Small bedrooms can be challenging to design and decorate.
With limited floor space, it’s important to choose furniture and accessories carefully to maximize both aesthetics and functionality.
The good news is that small spaces can actually feel larger and more spacious with some clever design tricks and innovative solutions.
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Opt for Tall and Narrow Furniture
One of the best things you can do in a small bedroom is choose furniture that is vertically oriented to take advantage of all the available space from floor to ceiling.
Tall narrow dressers, bookcases, nightstands and other storage pieces will fit comfortably without dominating the room.
Look for items with a smaller footprint but plenty of shelves, drawers and cabinets.
Platform beds with storage drawers underneath are also excellent space-savers.
Place these vertical elements along the walls and perimeter to keep the middle of the room open.
Then fill them carefully with only the essentials you use every day to prevent a cluttered feel.
The streamlined silhouette of tall slender furniture will make your room appear more spacious.
When shopping for bedside tables in a petite bedroom, look for narrow options around 20 inches wide or less.
Towering options extend all the way to the ceiling to maximize storage without taking up excess floor space.
For ultimate organization, consider builtin cabinetry and shelving that is custom-designed to fit the unique dimensions of your room.
Incorporate specific niches for lighting, books, alarm clocks and other bedside necessities so everything you need is easily accessible.
Just be sure to keep the finish and style cohesive with other furnishings.
The visual impact of tall vertical storage highlighted against the walls draws the eye upward, which makes ceilings appear higher than they are.
Choose Multifunctional Pieces
From beds with storage to ottomans with tray tops, multifunctional furniture streamlines a small space by combining multiple uses in a single piece.
Look for beds with built-in drawers underneath to stash extra linens and seasonal clothing.
Tufted headboards with shelves let you display books and decorative objects without requiring a separate nightstand.
For a super space-saving solution, consider a Murphy bed that folds up vertically onto the wall so you can reclaim floor space during the day.
Dressers with a drop-down desk work surface make an ideal substitute for a bulky home office setup.
Footstools and ottomans on casters can easily tuck under tables when not in use.
Small rectangular ottomans offer bench seating at the foot of the bed along with discreet storage inside.
Round ottomans work well as side tables, extra seating or impromptu tray tables for working in bed or eating breakfast.
Repurpose a vintage trunk as both a coffee table and storage unit.
The key is versatility – so look for pieces that serve multiple purposes.
This allows you to get more function out of less furniture.
A carefully curated collection of multifunctional furnishings helps keep a petite bedroom from feeling cluttered.
Disguised storage like beds and ottomans with inner compartments help conceal possessions and maintain a relaxing, restful ambiance.
The streamlined aesthetic lightens up small dark rooms as well.
Optimize Vertical Space
In a compact bedroom, it’s important to take advantage of vertical real estate.
Floor space comes at a premium, so utilizing area higher up is key.
Arrange furniture to elevate open shelving, wall-mounted cabinets and floating desks so you can stash items overhead without crowding the room below.
High headboards draw the eye up and make ceilings appear taller.
Employ space near the ceiling for frequently used items or decorative displays.
Install hanging rods and shelves in the closet from floor to ceiling.
Stack sweaters and t-shirts vertically on shelves to see contents at a glance.
Use an over-the-door organizer for scarves, belts and ties.
Squeeze in narrow floor-to-ceiling shelving units between the bed and wall for books and accessories.
Multitier wall-mounted racks provide extra space for jewelry, sunglasses and folded clothes.
Arrange most of your storage pieces vertically against the walls like tall bookcases, narrow nightstands and slim dressers.
This keeps floor space open and clutter-free.
Repurpose a ladder as a towel rack or display shelves against a bare wall.
Floating wall shelves staggered artfully up the wall are ideal for photos, plants and collected objects.
Position a desk or dresser under a window, then add shelves in the dead space above it.
Sturdy metal utility carts with wheels offer slim shelving units that tuck into tight spots.
Hang a ledge near the ceiling for displaying treasured items and getting them up out of the way.
Take advantage of height in every area including over doorways and above furniture.
You’ll be amazed at how much extra room you can create.
Limit Furniture Size
When furnishing a small bedroom, scale down the size of pieces to open up floor space.
Oversized furniture tends to crowd a compact room, making it feel cramped and cluttered.
Instead, seek out narrower, shallower and shorter items that will fit the room dimensions better.
Measure carefully when shopping to ensure new pieces aren’t too bulky and cumbersome.
