If you’re like me, you’ve probably lived in at least one place where the master bedroom wasn’t as spacious as you’d like. Decorating a small bedroom can be a challenge. But low square footage doesn’t mean you have to settle for a lack of class and character in the décor.
Here’s your complete guide to tiny bedroom design:
Focus on the Headboard
This is a trick you’ll see in a lot of small hotel rooms. A headboard is a great place to highlight your personal style. They add depth and feelings of openness without reducing usable space.
There are three types of headboards:
- Metal – Brass, bronze, black, white and more
- Wooden – Rustic or contemporary. Can be painted or unpainted.
- Upholstered – Many styles, colors, prints and fabrics are available
Headboards can be either attached or wall mounted. An attached headboard fits directly into the bed. This headboard will need to fit the width of your bed.
Related: Best Beds for Small Rooms
Wall-mounted headboards are a bit more flexible. They don’t have to conform to the size of the bed. You can really go outside the box with a wall-mounted headboard. Something as simple as a map can make for an excellent, eye-catching headboard.
Use Colors to Influence Perceptions
The clever use of colors can make a small room feel much more open and inviting. Avoid painting all four walls the same color. This makes the room feel small and boxy.
Instead, make one wall a focal point. You can add luxe paper, textured paneling, a different color or something else to draw the eye.
Don’t be afraid to use contrasting colors. White walls next to darker shades create an illusion of depth. On the other hand, bright colors next to white walls add a sense of energy and vibrancy to a space.
When using colors, stick to no more than two different hues. Otherwise, the room can feel too busy. Ideally, you want to select room colors before you purchase any linens or furniture. This way you can buy room items which fit into the overall color scheme.
Lighting Do’s and Don’ts
The right lighting helps a small room feel comfy and inviting. Generally, you want to avoid large overhead light fixtures. A large fixture can make a room appear hot, short and cramped. Plus, a big light source on the ceiling can make a bedroom feel more like an office.
Floor lamps work in some situations. While floor lamps generally have a wide base, they generally take up minimal space otherwise. You can often put a floor lamp behind a bed or low piece of furniture.
Wall lights are another options. Some lights can be built directly into the wall. You can find a variety of styles including picture lights, wall LEDs, swing arm lights and more.
You don’t have to spend big to have great, versatile lighting. Adding dimmer switches to existing fixtures is an inexpensive way to control the light flow. Portable lights can be stuck onto walls, inside closets and more. You can find battery operated, stick-on lights of practically any size and style.
Window Coverings for the Win
The type of window treatments used can dramatically influence the look of a tiny room. Install curtain rods close to the ceiling. Then hang long curtains which reach the floor. The overall effect will help the room seem taller.
Your curtain rod should be significantly wider than the actual windows. Use the curtains to cover just a small section of the window frame – but also cover a large portion of the wall on either side of the frame. This makes the windows appear larger.
Mirror Mastery
Mirrors are often a must for tiny bedrooms. Mirrors add feelings of depth and space. In a way, they’re like adding additional windows.
You can hang one large mirror, which adds the look of extra square footage. But a large mirror isn’t your only option. Try hanging several small mirrors in a group. This adds depth to the room while also creating a unique visual design.
Watch the Handles on Closet Doors and Furniture
In a tiny bedroom, even the smallest object can have a big impact. The handles on drawers and closets can be a major annoyance. You want doors and drawers with minimal hardware. Otherwise, you might find yourself bumping into your furnishings.
You might also want a simple, small bed frame. Anything too large might needlessly take up space. Also, a frame with a glossy finish can help bounce light throughout the room.
Accessorize with Style
Accessories don’t have to be large. A small desk clock, paintings on the wall and other simple things helps a space lose any office look.
Don’t forget about living decorations. A small plant or two often adds a nice, natural touch. Snake plants, aloe plants and English Ivy all require indirect light and minimal care.
Avoiding the Tiny Bedroom Design Pitfalls
If you have a small bedroom, resist the temptation to simply not decorate at all. Many tiny spaces end up with not much personality. Guys think putting too many things in a small room will shrink the space visually. So, in an attempt to avoid over-decorating, many of us simply don’t attempt to decorate at all.
That’s a mistake. You absolutely should decorate a small room. The tiny bedroom design tips above are easy to implement, inexpensive and effective. Your tiny bedroom can have big style!
