A small bedroom in a three-bedroom house in South Woodford became the last room Marilena Margarito addressed after years of renovating the rest of her home. The issue wasn’t just the outdated decor—it was the way the space disrupted her sleep. An old, uncomfortable bed and thin curtains allowed morning light to spill in, waking her too early. With limited square footage and a strict budget of £500, she set out to transform the room into a restful retreat without sacrificing functionality.
Space-Saving Furniture and Smart Layout
Margarito began by measuring the room and researching online to maximize every inch. She chose a small double bed, only 15 centimeters narrower than a standard model, to create more walking space. The decision paid off: the bed fit comfortably while leaving room for essentials.
Storage was the next challenge. She positioned wardrobes along one wall with sliding doors to avoid obstruction, and opted for a mirrored finish to create an illusion of depth. This layout also cleared space for a wall-mounted dressing table with built-in shelving, all in white to maintain a cohesive look. The result was a functional setup that avoided clutter while making the room feel larger.
A Bold Color Scheme and Textured Walls
Margarito’s design leaned into pastel tones, but she added visual interest with a feature wall. Using a steel ruler and masking tape, she painted geometric stripes and triangles in dusky pink, mid-grey, and white, creating a striking yet balanced contrast. The opposite wall was covered in brick-effect wallpaper, adding texture without overwhelming the small space.
With the walls refreshed, the floor became the next focus. Instead of carpet, she opted for a white painted finish on the original floorboards, a decorator’s suggestion that brightened the room instantly. The light-colored surface reflected natural light, making the space feel more open.
Blackout Solutions and Final Touches
Morning sunlight had been a persistent problem, so Margarito prioritized blackout window treatments. She found Blinds 2go, a company offering made-to-measure blinds with a free blackout lining as part of a promotion. She paired them with a pale grey linen-look fabric to match the room’s palette and added a pom-pom-trimmed curtain panel from Anthropologie for a softer touch.
To further optimize the space, she installed an extended radiator cabinet that doubled as a headboard. The cabinet provided extra storage while offering a surface for decorative items, keeping the room organized and visually balanced. The final result was a bedroom designed for comfort and rest, all achieved within her £500 budget and ordered online during lockdown.