Start by choosing a bed sized appropriately for the room.
An extra wide king bed frame will overwhelm a tiny bedroom.
Opt for a full, queen or even double bed for adequate sleeping space without dominating the entire area.
Low profile platform beds have a sleek, contemporary silhouette that keeps things light and airy.
For ultimate space savings, look for designs without a footboard so you can access the bed from either side.
Just be sure to select a mattress thickness that matches the height of the platform.
When it comes to other furnishings like nightstands and dressers, less is more.
Narrow rectangular end tables take up minimal floor space yet still provide enough surface for a lamp and alarm clock.
Compact pedestal tables are another option if floor space is extremely tight.
Dressers with three or four drawers are usually sufficient for bedroom storage.
If closet space is limited, substitute in a narrow wardrobe cabinet instead of a traditional bulky dresser.
Console tables offer a long slim profile for display behind a bed or sofa.
Just be sure to allow adequate room for walking past.
The smaller scale of carefully selected furnishings will keep your petite bedroom feeling airy rather than boxy.
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Minimize Visual Clutter
No matter how small your bedroom, a cluttered look will only exacerbate spatial challenges.
Too many pieces crammed together feels distracting and chaotic.
Streamlining possessions and simplifying décor helps rooms feel more spacious, peaceful and organized.
This also makes tiny rooms more restful and relaxing.
Start by reducing bedroom furniture to only essential pieces like a bed, nightstand, dresser and perhaps a chair or compact desk.
Resist the temptation to over accessorize with lots of decorative objects.
Edit ruthlessly and keep surfaces clear of visual clutter.
Store extra linens, out of season clothes and little used items elsewhere to free up closet and drawer space.
Choose multipurpose furnishings to consolidate functions like a bench with hidden storage.
Limit patterns and colors to keep the look cohesive rather than busy.
Maintain a minimalist style overall with neutral hued furnishings and plain walls.
Add lighter area rugs and window treatments to avoid heavy elements that could weigh down the space.
Eliminate any bulky furnishings that obstruct floor space.
Place remaining pieces thoughtfully along the perimeter to keep walkways open.
A tidy, curated appearance will help even the tiniest bedroom feel tranquil rather than chaotic.
Focus on quality over quantity in your furnishings, accessories and possessions.
Carefully editing out the visual noise will work magic on cramped quarters.
Mirrors to Visually Expand
Strategically placed mirrors are a go-to trick for making a small space appear larger.
Reflective surfaces create the illusion of a bigger room by doubling visual space.
Position a full length mirror near a window where it will amplify light and reflections.
Hang it where you can see yourself head to toe while getting ready.
The mirror’s slim vertical orientation elongates the look as well.
Across from a window, hang a large mirror to essentially double the amount of natural light streaming in.
Place it behind a desk or vanity to expand the work area visually.
The mirror’s reflective quality makes the space feel more open and airy.
For a whole wall of mirror, install mirrored closet doors to reflect the bed and throw light around.
The reflective surfaces will make a petite bedroom feel bright, light and expansive.
On the ceiling, consider adding a basic rectangular mirror for an instant focal point.
It doubles the perceived height of the room and lends the illusion of soaring vertical space.
Just be sure it’s firmly anchored and avoid positioning it where the sun’s rays could create a blinding glare.
For a note of glamour, frame the mirror in chrome or metallics.
Use smaller circular mirrors to visually expand constrained spaces behind a sofa or above a nightstand.
Groupings of matching frames create dynamic display collages full of light.
Lean mirrors against walls or position freely on tabletops and shelves.
Avoid going overboard though, as too many competing reflections tend to feel busy more than spacious.
Carefully placed mirrors introduce luminosity and the perception of increased dimensions.
Clear Out Visual Distractions
In a compact bedroom, a few cluttered corners or bulky pieces can really shrink the perceived space.
Start by removing any unnecessary furniture that cramps the room.
This could include extra chairs, decorative accessories or makeshift storage units.
If your closet or dresser capacity is limited, consider adding custom built-ins to maximize every inch of available space.
Built-in cabinetry and shelving can be designed to fit your storage needs precisely.
Next, contain electronics and cords so they don’t litter surfaces.
Use baskets or bins to corral items on open shelves.
Under bed storage helps hide seasonal clothes, shoes and other rarely used items that can clutter a small space.
Increase natural light with sheer window panels instead of heavy drapes that block light.
A mirrored or glass-topped nightstand prevents misc items from accumulating on the surface.
