Regina, a diagram of the flat would have been helpful. The photos don't really paint the picture and we need to see the whole of the place to make the best suggestions.

Peachpie, think outside your (very tight) box. You are in a situation where you have to make considered decisions about each piece of furniture and how to use each room. For instance, it's not one of the ten commandments that the wardrobe has to stay in the bedroom (unless it's built-in/attached?)

Can the bedroom become the living room and vice-versa?

You have 3m high ceilings, use this vertical space! Perhaps put shelves around the perimeter of the room. You can use this space for things that do not get used often, such as seasonal clothing. That way the dressers and such that you do have can hold the things you are more likely to use on a daily basis. There are so many options for storage bins that you can use on the shelves. Since you are renting, you may have to ask the owner. If they are reluctant, make sure they know that the room will be more appealing to future tenants because of the extra storage space.

Also, something as simple as under-bed storage containers. This would be good for things you need frequent access to, but is creating clutter in the current space.

There was an AT post sometime over the last year (maybe one of the Small Cool winners from the past?), that highlighted a couple in a loft. They had created a super tall closet/storage space, with long white drapes pulled across the front. It's hard to tell, but would you have space to do that where the current wardrobe is located?

A loft bed isn't that expensive, provided you trust your carpentry skills. You could build it from 2x4s and a slat base or bucky board instead of box springs. That would provide room for drawers or shelves underneath.

Always start by purging your belongings. Keep only what you love or need.

Ah, here we go:
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/smallspace-inspiration-im-and-107731
and
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/finalist-3-davi-7880
also...
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/look-diy-closet-84477

check out the lofty aspirations fifteen lovable loft beds from yesterday or what about the some of the loft beds from IKEA??? good luck :)

Also check out some the the tiny hotel rooms in big cities. The Jane hotel in NYC has rooms that are 50 sq ft but very efficient with lots of storage, wall mounted TV, fan, shelving and nice materials to make it feel cozy (in a good way!): http://www.bing.com/travel/content/search?q=Tiny+Hotel+Rooms%3a+The+Jane+Hotel%2c+New+York+City&FORM=TRSSPG

I agree with purging items. It looks like you have lots of books, magazines, binders stuffed in your little closet, under one wardrobe, above your bed. Get rid of them. Be brutal & only keep what you really, really need.

While the shelf around your bed may seem helpful because it can store things, it's causing visual trauma- too much to stare at & be distracted in what should be a calming, restful space. If you are unable to remove the shelf, at least get rid of 90% of the items on it. Keep the light & the radio & that's it.

Your closet has lots of space, seriously! You just need to add more shelves to use it better. Or convert it to the wardrobe space & hang 2 bars- one up high & one lower. These are inexpensive fixes.

To create a lofted bed, you can use concrete blocks- often you can find them for free. They will raise your bed a couple of feet off the floor & create more storage. Under bed containers can hold off season items (tucked into the back corner) and even items you need every day (undies, socks, cd's).

Lastly, the curtains hanging on the outside of the window take up a lot of space within the room. Can you change them to a roman shade that hangs within the window frame? Or roller shades (they are much cheaper). It looks like the windows are deeply set, with a good amount of space below, so if you are really pressed for space, perhaps you could find a narrow depth shelving unit to go below. That won't help with the visual clutter though. But only if you really, really need to have some of those books/ magazines/ binders in this room.

Good luck & please post updates once you are done!

If it were me, I would definitely go with a loft bed but I'm guessing this is out of your budget range.
Instead I would raise the bed a few inches for extra storage under the bed. Line the walls or at least one whole wall with the shelves for all of your stuff and hide it all behind floor to ceiling pretty curtains, like another poster suggested http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/smallspace-inspiration-im-and-107731
Then I would move that small 5 drawer chest that you have next to the bed up under the window shelf or put another short shelving unit under that shelf for more storage space.(that's unused space under that shelf) I would also install more shelves on the wall above the shelf that exists above the bed now. Think vertical storage, and multi use pieces. It doesn’t matter if you get thrift or used furniture pieces; paint them all the same color for a cohesive look. Don’t forget to surf thru the Small Cool contest entries for tons of ideas for tiny spaces.

Don't do a lofted bed - you'll regret it. I do think maybe some short furniture risers might help since you can utilize the most of under the bed. It's going to be your life saver. The "closet" that holds your dresser - anyway to add more shelves for folded clothing storage? Also there seems to be the area under the window that isn't utilized - good place to place or make a bookcase to get that kind of stuff out of your closet. I'd also swap out the old-looking armoire for one a bit wider with better storage potential.

