If you have a small bedroom, you understand that decorating and furnishing it can be a real challenge.
A space that is meant to be a calm and relaxing retreat can easily wind up looking and feeling cramped and closed in. We're here to help with nine easy ways to make the most of the bedroom space you have, no matter what size room you're working with.
Here you'll find small bedroom design ideas, like picking the perfect paint colour, bringing in multifunctional furniture options like desks that double as bedside tables, smart storage ideas for small bedrooms, and designer tricks you've likely never heard of before (hint: one involves mirrors).
These tiny tweaks can make all the difference in a small space. After all, every inch counts when it comes to room decor for small bedrooms, even down to how you hang your window treatments and artwork.
Check out these smart space-saving ideas for small bedrooms, and let your sleeping space look and feel much bigger than it really is.
Hang wall-mounted lighting
When a bedroom is so tiny that even a narrow bedside table won't fit the floor plan, wall-mounted lighting is the answer. Swing-arm sconces or other adjustable styles are especially popular choices, as they easily move to where you need light the most. Mount a pair on either side of the bed for an even glow.
Bring in bunk beds
Bunk beds have long been loved for their ability to make a small space live large (make the most of that vertical space!). But besides being so very practical, both freestanding and built-in styles alike can be downright adorable.
Place mirrors to maximise light
Here's one easy design trick that really helps make any small space feel larger: hanging mirrors. Strategically placing mirrors around a room creates depth and reflects light to make a space feel more open, and in turn, larger. Here, a vintage framed piece hangs opposite a window, bouncing natural light around the room.
Keep window treatments simple
When it comes to small bedroom design ideas, every inch counts. One way to save space is by installing simple window treatments, like this relaxed roman shade that is set practically flush to the wall. Avoid heavy curtains with busy patterns and keep hardware to a minimum — even rods that bump out an inch or two can encroach on precious square footage.
Select furniture that does double duty
Furniture that serves more than one purpose is smart in any room, but especially in small spaces. Here, this handsome chest of drawers serves as a bedside table while also providing much-needed storage for clothes. A writing desk is another good double-duty option for a bedside table. For a guest room, also consider a small sleeper sofa.
Built-in space-saving shelves
In a tiny bedroom, swap a freestanding bedside table for a recessed built-in bookcase to hold books, accessories and bedtime essentials. Floor-to-ceiling built-in bookshelves take advantage of often-forgotten vertical space.
Hang hooks for wall storage
In this California cottage bedroom, storage is a challenge, as there's not much room for furniture. A simple and inexpensive peg rail or row of hooks keeps bags, jackets, and clothing off the floor and chair.
Pick a light and bright paint colour
A light and bright palette on the walls leaves visual space for patterned bedding and pretty wood furniture. White is an easy go-to, but consider calming blues, pale pinks, and greens, as they will read neutral as well.
Or... consider colour drenching
This small attic bedroom is the definition of cosy. For a maximum cocoon effect, the walls, ceiling, trim and doors are all coated in the same dark brown paint colour. This paint style, known as colour drenching, creates an immersive mood and eliminates distracting lines from architectural details.
Inspiring patterns to use in a home office
Amy Mitchell is the managing editor for VERANDA and Country Living, where she writes articles on a variety of topics—decorating and design, gardens, and holidays. Amy’s experience in the shelter magazine category spans more than 20 years, as she’s previously held positions at Coastal Living and Cottage Living. Her personal pursuits include cooking, gardening, and hunting her favorite tag sale spots for the next piece of Pyrex for her prized collection.
