How to Make a Small Bedroom Look Bigger

Do you feel like your small bedroom is a bit crowded? Don’t worry! You can make your tiny space look and feel bigger easily.

Just use clever design and organization tricks to turn your small bedroom into a cozy sanctuary that feels open and spacious. Let’s explore some fantastic tips to help you do just that.

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Ways to Make a Bedroom Feel Bigger

A smaller bedroom doesn’t have to feel cramped – with strategic design choices, you can create an illusion of space that enhances both functionality and aesthetics. Perfect to increase your comfort or the comfort of visitors in a guest bedroom.

From smart storage solutions to color palettes and furniture arrangements, consider these practical insights to make your cozy bedroom feel larger and more inviting.

Use the Right Size Mattress

Using the correct mattress size is important for making your room feel just right. When a mattress is too big for the room, it can make the space seem small and crowded. Imagine trying to fit a big puzzle piece into a small puzzle – it just doesn’t fit!

For many people, a queen size mattress works well because it’s not too big for a single sleeper and it’s also great for couples who want to share the bed comfortably. So, choosing the right mattress size can really help your room feel cozy and spacious. To help, here’s an overview of the usual mattress sizes and dimensions.

Mattress Size	Dimensions in Inches
Twin	38 inches by 74 inches
Twin XL	38 inches by 80 inches
Full	54 inches by 75 inches
Queen	60 inches by 80 inches
King	76 inches by 80 inches
California King	72 inches by 84 inches

Center the Bed or Place it by a Window

Choosing the right spot for your bed can have a big impact on your room’s vibe. When you place your bed in the center of the room, it creates a sense of balance and openness, making your sleeping environment feel just right.

On the flip side, if you position it by a window, you’ll get to enjoy a lovely view and welcome in the morning sunshine, which can make your room feel bright and cheerful. So, whether you go for balance or a view, where you put your bed can make a big difference in how your room feels.

Lower the Bed

A lower bed creates a lower visual profile, allowing for a clearer line of sight across the room. This can make the room feel more open and less cramped, contributing to a more balanced and proportional look in the room. It reduces the dominance of the bed in the visual space, allowing other elements in the room to have a more significant impact.

Lowering the bed can also free up vertical space, providing opportunities to incorporate other furniture or design elements like shelves or wall-mounted items that draw the eyes upward and give the illusion of height.

Keep Bedding Simple

Simplifying your bedding choices is a smart way to make your room feel just right. Using bold colors and throw pillows in your bedding can be exciting, but be careful – they might take over your room and make it seem smaller.

Also, avoid using too many colors in your bedding and decor, as this can crowd the room and make it feel busy. Instead, choose a calm and coordinated color scheme for your bedding to create a peaceful and spacious atmosphere in your bedroom. Finish it off by arranging pillows on the bed to look neat without overcrowding the bed.

Remove Clutter

Getting rid of clutter in the bedroom is a great way to make your room feel more spacious. When you have random things scattered around, it can actually make the room seem smaller, even if it’s not.

This idea also works for other unnecessary stuff in your bedroom. Consider if you really need curtains, or go even further by thinking about removing a TV or your desk. By doing this, you can open up more space and create a room that feels much bigger.

Paint the Walls a Light Color

Opting for light-colored walls is a great idea to make your room feel bigger and more open. Light colors have this magical ability to open up a room, unlike dark colors, which can make it feel a bit snug. To enhance this effect, you can paint the trim an even lighter color or experiment with an accent wall or a half-wall design to add a touch of flair to your space.

And don’t forget, light pastels, muted colors, and even the default white not only make your room feel larger but are also bedroom colors that promote relaxation, helping you drift into a peaceful sleep.

Experiment with Wall Art

Trying out different wall art can have a big impact on your room’s appearance. If you choose smaller paintings and wall art, it can make the walls seem to “pull back,” creating a feeling of more space.

On the other hand, larger paintings can give your room a sense of scale, making it feel cozier. So, when you experiment with wall art, you can play with the perception of space in your room and create a unique atmosphere that suits your style.

Hang a Back of the Door Organizer

Hanging a back-of-the-door organizer is a clever way to save space and keep things neat in your room. This organizer hooks onto the back of your door, providing handy pockets and shelves to store items like shoes, accessories, or small belongings. It’s like adding extra storage without taking up any floor space!

So, if you want to keep your room tidy and create more room to move around your bedroom environment, consider giving a back-of-the-door organizer a try.

