The Tiny house Blog

How to Make a Small Bedroom Look Bigger

By
Jason Francis
Designed and built over 100 custom tiny homes, lived on a sailboat for 9 months, and loves to live life to the fullest with his wife and their 4 kids.
Updated on:
May 11, 2024
How to Make a Small Bedroom Look Bigger

Ever wondered how you can breathe life into your small bedroom and make it feel bigger? It's not as hard as you might think. You've got to be smart with color—light tones can maximize the sense of space.

Furniture placement needs some thought too, and mirrors? They're your best friend. And keep clutter in check—it's a surefire way to cramp your style. But that's just the beginning. There's a whole lot more you can do. Ready to unlock the secrets?

Use Light Colors

Opting for light colors can dramatically enhance the perception of space in your small bedroom. It's a simple rule of optics: light colors reflect light, making a room feel open and airy, while dark colors absorb light, making spaces feel smaller.

Start with your walls. Choose a soft white, pastel, or neutral palette to create a light, airy ambiance. This doesn't mean you're stuck with sterile white walls. You can add a bit of personality with a subtly patterned wallpaper, but keep it light and unobtrusive.

Next, your ceiling. Paint it a shade lighter than your walls. This creates an illusion of height, drawing your eyes upwards and making the room appear taller.

Consider your floor, too. Light-colored flooring, be it carpet, wood, or tiles, can further enhance the feeling of spaciousness.

Lastly, your bed linens and curtains. Stick to light, soft hues that harmonize with your walls and floor. Dark, heavy fabrics can weigh the room down, while light materials give a breezy, spacious feel.

Smart Furniture Placement

After deciding on the right colors, it's time to think about how you place your furniture, as this can significantly impact the perceived size of your small bedroom. Choosing furniture that fits the scale of your room is crucial. Oversized pieces can make the room feel cramped, so opt for smaller, multi-functional items when you can.

Think about the flow of the room. Place your bed in a spot that doesn't block the entrance or interfere with the room's natural traffic pattern. If you're limited on space, consider using a loft bed to free up floor area.

Be smart about storage. Use under-bed storage bins or choose a bed with built-in drawers. Take advantage of vertical space by installing shelves or hanging organizers.

Lastly, keep it minimal. Avoid clutter by only keeping necessary items in the room. Too much furniture can make a small space feel even smaller. Smartly-placed furniture not only maximizes your space but also creates a comfortable and functional environment. Remember, less is more when you're trying to make a small bedroom look larger.

Utilize Mirrors Effectively

To make your small bedroom appear larger, it's crucial to utilize mirrors effectively. Mirrors aren't just tools for personal grooming; they're an invaluable design element that can create the illusion of space.

Start by choosing the right mirror. Go for a large, floor-length mirror that reflects as much of the room as possible. The bigger the mirror, the more space it'll seem to add. Don't hesitate to use more than one if it fits your style and space.

Image Source: Canva

Placement is key. Try positioning your mirror across from a window. It'll reflect natural light, brightening your room and making it feel more open. If that's not possible, angle it towards a focal point in your room, such as a piece of artwork or a beautiful view.

Avoid cluttering up mirror surfaces. Keep them clean and clear to maintain the illusion of space. Reflecting a messy area will only make your room look more cramped.

Incorporating Multifunctional Furniture

In your quest to maximize space, consider incorporating multifunctional furniture into your small bedroom. This means using pieces that serve more than one purpose. For instance, a bed with built-in drawers underneath provides storage without taking up additional floor space. A wall-mounted drop-leaf table can double as a desk for work and a vanity for your morning routine.

Choose a storage ottoman instead of a regular footstool. It not only gives you a place to rest your feet but also provides hidden storage. A bookcase that doubles as a headboard adds charm and function, providing a spot for both books and bedside essentials.

Think vertically, too. A tall, narrow dresser or shelves take up less floor space, but offer plenty of storage. Even consider hanging organizers that can be attached to the back of your door or inside your closet.

