By adopting a few simple design tips, you can make the most of a small bedroom and avoid it feeling too cramped. From clever colour choices to the strategic placement of mirrors, this guide takes you through all of the key points to consider when planning the layout and decor of the space.
If you’re interested in a particular small bedroom idea from the list below, use the links to navigate between sections:
- Use light colours
- Opt for a low-profile bed
- Cut the clutter
- Consider wall lights
- Choose compact furniture
- Incorporate mirrors
- Use storage wisely
- Add greenery
1. Use light colours
The best starting point is to use light, airy colours on the walls and floors. Pale hues reflect light, making the space feel open and airy. Choosing a simple white or light grey tone gives you a blank slate to build on with the rest of your colour scheme, leaving you with plenty of options when choosing upholstery and furniture.
2. Opt for a low-profile bed
With more compact rooms, the bed is likely to be the main feature in terms of furniture. Choosing one that sits close to the ground is a good plan for a number of reasons.
Firstly, your guests’ first impressions will largely be based on how much of the space seems occupied: aside from picking a single bed, your only option here is to reduce the height that it takes up, so a low-profile frame is a great choice. This type of bed also tends to come with built-in storage, or just the perfect amount of room to hide away a few under-bed storage boxes out of sight.
3. Cut the clutter
In the same vein, reducing the amount of stuff on show always goes a long way towards making a small bedroom look bigger. It’s best to keep any surfaces relatively uncluttered. And if you do go for bedside tables, stick to just a small table lamp.
4. Consider wall lights
Floor space is precious in a small bedroom. A modern floor lamp might look great in a more expansive space, but introducing one to a room that’s already quite closed in is only going to compound the issue. Wall lighting is your friend here, particularly if you can find something that sits relatively flush with the edge of the room.
5. Choose compact furniture
Continuing with the minimalist mantra, compact furniture is a must-have if you’re looking to make the most of a small bedroom. We’ve touched on your choice of bed frame already, but other items of furniture don’t necessarily need to be quite so low-height. You can easily maximise on storage by choosing a taller wardrobe and chest of drawers (provided that they aren’t too deep).
If you’re looking for a cosy perch but can’t find room for a mini sofa or accent chair in your bedroom layout, take a look at our range of smaller bean bags.
Our smaller cotton wedgie bean bag
6. Incorporate mirrors
Another trick for making a small room look bigger is to incorporate mirrors into the design. Mirrors bounce light around, which will naturally make the room seem brighter and more spacious. You can amplify this effect by strategically positioning a mirror close to a window, or opposite an area of the space that would otherwise be short on light.
7. Use storage wisely
When space is tight, it's important to use storage wisely. Look for furniture with built-in storage, like a bed with drawers underneath and a dresser with extra-deep drawers. And be sure to take advantage of vertical space with tall bookcases or shelving units. If you’re looking to keep the room completely free and decluttered, your best bet is just to store things elsewhere (aside from the absolute essentials).
8. Add greenery
A touch of greenery can help to make a small room feel fresh and inviting. Add a miniature potted plant or two, or hang a few small baskets from the ceiling to breathe some life into the space without occupying any of the floor. Keep in mind, though, that the secret lies in not going overboard. As with all elements of a small bedroom design, less is more when it comes to plants.
Next steps
This guide has explored some of the best ways to make a small bedroom look bigger. By following these simple small bedroom ideas, you can create a beautiful and functional space that feels much more expansive than it really is.
Keen to keep reading? Check out some of our other blogs:
- Cosy Living Room Ideas: Design & Decor
- Gaming Room Ideas for the Ultimate Setup
- What Size Bean Bag Should I Buy?
