Small Bedroom Decor Ideas
Decorating a small bedroom can be challenging, but there are several tricks and tips you can use to make the space feel cozy and functional! In both my current and previous home, the bedroom areas are pretty small and even a little awkward. I actually love working with these kinds of spaces and have developed a little arsenal of tricks. Here, I’m sharing all of my small bedroom decor ideas you can easily take and apply to your home.
First, let me just start off by saying that small can be amazing! (I’m not just saying this because I’m 5’2″ either…) But, with a few specific tricks, a small room can feel both cozy and spacious.
Both of these primary bedrooms would be considered “small” by any real estate standard, but I think they’re both functional and welcoming!
10 Small Bedroom Decor Ideas
1. Choose a Focal Point
Choose a focal point: A focal point, such as a bold headboard or a piece of artwork, can draw the eye and make the room feel more dynamic.
In both bedrooms, I used the headboard area as a focal point. One being a wood board attached to the wall. The other, a painted black half wall.
What’s Your Interior Design Style?
You could also use artwork, a light fixture, or curtains as a focal point.
ps. I LOVE this memory foam mattress – it arrived in a box and was so easy to set up!
2. Opt for Streamlined Furniture
Small spaces are not for those over sized accent chairs, massive dressers, or sleigh beds. They are, however, perfect for more minimal and streamlined furniture.
Look for pieces with unfussy design & minimal details. For this reason, I chose a matte black simple bed frame.
3. Add Visual Height
Get things off the floor and up high! This will not only create more space but also move yours eyes up and around, so the room feels more spacious.
For example, I chose a leaning ladder to hold extra blankets. Instead of a floor lamp, I opted for a hanging pendant. The wall shelf adds more height and makes it easy to change out artwork.
4. Get Clever with Storage
In a small bedroom, storage is key. Consider using under-bed storage containers, hanging shelves, or wall-mounted storage units to maximize space.
Check out my decorating solutions for other Bedroom Challenges.
5. Re-imagine Every Corner
One thing about small spaces is you do not have an inch to waste. I like to think of alternative ways a corner or a nook might be used.
I created a Corner Office Nook in my current home as well as a writing space in my previous home. Both served my current needs and made best use of the space.
My office nook could also transition into a vanity area – something I might try soon!
6. Choose Multi-Functional Furniture
When choosing furniture for small bedroom decor, think about how it might be used in different ways. This will help keep things simple.
For example, I often use a stool as a side table, plant stand, or extra seating when needed. For the bedroom, this writing area can also function as a vanity (just replace the artwork with a mirror).
7. Keep Decor Minimal
Minimal is the name of my game as it is. But, we all need a good reminder that a cluttered space can make a small bedroom feel even smaller.
I like to remove alllllll the decor from a space and then put back what I only need and love.
8. Choose Bedroom Furniture Proportionate to Space
Resist the urge to cram furniture into a space! It might be time to break up with a piece (or find storage, put in another room, find an alternative creative use). But small, or awkward spaces, mean choose furniture that fits the space.
Above, I chose a dresser (free from Craigslist, then painted with black milk paint) that maximized the space of this nook.
As for the bed, understanding the exact size can help determine the layout. (It also helps in determining what size rug is needed! Check out my rug guide for sizing and my favorite Geometric Area Rugs for ideas).
A mattress size guide offers measurements and visuals to make this task even easier.
9. Add Texture
Texture can add visual interest to a small space (or any space for that matter!). It makes a room feel cozy instead of cold. I mean, we’re trying to avoid the feeling of cramped, cold, cell here, right?
Adding a textured rug, linens, throw pillows, wall art, baskets, and curtains are all items I routinely use to add texture and interest.
10. Layer Lighting
Lighting can make all the difference with small bedroom decor. Consider using a mix of overhead lighting like this custom pendant light, a semi flush mount light, or even a basket light if the room can handle it.
Then add task lighting such as table lamps to create a layered and functional lighting scheme.
And, by all means, avoid those Cool White Light bulbs (I would say, get rid of them all together) – they will make the space feel stark, harsh, and sometimes add a blue tint.
If you’re feeling like you need more help in overall room decorating, you’ll want to check out my post How to Decorate a Room From Start to Finish to get started!
