by For some obvious reasons, decorating your bedroom in a small apartment is more challenging than in the case of a larger house. Some small rooms are narrow, others have low-ceilings, and most don’t fit much storage. Fortunately, there are a wide variety of bed types with different attributes to consider depending on what problem needs solving in your room. Sleigh beds can make a room feel more luxurious and much bigger than it really is. They are ideal when placed lengthwise against a wall. We’ll cover tips to use sleigh beds in a small apartment in this article.
To use a sleigh bed in a small apartment, remove the sleigh bed footboard, choose a storage sleigh bed, use bed risers to store items underneath the sleigh bed, use bed skirts to hide the storage space under the bed, and use simple patterned bed linen to create the illusion of a bigger room.
In the following sections, we will briefly explain the concept behind a sleigh bed and how one can use it in a small apartment. We will also talk about the typical sleigh bed dimensions and give you a couple of quick and easy space-saving hacks. Read our sleigh bed height guide for more information about the dimensions of various types of sleigh beds.
What Is a Sleigh Bed?
Sleigh beds are available in different styles and colors and can be made of different materials to complement the style of your bedroom. When shopping for a sleigh bed, it is particularly important to consider the overall size of the bed and how it will fit into the room it is intended for.
A sleigh bed is a style of bed that is shaped like a sled. Unlike regular beds, sleigh beds are characterized by a curved or scrolled footboard and headboard.
The height of a sleigh bed can be changed by adding a box spring, altering the height of the mattress, or by raising the height of the entire bed using bed risers. Bed risers have the added benefit of increasing under-bed storage.
Back in the day, sleigh beds were made of heavy wood, making them look quite bulky. Nowadays, sleigh beds are made of various materials, including wood, iron, aluminum, steel, and upholstery. Additionally, contemporary sleigh beds no longer feature exaggerated curves and scrolls to suit a larger variety of bedroom designs and apartment sizes. Read our article on different sleigh bed styles to find one that meets your needs and preferences.
A Sleigh bed like this one has a scrolled headboard and footboard. This image shows a more traditional bed with an enlarged headboard with bed rails, upholstery, and tufts. This sleigh design isn’t suitable for a small apartment because it’s designed to look grand. A more modern look would be better for a small apartment room. Image from Amazon.Can You Have a Sleigh Bed in a Small Apartment?
Sleigh beds add coziness and luxury to any room due to their curved or scrolled head and footboards. They offer both a practical and stylish bed, because of their unique silhouette.
A sleigh bed can fit in a small apartment room as a bedroom centerpiece without using other extra pieces of furniture. Storage sleigh beds can hide storage space underneath the bed and provide additional space in a small apartment.
When using a sleigh bed in a small apartment, consider placing it next to a wall to save some space. This is only useful when you are not sharing your bed with anyone else because pushing a sleigh bed against the wall means you can only access your bed from one side if the footboard is quite high. Some sleigh bed models have removable footboards, so they can be modified to take up less space and work well for smaller bedrooms. Moreover, if your room has low ceilings, then we recommend a low sleigh bed profile like this one from Amazon. It has side rails, which are characteristic of sleigh beds, but the headboard and footboard are short and not scrolled so it can be put snugly against a wall.
Some sleigh beds include drawers below the bed, while other models feature storage space under the mattress and require you to lift the mattress to access the storage. This storage sleigh bed provides extra storage in the form of drawers as part of the frame.
Typical Sleigh Bed Dimensions
When choosing a sleigh bed for a small apartment room, you should measure your bedroom, determine the number of individuals who are going to share the bed simultaneously, and visualize what other pieces of furniture you would like to add in the room. Be careful about the height of your sleigh bed headboard and the room’s height. Choose a sleigh bed with a shorter headboard instead of a traditional, grand, headboard.
Sleigh bed length and width dimensions are the same as other beds. For example, a twin size sleigh bed will be approximately 38” wide and 78” long. However, sleigh bed headboard and footboard heights tend to be larger than other beds. Sleigh bed headboards can range from 20” to 72” tall.
A twin sleigh bed, also known as a single bed, is typically made to accommodate one sleeper. Taller adults should consider a twin-XL which will add extra length, but it might be best to choose a model without a footboard, like this upholstered bed from Amazon.
