Small Bedroom Ideas: Maximising Spaces and Tips
Stuck in a small bedroom? Don't worry! Discover clever small bedroom tips, space-saving ideas, and small room DÉCOR hacks that will make your tiny space feel like a palace (well, almost).
So, you've got a small bedroom. Maybe it's cosy, maybe it's charming, but let’s face it—sometimes it feels like there’s barely enough room to swing a cat (not that we recommend swinging cats). But before you resign yourself to living in a shoebox, take heart! With a few smart strategies and a little creativity, you can maximise your small bedroom space and turn it into a stylish, functional retreat. Let’s dive into the world of small bedroom tips, where we’ll show you how to make the most out of every square inch.
1. Embrace Multi-Functional Furniture: Because Who Needs a Gym Membership?
When you’re short on space, every piece of furniture has to pull double duty. That bed? It’s not just for sleeping—it’s a storage unit with a functional and stylish bed frame. That desk? It’s also a vanity, and maybe even a dining table if you’re really pressed for space.
The Mighty Storage Bed
One of the best investments for a small bedroom is a storage bed. A key feature of storage beds is under the bed storage, which maximises space in small bedrooms. Whether it’s a bed with built-in drawers or one that lifts up to reveal a hidden compartment, a storage bed can help you keep all your stuff neatly tucked away while freeing up precious floor space.
Pro Tip: If you’re on a budget, try using bed risers to lift your bed higher off the ground, then slide storage bins underneath. It’s like adding a whole new room—under your bed.
Fun Fact: The idea of a multi-functional bed isn’t new. In ancient Egypt, beds were often built with storage compartments underneath, proving that even the pharaohs knew how to make the most of a small space.
Fold It, Hide It, Love It
Foldable furniture is a small room’s best friend. Think wall-mounted desks that fold down when you need them and disappear when you don’t. Multifunctional furniture, such as a bedside table that doubles as a bookcase headboard or floating shelf, can also maximise space efficiency. Or, consider a Murphy bed that turns into a sofa or a desk during the day.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for furniture that offers hidden storage, like ottomans with lift-up tops or coffee tables with secret compartments. These pieces give you extra storage without taking up more space.
Fun Fact: Murphy beds were invented by William Lawrence Murphy in the early 1900s, when he lived in a small apartment and needed a way to turn his bedroom into a living space. Necessity really is the mother of invention!
2. Go Vertical: When Floor Space is in Short Supply, Look Up!
In a small bedroom, floor space is like gold, so why waste it on bulky furniture and clutter? Instead, think vertically and utilise awkward spaces created by architectural features for smart storage solutions.
Tall Dressers and Shelving
Opt for tall, narrow dressers instead of wide, squat ones. When choosing tall dressers and shelving, consider your bedroom layout to optimise small spaces for comfort and functionality. This way, you get the same amount of storage without sacrificing valuable floor space. The same goes for shelving—install shelves high up on the wall to store items you don’t need every day.
Pro Tip: Use the space above your door for a shelf. It’s a sneaky spot that’s often overlooked but perfect for storing books, baskets, or decorative items.
Fun Fact: In Japan, where space is often at a premium, homes are designed to maximise vertical space. You’ll find everything from lofted sleeping areas to hanging storage solutions in even the tiniest apartments.
Hang It All Up
Hooks, racks, and wall-mounted organisers are your new best friends. Use them to hang everything from jewellery to hats to handbags. Not only does this free up space, but it also turns your accessories into décor. For small bedrooms, consider bedside tables as an alternative solution to enhance both functionality and aesthetics.
Pro Tip: Install a pegboard on one wall to create a customisable storage solution for everything from keys to scarves. It’s like a Swiss Army knife for your wall—practical and stylish!
Fun Fact: The humble pegboard was invented by Karl Elsener in 1952 as a way to organise tools in his workshop. Little did he know that decades later, it would become a trendy storage solution for small spaces!
3. Reflect on This: Mirrors, the Magic Space Expanders
Mirrors are like the magic wands of interior design—they make everything look bigger and brighter and can serve as a focal point. In a small bedroom, they’re an absolute must.
