Making your small bedroom work for you

Sometimes, it feels like all these enormous homes on Instagram and in magazines are the norm. But actually, many many more of us have small homes that we need to make as usable and practical as possible.

It can be a challenge to make a small bedroom usable, particularly when it contains a lot of items (books, clothes, shoes and other paraphernalia). But fear not. With my small bedroom decoration tips, you can transform your bedroom space into a decluttered space that you can love.

 

1. Use the full height of the room

If your bedroom is quite small, your floor space is probably very limited. This is why you need to look upwards.

There are tons of small bedroom storage ideas to think about, but using vertical storage might just be my favourite one. Vertical storage could include floating shelves, hanging hooks, pegboards, door storage and more.

Shelves will hold quite a lot of items (you’d probably be surprised at what you can store on your walls), so you can put books, pictures, pots, and other ornaments on them, keeping your floor space clear.

You may want to have wall sconces or shelves above your headboard too, using a space that might otherwise simply be empty. Hanging hooks or pegboards can also be a good way of storing various items like accessories, bags, or even jewellery.

 

2. Add mirrors to give an appearance of space

Mirrors are one of the best objects to use in a small space.

In a small bedroom, they can be hung to bounce more light into the room making it feel larger and lighter. For a bolder effect, put a large hanging mirror on any one of the walls, especially the one directly opposite the window to capture the natural light entering. This gives the space an open and airy feeling and can even help to visually double the size of the room.

 

3. Put your lights on the walls

Lamps need to go on a surface, like a dresser or a bedside table, and therefore, by putting your lights on the wall, you could save some surface space, or even do away with bedside tables altogether! I love the hanging pendant in the above photo, and the neon light gives a perfect soft glow that can be used as a nightlight instead.

Whatever light you choose, whether it’s a motivational quote, fun design, or simple icon, neon signs are very contemporary and playful which can become the centre of attraction in the room. 

Bedroom neon signs are available in different shapes and colours so you’re sure to find one that perfectly matches your existing bedroom design. They can enhance the warmth and brightness of an otherwise simple minimalistic bedroom or introduce warm colours in an off-white room. 

 

4. Only use multifunctional furniture

Consider how your existing furniture can work harder to make the most of the space in your small bedroom.

Can you have a bed with drawers, where you can keep bedding, shoes or out-of-season clothes that might otherwise be cluttering your wardrobe? Can you use a storage bench that can be used as a seat but also for keeping dirty washing or clean bedding in? There are lots of ways you can use multifunctional furniture in your bedroom to make the space work better for you.

 

5. Apply bright colours

Many people think to make a space feel bigger, you have to use light, white colours. But actually, you don’t have to be restricted in this way, and can still go big/bold with your colours if you want to.

Yes, softer and lighter neutral colours like white, pale grey, or pastel colours can help to give an illusion of an open and spacious room. However, darker colours can actually give an impression of depth, which is why dark blue, black and dark green can work so well in something like a downstairs toilet.

 

6. Employ ingenious storage solutions

A small bedroom that contains a lot of stuff is only going to feel even smaller. So consider what storage solutions you can use to reduce this clutter.

First and foremost, there is the wardrobe: make full use of the space available by adding hanging organisers, installing shelves, or placing drawer inserts inside. A built-in wardrobe may not work for some, therefore a free-standing wardrobe with ample compartments is recommended. Sliding wardrobe doors are particularly brilliant for small bedrooms as they don’t require swing space, maximising your floor area whilst providing easy access to your storage.”

The space under the bed is another brilliant idea for keeping things organised. Use plastic bins or drawers to store away off-season apparel and shoes as well as spare bedding. Alternatively, an ottoman has a specific storage area built-in.

Always use the space on the back of your bedroom door too – hanging organisers are the pefect thing and means you can store lots of things on this otherwise unused space.

7. Hang your curtains higher than you think

You can give the illusion of space by hanging curtains higher than you think you need to. When hung above the window frame, curtains create an elongation of the ceiling height and encourage you to look up, which is quite effective for creating an airy feel in the room.

Use a light and breathable polyester such as cotton or linen that allows light to come in but still offers some privacy when necessary.

For a contemporary feel, you can opt for solid-coloured curtains or curtains with geometric patterned prints that embellish the existing decor of the room. Sheer curtains are especially suitable for use in small bedrooms since they don’t block out too much light.

8. Introduce natural elements

Make your small bedroom feel warm and welcoming with natural elements. House plants, hanging plants, and even small pot succulents can add life to a room and purify the air. Some little pieces of art photos or collectables can help create an ambience in the space without cluttering it.

Nevertheless, be conservative with your area. Limit yourself to a few deliberate items, and avoid stuffing the space with numerous decorative. A sparse style interspersed with a few selected accents will result in a cosy yet quite distinctive space.

 

So there you have it, my 8 ways to make your small bedroom work better for you. Whether you use multifunctional furniture, space-saving lighting or better storage solutions, there are plenty of ways you can declutter and make the room feel more relaxing for sleep.