Maximizing space in a small bedroom can be a challenging task, but not impossible. Even though small bedrooms can have many interior design challenges, they often tend to have a cozier, more intimate feel that helps make the space feel personal and relaxing.
Having limited space requires a little extra creativity and thinking, so you’ll have to consider smart storage solutions, furnishings, and the bedroom layout to ensure your tiny bedroom fits your needs.
With the right pieces in the right places, these elements work harmoniously to create a cozy, neat retreat.
From curated color choices and attractive interior design schemes to practical storage solutions that will work wonders in a small space, these 15 small bedroom ideas will help you maximize space and make your room feel much bigger than it is.
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1. Create the Illusion of Space
Small spaces call for clever design tricks, and mirrors are a lifesaver when trying to give the illusion of more space. Consider placing a long, tall mirror on the wall directly opposite your door to create the illusion of a bigger room.
You can also position a mirror opposite a window to bounce natural light back into the small bedroom, making it feel more airy.
Double the effect by using reflective surfaces such as mirrored tables and wardrobes. You only need to find the best positions to place these reflective surfaces when designing your small bedroom layout.
2. Prioritize the Layout
Your small bedroom will benefit from rethinking the traditional layout, and you can make the most of the space to determine how you want the room to function.
Get creative with arranging furniture in your small bedroom by placing most of it on one wall, preferably one usually out of view, to stop the space from feeling overcrowded.
You can also arrange furniture to accommodate various functions in your small bedroom. For example, you can place a desk next to the wall by your bed for it to work as a workstation and nightstand as well.
3. Create a Focal Point
Viewing every item in your small bedroom in a single glance can be overwhelming once you walk into the space. However, you can quickly rectify this by creating a gorgeous focal point to establish a hierarchy and prevent your design from appearing chaotic.
Choose a bed with a stand-out headboard and bold colors on the bedspread to make it your focal point. Elevate the look by hanging an abstract art above the headboard.
A window in a small bedroom can also act as a focal point, and you can creatively arrange your bed to make the two focal points complement each other rather than compete for attention.
To make this work, one focal point must be more prominent to take center stage while highlighting the receding one.
4. Give Bold Décor a Chance
If you’re accustomed to white and beige bedroom ideas, it’s time you gave a shot to bolder color choices. This would be especially beneficial to your small bedroom.
Color drenching your small bedroom helps reduce the visual noise level in the space, creating a calming atmosphere.
Using monotone interior schemes in a small bedroom also helps create a cocooning and enveloping space. These color palettes are particularly important in small rooms, which can easily feel cluttered due to the limited space.
To avoid your space looking dull, incorporate accent colors that complement the prominent palette through accessories and furniture. This will create a fully cohesive look.
5. Be Creative with Storage
If space is in short supply, every square inch can be turned into small bedroom storage. Go beyond storing extra belongings below the bed and include a storage bench, baskets, or even crates at the foot of your bed.
Vertical storage, whether wall-mounted shelves or floor-to-ceiling closets, is always ideal for packing more space in a small bedroom. Extend your creative storage ideas to bedroom furniture and opt for nesting tables instead of traditional nightstands.
Suppose your small bedroom has awkward corners or alcoves. In that case, you can make the most of these architectural features by incorporating open shelves for displaying your accessories or bespoke cupboards for extra bedding.
6. Opt for Compact Bedroom Furniture
When bedroom space is at a premium, going for furniture with sleek profiles and lighter visual weight can help a lot in maximizing your small space.
Instead of a queen-size bed, opt for a full bed to free up more floor space or one without a headboard to create more space on your walls. Clean lines on your nightstands and bed frame will also give you a more open look.
Consider mounting narrow floating shelves on your wall instead of a vast standing bookcase for storage. Using compact furniture will contribute to an uncluttered and more expansive look.
7. Fill Your Room with Natural Light
Letting natural light in is one of the crucial aspects of brightening up a small bedroom, so you might want to steer away from black-out window treatments.
Natural light helps a small bedroom feel more spacious and creates an uplifting environment. It also prevents your small bedroom from feeling shallow and tight.
Opt for barely dressed windows or drapes with a light-blocking shade and a light-bouncing color on your walls to open up your small bedroom in style.
8. Consider Curves in Your Décor
Another cool design trick for making a small bedroom feel spacious is creating a nice visual flow; think in line with sweeping silhouettes.
Angles can easily make a room feel boxy, and going for furniture with gentle curves rather than angular shapes will create a sense of visual flow.
Gentle curves also create a sense of comfort, promoting a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere that’s much needed in a small bedroom.
9. Add an Accent Wall
Painting your walls is a great solution for numerous decorating issues, and an accent wall can instantly invigorate your space by adding a splash of color and making it feel more inviting.
An accent wall will also be handy in a studio apartment, providing a strategic visual separation between the living area and sleeping space.
Go for uplifting colors such as light greens, blues, or sunshine yellow, but don’t forget to mirror the palette with accessories and floor rugs for a cohesive look.
10. Keep it Minimal
Having a complete clear-out is one way to maximize space in your small bedroom. Choosing a bed frame with a small stature or a bed with no footboard, like a storage or platform bed, will help keep your small bedroom open and make it feel larger.
Symmetry also comes in handy to achieve a minimalist look in a small bedroom, which you can pull off with various décor. Incorporate hints of duplicated color to add definition and create visual balance.
As a fail-safe space enhancer, stick to neutral bedroom color schemes.
11. Make the Most of Your Headboard
In a small bedroom, even the headboard can add more storage and create a surface area for displaying your essentials.
This also gives you the opportunity to get rid of bulky bedside tables, making it a budget-friendly bedroom idea. Alternatively, you can invest in a built-in, bespoke headboard; just make sure it has all the required trimmings.
12. Go for Multifunctional Furniture
Multifunctional furniture is an excellent way of keeping your small bedroom ideas and layouts clutter-free. A bedroom ought to be a cozy room designed for winding down and relaxation; too much furniture can make your space feel cramped and cluttered.
Consider ottoman footstools and storage benches at the end of your bed to store extra bedding and stash away some of your home office essentials, such as chargers and laptops.
13. Adorn Your Wall with Sconces
Wall-mounted lights are perfect for freeing up some surface space in a small bedroom, but they also present you with an opportunity to bring more lighting into your cramped bedroom in a stylish way.
Swing-arm wall sconces are an excellent option for small bedroom designs.
The wall-mounted lights have adjustable arms that can be moved in various directions, allowing you to focus light where you need it, be it highlighting an art piece, working, or reading.
14. Keep it Calm with a Neutral Palette
A neutral color palette is a foolproof way of adding an air of spaciousness to a small bedroom.
Pairing your neutral color scheme with less imposing pale woods and creamy accessories will be especially helpful in making your small bedroom feel more open.
15. Bring Some Pattern with Wallpaper
While small bedrooms and minimalism often go hand-in-hand, if you prefer bold prints and texture, colorful, patterned styles can also work in small spaces.
Consider a wallpaper that resonates with your character and style, then include a few accents with matching colors to create a cohesive look.
You can also match your wallpaper design with your drapes to create a continuous flow throughout the room, distracting the eye from the limited space.
