21 small bedroom ideas to maximise style
Thinking about giving your bijou bedroom a refresh or just want to know how to maximise space in a compact room? Then these small bedroom ideas will provide the perfect inspiration!
When it comes to bedroom ideas, we get to see all the best ones out there. We take the time to speak to the experts and see all the latest trends, layouts and innovations out there to make sure we can pass on our knowledge straight to you.
So for expert tips and advice, our round-up will help you turn a tiny cramped space into a must-see retreat, with practical solutions and enviable interior design schemes.
Small bedroom ideas
‘Small bedrooms are wonderful, cosy places in any house, offering a snug retreat from the outside world,’ notes Laura Burnett, Buyer at Feather & Black (opens in new tab).
‘They can also be the ideal guest room, a fun hideaway for young kids or a space for some well-earned alone time. One problem with bedroom ideas for small rooms is the issue of space. More often than not, most of the room is taken up by the bed as a centrepiece, and it can be challenging to fit in anything else.’
But with our range of savvy ideas and clever tips below, you’ll be sure to find plenty of small bedroom ideas to solve all of your bedroom woes.
1. Build in a vanity unit
(Image credit: Future Plc/Anna Stathaki)
To ensure that your small bedroom ideas remain clutter-free, include a built-in dressing table so that your make-up trinkets can be shut away to give the room a streamlined look.
If you have space for a walk-in wardrobe, then this is a great way to free up the space where the bed would be placed, meaning the room can appear from streamlined and less cluttered.
2. Be smart with storage in a box room
(Image credit: Future PLC/Dominic Blackmore)
If your small bedroom is more of a box room, you’ll want to know how to arrange furniture in a bedroom to make the most of the space.
Make a feature of a high shelf on decorative brackets, with grab-handled baskets that fit flush to the ceiling. Use a wall-mounted wire magazine rack as a book holder if there’s no space for a bedside table. It’s also important to make a small room feel as airy as possible, and one way to do this is enhancing the natural light levels.
‘One of the key aspects to brighten up a small bedroom is by letting the natural light in,’ explains Nic Shacklock, Head of Marketing at Online-Bedrooms.co.uk (opens in new tab). ‘Try not to block any windows with headboards or plants but allow the light in to make the room feel more spacious. Having natural light will also create an uplifting environment within the room and won’t make it feel shallow and tight.”
3. Invest in bespoke solutions
(Image credit: Sharps)
While fitted wardrobe ideas may seem pricey, it’s worth the investment to maximise the space in your small bedroom.
‘There are many options for personalising a fitted wardrobe to ensure it works perfectly for your lifestyle,’ says Rachal Hutcheson, National Retail Manager at Sharps (opens in new tab). ‘For example combining hanging rails with pigeonhole shelving, internal drawers and shoe storage will help keep you organised whilst allowing easy access to the clothes you need, when you need them.’
‘Consider curved corner rails, pull out trouser rails, and pull down hanging rails to ensure your wardrobe is as efficient as it can be.’
‘When it comes to bedroom ideas for small rooms, it’s also important to take a wardrobe’s doors into consideration to ensure they are easily opened. If a bed is in close proximity to wardrobe, opt for sliding doors like these, from £2000 (opens in new tab), to provide a sleek, effective alternative, whilst mirrored styles will help to make a space look bigger.’
4. Use multifunctional furniture
(Image credit: Sofa.com)
When space is at a premium, multifunctional furniture comes into its own. Look for pieces that can double up, such as this Hardy bedside storage ottoman in Twilight, £960, Sofa.com (opens in new tab), that can be used at the foot of the bed as a seat while acting also acting as the ideal place for extra blankets and layers to pull out at a moments notice.
Keeping the extra bedding out of sight helps to create a clutter-free space, which contributes to making your small bedroom ideas feel bigger.
‘A clutter free space should be a priority when looking at small bedroom ideas and their layouts,’ advises Patricia Gibbons, Head of Merchandising and Buying at Sofa.com (opens in new tab). ‘Your bedroom should be a cosy room designed for relaxation and winding down – avoid having too much furniture and make sure you have multifunctional pieces that work extra hard to keep the clutter at bay.’
‘Look to storage benches and ottoman footstools sat at the end of the bed to quickly stash away laptops and chargers if your bedroom is now your home office and reclaim the space as one fit for relaxation in the evenings.’
5. Rethink the layout
(Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles)
One thing your space is sure to benefit from is rethinking the traditional layout. Choose a small bedroom layout that makes you feel less overwhelmed. Position the majority of furniture on just one wall, preferably the wall you see less of when in the space to stop it feeling overcrowded.
Try to minimise the amount of furniture within bijou bedrooms, by being resourceful with clever multifunctional pieces – the sideboard that also acts as a dressing table for instance.
6. Utilise all awkward corners
(Image credit: Future PLC/Rachael Smith)
When space is premium it calls for savvy solutions. Using an otherwise unusable space for concealed small bedroom storage ideas helps to prevent clutter from encroaching on an already limited space.
