Small Bedroom, Big Style: Decorating Tips And Tricks

Decorating a small bedroom can be a fun design challenge. The key is to be creative with your layout, furnishings, storage solutions, and design choices. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your small bedroom and create a stylish and functional space:

- Decide how you plan to use the room. Besides sleeping, do you need a home office area or a dressing table? Get creative with your furniture arrangement to accommodate your needs.

- Size down your furniture. Opt for pieces with sleek profiles and lighter visual weight. Go for a smaller bed if possible, and choose a bed frame and nightstands with clean lines.

- Select a focal point for the room. This could be the head of the bed or a window. You can amplify the bed with bold pillows or hang a piece of wall art above it. If you have a striking window, consider placing the bed in front of it so they work together.

- Keep the layout open. Avoid bulky furniture that will make the space feel cramped. Choose a bed frame with a small stature, such as an iron bed with a see-through headboard and footboard.

- Be bold with your colour choices. You can go for a dark and cozy vibe with saturated colours or create a light and bright feel with barely dressed windows and light-coloured walls.

- Maximise storage. Make use of under-bed storage and boost the bed frame on blocks to create more space underneath. Install floating shelves, and utilise the space above your bed and inside your closet.

- Make use of mirrors. Mirrors can create the illusion of more space and help reflect light. Hang them opposite a window or directly in front of the door to make the room feel larger.

- Embrace the coziness. A small bedroom can feel like a cocooning sanctuary. Minimize clutter, opt for closed storage solutions, and choose a tonal colour palette to create a relaxing and intimate space.

Use mirrors to create the illusion of more space

Mirrors are a great way to create the illusion of more space in a small bedroom. Here are some tips to achieve this:

Opt for Large, Minimalist Mirrors

Choose a large mirror with a small frame and a minimalist design. A single, oversized mirror will create a greater sense of visual space. A vertical mirror will guide the eyes upward, making the room feel taller, while a horizontal design will give the illusion of more width.

Place Mirrors Opposite Windows

Position a mirror opposite a window to reflect natural light and create the illusion of more space. This simple trick will make a small bedroom feel brighter and more open.

Use Mirrors in Transitional Areas

Hanging a mirror in a transitional area or opposite a doorway can help to elongate the eye-line and make the space feel larger. This is a great way to borrow light and space from an adjoining room.

Create a Pseudo Window

If your bedroom lacks windows, mirrors can be used to create the illusion of one. The reflective properties of a mirror will bounce light around the room, tricking the eye into perceiving more space.

Use Mirrored Furniture

Incorporating furniture with mirrored fronts or surfaces can maximize natural light and create the illusion of more space. Mirrored coffee tables, accent tables, or storage consoles are great options. These pieces not only reflect light but also provide functionality and storage.

By strategically placing mirrors and incorporating reflective furniture, you can create a small bedroom that feels spacious, bright, and inviting.

Choose multi-functional furniture

When decorating a small bedroom, multi-functional furniture is key to making the most of your space. Here are some tips for choosing multi-functional furniture:

Look for multi-purpose pieces

Items that serve more than one purpose are ideal for small spaces. For example, choose a bed with built-in storage or one that can be folded away during the day to create more space. A sofa bed is another great option, providing both a place to sit and a place to sleep. You could also opt for a convertible chair bed, which can be used as a comfortable armchair during the day and converted into a bed at night.

Utilise vertical space

Make use of vertical space in your bedroom by investing in tall, narrow pieces of furniture. For instance, a bookcase with a fold-down table attached can provide storage and a workspace without taking up too much floor space. Floating shelves or a floating desk with shelving can also help you make the most of your walls.

Choose furniture with storage

Look for furniture with built-in storage to help keep your space organised and clutter-free. For example, a storage ottoman or bench can provide a place to sit and a place to store extra blankets or bedding. A bedside table with drawers and shelves is another great option, giving you a surface for your lamp and alarm clock while also providing storage space.

Be creative with bedside tables

If you're short on space, consider alternative bedside table solutions. Floating shelves or a narrow wall-mounted shelf can provide a place for your phone and a glass of water without taking up too much room. You could also build a bedside alcove into the wall, creating a shallow niche that's perfect for a book and a glass of water.

Opt for foldable or convertible furniture

Foldable or convertible furniture can be easily tucked away when not in use, freeing up space in your bedroom. For example, a convertible table can function as a desk during the day and be folded down into a side table or dining table when you have guests. A folding dining table is another great option, providing a small table for two that can be extended to seat more people.

Make the most of under-bed storage

The space under your bed is prime real estate for storage. Choose a bed with built-in drawers or use wooden storage crates, pretty baskets, or bed risers to maximise this space. You could also invest in rolling storage bins that fit snugly under the bed and can be rolled out at bedtime to double as a bedside table.