The clean look helps keep visual distractions to a minimum.
Remove artwork or objects from walls that aren’t actually used.
A clean backdrop free of clutter draws the eye to the important focal points rather than competing elements.
Reduce patterns like window treatments and area rugs to avoid a busy look in an already constrained space.
Plain neutral walls and ceilings keep the background free of visual noise as well.
By editing out every non-essential item, you can zero in on the key pieces you want to highlight.
Less visual information to process increases the feeling of openness.
With fewer distractions, the available square footage can shine.
Embrace Minimalism
The less stuff occupying a small bedroom, the more open and expansive it generally feels.
A minimalist approach emphasizes quality over quantity, focusing on purposeful pieces free of clutter.
Start by limiting furniture to only essentials like a sleek bed, slim side tables, adequate storage and perhaps a comfy chair.
Scale down the size of furnishings to modest proportions that suit the room.
Plain bedding and unembellished window treatments also keep the look clean and streamlined.
Stick to a neutral color palette of light wood, white, gray and black.
Pops of color can be added sparingly through art, pillows or fresh flowers.
Mixing too many colors and patterns tends to look chaotic in tight quarters, so keep the overall palette muted.
Plain walls and ceilings without competing textures or busy wallpaper allow the room’s architectural details to shine.
Carefully curate accessories like lamps, vases and framed photos to enhance rather than overwhelm the space.
Avoid cluttered collections and knickknacks that create visual noise.
Simple metallic accents and clean-lined ceramics have an elegant serenity perfect for small bedrooms.
The minimalist aesthetic relies on quality craftsmanship and natural materials like linen, wool and wood rather than crowded embellishments.
The focus becomes the beautiful negative space surrounding each intentionally chosen element.
Ample breathing room allows you to appreciate the subtle details.
Embracing minimalism keeps compact bedrooms feeling tranquil and restful instead of chaotic and crowded.
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Brighten with Mirrors and Metallic
Two affordable and effective ways to visually expand a small dim bedroom are mirrors and metallics.
Mirrors instantly double light and the feeling of space.
To brighten a dark corner, hang a tall thin mirror.
Position it across from a light source so it can reflect maximum illumination.
Mirrored closet doors also work beautifully for reflecting light as well as expanding the apparent room size.
For another reflective surface, choose a mirrored nightstand or dresser.
The glass-topped versions prevent objects from piling up on the surface too.
Hang decorative mirrors like sunbursts or circles over a bed, sofa or console table.
Leaning floor mirrors against walls add stylish illumination.
Just beware of placing mirrors directly across from one another or across from unshaded windows.
This can create confusing reflections and blinding glare.
Metallic finishes like chrome, stainless steel, nickel and brass add luminous shine while enlarging a small space.
Brass table lamps, chrome floor lamps and steel chandeliers introduce radiance along with plenty of extra sparkle.
A glimmering metallic headboard or side chair catch the light beautifully.
Accessories like metallic trays, vases and framed prints provide eye-catching focal points.
Just go for a few strategically placed metallic rather than overdoing it.
The striking shimmer coupled with mirrored surfaces helps even the darkest bedroom feel bright and expansive.
Paint Ceilings Light Colors
Don’t overlook the ceiling when seeking ways to brighten and visually expand a tiny bedroom.
The overhead plane’s light color and finish impacts how large the room feels.
Dark ceiling colors tend to lower overhead space perceptually.
For maximum height and luminosity, stick to light reflective colors like white, cream and soft gray.
An eggshell or satin sheen helps eliminate glare while still bouncing light around.
Before painting, properly prepare the ceiling by caulking cracks and smoothing any textured areas.
Next, apply two to three coats of paint using a roller with an extendable pole.
For ceilings two stories high or above stairs, rent a paint sprayer for fast efficient coverage.
Proper prepping ensures the paint adheres smoothly and seamlessly.
Clean acoustical tiles can also be painted to transform a basic office-like ceiling.
Use spray adhesive to attach sheets of mesh drywall tape to the joints between tiles to prevent paint seepage.
Apply spray primer then paint with a small foam roller.
Light finishes open up overhead space while hiding any grime or discoloration in aging tiles.
Depending on your design style, consider adding beams, molding or medallions for architectural detail.
Just keep embellishments minimal and paint them the same light color as the ceiling.
Visually lifting overhead space with a light airy ceiling color can work wonders for making a cramped bedroom feel more open.
It also makes the room feel brighter and airier.
