After last week’s post (400 Square Feet is the New Black), I received quite a number of emails and comments requesting more photos of our tiny apartment.
Today, I thought I’d give you a sneak peak into the bedroom. I feel a little shy inviting thousands of people into this space, but what the heck – here goes.
To be honest, there’s really not much to see. It measures only 9.75 x 9.25 feet, for a grand total of 91 square feet. Suffice it to say, photographing it was somewhat of a challenge!
A few notes:
* I know a mattress on the floor is not everyone’s cup of tea, but it works for us. It also makes the high ceilings seem even higher. :-)
* We have no built-in closets, so all our clothes are in these two wardrobes (mine on the left, DH’s on the right). Above each wardrobe, we’ve corralled out-of-season items (sweaters, scarves, gloves) and other extras in white nylon Ikea storage cubes. I like the way they blend into the wardrobes and the walls, and give us a little extra storage space.
* I’m not a huge fan of the carpeting, but when you’re in rented accommodations, you learn to live with less-than-ideal finishes. If it were our own place, I’d choose either dark, wide-plank, weathered wooden floors, or white painted wooden floors.
* Yes, there’s a distinct lack of color here; but as most long-term readers know, I *love* white (see my posts Minimalist Home: White Walls and Minimalist Design: White Floors). I particularly like white linens in the summer – so cool, crisp, and refreshing! I’m considering adding a pop of color with a throw pillow; perhaps something in aqua or lavender, with a botanical print. Of course, I welcome suggestions from more décor-savvy readers.
* This bedroom was made for a minimalist – there’s not enough room for a dresser, nightstand, or any other piece of furniture. I love the way it requires one to boil things down to the essentials: a place to sleep, and a place to store clothes.
As I say in my book, I think the bedroom should be the most uncluttered room in the house. It should be a place of peace and serenity, a haven from our hectic lives. But it doesn’t have to be BIG to serve these needs. By keeping things simple, a small space can provide just as wonderful an oasis for our weary souls!
{If you’d like to read more about minimalist living, please consider buying my book, The Joy of Less, A Minimalist Living Guide, or subscribing to my RSS feed.}
I love, love, love it! I love those windows, the matching wardrobes, the white, and simplicity!
You just inspired me to take action on what has been on my mind: get rid of a small inherited night stand on my side of the bed and a small chest of drawers (painted shiny black so it shows dust like nobody’s business!) on my husband’s side – most of the drawers are already empty or half empty. After this there will be the bed, book shelf and chest of drawers for my daughter’s clothes, and an extra chair which I need to reach the top shelves of the built-in wardrobe. I’d rather have a smaller bedroom and a bigger bathroom or kitchen, but it is what it is, for now!! My ideal bedroom is just a bed, the wardrobe, and one chair. I have two sets of linen sheets, white & sand, they are the best sheets ever :D
The way I get some color into the bedroom when I feel like it, is use colorful or patterned pillowcases. There are currently five pillows in our bed. If I have seen a pattern that I simply adore, I have bought just two pillowcases. That’s enough for me. If I ever get tired of them or they become too dingy, they are no big deal to get rid of (and there are secondary uses for them as rags) – so my suggestion for color is to use pillowcases. No need for separate decorative pillows. A throw is good -but only if you use it.
How about getting a collapsable step-ladder instead of using a chair to get to the top shelves? You would get more floor space and the ladder can be small, space efficient and more portable and easier to move around (possibly lighter in weight) than a chair.
*smacking forehead* hello! I hadn’t thought of just getting a couple pillowcases when I find a pattern of linens I love! Usually it’s garnet hill zinnia patterns I love but when it’s $95 for a shower curtain, I usually can’t afford the bedspread. Now I’ll feel more free to get just two pillowcases.
Great post, by the way, Miss Minimalist. I adore your bedroom! Can relate to the rental carpeting. Yours isn’t a bad color. I have this beige/orangey tan that is not my cup of tea…but it’s a rental.
Miss Minimalist – You asked for ideas on simple decor for an all-white room. I’ve got a couple that wouldn’t add more items to your space, but could visually but gently enliven what you already have.
1. TEXTURE Use textured fabrics to add dimension to your room without creating visual clutter.
For instance, a chenille bed cover, a white quilt (the thread patterns create interest), a pale-colored needlepoint pillow, or a cable-knit, cashmere, or angora throw. Wood floors are my favorite too, but at least the carpet introduces its own unique texture!
2. SOFT, SOFT COLOR For those who like the airy, light look of your room, but need a little bit more color, choose an almost-white paint with a barely-there tint of whatever color you like. I had a pale, pale pink room growing up – it was so pale, it registered as white at certain times of the day, and slightly pink at others. You can do this with any color.
