Homes today are noticeably smaller than they once were. In fact, the Hafele Compact Living Report reveals that the average UK home is roughly 20% smaller than it was 40 years ago. For many of us, that translates into smaller, box-sized bedrooms. Yet we still need our cosy sanctuaries for rest and relaxation. Hence, the question arises: how to make a small bedroom feel bigger?
Ultimately, how we feel in a space has as much to do with psychology and perception as it does with the cold, hard square footage numbers. Because of this, a well-planned bedroom can feel open and balanced, no matter the size. This guide takes you through what to do – and, just as importantly, what not to do – if you want to make a small bedroom appear larger.
Key Mistakes To Avoid
Before we get onto the elements that’ll open up your space, there are a few design choices you’ll want to avoid, ensuring that your small bedroom doesn’t become even more cramped and cluttered. In this section, we’ll walk you through some common mistakes so you can get off on the right foot.
1. Doing Too Much
It happens to the best of us. One of the easiest mistakes to make is trying to cram everything into a small bedroom. From a mental health perspective, the space should be an optimal place of rest, not a catch-all for random items. When every single corner is filled, our minds have no space to breathe. So, not everything needs to fit – often, less really is more.
So, instead of forcing a complete office setup or an entire dressing area, consider simple alternatives, like relocating your workspace to a spare room or integrating a hair station into your bathroom.
2. Using Dark Palettes
Deep, rich colours can feel sophisticated and luxurious, but they might not be ideal for your small bedroom. Since they absorb light and draw attention to the physical boundaries of the room, darker hues can make the space feel even more closed in.
However, the good news is that you don’t have to give up the jewel tones completely. Instead, try offsetting them with lighter bedroom furniture, reflective surfaces, or even implementing them strategically as focal points.
3. Overlooking Furniture Dimensions
We get it: who doesn’t want to snuggle up in a California king? But, in a room where space comes at a premium, every inch matters. Oversized beds, bulky wardrobes, and too-wide bedside tables can make everything feel just wrong. So, before purchasing, always double-check dimensions and floor plans so that you aren’t just taking a gamble on the fit.
Psst: Check out our buyer’s guides, like our types of beds post, to find out more about typical furniture dimensions and how to make the best furniture choice for your space.
4. Letting Clutter Run Wild
Mess is the enemy of calm. Psychologists note that clutter increases cortisol levels, which – in layman’s terms – translates to more stress and less sleep. Plus, in a small bedroom, clutter also distorts spatial perception by interrupting the visual flow and making the space feel chaotic – not ideal when you want to catch a few z’s.
Start with strategic furniture placement and stow things away where possible: bedside tables are a key culprit. Rather than letting your pile of miscellaneous bits and bobs build up, why not try styling your bedside table for a chic, put-together look that’s sure to soothe your mind?
13 Of The Best Ways To Make A Small Bedroom Look Bigger
Now that we’ve covered what to avoid, it’s time to turn our focus to the things you can do to make your small bedroom feel more spacious.
1. Maximise Lighting
Natural light creates an immediate sense of airiness, opening up the space by softening its edges and lifting the overall tone. Plus, according to specialists, light exposure also helps regulate important hormones like serotonin and melatonin – essential for a good night’s sleep.
To maximise natural light, keep window dressings minimal. Swap heavy, floor-length drapes for breezy linen or cotton curtains. Additionally, consider removing any furniture blocking the window, or, if you’re up for a renovation, even a small new window will completely change your perception of the space.
When natural light is limited, choose your artificial sources with intention. For example, wall-mounted sconces can be a charming replacement for table lamps, without taking up any surface space. Ceiling spotlights are another great option for functionality without intruding on your overhead space.
2. Magic Mirrors
When your natural light is limited, mirrors are the next best tool in your arsenal. Placing one near a window can reflect natural light around the room, making the space feel instantly larger. Even without any daylight, they create a depth that tricks the eye into seeing more square footage than actually exists.
3. Get Creative With Placement
In a small room, you might instinctively push everything to the edges. However, this actually runs counterintuitive to our question of how to make a small bedroom feel bigger. Instead, it’s useful to think in terms of balance and functionality: weigh up exactly what you need and what you can fit into the space comfortably.
Architectural quirks, such as alcoves or sloped ceilings, can be excellent opportunities for expansion. A tucked-away corner might be the perfect spot for a compact dressing table, whilst the space beneath the angled ceiling in an attic room could become the perfect sheltered reading nook.
4. Opt For Lighter Colours
One of the simplest (and most effective) ways to enhance spatial perception is through colour. Lighter shades – we’re thinking whites, pastels, and soft neutrals – are the key when it comes to making a small bedroom appear larger, especially in soft sheen paint finishes. Reflecting light and blurring boundaries, they create the illusion of openness whilst also bringing a touch of calm and clarity that is perfect for the rest-oriented space of the bedroom.
For a cohesive effect, try painting the ceiling the same – or similar – tone as the walls to create a sense of vertical continuity that draws the gaze upwards. Choosing flooring in similarly pale hues will also reinforce the impression of space from the other end of the spectrum.
