This post is about How to Make a Small Bedroom Look Bigger
If you’ve ever wished for a little extra space in your small bedroom, you’re not alone; I promise.
I have too and while I was not able to add square footage, these tricks (which I’ll be sharing today) helped make my room feel bigger, brighter, and more open.
Whether you’re working with a cozy studio apartment or just a compact bedroom, these design tips will help you maximize your space without sacrificing style.
So, now that I have your attention, Let’s dive into my top 27 easy and effective strategies to help you open up your space and create a room that feels roomy and relaxed.
How to Make a Small Bedroom Look Bigger
1. Use Light Colors for a More Open Feel
I can’t overemphasize enough the power of light and neutral colors.
Lighter hues, like whites, soft grays, and pastel tones, reflect light and create the illusion of more space.
Go for light-colored paint on your walls and ceiling to make the room feel airy and open.
Not ready for a full paint job? Swap out your bedding and accessories for soft, light colors like light beige, blush pink, or pale blue.
These tones will add warmth without making the room feel closed off.
2. Use Vertical Space Wisely
When square footage is limited, go vertical.
Using the walls effectively can make a small bedroom feel much bigger.
Consider adding tall bookshelves, floating shelves, or wall-mounted nightstands to draw the eye upward.
By creating vertical storage, you leave more floor space open, which instantly makes the room feel less cramped.
3. Go for Narrow or Compact Furniture
When choosing furniture for your small bedroom, go for pieces that have a smaller, more compact profile.
Narrow nightstands, slim armchairs, and petite dressers will allow for more free-flowing space.
These options prevent the room from feeling overly crowded while still giving you the functionality you need.
4. Keep the Floor Clear: Use Under-Bed Storage
One of the best ways to make your small bedroom feel more spacious is to keep the floor as clear as possible.
Invest in under-bed storage solutions like bins or drawers to keep things organized and out of sight.
A bed that lifts for storage allows you to keep extra blankets, shoes, or clothing hidden away, creating a clutter-free environment that looks larger.
If you don’t want to go under bed, floating furniture pieces like wall-mounted desks or nightstands free up floor space and keep the room from feeling crowded.
5. Go for Light, Airy Window Treatments
I don’t know if anyone else has noticed but heavy curtains make your room feel weighed down, blocking out natural light and taking up visual space.
Go for light, airy window treatments like sheer curtains or blinds that allow natural light to flood the room.
The more light you can let in, the more spacious your room will feel.
If you’re looking for a bit of privacy, you can always layer sheer curtains with blackout shades for a balance of light and privacy.
6. Use Mirrors to Open Up the Space
Mirrors are an interior designer’s secret weapon when it comes to making a small space feel bigger.
A large mirror on one wall can reflect light and create the illusion of depth, making the room feel more expansive.
You don’t have to go big though—a few strategically placed smaller mirrors can work wonders as well.
Try using mirrored furniture, too.
A mirrored nightstand or dresser can reflect light and add a touch of glam without crowding the room.
Just remember to avoid overcrowding your space with too many mirrors, as that can overwhelm the room instead of helping it.
7. Opt for Light, Reflective Flooring
If you’re planning to replace your flooring, light-colored wood or laminate flooring is a great choice for a small bedroom.
Dark floors can make a room feel heavier, while light floors reflect more light and make the space feel more open.
If hardwood isn’t in your budget, consider light-colored rugs or carpeting.
A large rug can also help tie the room together and make it feel larger too.
Just make sure the rug is big enough to cover most of the floor area to avoid chopping up the space into smaller sections.
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8. Keep the Decor Simple and Minimal
When you’re working with limited space, less is usually more.
Avoid overcrowding your bedroom with excessive decor, it can make the room feel cluttered and tight.
Instead, focus on a few key pieces that you love—whether it’s a statement art piece, a cozy throw, or a potted plant.
9. Choose Furniture That’s Elevated or Transparent
When it comes to furniture, try to pick pieces that are elevated or semi-transparent.
Beds, chairs, and tables with legs (rather than solid bases) create a sense of openness because you can see more of the floor.
Transparent furniture, like an acrylic chair or glass coffee table, takes up less visual space and won’t clutter the room’s flow.
10. Create a Focal Point to Draw Attention Away from Size
If you’re worried about your small bedroom feeling cramped, create a focal point that draws attention away from the size of the room.
A bold art or a statement light fixture can shift the focus and create a stylish and visually interesting space.
When you have one strong focal point, the room feels less focused on its size and more centered on your beautiful design choices.
11. Keep the Ceiling Light and Bright
A dark ceiling can make a room feel like it’s closing in on you, especially in a smaller space.
Paint your ceiling a light color, like white or a soft pastel, to help draw the eyes upward and make the room feel more expansive.
You can even add subtle textures like light-colored beams or soft wallpapers to add depth without feeling heavy.
12. Declutter, Declutter, Declutter!
If you want to make your small bedroom feel bigger, the most important step is to declutter.