Out of sight is best when considering small bedroom ideas. Any visible items will make the room feel overcrowded – therefore feeling even smaller.
7. Reflect on surface choices
(Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole)
Double the feel of your small bedroom ideas by using reflective surfaces to create the optical illusion of continuing space. Who hasn’t walked into a bar and thought it was double the size, only to realise it was a clever use of mirrors which led you to believe so?
Mirrored wardrobes, a reflect shiny wall covering and mirrored tables are used in the compact bedroom to make the space feel bigger than it is, while adding romantic bedroom ideas to the space.
Maybe using all three feels too overwhelming, fear not – the same principles work by using only a single one of the these elements. Think about where you can best install reflective surfaces when designing your small bedroom layout.
8. Create the illusion of space
(Image credit: Dulux)
Paint is a marvellous solution for so many decorating problems. Not only can a splash of colour instantly help to invigorate a space, making it feel more inviting, it can also be used in a way that helps to combat wider aesthetic issues, such as making small spaces feel bigger.
Take for instance this bedroom paint idea, where a combination of colours has helped to create a border, and therefore has created a new perspective for the walls. An optical illusion of sorts.
The thoughtful combination of Dulux’s Denim drift on the bottom half, met by a slim dado-style border of Spiced Honey, topped by Tranquil Dawn helps to break the room – lengthening the walls. A great paint solution to tackle the perils of small spaces.
9. Make your headboard work harder
(Image credit: Future PLC/Joanna Henderson)
If space is in short supply, ditch the usual style of headboard for one with space for storage and a surface area, where you can place things. This means you can do away with bulky bedside tables, as you’ll have a convenient spot to stash your bedtime reading.
Plus, this works for budget bedroom ideas too as you’re getting two pieces of furniture for one! Go one better with your bedroom ideas for small rooms and install wall lamps too.
10. Build into alcoves
(Image credit: Future PLC/Jody Stewart)
Whether you have alcoves or awkward spaces caused by eaves as part of your small bedroom ideas, make the most of them by creating smart storage solutions. The architectural nature of alcoves provides the perfect place to feature a run of open shelves, with bespoke cupboards below.
The shelves of this savvy alcove idea are ideal for housing books and things you wish to have on display, while the cupboards are perfect for bigger items such as extra bedding or boxes of life admin.
11. Double up your dressing table
(Image credit: Future PLC/Tim Young)
With working from home the norm, at least on occasion, for many, even the bedroom has been brought onto the roster. While it’s not ideal to work or have your computer in the bedroom, can your dressing table double up as a writing desk?
Even if it’s just somewhere to peacefully gather your thoughts and write your to do list, it’s worth keeping the surface area clear rather than cluttering it with lotions and potions.
12. Use uplifting colour to open up the space
(Image credit: Future PLC/Dominic Blackmore)
Using an uplifting bedroom colour scheme, such as a sunshine yellow, can help to invigorate any small space, just be mindful of how you use the colour. Painting the bright colour up to mid room height will help to anchor the colour to the bottom half of the room.
Finish the rest of the painting in a bright white or similar neutral to help keep the look airy and spacious. Allow the added splash of colour to determine a tonal palette for bedding, accessories and floor rugs to create a cohesive look.
13. Wall mount the lighting
(Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles)
Wall-mounted small bedroom lighting ideas can help to free up some much needed surface space. Using the wall allows you to perfectly place the task lighting to enhance the layout.
14. Swap the bed for a sofa bed
(Image credit: Future PLC/Carolyn Barber)
When square footage is at a premium, try incorporating a wall bed instead of a traditional sofa bed. It takes a standard mattress, offering greater comfort, and can fold away to look like a wardrobe or cabinet, freeing up valuable floor space for a desk and chair.
Ensure that the surrounding furniture is lightweight so that it can easily be moved to accommodate a pull-down bed. Even small bedroom ideas may have adequate ceiling height to enable you look at bespoke options, such as a simple mezzanine incorporating a sleeping area on a raised platform with a wardrobe or shelving below.
15. Hang a space-saving headboard
(Image credit: Future PLC/Dan Duchars)
You wouldn’t think a headboard would take up much space, but some designs can be deceptive. Where every inch of space counts look for alternative ways to add interest to a bedroom wall, without compromising on valuable space. A quirky wall-hung DIY headboard idea is a genius way to add a finishing touch to a bedstead, without having to encroach on the space.
This smart idea also saves the costs of buying a new bed when tastes or trends change, simply create a new backdrop for the bed by way of a new wall hanging.
16. Luxuriate in colour
(Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole)
Think that your small bedroom ideas have to be steered away from colours? Think again! Tight spaces are a great for experimenting with colour, texture and design.
Combine petrol blue and aqua tones for a near-combustible mix; choose sumptuous silks and rich velvets for tactile bedspreads, cushions and curtains. But amidst these deep, rich shades, hold back a little white for ceilings and window frames.
17. Create a feature wall
(Image credit: Future PLC/Malcolm Menzies)
Be bold with a striking wallpaper and eye-catching artwork and turn play with bedroom feature wall ideas to create a focal point in a small space. Opt for a restricted colour palette with crisp white bed linen and furniture made from reclaimed wood.
