22 Small Bedroom Ideas That Are Big in Style

Looking for small bedroom furniture? Check out our updated article about small space beds.

Calling all small space dwellers! Big city apartments, vintage home layouts, and modern space downsizing all call for design that expands the possibilities of small. If you need a bedroom makeover but don’t think you have enough bedroom to work with, you’re in the right place. We’ve got some lovely small bedroom ideas to prove small spaces can be stylish.

While modern and luxurious design ideas often tell you that you need to have a sitting area, small office, or a king-size bed in your bedroom, don’t forget that a bedroom’s main function is to be a place to rest and recharge. And you don’t have to do much to create a beautiful space to do so.

Your small bedroom may be a blessing for a better night’s sleep. The American Sleep Association recommends keeping stimulating activities out of the bedroom. They warn that distractions like the TV, internet, and work can disrupt your sleep patterns. So, the less there is to do in your bedroom, the more sleep you set yourself up for. How’s that for smart design?

Here are savvy small room decorating ideas to help you create a bedroom space that may be small in square footage, but is big in style.

1. Light and Bright Decorating Ideas

The color white is an expansive and practical choice for small bedroom decor. It keeps the space from looking too busy or boxed in. Painting your bedroom white will make it look bigger. Using white or lighter colors combats the absence of large wall space or windows to brighten up your space.

Afraid of being too stark? To keep your small bedroom from feeling cold or void of personality, layer your whites with different textures and white-on-white patterns for drama. In the bedroom above, the simple addition of a patterned throw and chrome bedside lamps transforms the room for sterile to stylish.

2. Cozy Corner Bed

Most bedroom decorating ideas feature the bed by centering it on the wall. However, narrow floor plans and limited space call for deviation for this.

To maximize the floor space, tuck your bed up against a wall or corner. The effect will create a sleeping area that feels snug and cozy. If it feels too much like a college dorm, add a two headboard corner system to create a finished, designer look to a bedroom.

3. Slim Headboard and Bed Frame

A few inches of extra space can make a small bedroom feel like a luxurious master bedroom. Part ways with your footboard-style bed frame and replace it with a simple modern headboard to finish the look of your bed.

Or, opt for a Hollywood-style bed frame that supports the bottom of the bed and extends no further than the perimeter of the mattress. You can decorate the space above the bed with art, or add a headboard later.

4. Minimalist Style

Add space to your small master bedroom by paring it down to your favorite essentials. The focus of this space is undeniably the bed, so keep furniture pieces and accessories down to a minimum.

Even better, use sleek, contemporary built-ins for additional storage. Built-ins maximize storage while looking like they’re not even there. A good built-in around your bed creates a cozy sleeping nook while adding plenty of storage.

5. DIY Mirror Magic

Mirrors expand a small bedroom by creating the illusion of a bigger room. Positioning a mirror to reflect the light of a window is also the only way to up the natural light in your space.

The easiest way to incorporate a big mirror to your space? Try this DIY technique. Buy a body-length mirror and lean it up against the wall. Find a body-length mirror and lean it up against the wall. No holes needed. Though, you’ll want to secure it with wall tacky for peace of mind.

6. Small Bedroom Storage Under the Bed

If you’re in the market for a new bed, consider a bed with drawers underneath for extra storage. If space is so limited that drawers may not open easily, use decorative bins under your bed for additional storage. We love milk crates and other woven baskets that hold up well and look great doing it.

7. Loft Living

If floor space is limited but you have higher ceilings, consider adding a loft or platform for your sleeping area with storage or seating underneath. This isn’t an option for everyone, but for those who don’t mind climbing into bed, this layout can completely transform a small room.

8. Bold Wallpaper

Just because your bedroom is small doesn’t mean it has to be dull. Add a bold wallpaper pattern to a focal wall, like your headboard wall.

Wallpaper tends to get a bad rap for making rooms look small and cluttered, but using the right style and technique does just the opposite. Add a bold wallpaper pattern to a focal wall, like your headboard wall.

When selecting wallpaper, choose a large-scale pattern over a small, busy one. Don’t forget to create a cohesive look by coordinating your bedding with your beautiful, new wallpaper.

Renters, you can play will wallpaper too. Have a look at our article for removable wallpaper.