1) Get rid of anything you do not need/use.

2) If you cannot afford a new bed, raise your current bed and place storage bins underneath. Place in bins seasonal clothing and/or paperwork you don't need within reach. This will free up some alcove and wardrobe space. http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/search/search.aspx/bed-riser/?sstr=bed+riser&grid=20&dim=1&nty=1&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=bed%20risers&creative=11597354438&adpos=1t3&gclid=CIyP7bbi4a8CFUFo4Aoda33_CQ

3) Consider relocating many of the items on the shelf above your bed to make room for more decorative items. That will allow you to enjoy your space a little better. : )

4) Place a shelf above the closet/alcove door to store rarely used items. http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/small-space-storage-solution-look-above-the-door-164953

5) Invest is cool lighting fixtures like plug-in pendant lighting or plug-in track lighting. You wouldn't have to bother with wiring and it will brighten the space. http://www.walmart.com/ip/Fangio-Lighting-Fat-Plug-In-Pendant-with-White-Dupioni-Silk-Shade/11408189

we live in a small london flat and our bedroom appears to allow only a corner bed also - however, we bucked the trend and got an elevated bed from ikea with drawers underneath (storage) and a headboard that acts as the bedside table/bookcase - we have it only 8 inches from one wall, just enough for my husband to scoot down the side, and only 12" from our closets, which when you open the doors - touch the side of the bed - but it works! and it's a UK King (US Queen!) although it comes as a double also.

http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/S29902933/#/S09902934
http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/20228709/

I think you could do everything I suggest here for under £50. Maybe under £30 if you are ingenious.

1) Get some bed risers. Amazon has some for £8. They will make room for storage under your bed.

2) Go up. Put in a shelf or two that span the high part of the wall at the foot of your bed, where your wardrobe is now. Look for inexpensive but attractive cardboard boxes (Kassett from Ikea, for example) or other containers to store stuff in a tidy way.

3) Get rid of the wardrobe and the other piece of furniture next to it. Instead stretch a hanging bar across the wall from side to side - you can do this very cheaply, all you need is a piece of pipe the right length and two flanges.The hanging bar could be quite high, even ending over a door on one side. Hang shorter things over the radiator, so it isn't obstructed.

4) use drawers units underneath the hanging clothes - maybe move the one in the cupboard by the bed so you can close the door. Or use block and board shelving with cardboard boxes as drawers (cut the boxes to the right height and spray paint them to look uniform).

4)If you feel the need to cover the clothes, use a curtain. Ikea has the deka and dignitet hanging mechanisms for a few pounds. They also have some long sheer curtains for £4. It takes a little ingenuity to find inexpensive curtaining, but it's possible.

5) put things you rarely need in the 'bookcase-like alcove' so you can close the door (or put a curtain on it and remove the door) and center the bed.

6) In a similarly sized room, I built tiny ( 25 cm wide) bedside tables out of wood. Just a basic box, with one shelf, glued/ screwed together and painted white. Just enough room for a book and an alarm clock. Before I built them I used upside-down plastic rubbish bins as bedside tables.

Get a couple more L-shaped shelves above the one by your bed. They can probably go all the way to the ceiling, or just two more to line up with the top of the door frame.

Then, as Bondee said above, use your vertical space! Get some deeper shelves up high. I bet they'll look nice on the short wall opposite your headboard, above the wardrobe (and door?). Keep your out-of-season clothes in nice bins on the shelves so you can easily pull them down.

- I'd get a bookshelf that fits under the window and transfer the books/CDs/other little things from the shelf over the bed (and other places in the room) to under the window. Keeping just a couple things on the shelf (light, speaker, clock, current book) will help to make the room feel more open, and you should hopefully also have some room for some of the little stuff from the closet as well.
- Switch out the curtains for roman blinds (if you're crafty, there are lots of tutorials for turning ultra-cheap mini-blinds into romans). The red stripe is really clashing with the bed linens, and they also feel like they're taking up space in the room.
- It looks like the closet door won't currently fit with that small dresser in it - I'd take out the dresser and add in a bookshelf/hanging bar/shelves instead. Then you can close the closet door when not in use, which should make the room feel a little larger.
- It looks like you have more extra room next to the wardrobe that it currently underutilized. I'd try to find a larger wardrobe for cheap (if it's not part of the apartment) or a larger shelf to go next to it. THe current shelf you have it very shallow and short compared to the space.
- Definitely use bed risers so that you can add under bed boxes for longer term storage. You might have to switch out seasonal clothes a bit more often, but it should definitely help you save room.
- Get some nice looking storage boxes for on top of the wardrobe. You can do this cheaply by buying boring storage boxes and covering them with fabric, wrapping paper, etc.
- I'd suggest painting your furniture to match so that you don't have different wood tones, but I'd only do this if the furniture has poor finished, you don't like the color, and/or it's laminate (kind of hard to tell from the photos).