Stick to mostly white bed linen so the look isn’t overly busy and introduce a splash of colour to liven up the scheme a notch.
18. Paint a small bedroom white
(Image credit: Future PLC/Jason Ingram)
Decorate walls and ceilings in the best white paint to visually open up your small bedroom ideas and free you to use colour and pattern in a controlled way elsewhere. Then go to town with cottage garden florals – against the plain background they won’t overpower.
Let colourful fabrics take centre stage with a bold, red patterned bedspread and cushions that contrast with the rest of the room.
19. Create a cool work zone
(Image credit: Future)
In a petite kid’s room, take over part of the wardrobe space to create a cool work zone. Installing a wall lamp and hanging a pin board where you can fix pots for pens and other knick knacks will keep the desk space free for focusing on the important stuff.
20. Make it minimal
(Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles)
Symmetry is your friend when you need to strip back to essentials in a small room. Double up on bedside cabinets and lighting for an uncomplicated, easy-on-the-eye scheme. Use hits of duplicated colour to create visual balance and add definition and energy.
Stick with neutral bedroom ideas as a fail-safe space enhancer. Here, soft neutrals add just the right amount of warmth, while the minimal wall decorations draw the eye to the bed and keep it there.
21. Embrace pattern
(Image credit: Future PLC/Dominic Blackmore)
If you love bold prints or texture, don’t shy away from your favourite pattern in a small bedroom.
Whether it’s on walls or soft furnishings, make a feature out of a strong design: papering one wall with flocked or floral wallpaper will stop the pattern from taking over the small room, but will still achieve the desired finish.
Which colour is best for a small bedroom?
Generally speaking white and neutral are thought best for decorating tiny space because the colours are calming and tranquil.
‘Styling small bedroom ideas can be the make-or-break difference in having a cluttered small space or a clean and tidy room,’ notes Nic from Online-Bedrooms.co.uk. ‘Selecting the colour scheme for a small bedroom is the first step in maximising space.’
‘Having white on the walls can make a bedroom feel airier and makes the room look bigger and spacious. If white isn’t to your personal taste, bright colours such as sky blues and soft greens can also do the trick.’
Having said that there are ways in which you can incorporate colour into a small bedroom space without overwhelming the space as these bedroom paint ideas prove.
How do I arrange my small bedroom?
Try to minimise clutter within small bedroom ideas to instantly make the room feel more spacious. A clutter-free bedroom is also key to getting a good night’s sleep too.
Keep furniture to a minimum in a small bedroom. Where you can opt for elevated designs, those on legs rather than flush to the ground in order to free up floor space.
And let’s not forget the the benefit of bespoke furniture when it comes to planning and arranging your space.
‘Small spaces don’t necessarily translate to small storage opportunity,’ notes Simon Tcherniak, Senior Designer at Neville Johnson (opens in new tab). ‘Fitted furniture can be configured to any size and shape of room, even small and awkward alcoves or nooks.’
‘Using clever and innovative fitted furniture means you have control over how your space is crafted, to ensure all of your storage needs are met.’
There is also the storage potential under beds, but just be sure your items are stored out of sight at all times. The calming effect of a bedroom is ruined when sports equipment or surplus shoes are spilling into the room.
The aim is to keep as much off the floor to create a sense of space, look up at the ceiling to remind yourself of the floorspace within the room.
And of course make sure the space is comforting, whether large or small this is always the most important factor when arranging a bedroom layout.
How do you maximise space in a small bedroom?
Storage solutions are key to maximising space in a small bedroom which is hopefully where our small bedroom ideas can help.
But as well as ensuring it is a practical space, you also want it to be an inviting and beautiful space too, so it’s important you strike a balance of the two.
‘Effective storage solutions are a prerequisite for a functional, orderly and practical bedroom,’ says David King (opens in new tab), Founder, King Living.
‘A storage bed will help you steer clear of additional furniture like cupboards, and chest of drawers – in turn freeing up more floor space. Ottoman beds with generous built-in storage compartments are an ideal fit for large and small bedrooms alike and are always popular options amongst our customers.’
‘Functional bedside tables are an essential in the bedroom, they not only provide an ideal home for lighting, vases and reading material, but also offer discreet storage to maintain a clutter-free sleeping environment.’
‘Space permitting, accenting the bedroom with additional elements such as an occasional chair or ottoman will build flexibility within the room.’
‘Ottoman bed provide hidden but impressive storage with the entire mattress base lifting up with an easy-to-operate mechanism,’ agrees Laura from Feather & Black. ‘These are perfect for those looking for extra space to store spare linens and bulky items such as bedding.’
‘The same rules apply when buying an ottoman as with any other bed – consider the style and size first. As an ottoman has a solid base it can feel larger than a classic bedstead with legs, so it’s important to think about whether a wooden or upholstered ottoman is better aesthetically, and then decide on colour or fabric and how it will feel in your room – darker colours can be dramatic and statement making, but also feel more imposing.’
