Modern bedroom in a gemeente apartment with a sliding mirror-door wardrobe, open shelving unit, and soft neutral curtains beside a fabric-upholstered bed.

Small Bedroom, Big Ideas: Designing a Gemeente Apartment Bedroom in the Netherlands

Modern bedroom in a gemeente apartment with a sliding mirror-door wardrobe, open shelving unit, and soft neutral curtains beside a fabric-upholstered bed.
A compact yet functional storage solution: the mirrored wardrobe and open shelves add both depth and utility to the narrow bedroom layout.

When people think of bedroom design, their minds often wander to large master suites with walk-in closets and expansive windows. But what about the small, often overlooked bedrooms in gemeente woningen — the typical Dutch municipal apartments? These government-subsidized homes are usually designed for practicality, not comfort or style. Yet, we believe that every bedroom — no matter how small or unconventional — deserves thoughtful design. In this post, we invite you into the most challenging room of our first interior design project in the Netherlands: a 10.14 m² bedroom that had to become a cozy, functional, and beautiful space for two newlyweds. From a sink installed in the sleeping area to limited floor space and awkward entry points, this room pushed our creativity — and ultimately, became one of our proudest transformations.

Designing Around Obstacles: The Newlyweds’ Bedroom with a Bathroom Twist

Unfinished black bedroom wall with renovation tools, loose flooring planks, and construction materials in a gemeente apartment in the Netherlands.

Small wall-mounted sink with a white cabinet installed inside a bedroom due to lack of space in the bathroom and toilet of a gemeente woning in the Netherlands.

At just 10.14 m², this bedroom had to become a cozy and functional retreat for two newlyweds — a place to rest, reconnect, and get ready for the day. We knew from the beginning that fitting a double bed, a wardrobe, and a small vanity would be tight, but manageable. What made this room especially challenging, however, were two unexpected elements: the entrance to the bathroom was located directly inside the bedroom, and—more surprisingly—the bathroom and separate toilet had no space for a sink. As a result, the only place for handwashing and brushing teeth was in the sleeping area itself. This called for a thoughtful design that would turn these constraints into character, without sacrificing comfort or intimacy.

Designing the Sink as a Statement Piece

Elegant beige sink unit with marble wallpaper, warm backlighting, tall mirror, and inspirational wall art in a redesigned gemeente apartment bedroom in the Netherlands.

Initially, we considered separating the sink area with a decorative room divider like this one, but it quickly became clear that doing so would only make the space feel smaller and more segmented. Instead of hiding the sink, we decided to elevate it — making it a design feature rather than a flaw. With soft lighting, warm textures, and carefully chosen accessories, the sink area now feels integrated, elegant, and inviting — seamlessly blending functionality with aesthetic appeal.

Products Used in the Sink Area

Smart Bedroom Design for Narrow Spaces: A Functional Headboard Solution

Modern small bedroom with neutral tones, upholstered double bed, abstract wall art, ring pendant lighting, and a curved full-length mirror in a redesigned Dutch gemeente apartment.

Close-up of hands holding a white inbuilt power outlet with USB ports, next to red Milwaukee power tools during a DIY bedroom installation.

The bedroom wall where we intended to place the bed was narrower than expected, which made it impossible to center the bed or include traditional nightstands on each side. Instead of compromising the layout or cramping the room, we took a more creative route: we pushed the bed to one side and built a smart, minimalist shelf behind the headboard. Using two MALMBÄCK display shelves from IKEA, we created a slim platform that runs the width of the bed — just enough to store small personal items like watches or books.

To make the space even more practical, we installed an inbouwstopcontact (built-in power strip) with USB ports, giving both sides of the bed access to power for charging phones and other devices. The clean, concealed integration kept the overall look tidy and functional.

As for lighting, we swapped bulky bedside lamps for sleek, wall-mounted rechargeable LED lights — battery-operated and remote-controlled, they offer ambient light without eating up floor or surface space.

To complete the wall, we chose a minimalist beige and brown abstract art print that ties in perfectly with the warm tones of the fabric, bedframe, and curtains — proving that great bedroom design can still thrive in small, tricky spaces.

