How to Make A Small Bedroom Look Bigger: Interior Design Illusions
Your home may be tiny, but just because you have a small bedroom doesn’t mean it needs to feel cramped or cluttered. Interior designers have a whole host of tricks we use to fool the brain into seeing a bigger space. Whether it’s a strategic color choice, a calculated light placement, or an unexpected switch in paint colors, these designer-approved small bedroom strategies will help you transform your space into something that looks and feels much more spacious and comfortable.
Maximize Natural and Artificial Light
We all know that light is an important part of making spaces look bigger, but NATURAL light is always the best option for this. Configure your space in such a way as to maximize any natural light that reaches it. Keep window treatments minimal, using sheer curtains or blinds that allow light through if you don’t keep the shades open entirely.
And don’t forget artificial lighting! When it’s the wrong temperature, it can make your space feel small and dark but using white lighting that aligns more closely with the color spectrum of sunlight and lamps and sconces that point light upwards will make your small bedroom feel much more spacious. Adding an LED strip behind your headboard or under your furniture can also bring in a fun lighting effect in a simple, inexpensive way.
Choose a Light and Cohesive Color Palette
Color psychology plays a crucial role in designing any space, but is especially important in small bedrooms, where the right hues will significantly impact your perception of space, mood, and functionality in the room. Lighter colors like soft blues, muted greens, or warm neutrals create an open and airy feel, and will make even the smallest bedroom appear larger and more inviting, and deeper shades such as navy or charcoal can add a cozy touch without being overwhelming when used in moderation.
Paint colors and locations should also be carefully considered. Painting a room in dark colors will overwhelm the space and can make it seem almost oppressive, but only painting some accent walls can do a lot! This post has a lot of great information on the impact paint can have on make your small bedroom seem larger.
Don’t forget to consider the color of your bedding as well! While you may love the look and mood of dark bedding, choosing lighter, more neutral colored bedding will contribute to making your small bedroom feel more open. Avoid excessive layering, as well, as this can overwhelm the bed and make the whole space feel more crowded. Consider adding dimension to the bed with the use of a textured throw or a simple lumbar pillow instead.
Optimize Furniture Placement and Scale
Another thing you’ll need to consider is the size of the furniture you’re using. You may want a king-sized bed, but if it’s going to take up the entire width of the room, you’ll have to downsize a bit and find a bed more proportionate to your space. Low-profile frames or platform beds can create an illusion of higher ceilings, while exposed legs allow light to flow underneath the pieces, adding to the airiness of the space.
Consider multifunctional furniture to maximize storage and usability. Beds with built-in drawers, wall-mounted desks, and floating shelves eliminate the need for excessive furniture while keeping the room organized. Built-in storage solutions are amazing for reducing clutter and helping to maintain an uncluttered look in small spaces.
Utilize Mirrors and Reflective Surfaces
Mirrors are one of my favorite tricks for making a small bedroom look bigger. Placing them strategically to reflect natural light and any views outside your window will create a sense of depth and openness in the room. A large mirror can even trick the brain into thinking there’s another window!
Emphasize Vertical Space
When floor space is limited, use vertical space to draw the eyes upward. Floor-to-ceiling curtains will create the illusion of taller windows and higher ceilings. You can also use vertical paneling or wallpaper with vertical stripes to make the ceilings appear higher. Sometimes adding a tall headboard to a platform bed can accomplish that same visual trick as well, as long as it’s not too heavy or thick!
Keep the Decor Minimal and Thoughtful
Too many decorative elements can overwhelm a small bedroom. Try to stick to a minimalist approach and select a few statement pieces to highlight and avoid overcrowding the space with small trinkets. Consider using a single large piece of artwork or bold area rug as an easy way to add personality without taking up too much space!
Use Smart Storage Solutions
A clutter-free bedroom instantly appears larger, and using smart storage solutions will help maximize every inch of space. Under-bed storage, built-in shelving, and multi-functional furniture are great options to keep items organized and out of sight, while floating nightstands and wall-mounted hooks provide storage options that won’t take up precious floor space. Woven baskets and decorative boxes can be used to store miscellaneous items while complementing the room’s design.
At the end of the day, designing a small bedroom to look bigger is all about making strategic choices that enhance openness and prevent clutter. By maximizing light, choosing the right color palette, using mirrors, selecting appropriately scaled furniture, and incorporating smart storage solutions, you can transform a compact space into a stylish and spacious retreat. These small bedroom design tricks will help you create an airy, inviting atmosphere while making the most of every square foot.
Here at Lofty Designs, we’d love to help you create the bedroom of your dreams, no matter how big or small the space is. Reach out to us today to get your project started!