Optimize Your Lighting

Proper lighting can dramatically open up your small bedroom, so it's essential to strategically place and adjust your light sources for maximum impact. Avoid relying on one central ceiling light. It can cast unflattering shadows and make your room seem smaller.

Instead, use multiple light sources. Try table lamps on your nightstands or a floor lamp in a corner. This not only distributes the light evenly but also creates a sense of depth, making your room appear larger.

Next, consider the type of light bulbs you're using. Opt for warm, soft light. It's soothing and creates a feeling of spaciousness. Avoid harsh, cool lights that can make your room feel clinical and small.

Don't forget about natural light. Let as much daylight into your room as you can. Use light, sheer curtains or blinds that allow light to filter through. If privacy is a concern, consider window film. It lets the light in while keeping prying eyes out.

Vertical Space Maximization

Maximizing your vertical space is another effective strategy to make your small bedroom look larger. Don't just focus on the floor space. Think upwards. Consider high shelves or a loft bed. They're not only practical for storage, but also draw the eye upwards, creating the illusion of height.

Shelves can run alongside the walls, over the bed, or even above the door. Keep them neat, not cluttered, to maintain the spacious feel. For a loft bed, ensure it's tall enough for you to move under comfortably. This opens up floor space for a desk, a couch, or a wardrobe.

Another trick is using vertical stripes on the walls or curtains. This pattern naturally leads the eye upwards, making the room appear taller. Similarly, hanging artwork or mirrors high on the wall can have the same effect.

Lastly, don't overlook the ceiling. Paint it a light color to reflect light and give the room a sense of height. Or, install a high-hanging light fixture to draw the eye up.

Strategic Use of Decor

Beyond clever use of vertical space, your choice of decor can also play a significant role in creating the illusion of a larger bedroom. Remember, less is more. A minimalist approach to decor can help maintain a spacious feel. Choose items that aren't just pretty but also serve a purpose.

Mirrors are your best friend. Not only do they reflect light, they also create depth, making the room look bigger than it actually is. A large wall mirror or a set of smaller ones strategically placed can work wonders.

Don't ignore your walls. Light, neutral colors are best. They reflect light and make the room appear airy and open. If you're into patterns, opt for those that have a small scale. Large patterns can overwhelm a small space.

Rugs can be tricky. A too-small rug can chop up your floor space, making the room look smaller. Instead, go for a rug that's large enough to tuck under some furniture.

Lastly, remember your curtains. Hang them high and let them touch the floor. This creates a vertical line, visually extending your space.

With these tips, you'll see your small bedroom transform into a space that feels much larger.

Keep Clutter to a Minimum

While mirrors, light colors, and large rugs can help your room appear larger, it's essential to keep clutter to a minimum to maintain this illusion. Clutter can quickly consume space, making your room feel cramped and smaller than it is.

Start by decluttering. Get rid of items you don't need or use. It's not just about tidying up; it's about minimizing. You'll be surprised by how much space you can reclaim by merely decluttering.

Next, prioritize storage. Invest in multi-functional furniture, like a bed with built-in storage or a floating shelf. These solutions not only save space but also keep your items hidden, contributing to a neat and tidy appearance.

Finally, create a habit of keeping things in their place. It's easy to let items accumulate on surfaces like your desk or bedside table. But remember, every item out of place is a visual distraction.

Keeping clutter to a minimum is more than a one-off task; it's a lifestyle change. But with a bit of discipline and creativity, you can maintain a room that not only looks bigger but feels more spacious too.

Conclusion

In wrapping up, making a small bedroom look bigger isn't rocket science. Stick to light colors for walls, ceilings, and floors. Be strategic with furniture placement, opting for multifunctional pieces.

Mirrors and lighting can work wonders in creating spacious illusions. Don't forget to maximize vertical space and keep decor minimal. Above all, declutter regularly.

With these practical tips, you'll soon enjoy a space that feels more open and airy.

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