Skip to content 
It can be frustrating to attempt to decorate a space when it feels like your bed takes up the majority of the room. While a small lounge area, fireplace, or more storage than you know what to do with all sound like amazing things you’d love to include in your bedroom design, those features require quite a bit of space and for the majority of us, that much space is hard to come by.
But don’t fear, just because you’re working with limited space doesn’t mean you need to settle for a bedroom that doesn’t work for you. We’re bringing to the table all the design ideas you need to ensure you’re left with a bedroom you love no matter how small.
01. All White
Aside from making things brighter, opting for a white color palette in your bedroom is an easy way to make the space feel larger. Darker tones can sometimes make a room feel closed off and small. Pairing white walls with lightly toned accents is a sure way to help make your space feel wider and give it an open effect.
Photo: myhomeinspo
02. Use Sconces
Often in a small bedroom, using a nightstand large enough for a lamp can take up too much space. Wall-mounted sconces eliminate the need for a bulky nightstand and make your floor space feel less cramped.
Photo: Emi
03. Extended Headboard
Extended headboards can really transform your room by visually extending the bed from wall-to-wall making the space feel much larger. Extended headboards can also add character to your room. This space uses a mint green extended headboard to intentionally add color contrast and make the space feel wider.
Photo: Interiorsecrets
04. Contrasting Colors
A high-contrasting color palette can make your small bedroom look amazing. Painting the wall your bed rests against a color that contrasts the rest of the room not only adds depth but provides a visually appealing style.
Photo: lindseypedey
05. Natural Light
While we may not be able to move windows easily, centering them in your bedroom design helps ensure you get as much natural light as possible. This bedroom design places the bed directly in front of the window giving the space an open and airy feeling.
Photo: all.sorts.of
06. Mood Lighting
Mood lighting helps ensure your bedroom is a relaxing space that feels separate from the rest of the busy world. Overhead ceiling lights can make bedrooms feel cold and lifeless. This space by John Cullen Lighting utilizes nightstand lamps along with a hidden LED strip to provide a warm calming space.
Photo: Johncullenlighting
07. Built-In Storage
Since bulky storage is typically the first thing to go when downsizing your bedroom, a bed with built-in storage can be perfect especially since you do likely need a bed in your bedroom. If you’re just looking to make a bit more space in your bedroom then removing a dresser and switching to a bed with hidden storage can be a great solution as well.
Photo: ourhighlandshome
08. Add a Mirror
Known as one of the simplest tricks in the book, adding a mirror to your bedroom makes it feel more spacious by adding depth. Another great tip is to place your mirror across from a window to reflect natural light and brighten your space.
Photo: minimalistdesigns
09. Add a Rug
Adding a large rug makes your room feel wider while adding style. Typically with rugs the larger the better as long as you leave six inches of flooring on each wall.
Photo: Sarahpeddicord
10. Built-in Nightstand
Mounting your nightstand on the wall is a great way to save floor space. Aside from making things more spacious, hanging nightstands are unique and can make your bedroom stand out.
Photo: roomandboard
11. Simplify Your Color Pallete
An easy way to gain a feeling of calmness in your small bedroom is by simplifying your color palette. Even if you don’t opt for neutrals, sticking to the same core colors throughout your space helps keep things from getting too crazy.
Photo: sickandthecity
12. Add Plants
Plants can work wonders in a small space. Naturally, plants add character but they also give off a sense of calmness and distract from the size of the space. Whether you choose to use a small nightstand plant or a larger one that sits on the floor, your bedroom is sure to benefit.
Photo: roomandboard
13. Minimalist Style
While it may seem overused, aiming for a minimalist style in your space can help keep things from feeling cramped. This bedroom uses sleek furnishings paired with a neutral color palette to help prevent overwhelming the space.
Photo: 12timbers
14. Metal Furnishings
Metal furnishings provide a sleek and non-bulky look making them ideal for smaller spaces. On top of looking slim, oftentimes metal framed furnishings are see-through helping to give your bedroom an open airy feel.
Photo: melori
15. Add a Floor Lamp
With just a wedge of space between either side of your bed and the wall, you have enough room for an impactful floor lamp. A tall floor lamp utilizes the height of your room rather than floor space leaving you with a unique statement piece without taking up your valuable floor space.
Photo: blessedutec
While it may not be as simple as setting up a lamp, accent walls can add quite a bit of value to your space. They not only provide contrast from the rest of your room but immediately stand out and bring the attention away from the size of your space. We recommend using a simple wooden pattern like the one shown here painted in a color that compliments the rest of your space.
Photo: kodainteriors
17. Opt For a Daybed
For those of us who spend quite a bit of time inside our bedrooms each day, a daybed can be an asset for small bedrooms. Daybeds can make your space as flexible as possible, allowing for use as a bedroom, a place to spend time with friends, or even a home office setup.
Photo: myhomeinspo
18. Draw the Eyes Upwards
Large artwork is a simple way to use verticle space to your advantage. Whether it’s hanging your headboard higher, or placing artwork in higher areas on your walls, drawing the eye upwards and away from the floor space of your room can certainly work in your favor.
Photo: olivetoriel
19. Add Throw Pillows
Throw pillows add visual interest while making your bedroom more comfortable. To take it a step further, you could even select well-designed throw pillows to act as little pieces of art.
Photo: smallbedrooms
20. Purchase a Small Accent Chair
Even if you don’t have a desk, a small accent chair can be quite useful. Often you’ll likely find yourself needing to set down a bag or laundry tote and a small chair is perfect. With all sorts of styles to choose from, you can easily purchase one that compliments your space well.
Photo: loannedecor
21. Add a Full Length Mirror
Even though we already mentioned how mirrors can add a feeling of depth to a small space, full-length mirrors truly maximize this benefit and are sure to improve your bedroom. Purchasing a mirror with a stylish design or shape like the one in this small bedroom can add style and character.
Photo: home_of_harris
22. Add a Loft
While they aren’t as simple to install as a mirror or some throw pillows, adding a loft to your bedroom can seriously transform your space. By placing your bed above the rest of the room you create a separate space for furniture, a desk, or whatever you choose. Lofts are also very much open to customization and can be built to follow your style or aesthetic.
Photo: smallbedrooms
How do I plan a layout for a small bedroom?
Like any space when planning the layout for your small bedroom, it’s important to select what pieces are most important to you. Do you need a small desk area? Then maybe incorporating a smaller desk is the right choice. Are you without a proper closet? Then including a dresser for clothing might be an important choice. Want a larger bed but won’t have room for a lamp? Wall-mounted scones might be ideal then.
How do couples style a small bedroom?
Similar to above, if you’re planning a layout for your small bedroom with a partner it’s essential to sit down and identify each of your needs. Since everyone is different you’ll likely have different needs and end up compromising on some things. Including things to maximize storage like a bed with hidden compartments is essential when crafting a layout that works for the both of you.