Cleverly Arrange Mirrors

Arranging mirrors in a clever way can really change how your room feels. Mirrors have a trick up their sleeve – they can reflect light and the room, making it seem much more open. When you strategically place mirrors, they bounce light around and create a sense of spaciousness that can make your room feel bigger than it is. So, don’t underestimate the power of mirrors in making your space feel bright and open.

Pick Low-Profile Furniture with Slim Legs

Choosing furniture with low profiles and slim legs can make a big difference in your room. When you pick furniture like beds and chairs with low profiles, it doesn’t take up too much visual space and makes your room feel more open.

Slim legs on furniture, like tables and couches, allow you to see more floor underneath, which gives the illusion of more room. So, when you’re shopping for furniture, keep an eye out for these features to help create a spacious and airy vibe in your room.

Move Furniture Away from the Walls

Moving your furniture away from the walls is a smart move for making your room feel bigger. When you keep furniture pressed against the walls, it can make your space seem cramped and closed in.

But, if you pull your furniture away from the walls, it opens up the room’s center and creates a more spacious feeling. So, don’t be afraid to rearrange your furniture to give your room a cozier and more expansive atmosphere.

Take Advantage of Vertical Space

Utilizing vertical space can be a game-changer when it comes to making your room feel more spacious. By hanging wall art, dangling a bedroom plant in a hanging pot, or adding high-up shelves, you can draw the eye upwards, making the room appear taller and larger.

A tall headboard for your bed or wallpaper with vertical stripes can achieve a similar effect, as can floor-to-ceiling curtains or a bed canopy with a matching bedskirt. Moreover, elevating your bed not only gives the room a sense of height but also increases underbed storage, making your space even more functional and roomy.

So, when you think vertically wih projects like a DIY bed canopy, you can create a visually expansive and efficient room.

Get Creative with Lights

Getting creative with lighting is a fun way to make your room feel bigger and cozier. You can try wall-mounted lamps, hanging ceiling lights, a string of tiny light bulbs for mood lighting, or even smaller lamps strategically placed around your room. These lighting options not only brighten up your space but also free up valuable floor space, making your room look and feel more open.

So, when you experiment with different lighting ideas, you can give your room a unique and spacious ambiance that suits your style.

Try Translucent or Mirrored Furniture

An interesting trick to make your room appear larger is to consider using furniture that’s translucent or mirrored. You can opt for a see-through chair, a desk with a glass top, or even a table with a mirrored surface. These unique furniture pieces create a clever illusion that expands the space visually.

So, by trying out these special furniture choices, you can add a touch of style while making your room feel more open and spacious.

What Makes a Bedroom Smaller: Things to Avoid in a Small Bedroom

In a small bedroom, every inch of space counts, and avoiding certain common pitfalls can make a significant difference in how spacious and inviting your room feels. We’ll explore the key things to avoid that can inadvertently shrink your bedroom, helping you create a more open and comfortable living space out of even the tiniest studio bedroom apartment.

Excessive Furniture

Steer clear of using excessive furniture in your room, as it can overcrowd the space and make it feel really cramped. When there are too many pieces of furniture, there’s less room to move around, and the space can feel cluttered and overwhelming. Instead, choose a few essential pieces that you really need and love, and arrange them in a way that leaves plenty of open space. This way, you can maintain a more comfortable and open feel in your room.

Look also at how you can minimize the number of pieces you have with multipurpose furniture solutions. Fold-out desks or wall-mounted desks, bookcase headboards, storage benches, lofted bedframes, modular shelving units, closet organizers, and bed frames with drawers or trundle beds are all smartly designed pieces of furniture that can help you make the most of space and optimize your bedroom.

Poor Lighting

Don’t underestimate the power of good lighting in your small bedroom. Inadequate lighting can cast shadows and make the room feel cramped. Instead, choose well-distributed and layered lighting sources to brighten up every corner and create the illusion of a larger, more inviting space.

Dark Colors

To ensure your small bedroom feels more open, it’s best to avoid dark colors that can make it seem closed off. Instead, go for light and neutral shades that give a sense of space.

Also, say no to bulky furniture in dark finishes, as big pieces can take over the room and use up precious floor area. Choose furniture that’s more compact and lightly colored to keep the room feeling spacious and easy to move around in.

Lack of Storage Solutions

Having enough storage in your small bedroom is crucial for keeping things tidy and making the space feel larger. If you don’t have proper storage solutions where you can store bedding and other essentials, clutter can quickly build up, making the room seem even smaller than it is.