Think outside the proverbial box:

You can take the door off the tiny closet (stash it under the bed).

You can turn the bed 90 degrees. Leave it in the same spot, or maybe place in in front of the window. (The bed may block the closet a bit, but see below.)

If you can move the bed away from the wall, you will have space for storage against the closet wall.

Replace the wardrobes with wardrobes that better fit the space. Ikea Pax wardrobes go up to almost 3 meters (~8 feet). That way, you are using all of your vertical space!

Use the wardrobes for day-to-day needs and reduce the need to access the small closet. Use the closet for long-term storage, and/or for nightstand space.

Also, take the books and other non-bedroom things out of the bedroom.

Lastly: White bedding would make a visual difference!

Couldn't the bed go in the opposite corner??

I understand your problem. I also live in Aberdeen now, and am a former New Yorker so I get small spaces. The first thing you need to do is pull down that wallpaper, and paint all of the walls an airy color. White it nice but a very icy blue might work? B&Q carries a color called "Grecian Spa" which is a beautiful minty relaxing shade.
I would try checking in the charity shops for a wardrobe that holds more. Paint it white so it takes up less visual space.
If you can afford a new bed, I would try and get the kind that you can store things under the mattress. That would basically solve the problem of needing a second wardrobe.
The shelves above your bed are good. I would add as many more of them as you can fit. You could also cover them with doors or little curtains the same color as your walls, again hiding the clutter and taking up less visual space.
Get rid of that dark bedding as well!
Basically the answer to your question is use your vertical space and make it brighter!!!!!
Good luck! x

Since you have relatively high ceilings you should think about getting a loft bed then you can store your clothes under the bed. This would leave you with more space to move about.

I think part of what keeps this room from being relaxing is all the visual clutter. Keeping things in one color palette/general mojo will help! If you have to keep all the binders (I have a TON that I still need, I sympathize), it helps to have them all the same height/color. Pick a color, white for example, and use that color for the rest of your small storage options, too. They will visually fall away when they are grouped together, even tightly. I disagree with TallSarah; that shelf needs to work hard in here! Use it to group similar things, like you have started to do with your paperbacks. Once you put your bed on risers to maximize the underbed storage, the shelf will act like a headboard, grounding and outlining the bed. I'd ditch the headboard and footboard for a simpler look. While you're at it, take the closet door off it's hinges and opt for a light curtain on a tension rod. I'd lose the curtain that's on the window and use some window frosting film for privacy. No space taken up that way! Us the bench in front of the window for storage boxes or binders (or both, if they are all one color!). For the armoire: got tools? I'd disassemble it and use the large side pieces for deep shelves that take up the full width of that space. You could use cheap L-brackets to do this, and a simple closet rod underneath would make a whole new closet. Hang a light curtain over it all to keep things visually simple. Can't drill in the wall? I'd check Craigslist and local thrift shops for a dresser or armoire that uses that space more effectively. Good luck!

PS: I saw an IKEA hack on ikeahackers.net where a Billy bookcase was used as the footboard to a crib. Might this work for your bed?

Removing the door into the bedroom area might give you more flexibility with the spaces on either side (keep it to put back when you leave, of course). Replace it with a curtain or hanging beads or simply leave it open to extend the space visually and help with airflow. Lots of the suggestions from other posters are smart, low cost, and do-able. Good luck!

Having lived in a 160 sqft apartment, I can completely empathize! Here are my suggstions -

1) Purge! Go through your things, and keep only what you need/love. Try moving some non-bedroom stuff out into the rest of your home ... jackets, for instance, can be hung by the entry; books in the living room.

2) Colour! I'm not sure if this is possible, but using light/airy colours will make your room feel a bit bigger -- even try a white area rug!

3) Wardrobe Space - yikes! That might be tough! Instead, try buying some rubbermade (etc.) containers, and placing them under your bed as a sort of temporary drawer system/captains bed.

Good luck!