Excessive clutter can make even the largest of rooms feel small and chaotic. Keep your space organized and streamline your belongings.
Use clever storage solutions—like under-bed bins, floating shelves, and multi-purpose furniture—to keep everything tidy and out of sight.
The more organized your space, the more open and spacious it will feel.
13. Use a Large-Scale Art Piece
Sometimes, bigger really is better. A large piece of art or a big statement mirror can make the room feel grander by drawing the eye upward or outward.
Choose artwork that feels open and airy, like landscapes or abstract pieces with lots of space, to avoid overwhelming the room with too much detail.
14. Create a Floating Bed Look
If you want your room to look ultra-modern and spacious, consider using a floating bed.
This style shows a bed that appears to hover above the floor, giving the room an open, clean, and streamlined look.
A platform bed with sleek legs or a wall-mounted bed frame can help create the floating illusion, instantly expanding the space visually.
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15. Use Multi-Functional Furniture
In a small bedroom, multi-functional furniture is a game-changer. Look for pieces that can serve more than one purpose.
For instance, a storage ottoman can be used as both a place to sit and to stash extra bedding or clothing.
A desk that doubles as a vanity, or a fold-out wall bed, will give your room the flexibility to fit more functions while taking up less space.
16. Keep the Headboard Low
If you have a traditional bed with a large headboard, consider swapping it out for one that’s low-profile.
A tall headboard can take up a lot of visual space and make the room feel more cramped. Instead, opt for a simple or even no headboard to keep the room feeling open and airy.
17. Include Open Shelving
Closed-off cabinets or bulky furniture can make a small room feel even tighter. Instead, embrace open shelving to create a more open, airy vibe.
Floating shelves on the walls or open baskets and bins help keep things organized while allowing you to see the entire space.
18. Install Pocket or Sliding Doors
If your bedroom has traditional swinging doors, think about switching them out for sliding or pocket doors.
These kinds of doors save valuable floor space and create a more seamless flow from one room to the next, making the entire area feel less confined.
19. Use a Monochromatic Color Scheme
A monochromatic color scheme, where all the elements in the room are varying shades of one color, creates a harmonious and continuous look that makes the space feel larger.
Stick to soft neutrals like whites, grays, or even pale greens for a relaxing, expansive effect.
21. Avoid Heavy Patterns
Loud, heavy patterns can overwhelm a small room, making it feel closed off and cluttered.
Instead, choose subtle textures and patterns that won’t compete for attention.
Light geometric shapes, vertical stripes, or soft florals in light hues can add interest without shrinking the space.
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22. Use Less Furniture, But Use It Wisely
A common mistake in small bedrooms is overcrowding with too many pieces of furniture. Instead of overfilling your room with items, be selective.
Focus on essential pieces and avoid excessive decorations. Go for furniture that serves multiple functions (like a bed with built-in drawers or a nightstand with shelves) and leave plenty of open space.
23. Hang Curtains High and Wide
Hanging your curtains higher and wider than your window frames can create the illusion of taller walls and bigger windows.
By extending the curtain rods beyond the window’s edges, you’ll make the room feel wider and more expansive.
Choose curtains that are light and flowy, like linen or sheer fabric, to let in as much natural light as possible.
24. Try a Daybed or Sofa Bed
Sofa beds, or day beds, can work wonders in small rooms.
If you don’t need your bed 24/7 or want a more flexible space, a daybed or sofa bed is a great option.
Daybeds can function as both a couch and a bed, making them perfect for multi-purpose rooms or smaller bedrooms.
They can be styled like a couch during the day, giving the room more versatility without sacrificing comfort.
25. Use a Light-Colored Ceiling Fan or Light Fixture
A large, dark ceiling fan can overwhelm a small room and draw attention to the height of the ceiling.
Instead, choose a light-colored or minimalist ceiling fan or light fixture that blends into the room.
26. Create a Vertical Gallery Wall
If you don’t want to go wide with artwork or decorations, take advantage of the height of the room by creating a vertical gallery wall.
This will draw the eye upward, making the ceiling feel taller while showcasing your style in a way that doesn’t take up valuable floor space.
Arrange framed photos, prints, or mirrors in a vertical line for a dynamic, space-enhancing effect.
27. Keep the Room Uncluttered by Hiding Items in Baskets
Keep your space looking clean and spacious by using baskets for hidden storage. Whether they’re placed under your bed, next to the door, or on open shelves, baskets can hide clutter.
Choose baskets that complement your room’s decor—woven, minimalist baskets add texture while keeping things organized and out of sight.
Final note on: How to Make a Small Bedroom Look Bigger
Turning your small bedroom into a bigger-feeling sanctuary doesn’t require an expensive renovation—it’s just about using smart design tricks to maximize your space.
By embracing light colors, choosing the right furniture, and making use of vertical storage, you can transform a tiny bedroom into a serene, spacious retreat.