Functional Comfort: Bed Storage and Affordable Bedroom Accessories

Modern small bedroom with neutral tones, upholstered double bed, abstract wall art, ring pendant lighting, and a curved full-length mirror in a redesigned Dutch gemeente apartment.

 

When designing a compact bedroom like this one, we always look for ways to add hidden functionality — especially when space is limited. That’s why we chose the ROCHEFORT velvet bed from Beliani, which includes built-in under-bed storage. It offers a practical solution for storing linens, off-season clothing, or extra pillows without taking up extra floor space.

To complement the bed and enhance comfort without exceeding the budget, we selected high-quality yet affordable bedding accessories. From cozy duvets and breathable pillow covers to soft microfiber blankets and under-bed storage pockets, each item was chosen to match the neutral tones of the room and deliver a hotel-like sleeping experience — without the high-end price tag.

Get the Look: Bedroom Accessories

Here’s what we used to complete the bed setup:

Curtains that Define the Mood: Light or Dark, You Decide

Curtains do more than block sunlight — they set the tone for the entire bedroom. Since this bedroom had a generous window, we gave our clients two design directions to choose from: a moodier, more dramatic feel, or a brighter, airy look.

If the goal is to emphasize warm, cozy darkness, we recommend layering heavier tones in the foreground and pairing them with a neutral backing. In that case, we chose the PONY DANCE blackout curtains in taupe-beige and paired them with soft MIULEE linen-look sheers — a balance of privacy and texture that fits perfectly with the room’s earthy palette.

However, for a light-filled, Scandinavian-inspired look, the better option is a sheer, lightweight curtain that lets daylight flood the space. In that case, we selected these soft white voile curtains for rail systems, offering a fresh and clean backdrop that visually enlarges the room — especially useful in smaller gemeente bedrooms like this one.

No matter the style, all curtain options are compatible with simple rail systems for easy installation and movement, creating both aesthetic flexibility and long-term practicality.

Closet Space That Works: Customizing the IKEA PAX with Smart Accessories

Bedroom with IKEA PAX wardrobe featuring sliding mirrored doors and built-in open shelf unit with ambient lighting, next to a beige upholstered bed.

In a compact bedroom like this one, having a well-organized wardrobe is non-negotiable. We chose the PAX system from IKEA — a timeless, flexible solution that’s perfect for creating a personalized storage zone. With its clean sliding mirror doors and modular interior, it blends seamlessly into the room without overwhelming the space.

To take the functionality even further, we recommended a few budget-friendly Amazon accessories to optimize every shelf and drawer. From soft-close mechanisms to motion-sensor lighting, our goal was to make daily use effortless and keep everything — from underwear to evening wear — neatly stored and easily accessible. Especially in gemeente apartments, where space is often limited, these small upgrades make a huge difference in day-to-day comfort.

Closet Accessories We Recommend

Choose Your Mood: Two Carpet Options to Match the Bedroom Design

Carpets play a subtle but powerful role in bedroom design — they anchor the furniture, soften acoustics, and complete the visual mood of the space. For this interior, we curated two carpet options that harmonize with the warm neutral tones, giving clients the flexibility to choose between a darker, grounded look or a brighter, more open atmosphere.

If the goal is a more dramatic and cozy aesthetic, we suggest this deep brown washable carpet with a modern, monochrome design. It adds warmth underfoot and pairs perfectly with the beige bedframe, wooden accents, and ambient lighting.

For those who prefer a lighter, fresher feel, we recommend this beige-toned version of the same carpet. It brightens the floor and enhances the natural light without stealing attention from other design elements — a great fit for minimalist or Scandinavian-inspired preferences.

Both carpets are machine-washable, available in various sizes, and soft enough for barefoot comfort — a small investment that makes a big visual and functional impact.

Final Touches: Accessories That Make the Design Complete

Interior design isn’t just about furniture and layout — it’s also about the details that add personality, function, and warmth to a room. To complete this bedroom transformation, we recommended a few carefully selected accessories that elevate the entire space while staying budget-conscious and elegant.

Whether it’s the right lighting, a stylish mirror, or a small green plant to bring life into the room — these finishing touches are what turn a designed space into a personal retreat.

Final Accessories We Recommended:

Related Posts