Incorporate Hidden Storage
Finding enough storage space in a pint-sized bedroom can be challenging.
The room easily becomes cluttered with belongings strewn about.
Maximize every inch of space by incorporating concealed storage that tucks unnecessary items out of sight.
Under bed drawers and rolling bins create storage from unused real estate beneath the bedskirt.
Look for platform beds with built-in drawers as well.
For media components, choose an entertainment center that closes up to hide everything.
Ottomans and benches with hidden storage inside are perfect for stashing spare blankets and pillows.
Slim rolling carts tuck under desks or in tight spaces between furniture.
Look for narrow shelving units and bookcases to disguise clutter along walls.
Closeable cabinets camouflage toiletries and laundry bins inside the closet.
If you need a dresser, select one with closing drawers and doors to contain contents behind closed fronts.
For a built-in look, have cabinetry custom-designed for the entire wall with closets, shelves, and desktop space all incorporated.
Concealed spaces allow you to put possessions out of sight while keeping them easily accessible.
Hidden storage solutions prevent a tiny bedroom from feeling cramped and chaotic.
The room stays tidy and organized since there’s a designated spot for everything behind closed doors.
With clutter out of view, compact rooms feel more open and spacious.
Add Architectural Interest
In a petite boxy bedroom, flat featureless walls expedite feelings of claustrophobia.
Visually lifting the space through architectural details makes rooms feel grander.
Moldings and trim add lovely texture while creating the illusion of taller ceilings.
Attaching planks, panels or shiplap horizontally tricks the eye into perceiving a higher overhead plane.
Whitewashed wood plank walls make small rooms feel crisp and airy.
For depth and dimension, add recessed niches for display shelves or wall sconces.
Niches break up large blank walls while providing ample lighting.
Turn a recessed area into a cozy reading nook with a padded seat underneath a picture light.
Wrap windows and doors with substantial trim and crown molding to draw the eye upward.
Painted or stained beams, whether authentic or faux, create rustic character in a contemporary bedroom.
Contrasting dark wood tones against white walls work beautifully.
Built-in bookshelves and cabinetry lend a custom upscale feel with added storage space.
Just be sure to keep built-ins streamlined and functional.
Incorporating architectural elements alleviates boring, flat walls that constrain space.
Detail elevates the design while creating enchanting areas to admire.
Your eye travels around the charming nooks, dramatic beams and decorative trim.
This dynamic quality fights visual boredom in small square bedrooms.
A thoughtfully layered space feels special rather than just small.
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Zone the Space
Delineating specific activity areas within a compact bedroom helps it feel sensibly organized rather than haphazardly cramped.
Floating screens and curtains cordon off an office or reading spot.
Area rugs under each furniture grouping add cohesion.
The bedspace may feature plush carpeting while work zones showcase hardwood floors.
Using different flooring materials zones spaces subtly.
Place the bed against one wall and define a lounging sanctuary across from it with two chairs facing each other.
Use a console table behind the sofa to delineate this separate seating area.
Add track lighting to highlight special artsy corners or clothing displays.
Dramatic directional lighting makes zones feel like art gallery exhibits.
Regardless of square footage, separated spaces help residents navigate rooms intuitively.
The bed has its own soothing atmosphere, the work area feels focused, and lounge zones invite relaxation.
You could use area rugs to designate each functional space or curtains to cordon them off.
Just beware cluttering a petite area with rigid permanent dividers.
Semi-transparent screens or drapes allow light to permeate around them, avoiding a cramped cubicle effect.
Zoning assists organization so you can locate necessities easily.
Compartmentalizing small bedrooms makes them feel sensibly sorted rather than haphazardly tiny.
While tiny bedrooms short on square footage present challenges, they also offer an opportunity to get creative with space planning and furnishing.
Focusing on efficiency along with style allows petite rooms to feel comfortable, inviting and well organized.
The key is downsizing furnishings so they fit the available dimensions.
Visually lifting overhead space makes rooms feel airier.
Concealed storage tucks away clutter elegantly.
Multifunctional furnishings like ottomans and Murphy beds consolidate uses to maximize each piece.
Carefully curating and editing possessions prevents crowdedness.
Neutral palettes paired with judicious pops of color keep small rooms feeling light and bright.
Strategic layouts that utilize all available space, along with clever multifunctional furnishings allow you to have both style and ample functionality, even in a compact bedroom.
With some savvy small-space solutions, you can transform tiny square footage into a favorite restful retreat.
