Small Bedroom Big Style

Do you think a small bedroom can’t be stylish and functional? Think again. In this post, I’m going to share a few examples of small bedrooms that do both.

The designs will show you how to make the most out of a compact space without compromising on design. From smart furniture placement to clever color palettes and creative storage, there’s something in these rooms for everyone.

I’m going to give you nine tips to create a small bedroom that is both practical and beautiful. 

1. Floor Planning

Let’s begin with how every room design should start, with space planning. In a small bedroom, the most important thing to figure out is where you are going to put the bed and what size bed will work best. 

You can put the bed up against the wall. In my opinion, that is my absolute last choice. It is hard to make a bed that is pushed up against the wall. If you can’t make your bed, your room is often not going to look as good as it could. 

The minimum amount of space you need to get around the bed is only 18 inches. That’s not ideal, but at least you can still move around the bed to make it. If you have a bed that has a very simple frame that you can see under, that can make your room feel bigger.

2. Vertical Storage

Number two is adequate storage. Every bedroom needs storage. Organized storage in a small bedroom is important. I’ll cover this more below. Be sure you try to take advantage of vertical storage in a small bedroom. Here are two examples of good ideas for vertical storage.

3. Window Treatments

Number three is to use window coverings. A floor-to-ceiling window covering can give the illusion that the room is larger than it is. You’ll notice this in almost every example I have in this post. 

4. Lighting Is Important

Number four is lighting. Don’t forget about lighting just because it’s a small room. Every room needs three kinds of light: ambient light, mood light, and task lighting. 

If you don’t have a lot of surface area to put lamps on, you can mount them on the wall.

Another option is to use floor lamps next to the bed. Don’t think just because it’s a small room that you can’t have great statement lighting in the room.

5. Reduce Visual Clutter

Number five is to reduce visual clutter. This is the hardest thing for many of us to do, including myself. I’ve seen a lot of small bedrooms that have floating shelves. This gives the illusion of more space because you can see under the shelf. 

However, I don’t think floating shelves are practical unless you have a very minimalist style. Most people can’t store enough on a floating shelf to make it a practical choice beside a bed.

I prefer to have the biggest closed storage that I can fit in the space. I know that it’s going to feel more pulled together if I have space to put my things away. Try using small dressers next to the bed, if you can fit one instead of a nightstand. This tip will help you maximize storage.

This floating shelf with drawers is available on Etsy

This smaller scale dresser is from Pottery Barn. Big Tip: You can sometimes find these smaller scale dressers in children’s furniture collections.

I use affiliate links so I can afford to keep doing this.  Hope it saves you time. See my disclosure policy.

6. Don’t Overcrowd

Number six is don’t overstuff the room. If the room feels crowded, it will feel smaller. There might not be room for seating. You might just put a dining chair in the bedroom just for a place to sit down and put on your shoes. Maybe even try a small accent bench or chair. Don’t try to force furniture in the room. Don’t overstuff the room. 

Here are two examples of small bedrooms that are not crowded with furniture.

Here is how to use an accent chair in a small bedroom.

7. Use Light Colors

Number seven is to use a light color palette. It does make the room feel bigger if it’s a lighter color. There are ways to decorate an amazing small bedroom with a darker shade if that’s the feeling that you want to go for in your room. 

In fact, I’ve got a small bedroom I’m working on myself. It is not a light color. I’m thinking about putting a patterned wallpaper that is a light color on the ceiling, so don’t be afraid to go bold with your colors. Just know that if you want it to look bigger, sometimes a lighter color can help you achieve that look.

8. Hang a Mirror

Number eight, try to use a mirror in the room somewhere in the room. Mirrors reflect light and make the space feel bigger. If at all possible, put the mirror opposite a window. Then the mirror is more effective at reflecting the natural light.

9. Vary Texture

Number nine, use textures in your room. Make sure there’s a mix of textures. This design tip keeps the room more visually interesting, even when it’s small. 

Lastly, I don’t feel right about talking about small bedrooms without giving a nod to Ikea. You can think whatever you want to about the quality of Ikea furniture. The designs that they share on their website, and used to share in their catalog, have some great ideas for small spaces.

If you’re inspired to tackle a small bedroom redesign, come join a free group that I’m starting August 1st. In this group, we’ll work on a room together. I’ll be working on my small bedroom right alongside you. Here’s the link: Free Group: Decorate a Room.