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall (or Wardrobe)
Hang a large mirror on one wall to instantly make your room feel larger. If you can, place it across from a window to reflect natural light and brighten up the space. You can also opt for mirrored wardrobe doors, which serve the dual purpose of providing a full-length mirror and visually expanding the room.
Pro Tip: Choose mirrors with interesting frames to add a touch of style to your room. A mirror that doubles as art? That’s a win-win!
Fun Fact: The ancient Romans were among the first to use mirrors made from polished metal. While they were more functional than decorative, the idea of using reflective surfaces to enhance a space has been around for centuries.
4. Light It Up: Let There Be (Smart) Light
Lighting can make or break a small bedroom, especially when dealing with limited space. The right lighting not only illuminates your space but can also make it feel larger and more inviting.
Layered Lighting
Instead of relying on a single overhead light, layer your lighting with a mix of task, ambient, and accent lights. Wall sconces, string lights, and table lamps can add warmth and depth to your room without taking up floor space.
Pro Tip: Use wall-mounted sconces as bedside lights instead of table lamps. This frees up space on your nightstand for other essentials, like that pile of books you swear you’re going to read.
Fun Fact: String lights aren’t just for the holidays! They’ve been used for years in cafes and outdoor spaces to create a cosy, inviting atmosphere—and they work just as well in your bedroom.
Natural Light, Naturally
Maximise the natural light in your room to maximise space by keeping window treatments light and airy. If privacy is a concern, opt for sheer curtains or blinds that can be easily adjusted.
Pro Tip: If your room doesn’t get much natural light, use light-coloured décor and mirrors to bounce light around and create a brighter, airier feel. Try white or neutral bedding alongside them.
Fun Fact: The ancient Greeks and Romans were big fans of natural light and designed their homes to take full advantage of the sun’s rays. They knew that good lighting is essential for both space and mood!
5. Declutter and Simplify: The Power of Less
In a small bedroom, clutter is your worst enemy, especially when aiming for stylish and manageable small bedroom décor. It makes the space feel cramped and chaotic, which is the opposite of what you want in a bedroom. So, it’s time to channel your inner Marie Kondo and get rid of anything that doesn’t “spark joy”.
The Great Purge
Start by decluttering your bedroom, getting rid of items you don’t need, use, or love. Once you’ve parsed your belongings, find a home for everything. This might mean investing in some clever storage solutions, like under-bed bins, closet organisers, or multi-functional furniture.
Pro Tip: Keep surfaces like nightstands, dressers, and desks as clear as possible. Not only does this create a more serene environment, but it also makes your room feel larger.
Fun Fact: The average American home contains over 300,000 items, which is why decluttering has become such a popular movement at home and in TV shows across the world. Less really is more, especially in a small space!
Keep It Simple, Keep It Chic
When decorating a small bedroom, less is more. Choose a few key pieces of décor that you love, rather than filling the space with lots of small items. A statement piece of art, a stylish lamp, or a beautiful throw can have a big impact without overwhelming the room.
Pro Tip: Stick to a neutral colour palette with a few pops of colour to keep the space feeling open and airy. Too many bold colours or patterns can make a small room feel busy and cramped.
Fun Fact: Minimalism as a design trend took off in the 1960s, but the principles of keeping things simple and functional have been around for centuries. The Japanese concept of "wabi-sabi," which embraces simplicity and imperfection, has influenced minimalist design for generations.
Small Space, Big Style
Just because your bedroom is small doesn’t mean it can’t be stylish, functional, and comfortable. By using these small bedroom tips and space-saving ideas, you can create a room that feels bigger than it is—and one that you’ll love spending time in.
Remember, when it comes to small spaces, creativity is key. Whether you’re embracing multi-functional furniture, going vertical with your storage, or simply decluttering, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your small bedroom. So, get started on that makeover, and soon your tiny bedroom will be the cosiest, most stylish spot in the house.
Sweet dreams!
