to them, you won't trip over the coffee table, bump into wardrobes, or move furniture to open a window.

Dasha Ukhlinova is an interior designer who graduated from the Modern School of Design and interned at Teplitskaya School. A few years ago, she opened Dasha Ukhlinova Studio

General Rules

• Try to make all passages in the room straight. The fewer turns, the better.
  
• If furniture is placed along a wall with a door opening, the distance from it to the door frame should be at least 10–15 cm.
  

Bed: How to Choose and Where to Place It?

What to Choose?

• Add 20–40 cm to your height – you'll get the optimal mattress length. The most common options are 1.9 m and 2 m.
• You should feel comfortable on your side of the bed, lying with your arms extended over your head and elbows spread out – that's the right width. The most common width for a double bed is 160 cm.
• Considering standard bedding dimensions, the rectangle shape is the most practical for a bed.
  

Where to Place It?

• It is best to place the headboard against a wall without windows or doors.
  
• Stay away from radiators – they can dry out your skin.
  
• If the bed is parallel to a window, the minimum distance between them should be 80 cm. If perpendicular – 50 cm.
  
• For a double bed, it is preferable to have a passage on three sides, ideally at least 70 cm. If a passage from three sides is not possible, ensure free space in the foot of the bed.

• In a narrow room, place the bed across the room.
  
• Psychologists recommend placing the bed as far away from doors as possible, but still allowing a view of the entrance to the room.
  
• The recommended distance between the bed and dresser is 107–122 cm. Between the bed and a vanity table or desk – at least 1 meter.

How to Position the Wardrobe?

• A wardrobe with sliding doors requires at least 80 cm of clearance in front for opening, preferably 1 meter.
  
• The ideal place for a wardrobe is in a dimly lit corner: this makes the room appear more spacious. Let the first glance fall on visually light furniture – not solid, low, or with thin legs.
  

Illustrations: Interior design projects by Dasha Ukhlinova.

Also read:

• Quick and clear guide to home ergonomics
  
• What You Should Know About Ergonomics: 9 Tips for Home Organization
  
• How to Arrange Furniture in Different Rooms: Tips and Infographics