Your room is so peaceful. I like your minimal use of pillows, and the frosted glass of your wardrobe.
One way to gently enliven a monochromatic room is to use items of different textures, like a nubby chenille bed cover over smooth cotton sheets. I like to have a throw blanket for quick naps, so I don’t have to unmake and remake my bed in the middle of the day. This provides another opportunity to
hi francine,
i love it. and i’m very impressed b/c i thought it would have even less in it! good to know that you use bins to store off-season clothes. i’m so glad to hear that you have some! i adore it and think it is perfect as is. i think a colored pillow will just add visual clutter and mess up the good thing you have going.
~janet
Charming, harmonious, serene.
How wonderful to have a space that reflects your values.
Lovely! It’s so peaceful and pretty. I love the wardrobes.
Francine, these are lovely pictures! It’s like stepping into a space craft pod! Or some swanky art gallery at least! I think you’d prefer the latter description! While I will probably never reach your heights of minimalism, I nevertheless remain inspired to look at my immediate surroundings with fresh eyes and question the function of everything. If there is no compelling purpose to it, it might need to be shown the door! Thanks again for opening a door into your world in every sense of the word!
That is my idea of heaven. Unfortunately, my partner loves stuff and color. It’s a constant battle (quietly) to keep things under control.
Francine, love the photo of your bedroom. So calm and serene. Will you be posting photos of the living area.
Oh my goodness how inspiring! I’m beyond in love with your ideas.
I was so impressed with your blog I immediately went home and started getting rid of stuff. Just regular old stuff. Now I’m working on my closet and it’s so liberating. I can’t wait until my room looks like this!
Great pictures of a great room.
I have a built in closet but I wish I could put different doors on it. Right now they are mirrors and it ruins the look of my room. Mine is pretty trimmed down too. I do have a chair in it that I wish I could get rid of and get a white, wicker one. Being disabled, I need something to use to sit down in and put on my shoes and slacks. The one I have is a padded blue flowered one and it’s too busy. I have a small shelf attached to the wall by my bed for my clock and a tissue box. My floors are a light wood laminate that was here when we bought the place.
Thanks for posting! I love your bedroom and it’s a dream of mine to have only the essentials in a room. Now, if I could only make that my husband’s dream as well! ;)
Mattress on the floor is the highlight of these shots. Would be trumped only if it were a plain old cotton futon. ;-)
It reminds me a bit of my bedroom–minus the dog crate and artwork, grin. I love it! Maybe just a touch of color? But it’s not my space (sigh). If you didn’t want to buy a throw pillow, what about a canvas painted an interesting color? You could even do an unusual shade of white (or would that just look bad?) Also, carpet isn’t my thing, either, but yours is a really nice color.
I love your room, its so light and calming in there.
Thanks for letting us have a peek into your bedroom, Francine! It has a lot in common with the bedroom where we’re renting (furnished) right now, with nothing but a place to sleep and a place to store clothes, and almost everything in white.
If ever we rent unfurnished in the future, I’d like to use a futon or a mattress too but my husband wants a real bed. He’s afraid the bed might get dusty easily or it might look messy during the day, or it might look improvised, like we’re camping in our own apartment or something. What do you think?
Also, are there any particular reasons why you went for a mattress instead of a futon?
I would be afraid of spilling a drink/food if I was visiting! ;) Very cool place, and very minimalist — definitely the essentials and it looks very peaceful.
I love your bedroom, Francine. I am especially fond of your wardrobe, it is beautiful. I agree, I’m not a fan of the carpet, but being a renter, you don’t have much say in the matter.
I had my mattress on the floor at one time, and I can’t say I’m a fan. I’m glad it works out for you guys, though. :)
I enjoyed this post, thanks for sharing!
HK
As a personal preference, I don’t like all white… but you do it SO VERY nicely, and I think you have done a very good job with the room. I like your idea of a small pop of color – perhaps a clear aqua vase or bottle on the window sill so the sun would filter through it? Or is there a way, since you don’t have wooden floors, to get that pretty natural touch through the inclusion of something wood? Even a small wooden branch, or replacing the wardrobe handles with something wooden? Well if not, no worries, you have done a beautiful job and it is very soothing and peaceful.
Francine, this is lovely! My space is as streamlined — all white with exception of a tiny burnished old, oak dresser (half-filled – LOL!)
A sanctuary for sweet dreams! Enjoy your lovely new space.