However, if you want to bring in bright colours, do so with accents: think throws, cushions and small wall art pieces. Have some fun with it!
5. Get Savvy With Storage
In today’s world of increasing consumption, it seems we all just have so many things. As a consequence, we all need more storage space to house them, but gone are the days of relying on clunky wardrobes and storage units. Opt for smart, streamlined solutions to reclaim both floor and visual space. Beds with built-in storage are a particularly popular option, making use of under-bed space whilst maintaining a tidy silhouette.
And, of course, we can’t forget the handy multifunctional pieces. A well-chosen console table can function as both a slimline desk and storage, whilst trunk-style blanket boxes, footstalls, and pouffes can double as seating options.
6. Choose Space-Saving Furniture
In a similar vein, not all furniture is created equal. In a small bedroom, compact pieces are key. A nest of tables is an excellent example of space-saving furniture that can be stacked when not in use but pulled out for extra surface area when needed. Additionally, look for furniture with open bases, allowing you to see more floor area, and thus making the space feel more expansive.
Floating furniture, like wall-mounted shelves or bedside tables, serve a similar purpose, creating additional visual space without infringing on the room’s footprint. Additional bonus – there’s less heavy furniture to push around when cleaning!
7. Highlight Height
When thinking through how to make a small room feel bigger, one of the oft-overlooked factors is height. Vertical design elements, like wall panels or high headboards, can help to draw the eye upward, making the room feel taller and more open. Plus, vertical solutions can also work great in accordance with our storage tip. For instance, a tall bookshelf can offer both style and function, providing plenty of storage whilst also emphasising the room’s height.
If you’re feeling bold, you could also try out implementing architectural details that play with height, such as wainscoting or vertical stripes. As we explained in more detail over on our general guide to making a room appear bigger, humans perceive vertical stripes as longer than their horizontal counterparts, making them particularly great accomplices to creating a sense of height. It might just be time for a pinstripe feature wall…
8. Get Minimalist With It
Minimalism is one of the biggest interior design trends at the moment – and for good reason. At its core, it’s all about creating clarity, reducing visual clutter, and keeping only what’s essential. In a small bedroom, such an approach can make a significant difference to how the space feels.
One of the easiest ways to introduce minimalism is to look for clean lines, simple shapes, and unfussy finishes in every aspect of the area – from wall coverings to accessories. Metal and glass furniture is a particular favourite amongst the minimalist aesthetic, providing functionality whilst taking up less visual space.
9. Keep Soft Furnishings Simple
Soft furnishings are a wonderful way to make a bedroom feel cosy, introducing warmth and texture. However, when it comes to a small space, it’s usually best to keep things simple to avoid overwhelming the room. Bold, large-scale patterns and heavy textures can make the space feel cluttered and closed-in, which is the last thing you want. Instead, opt for gentle fabrics in subtle prints that enhance the sense of openness and don’t compete for attention.
10. Reassess Functionality
When trying to make a small bedroom appear bigger, one of the most important steps you can take is to think carefully about how the space is being used. Does everything need to happen in the bedroom? For example, if you have a wardrobe taking up valuable space, is there another room you could move it to, or could you opt for a more space-efficient solution?
With the rise of home working, another function your bedroom might have fell victim to is housing your desk. In both space and wellbeing terms, it’s not the best idea. According to Feng Shui principles, a desk in the bedroom can disrupt the flow of energy and create a space that keeps you up at night, rather than sleeping soundly. Either move the desk out of the room, or if that’s not possible, position it as far away from the bed as possible to allow for a clear distinction between rest and work.
11. Prioritise Symmetry
By arranging furniture and décor that mirrors on each side of the room, you can create a soothing and organised atmosphere that feels truly cohesive. In fact, symmetry has been shown to evoke a sense of stability and order, which can be particularly beneficial in a space like the bedroom.
Symmetry is easy to introduce in your furniture layout, and you might even already be doing it. Consider placing matching bedside tables on either side of the bed, paired with matching table lamps. Such arrangements visually anchor the bed as the focal point of the room, enhancing balance. However, be careful not to overdo it – too much symmetry, and you risk stepping into uncanny valley.
12. Get Low
Low-profile furniture is another effective way to make a small bedroom look bigger, particularly when it comes to the bed. Lower bed frames with sleek and minimal designs create the illusion of higher ceilings, drawing attention away from the horizontal plane. Plus, they’re much easier and safer for our furry friends and little ones to hop in and out of!
13. Bring Out The Built-In
The beauty of built-in furniture is that it’s both practical and visually minimal. Unlike freestanding pieces that require space to be functional, thus potentially disrupting the flow of a room, built-ins are specifically designed to integrate with your architecture. This approach helps you to use your bedroom in a way that feels natural – without an amalgamation of bulky furnishings.
Leave Space To Dream!
There we have it – how to make a small bedroom feel bigger. By following the dos and don’ts laid out in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to transforming your small space into a serene retreat.
If you’re ready to take the next step with your small bedroom plans, have an explore of our comprehensive bedroom furniture range. Or, if you’re on a bit of a reading roll, check out our other blog posts for more interior design tips and tricks.