A double sleigh bed, also known as a full bed, is a snug fit for two adults when homes and bedrooms are built smaller.
Sleigh beds are most commonly found in queen sizes. This size is ideal for two sleepers who would like to save living space, when comparing it to a king bed. It is also popular for accommodating a single person who likes to spread out. You might also want to choose a queen size sleigh bed with storage stashed inside, like this one, so you don’t have to buy an extra dresser or another piece of furniture. We recommend buying a queen size sleigh bed when fitting a sleigh bed in a small apartment.
A king size sleigh bed offers the most room for couples, if you have the available room space. Taller people might also order a California king bed to sleep more comfortably. But this size can only fit in spacious bedrooms, and you would need to make sure that you buy bedding that will properly fit this larger size bed, like these California King bed sheets.
Ideal sizes of sleigh beds for small apartments are Twin, Twin XL, Full/Double, and Queen. If two people are sleeping in the same bedroom, it is better to use one Full/Double (XL) or Queen-sized bed instead of placing two individual beds.
Below is a summary of sleigh bed dimensions with examples:
| Sleigh Bed Size | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Example from Amazon | Price |
| Twin | 84 x 41 x 47.25 in | Louis Philippe Twin Panel Sleigh Bed in Cappuccino | ~ $440 |
| Double / Full | 83 x 56.25 x 47.25 in | Homelegance Quincy Full Sleigh Panel Bed in Cherry | ~ $360 |
| Queen | 63 x 92 x 44 in | Bowery Hill Traditional Style Queen Sleigh Bed in Cherry | ~ $400 |
| King | 81 x 92 x 47 in | Bowery Hill Traditional Wood King Sleigh Bed in Cherry | ~ $440 |
We’ve also dedicated a separate article as a detailed guide to sleigh bed dimensions that will offer you a better overall idea of sleigh bed sizing. Make sure to also take a look at our tips to choose sleigh bed mattress height too for more information.
Space Saving Tips – How to Use a Sleigh Bed In A Small Room
Having a smaller bedroom doesn’t mean that you have to rule out having the stylish look of a sleigh bed. With a few tweaks and hacks you can still create a focal point in your bedroom with a sleigh bed.
Some space-saving ways to use a sleigh bed in a small bedroom include, removing the footboard, using bed risers to create extra storage under the bed, using a bed skirt to hide under-bed storage and reduce clutter, choosing a sleigh bed that includes storage, installing a canopy to create the illusion of space, and using simple bedding to make the room look more spacious.
Tip 1. Remove the Sleigh Bed Footboard
This sleigh bed doesn’t feature any footboard,which is ideal for small apartments. The scrolled headboard still provides that classic look. Image from Amazon.Sleigh beds tend to be bigger than other bed frames because of the significant footboard and headboard. They are generally bulky and have a dramatic presence. Therefore, removing the sleigh bed footboard or simply purchasing one with no footboard will take less space and will allow you to enter the bed from three different sides. If the bed is placed lengthwise against a wall, then you can still access the bed effortlessly from two sides. This luxurious sleigh bed features a headboard with rails, allowing you to get in bed from different sides.
Tip 2. Use Bed Risers to Raise the Sleigh Bed and Store Items Underneath
Bed risers increase the height of your sleigh bed to provide an under bed storage area. These ones also include sockets that you can plug an alarm or iPAD into. Image from Amazon.Small apartments do not always offer enough space for you to keep all of your belongings out of sight. Raising your bed by a few inches could be a practical solution for providing an extra storage space underneath the bed. Bed risers are safe and sturdy furniture accessories that are used to lift beds higher off the floor.
No matter what type of bed you have, it is essential to determine how much height you want to add to your bed, choose the right set of bed risers in terms of structure and weight bearing capacity. These adjustable heavy-duty bed risers from Amazon can support up to 1,300 lbs and enable you to easily create storage under your sleigh bed. Read our article about different types of bed risers to help you choose the right set for your needs.
Bed risers are designed for beds that have legs. Each bed riser has a hole into which each bedpost can securely slip and fasten. Read our article about how to raise a bed for more information about bed risers alternatives and how to install them. This video also has five hacks to add storage under your bed.