:-)
Jean
We tried a mattress on the floor for a while but a futon is much better IMO as the air can circulate underneath the mattress – I really think this is crucial to good health – yours and the state of the mattress as it takes in litres of sweat every night and houses tons of minute insects!
ps: I’ve also got an excellent mattress placed on the floor — provides excellent support and visually pleasing. You are spot on that in doing this results in the “higher ceiling” effect :-)
I like how fresh you room looks! For a bit of color you could consider painting one of the walls in a different colour. I’ve used a warm red/purple colour for the wall behind our bed. It’s a boxspring and I agree with Anna that it might be better to keep you bed a bit off the floor, for air circulation. We do have build in closets, but also two drawers and bed side tables. I agree that there shouldn’t be too much stuff in a bedroom, so you can easily clear your mind :).
Miss Minimalist, I LOVE your bedroom! So soothing, serene & spacious (yes, your excellent shots & lack of clutter actually make this tiny bedroom appear SPACIOUS – a great benefit of minimalism).
I follow several minimalist blogs and yours is my fav for content, writing style & awesome photos!
:)
I love the simplicity of your bedroom! I’ve become a lover of the mattress on the floor style bed. My husband and I have a tempurpedic mattress that is more comfortable than any other bed I’ve ever slept in.
As for decorating, to play with some color in the room, why not think of using pillow covers. They can be easily removed, will not add any more bulk to your bed, and will fold up quite small without the need for major storage. I love the print that is already on your pillows so if you were to get a colored print with a white background you wouldn’t be creating too much contrast.
Best wishes and I am such a fan of your blog!
It’s beautiful. I’m a big fan of colors, for myself, but your room is lovely.
Have you ever seen, heard of, slept in a sleeping porch? If you were the lucky person to be allowed to sleep there, you had no room for anything except your bed and blankets and possibly a pair of slippers. There you were, sleeping ‘almost’ under the stars, protected from the mosquitoes and ‘camping out’ every night. That’s how I imagine the perfect bedroom.
I think your room is perfect and serene! If only I could pare down my belongings to the minimum essentials…that would be heaven! What do you do with your iron and luggage and vaccuum? How about mail and important documents? I am struggling at the moment with gifts from friends and family. I keep on asking for no gifts, but no one seems to listen. People see my place and I guess they feel sorry for me and think I need “stuff”. I’ve already made 3 runs to the local donation place, it just seems like such a waste to see family and friends toss their money away! Do you have any suggestions about gifts?
Also could you give some suggestions on how to manage junk mail. Thanks, I am very fond of your apt! The white is perfect!
Beautiful room. And so far from where I am right now. I used to have less stuff and lived in a small studio with a futon on the floor that I’d fold up into a surprisingly comfortable but obviously quite low couch, a table and 4 wooden chairs and that was it. However, my knees can’t take the getting up from the floor any more so I now have a very simple metal bed platform that I like very much. I finally got rid of the couch I regretted buying 10 years ago because I thought I was required to have one for guests but I still have so much “just in case” crap. I’ve been fantasizing about going on trips with almost no luggage and I’m sure that is a window into how I feel about the state of my home right now!
Just beautiful! (Although I would be tempted to have a bed just so I could lie in bed and peek out of the window!)
Hi Francine! It seems that you didn’t really have anything to worry about when you said ‘I know a mattress on the floor is not everyone’s cup of tea’! Everyone here loves it and I do too!
Yes, a futon would be even more wonderful but I guess since you have a dedicated bedroom it might just cause more work for you to pack it away everyday. They are especially useful when you’re living say, a one bedroom studio.
What a beautiful house! Keep up the great posts!
Jessica.
I love it Francine! This gives me added motivation to get my bedroom done. Thank you for sharing this!
Beautiful, calm, serene….your bedroom is the perfect sanctuary after a rough day. I love that the bedroom features great windows just like the living room does.
My bed is on the floor and has been for years. There’s no place for dust bunnies to multiply and I’m never tempted to hide “stuff” there because, of course, there’s no room!
Thanks for sharing!
Sigh… this is my dream ideal. DH recently commandeered my son’s bedroom when he moved out on his own, so now I have free rein in my bedroom. I have some long white-elm shelves that we installed, as well as a closet bar (1860 home, no closets), so I do see my stuff, but now that DH’s crap is out of the room, I’m that much closer to clutter-free!
That is so lovely! Our bed is mattress on boxsprings on the floor–I need the height b/c of mobility issues, but it’s low enough to make the ceiling seem higher. I would stay all white instead of adding colour, but the suggestion to use a colorful sham or pillowcase sounds like a practical idea.
I really love this but I was wondering how do you keep it clean? Do you own a vacuum?
Love it…very similiar to what I had when I first moved out on my own. Only difference is my bed was on a platform that had 3 baskets below for storage and I had 2 large pics on the wall. Lovely!!! : )
This is gorgeous! Open space gives us room to be peaceful and creative. I wish I could enroll my husband in having such a bedroom. We finally have all the clutter of the surfaces but have two nightstands, a dresser and chest of drawers in addition to our bed!
