Small bedroom ideas: 18 ways to maximise your space
By Ellie Reeves | 1st December 2023 | 6 min read
Our favourite space saving bedroom ideas
Tired of feeling like you’re living in a shoebox? These small room ideas will help maximise your bedroom space (and minimise your headaches). We’ve got plenty of advice on choosing storage for your small bedroom, as well as ideas for decorating your room to make it appear bigger. From being strategic with where you place your mirrors, to choosing paint with a silky finish – there are endless tips and tricks that will make your small room feel more spacious.
Ready to breathe some life back into your cramped bedroom? Carry on reading for all the small bedroom design inspiration you’ll ever need.
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Small bedroom storage ideas
In a small bedroom, every inch counts, so let’s spark some creativity with these ideas for bedroom storage...
1. Under bed storage boxes
Make use of the space under your bed by investing in some under bed storage boxes. Use them to store seasonal clothes, spare bedding, and any other bits and bobs you’ve got lying around.
2. Store it up high
If you’ve got a high ceiling, make the most of the vertical space by fitting some high shelves to store all of your stuff that you don't use very often.
3. Choose a narrow wardrobe
When choosing a wardrobe for your small bedroom, look out for a slim or narrow wardrobe – it will take up less floor space. Maximise the space in your wardrobe with slim clothes hangers and some hanging organisers for socks, scarves, and other small clothing items.
4. Utilise multipurpose storage
Pick bedroom storage which serves multiple functions. You could use a storage ottoman as a footrest, coffee table, and a place to store extra blankets. Or a daybed could serve as a sofa during the day, and a place to sleep at night.
5. Don't forget corner space!
Got a corner that’s going to waste? Install a corner shelf unit for even more storage space.
6. Hang it up
Install hooks on your walls. Hooks are great for hanging items such as coats, handbags, or hats without taking up valuable wardrobe or drawer space.
7. Install a folding desk
If your bedroom doubles up as an office space too, why not use a folding desk to free up floor space? We have a range of freestanding foldable desks to choose from. Or make your own DIY folding desk and attach to your bedroom wall with hinges.
8. Hang a wall-mounted bedside table
Free up even more floor space by ditching the freestanding bedside tables and replacing them with freestanding ones. You could use floating shelves or some reclaimed wood to create your very own floating bedside table.
9. Choose bedroom furniture with visible legs
Looking for ways to make your space feel more open and less cramped? Pick furniture pieces with visible legs, it will make your room appear more spacious and open!
10. Use a headboard with built-in storage
A headboard with storage shelves can hold books, plants, or decorative ornaments. Not only are you finding new places to store your items, but a storage headboard can also create a gorgeous visual statement in your bedroom. We’ve got a selection of headboard cabinets to pick from, or you could build your own!
Small bedroom decorating ideas
Your room may be small, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be stylish. Here are some fun and creative small bedroom design ideas.
11. Choose a neutral colour scheme
Soft, neutral colours like beige, cream and pastel shades will make your room feel bigger and brighter. You could also choose paint with a silk finish, once it dries it has a reflective surface which will help bounce light around the room.
12. Don’t shy away from bold colours and patterns
You don’t need to have a large bedroom to use bold patterns and colours. In fact, they’ll make your room feel more vibrant and dynamic. Use bold wall art, accessories, and soft furnishings to bring your small bedroom décor to life. Just try not to overcrowd your room with too many decorations. You want to get the balance just right so that it looks decorated, but not cluttered.
13. Create the illusion of space with mirrors
Mirrors bounce light around a room, so they can help make your small bedroom appear much bigger than it is. Be strategic with how you place your mirrors, you could hang different shape and size mirrors to create a unique feature wall. If you can, hang mirrors opposite a window, this will reflect as much natural daylight into the room as possible.
Think about your furniture too, you could choose a wardrobe with mirrored doors, or a mirrored chest of drawers. If you’ve got a desk and chair that you use as a study area, it could also double up as a dressing table – just hang a small mirror on the wall or pop a freestanding one on your desk. If you want to hang a full length mirror but don’t have spare wall space, hang one behind your door.
14. Maximise natural daylight
The first rule of small bedroom lighting is to maximise natural daylight. We suggest ditching heavy curtains in favour of blinds or voiles. When the sun goes down, artificial lighting can make a huge difference in a small bedroom.
15. Get creative with bedroom lighting
Think about layering your lighting. Instead of relying on a single bedroom ceiling light, use a combination of table lamps, wall sconces, and other decorative lighting. Why not hang up a string of fairy lights above your bed, or add a stylish small bedside lamp to your nightstand? Play with different shades and lightbulbs to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Browse our range of indoor lighting and bring some cosiness to your small bedroom.
16. Create a gallery wall
Make use of vertical space and design your very own gallery wall – full of framed photos, artwork, or prints to add personality. Your bedroom is a reflection of who you are and what you love, so decorate your walls with your favourite art prints, cherished memories, and anything that is meaningful to you.
17. Embrace minimalism
When it comes to designing your small bedroom, keep things simple. Try to avoid cluttering the space with too many decorations or furniture pieces. Instead, choose a few key pieces that are both functional as well as pleasing to the eye.
18. Have regular clear outs
Everything in your bedroom should serve a purpose, and if it doesn’t, move it elsewhere in the home or donate it to charity. By embracing minimalism in your bedroom design, you’ll transform your small space into a calm and inviting oasis. A tidy bedroom is the key to a restful night’s sleep.