9. Floating Shelves

The versatile floating shelf can work in many useful ways in a small bedroom. Here are some floating shelf decorating ideas for the bedroom:

-A nightstand replacement
-An entry table by the door
-A bookcase
-A place to hold a collection of modern colorful boxes housing clothing and accessories
-A laptop desk

10. Wall Niche

In newer construction, drywall is normally hollow and supported by vertical 2x 4 wood beams (studs) that are 16” apart. If your bed is set up on a non-exterior wall, use a stud finder to mark where your bed’s wood wall beams are and cut out an alcove. Your new alcove may not be incredibly deep, but it may be all you need for small necessities like an alarm clock or some personal items.

11. Creative Nightstands

Finding the right size nightstand can be tricky for any bedroom. When you have a small bedroom and a tight squeeze next to your bed, you have to think creatively. Unexpected items that work well:

–Slim laptop table
–Sofa table behind the bed
–Stacks of books or vintage suitcases

12. Floating Desk

Is your home office in your tiny bedroom? Maximize your space with a floating desk, which is basically an extra large floating shelf. You can create a DIY floating desk by putting a piece of plywood on top of a couple of shelf brackets. Then slide a comfy chair underneath and you’re done!

13. Colorful Throw Pillows

If you love color, but prefer an all-white room to make your small space look bigger, you don’t have to compromise. Simply add color to your room with vibrant throw pillows. 

Can’t decide on a color scheme? That’s the great thing about pillows. You can get as many colors as you want. Mix and match. Store some under the bed and change them every week. Have fun with it!

14. Eye-Catching Chandelier

Your options for small bedroom decorating ideas are starting to look up! Adding a unique chandelier or pendant light is an excellent way to give your room a focal point and add some cozy lighting. 

Choose a chandelier that suits your style — modern and sleek, flashy and glamorous, elegant and traditional — there are all kinds of lighting fixtures available online and in stores. 

15. Cozy Area Rug

People often focus their bedroom decorating on the walls, shelving,  furniture, and bedding. But don’t forget the floor. An interesting area rug can instantly add warmth to a room, or a pop of color. Play around with the texture and find something that looks good and feels great on your feet.

16. Bedside Table Shelving

One more bedside table idea — shelving. Floating shelves work great as a nightstand. You can place them at the perfect height and if you DIY it, you can get the shelving cut to the exact size that fits your bedroom. Floating shelves come in a wide range of materials, too, from wood to glass to metal.

17. Sleek Sconces

No room next to your bed for a lamp? Wall sconces are a smart solution to add reading or task lighting to a small bedroom. You can go for a modern look or a traditional style. Or get crazy and mix and match your sconces for an eclectic look.

18. Gorgeous Greenery

Make room for plants! Just because your bedroom is small, doesn’t mean you have to skip the greenery. Adding houseplants to your room makes it feel more alive and plants actually help clean the air. To maximize space, try wall planters. They turn your plants into works of art.

19. Breezy Curtains

If your small room is short on windows, you can still get things flowing by using curtains to decorate. Two smart ways are to replace closet doors with curtains or use curtains to create a room divider. Either way, be sure to pick colors and textures that feel good in your space.

20. Sparkling String Lights

String lights aren’t just for the holiday season! They’re a cool way to create interesting lighting or art features in a small bedroom. Hang them on the wall, ceiling, headboard, or anywhere you can imagine. And tiny lights come in a wide range of colors to make your small bedroom look even more magical.

21. High-Contrast Color Scheme

Pairing white with a high-contrast color is a big-impact way to decorate a small bedroom. Sticking with just one bold color, plus white, creates a dramatic look. And you can use this high-contrast effect in bedding, wall paint, artwork, rugs, and beyond. Here are some of our favorite high-contrast combinations:

–Navy and white for a nautical look
–Black and white creates a photographic vibe
–Pink and white reminds you of love and romance
–Turquoise and white gives you a beachy feel
–Yellow and white make every day a sunny day

22. Tiny Wall Art

Small rooms are the perfect place to create the tiniest art gallery. Shop thrift stops, galleries, and home decor stores for small paintings and prints. Then hang a bunch of them on one wall for an eclectic collection. You can even make your own art by painting small canvases or canvases of different sizes that are on the smaller side. 

Also, consider getting your favorite photos printed in 3×5 or 4×6 sizes and displaying them on the wall. The more and the smaller the better!

We’d love to know if any of these ideas have you inspired to change up your current space! If you need some professional help on any of these ideas, reach out to a local handyman for help. Reach out to us on social media or in the comments below and let us know what you think. Happy decorating!

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