Embrace a colour palette

When choosing a colour palette for a small bedroom, it's important to consider the function of the space and the atmosphere you want to create. If you want to instil a sense of calm in a busy space, opt for light, tonal shades. To create a cocooning, snug sanctuary, choose warm, dark hues.

Dark colours work well in small rooms with limited natural light. Rather than trying to make the room feel bigger, select a deep, pigmented shade to embrace the character of the space. Deep greys and earthy shades of brown, green, blue, and red can work well in compact rooms. You can also pair these with bright colour accents to add a playful element to the room. For example, a bold accent shade on skirtings, dado rails, furnishings, or textural elements can add interest to a smaller room.

If you want to make your small bedroom feel more spacious, you might be tempted to reach for the brilliant white paint. However, this can often create a stark, harsh effect. Instead, opt for light neutrals in a tonal scheme to create a softer environment. If your bedroom has a lot of natural light, light, soft tones will make the space feel more open and airy.

Another trick to make a small bedroom feel larger is to use a colour block design. Using two complementary pastel shades—such as grey-green and warm light beige—is a wonderful way to draw the eye upwards.

Create a focal point

A focal point is an essential element of any room, providing a visual anchor that draws you into the space and gives your eyes a place to rest. It is the first thing that catches your attention when you enter a room and can be a great starting point for arranging your furniture. Here are some ideas for creating a focal point in a small bedroom:

Use Architecture to Your Advantage

Take advantage of any existing architectural features in the room, such as a fireplace, French doors, or large windows. These elements can serve as natural focal points. For example, you could emphasise a fireplace by flanking it with large bookcases and adding an oversized painting above.

Create Height

If your small bedroom lacks architectural features, you can create a focal point by adding height with a large piece of furniture like a bookcase or armoire. A console table with a large mirror above is another way to draw the eye and create a sense of height.

Statement Lighting

A dramatic light fixture can be an excellent way to create a focal point in a small bedroom. Opt for an oversized pendant light that commands attention and adds drama to the space. Just ensure it is hung at the right height so that it feels connected to the rest of the room.

Window Treatments

Windows can be a natural focal point, especially if they offer a beautiful view. Enhance this feature with statement curtains, blinds, or shutters. Painting the window frame a bright and cheerful colour can also draw attention and introduce an accent colour to the room.

Wall Treatments

Wall treatments are another effective way to create a focal point. Consider using bold wallpaper to add focus and interest to the room. Alternatively, create an accent wall by painting one wall a different colour or using stencils to create patterns and shapes. Textured walls, such as board and batten or exposed brick, can also serve as sophisticated focal points.

Statement Mirror

A large mirror can be a strategic focal point as it is both decorative and functional. It bounces light around, making the small bedroom feel brighter and more spacious. Choose a mirror with an eye-catching frame, and consider its placement carefully so that it reflects something interesting.

Remember, you can also create secondary focal points in a room, but ensure they don't compete with the main focal point.

Get creative with storage

Storage is key when it comes to decorating a small bedroom. The right storage solutions can make your space feel more open and airy, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the room. Here are some creative ways to maximise storage in a small bedroom:

Choose Multi-Functional Furniture

Opt for furniture pieces that serve multiple purposes to save space. For example, a stool can be used as a side table, plant stand, or extra seating. A writing desk can also function as a vanity with the addition of a mirror. A storage bench or trunk at the foot of the bed can provide extra storage and double as seating.

Get Clever with Storage Placement

Make use of vertical space by installing shelves or wall-mounted storage units. Utilise areas above the bed, above a desk, or in the closet for extra storage. Floating shelves or narrow bookshelves can display books and sentimental items without taking up too much space. You can also use under-bed storage containers or raise your bed with risers to create extra storage space underneath.

Maximise Closet and Cabinet Space

Organise your closet or cabinet space efficiently. Install shelves to hold jewellery and accessories, and utilise every inch of wall space. Vacuum-sealed bags or containers are ideal for storing out-of-season clothing, sliding easily under the bed or onto a shelf. You can also use drawer dividers and folding techniques to optimise dresser storage.

Hide Storage in Plain Sight

Incorporate decorative storage pieces that blend seamlessly with your decor. For example, a leaning ladder can hold extra blankets, and a narrow console table can serve as a dressing table without taking up too much space. Built-in drawers or shelves can be discreetly blended into walls or nooks, providing hidden storage.

Use Double-Duty Nightstands

Nightstands can provide additional storage space. Opt for nightstands with multiple storage options, such as drawers and open shelves. Oversized nightstands with large drawers can serve as mini dressers, providing ample storage for clothing and bedtime essentials.

By getting creative with storage, you can maximise the space in your small bedroom, creating a functional and welcoming retreat.

Frequently asked questions