Sprucing up your bedroom but stuck with a diminutive space? A small interior may literally be a ‘bedroom’ — a bed in the room and little else. So, while decorating a small bedroom, it’s easy for frustration to set in before anything else.
However, if done right, a small room can feel cozy and make the room feel welcoming. It can actually make for a beautiful space that is conducive to relaxation. In this blog post, I share the top 21 bedroom ideas for small rooms, so you can create an interior that balances style with functionality — and, even if small in size, truly reflects your design taste and even provide more space.
Use Striped Wallpaper
Vertical stripes guide the eye from top to bottom, creating an illusion of more height. So, using a vertically-striped wallpaper can make your bedroom feel like it’s tall (and create a sense of spaciousness). Tip: Using horizontal stripes for the wallpaper can guide the eye from left to right, making the room feel wider.
Have Fun with the Headboard
Every small room has space for a headboard — take that as your opportunity to make a design statement! There are plenty of ideas for fun headboards. For example, a patterned piece can form the focal point of the room while a minimalist trefoil-shaped headboard makes for a minimalist statement. There are also interesting headboard ideas that you can do yourself to save bucks.
Consider Floating Nightstands
Fitting in regular nightstands at either end of your bed can be a hassle in small bedrooms. The solution? Floating nightstands that are mounted onto the wall(s). These save space and add lightness — and can be mounted at a height that is suitable to your needs. All that, while providing some storage space (and a flat surface to place your essentials).
Keep it Light
When in doubt, choose a white backdrop (or neutral hues, like beige, cream, and grey). Light colors reflect light, maximizing its impact — and, thus, making a space feel more open. They also create a calming atmosphere and provide a clean slate for reflecting your personal taste.
Add Color through Accessories
While a white room enhances the brightness of your space, I always recommend using it as an opportunity to add colorful accents. Use accessories and furniture to toss in all your favorite colors; for a small room, mine would be bright, chalky pastels, as these serve the purpose without detracting from the airy feeling of the room.
Prioritize Curves
Sharp edges and angles can make a room feel boxy, which is not recommended for small spaces. On the contrary, curvy shapes (especially for the furniture) can create a sense of visual flow. They also promote a sense of comfort — something that can truly help you relax in your bedroom after a tiring day.
Pile Some Pillows
When space is at a premium, make the most of what you have. That is, the bed. Lay down high-quality bedding (this also helps with a good night’s sleep), and top it with pillows. While there are a few standard pillow-setting ideas for a queen bed, you can play around to achieve your desired look.
Be Smart with Storage
If you’re short on storage in your small bedroom, leverage vertical space. This can be:
A high shelf (mounted a little under the ceiling with brackets) topped with wicker storage baskets
DIY built-in storage with floor-to-ceiling wardrobe units and added molding
Hooks behind the door to hang hats, jewelry, and other essentials
Opt for Multifunctional Furniture
One of my most recommended bedroom ideas for small rooms is wise furniture choices. Consider downsizing your selection to make some empty space. Beyond that, opt for multifunctional furniture pieces that offer double duty. For example, a bed with storage compartments underneath or a sofa bed that doubles as seating space during the day.
Keep it Organized
When it comes to small spaces, clutter is a big no as it can make the space feel cramped. So, declutter your small bedroom, assigning a spot for each item. Doing so helps create a sense of calm — and makes it easier to locate your items when needed. To achieve the purpose, get rid of everything you don’t need (or things that don’t bring you joy), and utilize drawer and closet organizers to get hidden spaces in order. Tip: Be sure to implement the daily habit of tidying up to maintain cleanliness.
Reconsider the Layout
Rethinking the traditional layout and switching it up with a small bedroom layout can help with the feeling of spaciousness of your room. Generally, position most of the (large) furniture items against one wall — preferably the wall that is less conspicuous when inside the room.
Mount Wall Sconces
The right lighting can help set the right ambiance in your tiny room and when square footage is limited, wall sconces make for a great space-saving lighting solution. Especially so if you use your bedside tables merely to hold a lamp; substitute the tables with wall sconces mounted onto the wall to free up at least a foot of space on either side of the bed.
Utilize Awkward Corners
Limited space calls for savvy solutions. In this context, utilizing every inch of space — even the parts that seem unusable. For example, if you have an empty corner that you don’t know what to do with, consider placing an accent chair next to a wall sconce to create a cozy reading nook. If the space is too small for a chair, you can consider shelves for storage or fitted wardrobes. (The latter can wrap around corners and accommodate the most awkward configurations.)
Keep Things Hidden
When space is constrained, your best bet is keeping items away from sight. This is because displaying them can create a sense of clutter — even if it’s decor! So, go minimal with your decorations, sticking to the essentials (for example, a lamp or stand to hang jewelry), and complementing these with the decor items that bring you joy (this can be a small potted plant or a family portrait).
Double Up Your Dressing Table
With working from home becoming the norm, many hope to set up a workstation in their bedroom. When your room is small, the trick is doubling the duty of certain stations. Keep the surface of your dressing table (this can be wall-mounted or a chest of drawers) free of lotions and potions. This provides a great place to put your laptop and work — or simply a peaceful station to sit and write down your thoughts.
Switch Up the Wardrobe Doors
Cabinet doors swinging into the room can occupy valuable floor space — so one of the most effective (but slightly pricey) bedroom ideas for small rooms is choosing sliding doors. These slide into the wall, freeing up space. Plus, they’re a sleek alternative to traditional doors. If you’re looking to go the extra mile, consider sliding doors with mirrored fronts. See below to learn why.
Leverage the Use of Mirrors
Mount mirrors onto the walls of your tiny room to visually open up the space — while serving decorative purposes. Spaces where you can put the mirror include:
Opposite a window
Behind nightstands/bedside tables
On the drawer fronts of your dresser
As a part of a mini gallery wall
Use Light Carpets
Light colors for your flooring accentuate the feeling of space. So, if you decide to lay down carpets, stick to light shades. Some of my favorites are creamy blush hues or a classic beige. If you have a bare floor, consider softening it up with a light-colored area rug.
Utilize Lucite
When looking for bedroom ideas for small rooms, lucite is your best friend. It is great for simple but transformative styling — and helps add a touch of modernity to any space. Plus, you can look through lucite, which, again, creates a sense of spaciousness.
Pay Close Attention to Scale
While you may be tempted to toss a large bed into your bedroom, refrain from ignoring proportions. A small bedroom means compact furniture pieces (including the bed and nightstands). An exception is great big windows — these can be maxed out by hanging floor-to-ceiling, light draperies.
Don’t Forget Window Space
If your windowsill has depth, take it as an opportunity to create a small shelf. Here, you can stack magazines and books. For windowsills with a depth of 16 inches or more, you can create a seating space with simple upholstery and cushions.
Working with a small space can be a struggle — but when you put in the effort, you can get an incredibly cozy (and visually appealing) interior! Especially so when you look at bedroom ideas for small rooms; replicate them in your interior or use them for inspiration to come up with your own ideas 🤍