Very nice! I was just wondering… without curtains or blinds are there any privacy issues at night? For instance, if you are reading with a light, the whole room can be seen from the outside. The bedroom windows look somewhat frosted so that might help.
I’m really enjoying the blog and just ordered the new book.
LOVE it! Thanks for sharing. The all-white decor really opens it up and puts the focus on details like the windows. I like the white wardrobe closets! It looks very serene. A nice nook for the both of you.
I LOVE mattress on the floor designs, or at least mattress as low as possible. In college out of curiosity I gave up my wooden bed for the floor. Best thing I ever did. I’m currently in the middle of a bed switch, sold my old one a couple weeks ago, and I’m surely gonna go for the low design, or heck, just throw the mattress on the floor over again.
It you’re still following your mother’s “gotta have a bed” advice, take a Walk on the wild side, give up the bed. You’ll never go back.
Since we’re sharing our bed with my two kids, we also have a mattress on the floor. Less worries of having a child fall off the bed. I love white, too and that’s why I had white painted on our walls. We have an orange accent wall, though, to compromise with my husband. It works well for us. Lovely wardrobe. I’d like one with frosted glass, too, as it will force me to be more neat. =)
oh, it’s heavenly!! it doesn’t even look like anyone lives there. :)
“I love the way it requires one to boil things down to the essentials: a place to sleep, and a place to store clothes.” Right on!
And you know what? If it makes you happy and comfortable, who cares if it’s all one color? (White is a very nice color for minimalist living, it goes with everything!) And once you decide what splash of color to add with what pattern, man, will that pop out or what!
I also sleep with just a mattress on the floor. Who needs a bed frame when the pad is what we sleep on anyways? :-P Simple is better.
Thank you for the peek into this bedroom. And Thank You for resolving a problem I have with that particular wardrobe. Okay, we’ve had them for 3 or 4 years now and I have spent most of that time feeling that they were not quite right with the shelf at the top of the unit. Since I’m short, I can’t reach the back of the high shelf without assistance. I had forgotten that there are holes at the bottom of the unit… d’oh! So today, I’ll be moving the shelf downwards and the clothes upwards. Thanks!
Thanks for all the fabulous replies — I have to admit, I was surprised to hear how many of you also sleep with a mattress on the floor!
To answer some of your questions:
1. Ours is a foam mattress from Ikea (Sultan Elsfjord). We bought it primarily because it was sold rolled up, and therefore fit in our car — but it’s turned out to be the most comfortable bed we’ve ever owned!
2. For cleaning the floors, we have a small “electric broom” that works on both wood and low-pile carpeting. It’s much lighter and slimmer than a vacuum, but wouldn’t be suitable for large expanses of carpeting. You have to empty the dirt collection cup after each use.
3. There are blinds on the windows (they came with the apartment), which we use at night for privacy (and to block out light while sleeping).
I appreciate all the decorating advice, and really like the idea of simply changing the pillow covers — that way, I could have a pop of color without any extra objects in the room. :-)
Do you know why I love this? Because even though I’ve pared down our possessions A LOT, I’ve reached this plateau and have questioned the idea of getting rid of anything else. THIS shows me that IT CAN BE DONE!
i love this room! and i had brought up the idea of my matress on the floor to my parents…but they insist on my full sized matress being on the twin sized boxspring! the white makes the room look so much bigger! maybee if you moved the bed just a bi from the wall, you could find some nice nearly seethrough but colorfull curtains. it wold make the room pop!
our bedroom is similar.
back in the US, we spent a year on a mattress on the floor. i loved it; my husband did not. he said it was hard to get up in the middle of the night and use the toilet! LOL silly man.
so when we moved here, we bought a bed. minimalist in design, hard wood, and something worth keeping. we have one dresser that holds all of our in-season clothes (two adults and a baby). i keep the rest packed in our suitcases in their compression bags (away from anything that might damage them), in the one little weird closet we have.
we like to keep it simple around here. :D
hi i agree with the comment about people “feeling sorry for you” when you dont have much we are a family of 9 who are starting our minimalist journey as far as we can with 7 kids under 14 in the house lol and constantly have to battle with people thinking the reason our house is not full of loads of high tech junk is simply because we cant afford it.
I love Amy’s decorating ideas. She’s spot on there. May I also suggest the palest of pale blue, if you want some colour? I had a bedroom once that had pale blue walls similar to the reply space on this blog. You could barely tell it was there. Being a tenant however, you may like to introduce some sheer blue curtains or other soft furnishings you can take with you when you move. Sheer curtains match the colour of the sky and blow about the room when you open a window. It’s so refreshing. I once had to undergo a painful medical procedure. The room was pale blue and I didn’t need any analgesics! It’s amazing how colours affect our psyche.