Selecting and arranging furniture and accessories for a small bedroom is challenging. Moreover, making the space appear larger is tricky unless you know of specific techniques that help maximize it. Try these 15 small bedroom design tips for a comfortable and functional space.
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1. Paint the bedroom white
Choosing white paint for your bedroom walls and ceiling makes the room appear larger because it reflects light. In contrast, darker colours absorb the light, making the room less airy and feel smaller.
You may choose various white colours, such as dirty white, ivory, eggshell, vanilla, or Navajo white.
2. Let natural light in
Letting natural light in creates a cosier atmosphere, perfect for a small bedroom. Moreover, natural light improves your mood and brings in more Vitamin D. It’s also a subtle way to bring the outdoors indoors.
3. Keep it minimal
Dealing with a small bedroom means you’ll have to curate the furniture pieces and accessories. You won’t have the freedom to display your favourite massive sculpture if you lack space.
That said, one of the simplest small bedroom design ideas is minimalism. Never hoard stuff. Keep only the necessary things in your bedroom to prevent clutter.
4. Add mirrors
In addition to painting your walls white, adding a few mirrors in your small bedroom is another trick to make it appear larger.
Try displaying a mirror across a window so the mirror reflects light illuminating the space.
5. Create a bed nook
Maximize an awkward nook in your bedroom by placing a bench in it. Installing a full-length shelf can also turn it into a storage area.
If the nook is big enough for a bed, you can even transform it into a cosy bed nook.
6. Draw the eyes upwards
Another secret small bedroom design technique is to draw the eyes upwards. You want to create an illusion that the small space is bigger than it seems through a vertical perspective.
If you can’t have a high ceiling, make it seem like your space has one. Paint vertical stripes on the wall or hang artwork and arrange them vertically.
7. Recessed shelves
Storage is a significant issue for small bedrooms. One of the biggest furniture pieces is the shelf. If you can’t have a full-fledged shelf, create a recessed one. This allows you to enjoy the storage without compromising bedroom space.
8. Opt for multi-purpose furniture
We hate to burst your bubble, but you won’t be able to display all the necessary furniture pieces in a small bedroom. A nightstand, chest of drawers, or dresser might look cramped in a limited area.
That said, you can choose multi-purpose furniture that does the job. For instance, you can grab an ottoman that doubles as storage. Also, instead of having a bedside table, you can feature smaller types of dressers that accommodate your needs.
9. Wall-installed bedside light
If your dresser is too high for your bedside lamp, install the lighting fixture on the wall. It will save you space, and you don’t need to have a nightstand for it.
You may even grab bedside lamps that can be clipped to a headboard.
10. Consider your type of bed
A Murphy bed is a good choice for a small bedroom because it creates floor space when not in use. Otherwise known as a wall bed, this type of bed can be folded up a wall and presents a cabinet-like exterior.
Another option is to consider a small double bed, they are slightly narrower but that extra 6 inches of space could make all the difference. A small double is still perfectly adequate, especially for a single adult or a guest bedroom. Ensure you get a good quality small double mattress from somewhere like Simba so you know you are still going to have a comfortable bed even though it is a tiny bit smaller.
11. Install floating shelves
One of the most helpful small bedroom design tips is to keep things floating, such as your shelves. Install a floating shelf to make way for furniture pieces like dressers, beds, or nightstands.
12. Optimize bed storage
Under the bed and the foot of the bed are the two places where you can store things you won’t need daily. You can grab those storage boxes, segregate your stuff, and slide them under the bed.
Or you can get a bedroom bench that doubles as your storage for more oversized items that can’t be folded or hung.
13. Attach a hanging rod
If you’re short on shelf space, attach a hanging rod in an empty corner or nook. This way, you can hang clothes that don’t fit in your wardrobe and regain the space when you keep your clothes away.
14. Install a wall-mounted desk
You can build a workstation by installing a wall-mounted desk if you’re working from home.
Some installations even fold up like a Murphy bed when not in use. Pair it with a modern chair with slender legs or a glass chair to give the illusion of more space.
15. Create an accent wall
An accent wall is one of the most practical small bedroom design tips that expands your space. It’s an interior wall decorated differently than the other walls, so it stands out.
It could be a different wall paint colour, wooden pallets, or a gallery of wall art—the possibilities are endless. Having an accent wall means spending little effort sprucing up the room and expressing your personality without displaying too many accessories that take up space.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to design a small bedroom to maximize space and functionality takes minimal effort if you do these hacks. The idea is to make the room less cramped and clutter-free by utilizing inconspicuous areas. Selecting the right furniture items is also crucial to have a proper bedroom arrangement.
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