32 small bedroom ideas –&nbsp;the best ways to decorate and furnish small bedrooms

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32 small bedroom ideas – the best ways to decorate and furnish small bedrooms

<ul><li><a href="https://www.idealhome.co.uk/tag/featured">Featured </a> </li> </ul>

The right small bedroom ideas can turn a tiny cramped space into a must-see retreat, with practical storage solutions and enviable interior design schemes.

Even the most humble of box rooms has the ability to serve as a comfortable small bedroom, and clever use of furniture can turn it into a multi-functional space too, incorporating useful study and storage areas.

Careful planning and a dash of inspiration are all that’s needed to maximise a small bedroom’s potential. Take a look at these small bedroom and single <a href="https://www.idealhome.co.uk/bedrooms">bedro </a><a href="https://www.idealhome.co.uk/bedrooms">om </a><a href="https://www.idealhome.co.uk/bedrooms">ideas </a>before you start decorating.

Small bedroom ideas to style compact spaces

Image credit: Future PLC/ David Giles

A small bedroom will always benefit from rethinking the traditional layout. Position the furniture in a way 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 a small bedroom, by being resourceful with clever multifunctional pieces – the sideboard that also acts as a dressing table for instance.

2. Utilise all awkward corners for storage

Image credit: Future PLC/ Rachael Smith

When space is premium it calls for savvy storage solutions. In this small <a href="/bedroom/bedroom-ideas/attic-bedroom-ideas-11812">attic bedroom idea </a>the owners have used the awkward recess space in a tight corner to go for bespoke built-in cupboards. Using an otherwise unusable space for concealed storage helps to prevent clutter from encroaching on an already limited space.

Out of sight is best for a small bedroom, because any visible items will make the room feel overcrowded – therefore feeling even smaller.

Image credit: Future PLC/ Dominic Blackmore

Bespoke wardrobes are the most effective way to get the most out of your bedroom storage. Building wardrobes either side of the bed help to create a frame which holds the gaze on that one wall. This allows the remaining walls to be free of any obstructions which will take up valuable space. Use the other walls for artwork or mirrors instead.

You could use the space further by creating storage above the bed too, just be mindful not to make the decor feel dated – or claustrophobic with too much going on.

Image credit: Future PLC/ Colin Poole

Double the feel of a small bedroom 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 bedside tables are used in the compact bedroom to make the space feel bigger than it is.

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 instal reflective surfaces when designing your small bedroom layout.

5. Create an illusion of space with clever decorating

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 small <a href="/bedroom/bedroom-ideas/bedroom-paint-ideas-13100">bedroom paint idea </a>, 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.

If space is in short supply, ditch the usual style of headboard for one like this with a gap 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. Go one better and install wall lamps too.

Invest in a wardrobe as tall as you can physically get into the room, slimline is of course best to save taking up valuable floorspace. Then use the space above the wardrobe to seek extra storage room, for boxes and baskets to ensure every inch of space from floor to ceiling is best used. Keep the baskets and boxes orderly and tidy, to avoid it look chaotic.

8. Build storage into awkward alcove spaces

Whether your small bedroom has alcoves or awkward spaces caused by eaves 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 <a href="/all-rooms-ideas/clever-designs-for-alcoves-91177">alcove idea </a>are ideal for housing books and things you wish to have on display, while the cupboards are perfect for bigger storage needs, to conceal items such as extra bedding or boxes of life admin.

Image credit: Future plc/ Tim Young

Never before have we been so confined within the walls of our homes, looking for ways to use each space in alternative ways. while it’s not ideal to work or have your computer in the bedroom, but 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.

Hanging a storage unit on the wall instead of having a bedside table that sits on the floor will instantly free up space and one with a drop down desk will give you somewhere to sit and do your make up or place your morning coffee.

11. Use uplifting colour to open up the space

Using an uplifting colour, 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.

Wall-mounted lighting in a small bedroom 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.

Ladder storage is a great way to achieve the benefit of wall shelving whilst having the flexibility to move it when you want to change things around. This one perfectly suits this tight space in the bedroom but it could just as easily work in the bathroom or a small sitting room.

Image credit: The Cotswold Company

Barely have space to move in your bedroom, but have lots of clothes that need a home? Try a wardrobe with a sliding door. This piece features a full-height rail on one side, together with five drawers and a half-height wardrobe above with removable shelves.

Buy now: <a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=11995&awinaffid=103504&clickref=idealhome-gb-1436330959518794200&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cotswoldco.com%2Fbedroom-furniture%2Fwardrobes%2Fmalvern-mink-large-wardrobe-with-sliding-doors%2F">Malvern mink wardrobe with sliding door, £1,250, The Cotswold Company </a>

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. If you have adequate ceiling height, look at bespoke options, such as a simple mezzanine incorporating a sleeping area on a raised platform with a wardrobe or shelving below.

Related: <a href="/living-room/living-room-ideas/best-sofa-beds-239509">Best sofa beds 2021 – the top sofas for sleepovers in your living room </a>

Image credit: Future PLC/ Simon Whitmore

Like any small space, the key to a successful compact bedroom is to create adequate storage within a functional layout. Often in a small guest room, a couple of large, hard-working pieces of furniture will create a less cluttered look than several small pieces.

When square footage is at a premium, try incorporating floating shelves, or (if your budget allows) bespoke fitting above the bed for a streamlined look that won’t compromise your space.

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 <a href="/bedroom/bedroom-ideas/diy-headboard-ideas-277416">DIY headboard idea </a>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.

Make a small bedroom appear larger by choosing a predominantly white look and peppering it with a specific decorative motif such as flowers and leaves.

Combine neutral flooring with crisp white walls, delicate florals and minimal accessories for a chic, life-enhancing bedroom. This scheme is a masterclass in using complementary colours to make a space sing.

Keep furniture pale and lightweight rather than dark and solid, going for a metal bedstead and cafe-style bedside table.

19. Look to use symmetry in your small bedroom

Image credit: Future PLC/ Jason Ingram

A simple, perfectly balanced design scheme can be the saving grace of a small twin bedroom. Metal bedsteads are good space savers – but ring the changes with an unusual finish such as polished brass. Dress the beds in pure white linen and pastel-coloured wool blankets with a neutral/patterned duo of cushions to finish. Fit wall-mounted lamps to free up space on a shared bedside table.

Think you can’t add colour to a small bedroom? 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.

Image credit: Future PLC/ Malcolm Menzies

Be bold with a striking wallpaper and eye-catching artwork and turn a single wall into the main focus of a small bedroom. 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.

how to decorate and furnish a small bedroom

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