How to Decorate a Small Bedroom: 3 Ideas to Try

by Ann Hayward 11/28/2021

Sometimes decorating a small space can feel just as daunting as decorating a large one. For those with small bedrooms, it can be especially difficult to find a balance between decoration and maximizing available space. Luckily, there are some ways you can make a small bedroom feel bigger while adding style at the same time. Here are some tips for decorating small bedrooms:

Lose the Headboard

You might be surprised how much space even a simple bed frame can take up. If your bed has a headboard, there might be entire extra feet of space being wasted. If you’re wanting a way to make the room feel bigger and also give your bed a fresh look, opt for a low-profile bed frame with no headboard or footboard. Low platform beds are perfect for this idea and sometimes award the opportunity for hidden storage beneath. With the headboard out of the picture you’ll have more room to maneuver around the bed as well as free wall space for art and other decor. If the wall feels too bare, try hanging a rug or macrame tapestry for a cozy feel.

Choose Multi-Functional Accents

When you’re working with a small amount of space, it’s crucial that every piece serves a purpose—or more than one. This is where furnishings and features like storage seating, wall shelving and hidden drawers come into play. If you have the opportunity for extra storage in any piece of furniture, take full advantage of it to save space. If you want a bench at the foot of the bed, opt for a storage chest and top it with a comfy throw blanket. Vanities with built-in shelves and drawers for small personal items will help you avoid surface clutter and adding floating shelves and wall hooks for storage and display will keep the entire room feeling open and relaxing.

Stay Subtle With Patterns

While bedroom decor is a perfect way to express your personal style, you can easily overwhelm a small bedroom with too much pattern. Mixed patterns or an abundance of bold, graphic prints can make the room appear smaller by cluttering the view. If you love a specific fabric print or motif, use it for accents instead of the foundation. Choosing the same color palette as your favorite patterned pillow cases or throws will make the decor cohesive and give you an opportunity to experiment with vibrant colors. Patterns and prints can be excellent additions to any room’s decor, but be wary of making your small bedroom feel too busy.

There are many ways to make small rooms appear larger and these are just a few ideas to use in decorating a bedroom. As long as you pay attention to furniture scale you will avoid any major space issues. However, little tricks like swapping the headboard for wall art or opting for furniture with hidden storage will maximize the space and give you more options to let your creativity flourish in other aspects of decorating.

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About the Author

Ann Hayward

Born in Philadelphia and raised in the suburbs, Ann Hayward got her Pennsylvania real estate license at age 18 even before going to college. This second-generation real estate professional followed in the footsteps of her father and two uncles, inheriting their passion for the business. Licensed in DC, Maryland and Virginia, Ann is accomplished in her career, with numerous designations including SFR, SRES, PSA, WHC, and multiunit Housing Development Finance Professional (HDFP) from the National Development Council. She specializes in Prince Georges and Montgomery Counties, Northern Virginia and Washington, DC, all jurisdictions where Ann has lived and knows very well. In addition to her professional expertise, she owns and manages personal investment property, understands and has been involved in the renovation/remodeling process, and has great resources which she shares with clients. When you hire Ann to represent you, she will make your buying or selling experience an enjoyable, rewarding one. Her compassion, sensitivity to her clients’ needs, eye for detail, and ability to see the big picture when guiding you through a purchase or sale are unique assets that will ensure your success. A diverse and relevant background also gives Ann a distinct edge. For 30 years, she worked in fast-paced, high-pressure television and theatrical production, attaining the highest achievement – DGA membership as a Director, and as an award-winning staff and freelance writer. Her keen audio visual skills and design sense benefit sellers in marketing their properties, and are invaluable in helping buyers see the potential of space. A true renaissance woman, Ann was also an income tax professional and office manager for H&R Block, so she thoroughly understands the tax and financial implications of acquiring and selling real estate. Her superior organizational skills are further evidenced as owner of a downsizing/professional organizing business, Managed For You, which allows her to connect with everyone from millennials to boomers and seniors, whether for small space planning or assisting with major decluttering and transitioning. Ann holds an AB in American History from Simmons College, Boston, plus attended Robert Wagner Graduate School of Public Administration where she was a candidate for Doctorate. She additionally studied Film Direction at the American Film Institute in LA, and was a Stanford University post-graduate Professional Journalism Fellow. Personally, Ann is an avid if not very good golfer, and the co-founder of a nonprofit 501c3 organization offering educational guidance, tutoring and counseling for youngsters from elementary school through college admission. She sits on the board of trustees of a nonprofit educational film production corporation as well. (202) 494-6252 [email protected]