Though it might be difficult to make a small bedroom feel big, with the correct techniques, even the cosiest of chambers can become more open and spacious. Here are a few tricks to help a small bedroom appear larger:

Opt for blinds over curtains

Small bedrooms might benefit greatly from blinds because they occupy less wall space than curtains. Vertical blinds can create the illusion of space in a smaller room, making your windows feel taller and larger,” according to Leah Aspinall, Head of Design at Blinds2go.

Along with their elegant appearance, blinds have practical advantages including controlling light and temperature in a room.

Maximise vertical space

Making the most of vertical space is advised by Laura Price from The Home Organisation. Clearing clutter and creating more floor space can be achieved by installing shelves above drawers or storing items on top of wardrobes.

Price says, “When space is tight, multifunctional furniture is a great way to still have a practical space without overwhelming it. A good suggestion for a small bedroom is a bed with underneath storage, this storage space is perfect for less frequently used items.”

She further suggests getting rid of big, unnecessary furniture and extra décor to keep the space from feeling cramped. 

Use multifunctional furniture

It’s essential to include multipurpose furniture in a small bedroom. According to Laura Price, “The area at the foot of the bed can be surprisingly useful in a small bedroom.”

Here is a place to put a storage ottoman — it’s practical and can give the space a hint of luxury. Therefore, extra storage can be added without taking up additional space.

Head of Design Helen Ashmore advises adding pieces such as the Fifield Stool, which doubles as a seat and a storage area.

Choose light flooring and wall colors

To give an air of openness, Paul Hambidge of Factory Direct Flooring recommends utilising lighter flooring. Light-coloured walls and flooring lessen visual contrast, giving the impression that the space is larger.

According to Hambidge, “In small bedrooms where light is at a premium, choosing lighter flooring to help create a calming area that also makes the space feel bigger and brighter”. In addition, “Laying your floor in a herringbone, parquet or chevron pattern can have a similar effect.”

As stated by Sue Jones from OKA, mirrors can also intensify this impact by increasing the brightness of the space and reflecting light.

Mirrors are your best friend!

Mirrors are a powerful way to increase the perceived space in a room. A huge mirror adjacent to or across from a window can reflect light from the outside, making the space feel lighter and airier, “especially when placed above a mirrored chest of drawers for extra reflective power”, according to Sue Jones.

Therefore, improving the perception of space in a small bedroom can be greatly enhanced by the addition of an oversized mirror.

Opt for light and neutral colours

Selecting the appropriate colour palette for a small bedroom is crucial. The creative director of Terrys, Gareth Coxall, suggests utilising light neutral colours like sand, off-white, and dove grey to avoid making the space appear cramped.

Light colours foster an air of openness by reflecting more light. Dark colours can seem comfortable, but they can also easily make a space feel claustrophobic and tight, according to Coxall, who claims that, “No one wants to feel cooped up when they’re relaxing.”

Install smart lighting solutions

Here are some tips on lighting in small bedrooms from Peter Legg of Dar Lighting. While offering enough illumination, wall lights can conserve space. For individuals who lack space for a conventional bedside, Legg continues, “Pendant lights dropped from ceiling height can also be brilliant solutions.” The space will appear taller as a result of the eye being drawn higher by pendant lights and semi-flush fixtures.

Accent and task lighting in particular can create dimension without taking over the room using layered lighting.

Utilise glass features

The use of glass may improve natural light and provide an air of openness, according to Specialist Glass Products‘ Andrew Taylor. Taylor notes that frosted glass would “maintain privacy while encouraging more natural light into the space”, which can be achieved by using the glass in internal doors leading into the bedroom.

Structural glass elements that can help small bedrooms feel more open and airy include skylights, glass doors, and even cabinets with glass fronts.

Clever storage solutions

In small bedrooms, it’s important to maximise storage without sacrificing available space. Vertical storage units and furniture with built-in storage, including ottoman beds, are recommended by Victoria Foster from ScS.

Foster states, “Alternatively, (if you’re able to) adding shelves removes additional clutter from the floor area and provides a great place to add decorative accessories without making any existing surfaces busier.”

To maintain the room’s organisation and openness, choose concealed or exposed vertical storage rather than clutter.

Make use of ceilings and higher spaces

Using the room’s height to create a sense of space is something that Sophie Clemson from The Living House suggests doing. You can blur boundaries and create the illusion of more space by painting the ceiling the same colour as the walls.

According to Clemson, “Just because the room is small doesn’t mean you need to choose small pieces.” Large lighting fixtures can also make an announcement and direct attention upward. Make a statement by going large with the lights.

Choose the right bed

Choosing the right bed is essential. To reduce floor space, Gareth Davies of Classics Interiors recommends pull-down beds, mezzanine beds and platform beds with storage.

Pull-down beds are a brilliant option, according to Davies, “as they can easily be tucked away when not in use, leaving you with extra room during the day”. These options, which include sleeping and storage solutions, enable more functionality in a small space.

Keep the floor space clear

In a compact bedroom, there must be enough clear floor space. Falchi Interiors advises staying with basic pieces of furniture and choosing bedside tables with legs or that hang on the wall to preserve an open space. To use every square inch of available space, bespoke furniture can also be adjusted to match the proportions and requirements of the room.

One of Falchi Interiors’ clients had a TV fitted into bespoke wardrobing with storage space behind. Consequently, maximising a small space when the room serves multiple purposes.

Thoughtful decor choices

Lastly, it’s critical to maintain a minimalist and thoughtful decor. Choosing sleek, streamlined furniture instead of big, clunky items will assist keeping the space feeling airy. The use of minimalist décor and thoughtfully chosen ornaments, such as one or two pieces of authentic artwork or bedside decorative objects, can keep a space from appearing overly large and congested.

You can make a small bedroom larger, more practical, and more welcoming by putting these tips into practice. All of the tips emphasise how to maximise light, minimise clutter, and make well-thought-out design decisions that improve the room’s overall atmosphere.