How to Decorate a 10x12 Sleeping and Sitting Area

A comfortable chair is a must for your sitting area.

If you are living in a small space, such as a dorm room or studio apartment, you want to create a personalized feel without clutter or taking up room. Even a 10- foot-by-12-foot sleeping and sitting area can be made comfortable and welcoming with a few small decorating touches. You don't have to live in a boring room with a prison-like feel just because it is small.

Things You'll Need

• Quilt or comforter
• Toss pillows
• Bed skirt
• Throw blanket
• Area rug
• Chair or glider
• Small table
• Lamp
• Artwork
• Collectibles

Instructions

1. Pick out bedding that you love, as your bed will be the focal point of a small room. Choose a quilt or comforter in a color or pattern that reflects your personality, and accent with a bed skirt, toss pillows and a throw blanket in cheerful colors.

2. Set your small sitting area apart from the sleeping zone by using an area rug to define the space. Match the rug to the colors in your bedding to avoid a disjointed appearance to the room.

3. Create your sitting area with a comfortable chair or glider. A toss pillow that matches those on your bed will continue the cohesive feel of the room.

4. Position a bistro table or other small table next to your chair for a handy place to set a beverage while you are sitting and relaxing.

5. Set a tall, thin floor lamp with adjustable shades behind your chair to provide good light for reading.

6. Hang artwork that you love on the walls, creating a grouping of smaller pictures, or one or two larger pieces.

7. Keep collectibles to a minimum to avoid a cluttered look. Display just a few favorite items on a shelf or bedside table.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep belongings limited to things you need or love when living in a small space.

• Use the under-bed area for storage.

References

• Apartment Therapy: 50 Cheap Ways to Decorate a Dorm Room
• Home Decorating Ideas: Ideas For Decorating Studio Apartments