14 Small Bedroom Ideas to Make Your Space Feel Bigger Than It Really Is (2024)

To feel luxurious, a bedroom doesn't need soaring ceilings or a lot of square footage. In fact, small bedrooms often have a cozier, more intimate aura, which can help make the space relaxing and personal. The trick to how to arrange furniture in a small bedroom is to make space and use accessories and color in ways that art equal parts functional and aesthetically pleasing. Although you don't want to skimp on style, you shouldn't be tripping over furniture legs or bumping into your dresser as you roll out of bed each morning.

To ensure a tight space fits your needs, you'll have to get creative with your small bedroom layout, furnishings, storage solutions, and design choices. The elements can come together with the right pieces in the right places to create a comfortable, organized retreat. Whether you're looking for small primary bedroom ideas or decorating advice for a little guest room, these tips on how to decorate a small bedroom will help you maximize whatever space you have available and make it feel much larger than it is.

1. Consider How the Room Functions

To make the most of a small bedroom, you need to decide how you plan to use the space. Sleeping is a given, of course, but you might also want to use the room as a home office area or a place to get dressed in the morning. You'll likely need to get creative with how to arrange furniture in a small bedroom to accommodate various functions. For instance, you could push the desk next to the wall by your bed so it can pull double-duty as a nightstand and workstation. If you have room, try relocating your dresser to the closet to clear floor space in the main bedroom area.

2. Size Down Bedroom Furniture

Look to furnishings with sleek profiles and lighter visual weight when considering what to buy and how to arrange furniture in a small bedroom. For example, if you can live without a queen-size bed, go for a full to free up more floor space. Choose a bed frame and nightstands with clean lines to create a more open look. Instead of setting up a bulky standing bookcase, mount narrow floating shelves on the wall for storage. Paring down your furniture can make a huge difference in how spacious your small bedroom feels.

3. Choose a Bedroom Focal Point

Every room needs a focal point—an eye-catching spot that establishes a hierarchy so the design doesn't appear chaotic. Many times, the focal point is the head of the bed, which you can amplify with an arrangement of bold pillows or by hanging a piece of wall art directly above. When designing a small bedroom, a window might also attract your eye. Rather than let these two strong elements compete for attention, place the bed in front of the window, so they work together. Alternatively, dress one item (either the bed or the window) neutrally so it recedes and the other can take center stage.

4. Keep Your Small Bedroom Layout Open

It might be tempting to buy the biggest bed possible to create a luxurious retreat. But doing so in a small bedroom can cause it to feel cramped. So instead, choose a bed frame with small stature that won't take over the room, such as an iron bed with a see-through headboard and footboard. A bed with no footboard, such as a platform or storage bed, also works well. Keeping the bed's profile to a minimum keeps the middle of your room open, making it feel larger.

5. Go Bold with Small Bedroom Decor

Consider two very different options for decorating a small bedroom. You can make it dark and cozy with saturated colors like charcoal gray, hunter green, or navy blue. Or you can create a light and bright feel with barely dressed windows and a light-bouncing color on the wall, such as cloud white or sunshine yellow. Either way, don't take a weak approach. Decorating a small bedroom allows you to go bold without risking too much money or effort.

6. Sneak In Small Bedroom Storage

When decorating a tight space, every square inch is potential small bedroom storage. Sure, you can stash petite sweater boxes under the bed, but if you boost the bed frame on blocks and add a voluminous skirt, you could even hide a set of luggage under there. Place a storage ottoman under the window to hold extra bedding. Consider using a chest as a bedside table to gain drawer space. When organizing a small bedroom, make the most of your closet with an organizer system, and look for wall space where you can hang a bookshelf.

7. Seize Opportunities in a Small Bedroom

Look for ways to make your small bedroom special. Decorate a bedroom with punchy fabrics and bold patterns. Choose interesting light fixtures, such as a charming chandelier or sculptural table lamps. Try an unusual headboard for a small bedroom idea that makes a statement. Pick one that's extra tall, brightly upholstered, or curvy. Then add artwork that shows off your personality. It doesn't have to be pricey; framed snapshots will do. Remember, this is the most personal space in your home, so decorate a bedroom with what makes you happy.

8. Maximize Light in a Small Bedroom

You might want to rethink black-out window treatments in a small bedroom. Instead, embrace natural light to help a small bedroom feel light and airy. Layer drapes with a light-blocking shade for style and optimal light control.

9. Use Small Bedroom Design Tricks

This small bedroom idea helps trick the eye into believing the space is larger. Hanging window treatments closer to the ceiling creates the impression of taller walls. Have a partner hold up curtains to try it, making sure that the ends still graze the floor. Seeing the instant transformation such a minor fix can make is impressive.

10. Make a Small Bedroom Feel Larger

Decorating a small bedroom can get tricky if it has odd nooks and corners. Use light, crisp colors to minimize unique features like lower ceilings. Bright whites look luxe in any sized room and even turn this slanted-ceiling kids' room into a spacious play zone. Paint the walls and ceiling the same shade to downplay any awkward angles.

11. Utilize Bedside Storage

Be smart about storage when decorating a small bedroom. Employ a nightstand with drawers and shelves and install a floating shelf above for extra storage in a small bedroom. Consider room organizers for small rooms for maximum clutter control.

12. Decorate with Soft Edges

When decorating a small bedroom, go for furniture with rounded edges. It will take up less floor space and help widen walkways. Half-circle nightstands and round ottomans with hidden storage compartments are ideal for small bedroom decor.

13. Make a Statement on Bedroom Walls

Creating a beautiful space within limited square footage doesn't have to be complicated. Our best advice on how to decorate and arrange furniture in a small bedroom? Add one piece of drama. In this bedroom, a suzani patterned tapestry serves as an eye-catching headboard. Paired with other boho accessories, it ties the whole room together.

14. How to Arrange Furniture in a Small Bedroom

You might need to defy convention regarding design ideas for small bedrooms. Specifically, don't be afraid to rearrange furniture until you land on the ideal small bedroom layout. For example, the bed slightly overlaps the two windows in this room, but the placement provides ample walkways. Just be sure to move furniture several inches away from the window to make room for blinds and curtains.