A few words might come to mind when we think about small bedrooms: stuffy or cramped, or even claustrophobic. However, it actually does not have to be that way. Small bedrooms can be stylish. Not only that, there are several things you can do to make them look and feel bigger than they are (once you have mastered a few clever tips and tricks, that is). Here are several tips to make a small bedroom look bigger!
So if you’re living in a cramped box-room and you’re starting to feel like the walls are closing in, there are actually quite a few things you can try to give the illusion of a much bigger, cleaner space. Here are some of our top transformation tips for small bedrooms.
Why Transform Your Bedroom At All?
There are many reasons why you might want to transform your small bedroom. The lack of space might be getting you down, it may be in desperate need of a makeover, or you may even be thinking about renting it out. If you believe you can’t transform your tiny box room into a comfortable, cozy haven, we’re here to prove you wrong.
And if you’ve tried all the following tips and you’re still suffering from a lack of space and a deep fear of claustrophobia, maybe it’s time to move on. Luckily, there are lots of rooms for rent in Washington, DC, New York City, Boston, Austin, or anywhere else in the US.
The Best Ways to Make a Small Bedroom Look Bigger
1. Keep the Colors Light
Color can make a huge difference in the size of a bedroom. Dark colors like black, ebonys, burgonies, and deep navy blues give the illusion of a more closed-in, cramped space. There’s a simple reason for this, and it’s because the darker the color, the more light the walls will absorb.
So, if you actually want to make your room look much bigger, you need to let the light in, which means choosing colors that will not zap it out of the space completely. We suggest lighter shades, such as light greys and soft whites, as these will make your tiny box room feel much more open. But if you think that’s too boring, you can also go for pastels (like baby pinks and blues). Or, if you do not want to sacrifice darker colors at all, why not just paint one feature wall in that rich, dark shade?
2. Get Clever With Mirrors
Mirrors reflect natural light, which makes them one of the best ways to make your bedroom look bigger. If you place a large mirror opposite your window, this will reflect the light back into the room, giving the illusion of a larger space. And if you don’t have room for a tall, standing mirror, think mirrored furniture (like closets). These will not only make your bedroom bigger but also act as a very stylish piece of furniture at the same time – it’s a win-win!
3. Get Serious About Decluttering
If there’s one thing that can make a living room look much smaller, it’s clutter. If you’re struggling for space in a tiny bedroom, have a long, honest conversation with yourself about what you actually do need, and throw away the things that are just taking up all that valuable space.
4. Build Up
When it comes to storage, we often only think of floor space. But the thing is, you have at least four walls that you can use to your advantage. Install shelves on the wall to store books or anything else that’s taking up precious space. Think tall and thin cabinets or closets that will still give you plenty of storage without hogging all the room.
5. Choose Furniture That Will Help You Save Space
When you have a small space, every single piece of furniture counts. Luckily for you, there are actually a range of furniture types that double as storage to help you keep that clutter swept away and out of sight. One example is your bed — something everyone needs in their bedroom. If it’s elevated off the ground far enough, you can hide boxes under there. Alternatively, you can purchase a bed with drawers, which is a great way to store clothes like underwear and pyjamas without needing extra wardrobe space.
We also recommend avoiding big bulky bedroom furniture that will take up important space, such as a desk or a large wardrobe, as this will make your room look more cramped and cluttered. The smaller and sleeker, the better.
6. Let The Light In!
One of the best ways to make a small bedroom look bigger is by letting in as much natural light as possible. Make sure to move your furniture away from the window so it’s not blocking any natural light and stopping it from reaching the rest of the room.
If you’re worried about privacy, putting up light, sheer curtains or blinds will let light filter through the window during the day.
7. Pick a Point to Focus On
The last thing you want to do is draw attention to your room’s tiny size. Picking a focal point can actually help to take attention away from that. This is because a focal point will be the first place your eyes will go when you (or others) enter the room. Think of it as the main event.
The focal point doesn’t have to be fancy. A unique and interesting headboard, a feature wall that stands out, or even your favorite artwork piece will offer you something interesting to look at. This is also a great way to show off your personality.
8. Paint the Ceiling a Different Color
If your room comes with a low ceiling, here’s a handy little trick that should help improve the space. Try painting the ceiling a lighter shade than the walls. Seriously, try it. This will create an optical illusion of more height, which can make your bedroom look a lot larger than it actually is.
9. Keep Things Simple
Our bedrooms are our own personal space. That’s why they’re the perfect room for us to express our personality and truly be ourselves — especially if we’re living with others and aren’t granted the same luxury for other rooms in the house.
