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Bedroom Design & Remodeling Guide
Whether you're planning a complete renovation or making targeted improvements, these expert insights will help you make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes. Let's transform your bedroom into a space that combines practicality with personal style.

by Grant Fuellenbach

Layout and Placement
Electrical Planning
Walk through the space with the electrician and client to verify and potentially modify the initial electrical plan.
Bed Placement
Consider the location of the bed wall. Sources suggest a long wall is often anticipated for the bed wall.
Plan the placement of the bed to take advantage of views.
Outlet Placement
Determine outlet placement based on anticipated bed and TV locations.
TV Locations
Decide on TV locations, considering wall space available.
Door Considerations
Ensure that door swings are considered when planning switch locations.
Avoid layouts where you have to walk through the bedroom to get from the closet to the bathroom; instead, walk alongside the bedroom.
Room Arrangement
Discuss the order of rooms like the bathroom, closet, and bedroom, as different arrangements have benefits (e.g., all sides of the bedroom facing the backyard vs. direct access to the outside).
Storage Solutions
Closet Access
In bedrooms, plan for closet access.
The owner's suite includes a nicely appointed walk-in closet with two opposing closet systems and cabinetry.
Custom Storage
Consider custom closets with built-in organizers, adjustable shelving, and dedicated spaces for shoes, accessories, and clothing.
Utilizing Dead Space
Utilize dead space for built-in storage niches or shelving within wall cavities, particularly adjacent to showers or tubs (this general principle could be applied to bedrooms as well).
Built-in Opportunities
Built-in storage opportunities can be identified during framing, such as optimizing closet layouts beyond a single rod/shelf.
Consider under-stair storage if applicable.
Noise Control
Sound Insulation
Use sound insulation in bedroom walls. Rockwool is mentioned as a material for sound insulation.
Solid-Core Doors
Solid-core doors make rooms feel substantial and add quality sound reduction. Upgrade to solid core where sound matters.
Buffer Spaces
Maintain at least one buffer space between rooms with conflicting noise potential, such as the primary bedroom versus kids'/guest rooms.
Strategic Room Placement
A walk-in closet can serve as an acoustical buffer between the owner's suite and the rest of the house, contributing to a quieter environment.
An office can be placed as an acoustical buffer between a great room and bedrooms.
Lighting Design
Layered Lighting
Plan for lighting in bedrooms, including ambient (ceiling), task (bedside), and closet lighting.
Plan for layered lighting design (ambient, task, accent) and dimmer controls.
Recessed Lighting
Consider recessed lighting, such as in the four corners of bedrooms.
Light Temperature
Ensure consistent light temperature throughout the house, sticking to one Kelvin temperature (e.g., 2700K or 3000K) in all bulbs, as mixing temperatures can look amateur.
Future-Proofing
Install fan-rated boxes in bedrooms even if not immediately needed, for future fan installation.
Electrical & Technology
1
Outlet Planning
Plan outlet locations based on anticipated furniture layouts.
Code requires at least one outlet within the first six feet of the door in a bedroom, and then every 12 feet of wall space, excluding doors.
Typically put two outlets on a bed wall.
Consider an "open outlet" location that isn't blocked by furniture for easy access (e.g., near the door or on a closet wall).
Standard outlet height can be measured using a hammer on the ground.
Baseboard outlets are an option for a clean look, cut in low on the baseboard and blocked to center the box on the baseboard.
Cable Management
Plan for in-wall cable management for a cleaner look, especially for TV mounts and media centers.
Network Infrastructure
Wire Ethernet (Cat6) everywhere, including a few ceiling drops for Wi-Fi access points. Install Ethernet ports in rooms. Conduit tubing can be used for TV locations to hide wires and from basement/central closet to attic for future-proofing.
Smart Home Features
Install Caseta smart switches.
Consider thermostat wiring to every bedroom as an inexpensive future-proofing measure.
Plan for potential charging stations near the bed.
Outdoor Connections
Add outdoor spigots, outlets, and floodlights, going "overboard" as it's cheap to do during the build.
Ceiling Height
Volume Ceilings
The owner's bedroom in one project has a volume ceiling and a raised plate, making the ceiling higher than the rest of the house.
Consistency Considerations
Consistency in ceiling height can often feel better than one dramatic space with otherwise low ceilings.
Door Type & Operation
Door Selection
Hinge doors are preferred over bypass doors for closets.
Consider a recessed wall detail near doors so they can park and tuck in when open, making the wall plane appear in front.
Space-Saving Solutions
Pocket doors can be useful, such as sealing off a bedroom wing from the rest of the house for privacy or in tight spaces like a WC.
Door Operation
Ensure all doors open smoothly without rubbing or binding. Check alignment, hinges, soft-close mechanisms (if specified), and bumpers.
A "vent door" that allows air transfer can prevent doors from slamming when the AC kicks on.
Specific Use Spaces
Dedicated gaming rooms can be set up with proper ventilation, comfortable seating, and soundproofing.
A home gym can be designed with reinforced flooring, wall mirrors, and adequate ventilation, including space for equipment.
Small Ergonomic Details
180°
Door Swing Arc
Consider door swing directions, especially in tight spaces.
36
Standard Door Width
Allows comfortable passage while maintaining wall space
80
Standard Door Height
Provides adequate clearance for most users
Bedroom Material & Feature Choices
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