Lots of good ideas here - just wanted to add that making things match will do wonders in such a small space. Sheets, curtains / blinds, art / tapestries, even book covers - the closer these all are to the wall color (I'm assuming you can't paint since it's a rental), the larger & more peaceful everything will seem. White would be great, or pale blue, or another shade of gray. And definitely move the curtains inside the window frame.

Purge what you don't need. Do this by removing everything you can (permission) of the owner from the room. Return only what you need. Really need.

Get a platform bed. One you can store lots of things under. Make it as high as is comfortable to get in and out of.

Use the vertical space. If you are going to go with a loft, make it storage/reading nook.

Clear the visual clutter by painting. I agree with the wallpaper comments.

Everyone has great comments, I would just like to add a tip for purging: I recently moved into a small loft apartment with one closet. I purged, then I purged again, then again, and I am now doing it for the 4th time! The key is to keep doing it!

Also, good tips from others that you should put everything in matching (probably light colored) boxes, binders, bins, etc. so it doesn't look cluttered. Hang hats, purses, scarves, anything you can group together vertically. If what you are hanging is a group, it won't look out of place. Also, I used the back wall of my closet to hang whatever I could behind the clothes/what else is stored to use every inch of space. Its amazing how much that helped. Skinny things can be hidden behind the wardrobe, etc.

Lastly, white sheer curtains or neutral roman shades will do wonders to lighten up the space, as will white bedding (just get white sheets and fold the comforter up when not in use at end of the bed if you are strapped for $ for a duvet). Once that's done, a neutral rug like sisal might really work, and you could tied in the wallpaper with a black and white pillow or so (it looks black and white from the pic).

For cheap storage options, you can find old crates, metal bins, and vintage suitcases at thrift stores. A stack of vintage suitcases can hold a ton and would look great at the end of the bed!

Good luck!

Really good suggestions from people here. You definitely need more shelves but put all your stuff in boxes so it looks less cluttered - I just got some from B&Q that I'm really pleased with and they were cheap compared to other places (search on diy.com for 'bigso' to see if they have them in stock near you). That wardrobe's too small and it looks like there's space next to it - the idea above about replacing it with an open hanging rail is good. The bookcase alcove would be more useful with more shelves in it, and would look a lot less cluttery with a simple curtain hanging across it (inside the frame if you can) - take the door off, and more shelves might be better than those drawers?? Could you add another shelf under the one by the window?

Also, I know this is a little off-subject, but I'm seeing a single-glazed sash window and curtains that are way too short. In Aberdeen! If you can afford thermally-lined curtains that actually fit the window, you'll appreciate them in a few months' time. In fact, if you could fit a curtain pole inside the window frame, so the curtains would hang up against the window, it would make the room feel less cramped and your current curtains might actually be long enough...

There's probably more space in that alcove than there appears to be. If you removed that little display thingy on top of the chest of drawers, you'd be able to keep folded clothes in plastic boxes or baskets (with lids) on top of the chest of drawers. If you can relocate the books on the middle shelf (to the windowledge?) you can stack baskets holding clothes there too. The top shelf too

I'm a bit of a neat freak so I'd also buy baskets to hold the stuff that's on the shelves by the bed. You can get cheap baskets with lids and then stack them in a double layer. You could use the floor area under the exposed side of the bed for books too. (the legs and the head and the foot of the bed being the 'bookends'). The little cabinet thing next to the wardrobe needs a basket on top too.

If you CAN get rid of the wardrobe, put an Ikea Expedit bookcase there. We have one - some of the openings have doors where we keep clothes, others are open for books. That and 50" of wardrobe holds all ourclothes. Also, take a look at the restof the flat - a basket or box holding socks or underwear or t-shirts can go on top of kitchen wall cupboards, under the sofa ... just about anywhere!

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/an-small-swedish-bedroom-106534
- kitchen cabinets hung over your bed or elsewhere can hold a lot
- Also you seem to have a little bit of space under your window- put shelves there
- Storage under your bed

To perk up the look of the room on a tight budget I would go to your local market and buy some cheap but matching bedsheets. A grey and white pinstripe would be fantastic if you can find them. Use one as a bedspread. Then use two as curtains. If you want to leave the existing curtains in place, just pin the sheets neatly with straight pins to the top of the existing ones. I've done that in quite a few flats with grizzly curtains. Using sheets as curtains usually gives you floor length curtains which look great.

It will look co-ordinated and the bedspread will be easy to wash so even if it's a light colour. If you can get matching pillowcases so much the better.