Tip 3. Use Bed Skirts to Hide Underneath Bed Storage
This bed skirt is made to cover the box spring, the bed legs, or any space under a sleigh bed that may be used for storage. Image from Amazon.Underbed storage is convenient and cost effective, especially for small apartments that lack drawers and storage spaces. However, storing items under your bed might make the bedroom look cluttered and untidy. If this is the case, pair a bed skirt—gathered or pleated—with your sleigh bed to conceal the storage area underneath the bed while providing a clean and stylish overall appearance. This pleated bed skirt would compliment a sleigh bed with sleek and modern lines like this one.
Install the bed skirt so that it hangs behind and beneath the footboard and side rails. If your box spring sits higher than the top of the rails, choose a three-piece bed skirt with one piece each for the foot and both sides of the bed. Read our article on quick and easy bed skirt hacks to add a polished look to the bed.
Tip 4. Choose a Storage Sleigh Bed
This storage sleigh bed is a space-saving idea that offers drawers in the lower part of the bed frame. Image from Amazon.Some sleigh beds come with built-in storage space so that they fit inside small apartments with limited storage. Storage sleigh beds with drawers or spacious ottoman sleigh beds are in fact great options. They are both practical and stylish. This contemporary velvet sleigh bed with built-in storage from Amazon will keep your items organized and neatly stored at all times. Its plush upholstered fabric will give the room a feeling of opulence and warmth.
Make sure to also read our guide to lift up storage sleigh bed varieties and their benefits.
Tip 5. Add a Canopy to Outline the Room and Give the Illusion of Space
A sleigh bed with a canopy creates a distinct look and makes a room feel larger. We realize this isn’t a traditional looking sleigh bed. It’s an illustrative example of how a canopy can give the illusion of space. Image from Amazon.Read our article to learn more about how to convert a sleigh bed into a canopy bed. A canopy can easily outline the room and create an illusion of space. Putting large pieces of furniture into a small bedroom will sometimes make the room look smaller, but if you use sheer canopy curtains instead of thick and heavy drapes, you will make the room feel lighter and bigger. This is because you can see through the curtains and still see the headboard, footboard, rails, and curves of the sleigh bed. These sheer canopy bed curtains will add a touch of elegance and an illusion of space along with sleigh beds in small bedrooms.
Tip 6. Use Linens With Simple Patterns to Create the Illusion of a Larger Room
Linens with simple patterns make small bedrooms look slightly larger by creating an illusion of space and, in this example, they also make the room brighter. While bed sheets like these might be hard to clean however. Image from Amazon.While there is a wide variety of sleigh bed comforters keeping your bedding minimal and neutral can help create the illusion of a larger bedroom. Read our article on sleigh bed comforter ideas to find inspiration for bedding that will compliment your sleigh bed. Instead of using sheets with different pattern styles, choose simple patterns or plain colors.
White is the optimal color for making a bedroom look brighter and more open. These plain white luxury soft bed sheets from Amazon are ideal for creating the illusion of a larger space in small bedrooms. Avoid duvets or quilts that have ruffled edges or jumbo welts because they compete with the stylish rails of a sleigh bed. According to this article from The Fiber Society, using the right fabric softener with bedding fabrics can influence their aesthetics and thermal qualities of the fabric as well.
Are Sleigh Beds Outdated?
A sleigh bed can create a focal point in a bedroom because of its distinctive shape and luxurious appearance.
Sleigh beds are not outdated because they come in a variety of styles, colors, and sizes, making it quite easy to find a sleigh bed for any type of bedroom. While traditional sleigh beds feature wooden curved foot and headboards, modern sleigh beds are made from a variety of materials. Often modern designs also feature softer curves on the foot and headboards. Some models include an upside-down footboard design or no footboard at all.
Clearly, sleigh beds can also be suitable for a wide range of bedroom sizes and designs. We’ve covered a lot of different sleigh bed styles and sleigh bed design ideas in our other articles to help you choose the type of sleigh bed that compliments your needs and tastes. Alternatively, if you’re interested in learning how to disassemble a sleigh bed, make sure to take a look at our related article instead.