Bedroom Ideas to Make a Small Space Look Bigger

When I first moved into a city apartment, my bedroom was small enough to lay my arms out and touch both of its walls. In the beginning, it seemed impossible to make it cozy or stylish. It was not so much a retreat but a storage closet.

But over the years, I’ve learned that small bedrooms are not a disadvantage. They’re design challenges that, when solved, can feel even more personal and inviting than larger spaces.

The key to this is perspective. With a few smart decisions, you can make a cramped room feel open, practical, and surprisingly relaxing.

Here’s how I’ve done it, along with tips you can easily use in your own space.

Light Colors Make Space Feel Larger

Bedroom with light colored walls

One of the easiest changes you can make is painting your walls in light, neutral tones. Shades like soft beige, pale gray, or warm cream reflect more natural light, which instantly brightens the room. 

Designers often note that even pastels with subtle undertones can visually push the walls back, creating a more spacious feel.

When I swapped dark paint for a gentle cream in my last apartment, it didn’t just look bigger, it felt calmer. That’s the beauty of neutrals: they expand a space while setting a restful mood. 

If you’re also curious how different colors affect coziness, you might like my guide on bedroom color schemes for a calm vibe.

Quick Action: Test a paint swatch on your wall before committing. You’ll instantly see how much brighter your room feels.

Renter Tip: Can’t paint? Peel-and-stick wallpaper in a soft neutral shade can achieve the same effect, and comes off clean when it’s time to move.

Curtains Can Stretch the Room

Bedroom with extended curtains 

Once your colors set the stage, the next trick is to use window treatments to stretch the room. 

According to Livingetc, hanging curtains close to the ceiling instead of right above the window visually raises the height of the walls. Extending the rod a little past the window frame makes the window look wider. Paired with sheer fabric, this lets in more light and adds flow.

The first time I tried this trick, my low-ceilinged bedroom instantly felt taller. It’s a small shift, but it completely changed how I experienced the space.

Quick Action: Raise your curtain rod by just a few inches, and you’ll see the difference immediately.

Renter Tip: Use a tension rod for lightweight sheers if you’re not allowed to drill into walls.

The Magic of Furniture with Legs and Multi-Functionality

Furniture plays a huge role in how small a bedroom feels. Heavy, blocky pieces that sit directly on the floor weigh the room down. Instead, choosing a bed or nightstand with slim legs keeps the floor visible, which makes the room feel open.

Multi-functional furniture is another lifesaver. I once had a bed with drawers underneath that held almost all my clothes. In another space, a simple ottoman doubled as storage and extra seating. 

Beds with built-in storage, Murphy beds, or even nesting tables can free up precious floor space and reduce clutter.

If you want more inspiration on balancing function with comfort, my master bedroom ideas guide explores bigger-picture and design choices that create both luxury and practicality.

Quick Action: Swap out at least one bulky piece, like a boxy nightstand, for a slimmer version with legs.

Splurge Tip: If you’re going to spend on one item, make it a storage bed. It combines comfort with hidden organization.

Mirrors: The Oldest Trick That Still Works

There’s nothing revolutionary about using mirrors, but it still remains one of the most effective ways of making a small bedroom look bigger. By reflecting light, both natural and artificial light, mirrors give depth and open space.

In one of the smallest rental properties I had ever been in, I propped a tall mirror up across from the window. The reflection doubled the amount of light and made the room feel twice as light. The same effect can be achieved with mirrors hung in a gallery style

Quick Action: Place a mirror where it can reflect natural light; it instantly brightens the space.

Renter Tip: If drilling isn’t allowed, try an over-the-door mirror. It’s functional and removable.

Don’t Forget to Go Vertical

Bedroom in-built vertical shelf

When floor space runs out, the best direction to go is up. Tall shelving, floor-to-ceiling curtains, or even vertical artwork naturally draw the eye upward. This makes ceilings feel higher and the room feel grander.

I suggested floating shelves to a friend, and once she added them, her small bedroom instantly felt taller. Not only did she gain extra storage, but the vertical lines gave the illusion of extra height as if it were a double-height living room. 

It’s indeed an easy way to make the most of limited square footage.

For more ideas that add both storage and charm, you might enjoy my guide on DIY bedroom decor hacks.

Quick Action: Stack storage or shelving units vertically instead of spreading them across the floor.

Renter Tip: Use tall, narrow bookcases instead of built-ins; you can take them with you when you move.

Before we wrap up, I know that small bedroom design often raises the same set of questions. Over the years, I’ve been asked these more times than I can count, so let me answer them here.

FAQ: Small Bedroom Design

What colors make a small bedroom feel bigger?
Soft gray, beige or off-white are lighter colors that reflect more light and can make the area feel more open. Pastel colours having a light undertone are also a good option.

Do mirrors really make a difference in small bedrooms?
Yes. More than anything else, mirrors bounce natural and artificial light around creating the illusion of more space than there really is.

How should I arrange furniture in a small bedroom?
Use furniture with thin legs, keep the bed away from the center if possible and don’t force everything in the rooms against the walls. Much larger pieces (bed or dresser) actually create a larger opening for the room, if you allow a bit of breathing space around it.

What’s worth splurging on in a small bedroom?
Good mattress, storage bed. Comfort comes first, and storage beds are all about having space while still being stylish.

Final Thoughts

The idea of a small bedroom is just about making the most of what you have to work with. From color selections to curtains, furniture, mirrors, and vertical storage, with proper selections, even the tiniest space can feel bright, open, and inviting.

If I have to draw upon my answer, I would state that the smallest rooms where I lived proved to be where I learned the most from. From them, I learned it is not a square room that makes you comfortable but intention.

Every piece of space matters and if utilized prudently, a small bedroom can be more intimate, more creative and maybe even warmer than a large bedroom.

If you’re ready for more inspiration, browse through my bedroom category for ideas that can help you create a space that feels bigger, cozier, and uniquely yours.