So, make sure to find smart storage options like shelves, baskets, and under-bed storage to keep your belongings organized and your room feeling open and spacious. Some trunks, benches, and ottomans even double as both storage devices and places to sit, letting you save space with multipurpose furniture. You can even go beyond a basic ottoman footstool and look at ottoman beds for more storage.

Disorganized Layout

To ensure your small bedroom feels open and well-organized, it’s important to avoid a cluttered layout. Avoid placing furniture in a manner that blocks pathways or disrupts the natural flow of the room, as this can make the space feel cramped and chaotic. A bedroom you can’t easily walk out of also isn’t best for fire safety as you sleep.

Instead, arrange your furniture thoughtfully, leaving clear pathways that allow for easy movement and a more spacious atmosphere. A well-organized layout can go a long way in making your small bedroom feel inviting and comfortable. As a bonus, improving the layout is a great way for a DIY bedroom makeover on a budget.

Overdecorating

When decorating your small bedroom, remember to avoid going overboard with decorations or using busy patterns. Too much decoration can overwhelm the space and make it feel crowded. Opt for a more minimalistic approach with a few well-chosen decorations that add to the room’s charm without making it seem smaller. This way, you can maintain an open and inviting atmosphere in your bedroom.

FAQs

How can I make my small bedroom look nice?

To make a small bedroom look attractive, experiment with some design tactics. Apply light and neutral colors to walls, bedding, and other areas to give a feeling of openness. Select furniture with simple lines and think about furniture that can serve more than one purpose, like a bed with storage drawers or a foldable desk.

Strategically place mirrors to bounce light and make the room seem larger. Keep clutter in check by tidying up often and choose minimal decorations to prevent the room from feeling too crowded. Adding a standout feature, like a captivating headboard or artwork, can grab attention and boost the room’s overall appearance.

How can I make my room cozy without spending money?

Rearranging your furniture is a way to create a cozy atmosphere by setting up an inviting layout. Simply adding soft textures, like blankets and throw pillows, to your bed or seating area can quickly make the space feel warm and friendly. If you have separate blankets for couples, you might be able to experiment with a mix-and-match look.

String lights or bedroom candles with warm lighting can also help establish a calm and relaxed vibe. Rearrange your decor to display special items or favorite photos, and bring nature indoors by placing bedroom plants or other greenery. For budget-friendliness, think about reusing or repurposing things you already own.

What are the must-haves for a bedroom?

Your bedroom should be well-equipped to match your comfort and needs. The important items include a comfy mattress, pillows, and bedding that support your sleep style, reducing sleep disruptions. They should keep you cool, ease pressure, and help you get restorative rest. These are the essential must-haves, but there are other important pieces for your bedroom.

To keep your room tidy, storage solutions like dressers, closets, or under-bed space are crucial. A bedside table or shelf offers a handy place for things like a lamp, book, or water glass. Curtains or blinds give you privacy and control over light, and good electrical lighting is a must. Adding personal touches like artwork, photos, and other decor can bring character to your space.

Where should a bed be placed in a small room?

To make the most of a small room, it’s important to maximize the space available. Think about putting your bed against the longest wall to create a sense of openness and reduce the feeling of being cramped. This often means the bed’s foot will be closer to the entrance. Another idea is to place the bed near a window, which gives the illusion of more space and lets natural light brighten up the room, making it feel more open and spacious.

If you’re looking for a different approach, you can position the bed diagonally in a corner to add a visually interesting touch and open up more floor space. Lofted beds or bunk beds can also be smart choices for small rooms, as they create extra space underneath that can be used for different activities or storage. Or a Murphy bed cabinet, which lets you hide away a mattress during the day.

How do you layout a small bedroom?

In a small bedroom, arranging the layout right is key to using space well. Begin by putting the bed against the longest wall to make the most of the floor. Pick furniture that can serve different purposes – for instance, a desk can also be a vanity. Or a long trunk for storage that can also be a place to sit with some added cushion. Even a bed can be a place to lounge with a mattress for sitting up, though this can affect how easily you fall asleep at night.

Keep enough space between furniture for easy walking. Make use of shelves or wall-mounted organizers to save floor space. If your closet is small, organizers can help you use it better. Finally, keep balance by not putting in too much furniture and leaving some spaces open for moving around and a less crowded look.

Conclusion

Transforming a small bedroom into a more spacious and inviting retreat is entirely achievable with the right strategies. By avoiding common pitfalls like dark colors, bulky furniture, inadequate storage, and poor lighting, you can create a room that feels open and airy.

Embracing the power of smart design, organization, and strategic choices can turn your small bedroom into a cozy haven where space limitations no longer define your comfort and style.