Depending on how tight your tight budget is, I'd do the following, possibly bit by bit, as quickly or slowly as money stretches:

a) raise that bed:
There are lots of solutions on the internet: some on AT:
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/5-diy-bed-frames-with-built-in-114077

and many, many more on the aforementioned IKEAhackers:
http://www.ikeahackers.net/search/label/bedroom

One solution I could imagine is actually putting the bed on top of three Expedit 2x4s (like in the first suggestion on AT).

Then, maybe later on, you might want to fill the gaps between the 3 Expedits with two smaller Expedits on casters (you'd have to consider the additional height when mounting the first Expedits, of course, so they all line up in the end.)

Something like this:
http://www.ikeahackers.net/2012/04/expedit-for-compact-living.html
but with three long Expedits not on casters and two short ones on casters.

b) I'd also try to find one of the high Pax wardrobes (2,36 m), or rather a wide one and a slim one, so that you have a width of 1,50m, which should fit between the window and the radiator.

c) As suggested, use paint to pull things together. For example, if you go for white shelves, spray paint that minishelf on top of the chest of drawers white.

d) Declutter or cover. That open nook is an eyesore - maybe find a small curtain rod and cover it with the blue scarf you have got on the wall. Then center the print over the bed.

e) Use the space underneath the windowsill. Build very slim shelves from wood bought at the DIY. At least here in Germany they do cut it to measure for free. Paint them white so they blend into the background and use for paperbacks and CDs.

Check out ebay for both Pax and Expedits: http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_nkw=pax%20wardrobe&_clu=2&_dlg=1&_dmpt=UK_Bedroom_Furniture&LH_PrefLoc=0&_sadis=100&_fpos=AB1&_fspt=1&LH_Distance=AB1..100

f) Do something about the curtains. They stick into the space a lot AND don't pick up any colour or pattern that's already there but add another one. Therefore they take away space and at the same time add visual clutter.

g) It's difficult to say how much space there is between the bed and the wall with the radio. Also, I'm not sure if the main door to the room is at the top end of the bed or at the bottom (top, I understood, but I'm not sure).
Do consider the idea suggested here:http://www.ikeahackers.net/2012/03/ikea-self-hack-pax-as-walk-in-closet.html#more

Good luck!

i also live in a tenement with high ceilings and a tiny bedroom. You room looks quite dark, so some fresh paint in a light crisp shade will brighten the place up. Floor length curtains will help the walls look taller and therefore the room bigger. The bed is the biggest item in the room so make a statement of it. Big furniture can really make an impact on a small room. If you can, put more shelves up. Go as high as you can. As people have said, purge your stuff and keep essentials. Anything sentimental can go on display on higher shelves and everyday items on lower ones. If you space out your items over several shelves, instead of fitting as much as you can onto one it'll also space the room out too. Hope this helps!

I think a high platform bed with space for lots of storage underneath would help. AT had something like this but I can't find it. So here is a link to something similar.
http://casadiez.elle.es/decoracion_interiores/habitacion_infantil/habitaciones_infantiles3/(image)/8
It is bunk beds, but you get the idea.

I had similar visual clutter in my previous place. I went to Ikea and got the white Kassett boxes and magazine holders (lots of them - I measured and planned), white sheer cotton curtains that hung from high up to all the way down (you can also get white blinds for an more clean look- I was broke!) and all white bedding. That cleared so much of the visual mess that I started breathing again! In your room I would also spray the various dressers and closets white (not the bed..), put a couple of lovely plants on your windowsill, and yes - build or borrow some shelves for underneath. How about a simple mirror to expand the space? A picture with glass or plexi over your bed would also bounce light back. As for your clothes I can't tell but the white curtain idea is soothing if there is space. Worse comes to worse a white dress/suit bag (what are they called?) or two hanging on the wall near the door might help----and make you feel in control. You have a nice window - if light comes through, you have more than I ever had! Good luck!!!

Wow!! Awesome, guys, thank you! I know, the wallpaper and curtains (and paint) aren't the best but they were left by the previous tenants and we've been too busy doing up the rest of flat to take care of it. Our poor little bedroom has been so neglected! I'm planning to give this room a serious facelift this summer. Great ideas for the hanging rails- we already have one (why did I put it there?! WHY?!). My bf has so many clothes that he seems to refuse to switch out for seasonal wear (we are in Scotland, after all) so that would really help. We already cram loads under the bed but it's awkward trying to reach it- I'll try raising the bed somehow. We were thinking to build a raised bed similar to the Bremnes Ikea one, or even an epic version of it with a walk in closet underneath. I don't have many skills in that area though so maybe Ikea might be an option :) I'll keep you updated!