Written by Catherine Seagrave

Nearly every home has one…  a small bedroom! Sometimes it’s the spare bedroom or junk room, but very often in modern homes every bedroom can be on the skimpy side. And it can be a really tricky space to design without looking cluttered or cramped, or just boring. We have seen many mistakes made in these little rooms - so we wanted to share with you 9 of the most common for you to avoid. 

There are a number of easy ways to trick the eye into thinking a room is bigger than it really is and to create a feeling of space. If you can get your clutter under control too, you’ll have a stylish, cosy bedroom that feels spacious and functional. Once a room is well planned and styled, you forget about it’s size.

This list of 9 mistakes shows you the pitfalls to avoid and easy alternatives you can incorporate to make your bedroom feel more open and airy. Try combining a couple of these tips, to turn your tiny bedroom into a sanctuary you’ll never want to leave!

1. Don’t over furnish the room - use clever multifunctional pieces

In a small space you need to reduce clutter, and reduce the amount of furniture you have. There is nothing worse than falling over an awkwardly placed chair, or bashing your hip on a chest of drawers every time you have to squeeze by. Using minimal furniture that has multiple uses is the key to free up floor space. Think about items that can double up their uses - a headboard with a ledge that can also be a nightstand and bookshelf or a bed that has storage underneath for extra bedding or out of season clothes. 

2. Don’t go for a feature wall - instead use the same all-over colour

Drawing your attention to one feature wall is a mistake in a small room. It will make that wall appear to come towards you and you will be very aware of the edges of the room. Instead to create the feeling of more space stick to one single colour. With no point of reference and no contrasts, you are less aware of where things start and stop. Painting your ceiling and skirting boards the same colour as the walls will work to blur the edges and give the all important  illusion of more space. Keep the theme of one colour by painting your furniture the same colour as the walls too to help it blend.

Do you struggle to visualise how your room could look? Our Midi Living package can help!

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3. Don’t over clutter the floor - opt for wall mounted furniture

What you don’t want in a small room is to have bulky furniture filling the floor space. It will only make the room feel smaller. With wall mounted furniture you will still be able to see the floor, an important visual trick to make the room feel bigger. Try using bedside shelves instead of a bedside table, which are great for a tight space, or a bed with legs rather than a divan so that you can see underneath.

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4. Don’t buy a small rug - define your small space with a big rug

This is a great tip and might seem strange, but a big rug will make your bedroom feel larger. A small rug beside the bed will draw your eye inwards and make you aware of the small proportions. An oversized rug that extends under your furniture will draw the eye wider creating an illusion of space and making your room feel more open. If you don’t have the budget for a really large rug, get one that is large enough to go under the end legs of the bed. The rug will disappear under the bed making the room feel larger.

5. Don’t have sill length curtains - go high and long

If possible, go for floor length curtains rather than sill length - it’ll make a world of difference! You are wanting to increase the proportions of the room and trick the eye into seeing more, so floor length curtains will extend that line. When hanging your curtains, the closer you put your pole or track to the ceiling, the better. Hanging them well above the window frame will draw the eye up, and make a cramped room feel more spacious.

Patterned curtains can make a room look busy, so opt for a single colour, maybe in a tone to match the walls. The simpler the design the more bright and airy it will feel in a small space.

Need some tips on how to hang your curtains? Click here.

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6. Don’t overlook your wallspace - use shelving in clever ways

Additional shelving in a smaller space is the best way to store extra books, magazines, plants and photo frames. Try to utilise the wall space behind the bed for decorative items. If you have lots of books, go high with shelves around and over the door to give a neat, built-in feel. Paint the shelves the same colour as the walls for an uncluttered look. If you need a desk or dressing table, a wider bookshelf can also be multifunctional, with a chair tucked underneath. And a top tip - don't fill every shelf on a bookcase, leave some negative space for an uncluttered feel.

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7. Don’t just use a mirror to look at yourself!

Mirrors are an underused wonder of interior design. Used in the right way they can make a room look twice the size and twice as bright. Adding mirrors and mirrored furniture is a clever way to reflect light and make your small bedroom feel much bigger and brighter. Don't be afraid to play around with different styles - a large wall leaner mirror, a smaller mirror over a dressing table, or a mirror on a shelf - the more you add the brighter the room will feel. Try placing a large mirror on the darkest wall of your room or opposite the window for maximum effect.  And using a pair of tall mirrors behind your bedside tables provides great symmetrical style.

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8. Don’t have lots of small accessories - group with a tray

Accessories make a room personal and bring colour and life. But too many dotted around will also make your small room feel cluttered and busy.  A decorative tray is a really useful way to group your treasures and keep them from looking like clutter. Try using a glass tray for arranging anything from candles, to perfumes and plants.

9. Don’t go for a small ceiling light just because your room is small

Your small bedroom may be jam packed full of all your possessions, but your ceiling is completely empty! It’s the perfect place for some attention grabbing lighting. A showy lighting fixture will draw the eye upwards, maximising the feeling of space. So there’s no need to opt for a simple paper lantern, try a grand chandelier or contemporary multi armed orb light. And try using pendant lights or wall lights instead of bedside lights. It will free up your bedside table for a book or two instead.

Want to discuss your options? Book a discovery call with us today!

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And there you have it! Small bedroom mistakes to avoid and ideas for how to turn your tiny space into your favourite room in the house. If you like these ideas and would like some help tailored specifically to your home, budget and style, get in touch. We’d love to help you!