However, going over the top with decoration, furniture, and color can make an already small room look tiny. It’s best to keep things minimalistic when it comes to decorating. That doesn’t mean you can’t include textures and accessories to make the room feel like you – the last thing you want is to live and sleep in a soulless, clinical room that feels like it belongs in a hospital. The important thing is not to overcrowd the space. The phrase “less is more” definitely has some merit to it – keep accessories to a minimum, and only pick items you’re sure will serve the aesthetic of the room.
10. Layer Your Lighting
We already spoke about how important natural lighting is to make a room look bigger and more open, but this goes for standard lights, too. You won’t always have the daytime to help you give the illusion of more space. Ditch the big, overhead light and try to layer your lighting throughout the room instead.
Placing your lamps in a clever way can illuminate those dark corners and get rid of the shadows that might be making your bedroom look (and feel) more closed in. This tip will also give your room a cozier and more welcoming vibe.
11. Use Small Pictures
Photographs and artwork are some of the best and easiest ways to bring personality into your space, but too many pieces or one giant piece may actually make the room look crowded, which can give the impression of a smaller space. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t incorporate these special touches. Choose smaller pieces as these will make the walls look bigger and give the illusion of a bit more space.
12. Embrace Striped Wallpaper
This tip isn’t for everyone, but if you’re someone who likes a little bit of color and is willing to embrace more of a quirky and fun style, this one is definitely for you. This is because striped wallpaper can actually make your walls look longer and, in turn, make your room look taller.
13. Bring in Nature
Adding plants and flowers to your space can make a huge difference in smaller rooms, giving the space more depth and creating natural focal points for the eyes to settle on. On top of that, plants have loads of other benefits, such as purifying the air and giving a freshness to a room that might otherwise feel stuffy at times.
Just make sure not to overdo it. Too many plants in an already small room will make your space look cluttered, which will give you the opposite effect of what you’re actually trying to achieve.
14. Get Rid of Patterned Bedsheets
This may be a controversial one, but patterned bedsheets or bold colors can make your bed look far too messy and cluttered. Ideally, you want to keep your bed (and the space around your bed) as clean and clutter-free as possible. This will help with the overall appearance of your entire room.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t still incorporate these types of patterns into your bedroom. Go for simple bedlinens but decorate with bold-patterned pillows or a folded blanket. Don’t forget – less is more. When used sparingly, bold patterns and colors can tie an entire room together, creating a space that feels less cluttered and claustrophobic but also still seems like you.
Honorable Mentions
Did you think that was it? There are so many more ways you can make your bedroom look bigger. Here are some more quick tips you can try if you’re still struggling to find the space:
Avoid Too Many Soft Furnishings – A mountain of blankets, cushions, and cuddly toys will make your bed (and your room) feel cluttered and messy.
Decorate With Clean, Straight Lines – Try to avoid oval or unusual mirror shapes and photo frames. Straight, vertical lines and panels will give the illusion of a much taller room.
Incorporate Natural Textures – This includes wood-panelled furniture. Did you know that this type of surface actually reflects light better than normal matte surfaces?
Frequently Asked Small Bedroom Questions
What Color Bedding Makes a Room Look Bigger?
Just like with the walls, using light colors on your bed will make a room look bigger. We’re talking about greys, off-whites, and pastel colors such as baby blues, lilacs, and soft yellows. Although dark colors, like browns, navy blues, emerald greens, and black, look stylish, unfortunately, they won’t make your room look any larger.
What is the Best Bed for a Small Bedroom?
A normal double or king-size bed can make an already small bedroom look overcrowded. However, a Murphy bed is great for small bedrooms, as you only pull it down when you sleep. If you need more space during the day, just tuck the Murphy bed away.
Furthermore, lofty beds are also fantastic options for small bedrooms, as they provide extra space underneath the bed for things like storage, a small seating area, or even a desk and a computer.
What Bed Frame Makes a Room Look Bigger?
A high headboard bedframe can make a room look much bigger. This type of frame stretches tall above your bed, which can make your walls appear taller, draw your eyes upward, and make your bedroom look a lot bigger than it is. This can also create a focal point for the room and offer you the perfect excuse to show off your own style.
Parting Small Bedroom Tips
Small bedrooms don’t have to feel claustrophobic and closed in. In fact, if you are smart with storage and design, you can actually work with the room to open it up and give the illusion of a much larger space. Furniture, light, and even color make all the difference. Following our tips for small spaces will help you create a more open space and use every square inch to its full advantage without sacrificing your own style or your comfort.
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