How to Decorate a Small Bedroom: 13 Creative Ways to Transform Your Room
The right decor will elevate your square-footage.
Small bedrooms may seem like a lost cause, but they're actually the easiest to decorate! The small square-footage requires fewer pieces of decor to make a large impact, and quirky corners, alcoves, and slanted ceilings require you to be intentional and sparing about what decor you choose to include. Keep reading to learn how to decorate a small bedroom and realize your bedroom's full potential.
1. Roll Out a Decorative Area Rug
When learning how to decorate a small bedroom, an area rug is a great starting point. Not only do area rugs make your bedroom ultra-cozy, but they can also contribute to your bedroom's design scheme through color, pattern, and shape. What's more, area rugs don't take up any valuable space. They merely provide a comfortable and stylish statement under-foot.
Tip!
Make sure you go with the best size option for your small bedroom's square footage by referencing our guide on How to Choose the Right Rug Sizes.
2. Work In Horizontal Stripes
Instantly make your small bedroom appear wider by incorporating horizontal stripe patterns. You can achieve this with horizontal striped beadboard or wall paneling, striped area rugs, wallpaper patterns, and even striped bedding. We recommend limiting the use of horizontal stripes to one or two decor elements to keep from overwhelming the space. Above, laid-back horizontal wall paneling pairs well with a bold striped area rug. Together they work to visually expand the small bedroom without overpowering each other.
Create the illusion of high ceilings by decorating small bedroom interiors with well-placed curtains. The best way to create visual length using curtains is to install the curtain rod 6" to 12" above the top of the window frame. Ideally, you want the bottom of the curtains to brush the floor when hung up. We recommend measuring the height of your bedroom window starting at the bottom of the wall and measuring to the proposed spot above the top part of the window where you want to install the curtain rod. This will help you decide on the right curtain length to achieve the desired floor-length approach.
In addition to curtain placement, we also recommend opting for slightly sheer curtains – especially in small bedrooms with fewer windows, as this provides privacy without blocking natural light.
Tip!
New to the curtain game? Review our guides on How to Hang Curtains and How to Hang Curtains from the Ceiling to learn more about how height placement and curtain length can influence the overall look.
4. Use Wallpaper to Add Character
Use wallpaper in small, quirky bedroom layouts to convey a sense of personality and style without taking up space. With so many pattern and style options to choose from, you're bound to find one that completes your bedroom aesthetic. Peel-and-stick wallpaper is easier to apply and remove than other types, which makes it a great option for small bedrooms you want to be able to adapt and evolve along with your design preferences.
Tip!
Check out our guides on How to Install Wallpaper or How to Install Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper for the best results.
5. Enlist the Help of a Well-Placed Mirror
Mirrors have the power to make spaces appear larger and more open while reflecting natural light, which is why we had to include them on our list of small bedroom decorating ideas. Consider a floor length mirror tucked in the corner or behind the bed frame to create the illusion of more space. Or opt for a wall-mounted mirror that stretches the length of the wall for the ultimate space-creating decor piece.
Tip!
Check out our guide on How to Decorate With Mirrors for more inspiration.
6. Showcase an Oversized Art Piece
Make a statement with one oversized art print to set the tone for your small bedroom aesthetic. An oversized art print pushes the boundaries of what you thought you could do with your small bedroom's wall space and takes up a large portion of the wall without additional decor needed. Not to mention, it looks stunning!
Play on your bedroom's small size with small bedroom decor like the scaled-down mini art prints pictured above. Set miniature wall art in elaborate frames to highlight their quaint size. Or use mini art prints to style a narrow section of wall, therefore adding a decorative element to an otherwise unusable spot.
Use a loft-style bed set-up to create visual levels in your small bedroom with decor. Position a stack of books and a space-friendly houseplant in your below-bed study area. Hang string lights with memorable pictures or cards on the wall beside your loft bed. The loft set-up and well-placed decor helps add visual depth to otherwise small bedrooms for a refreshing small bedroom design without limitations.
Tip!
Learn more about using a loft as a space-saving bedroom staple with Inspiring Loft Bed Ideas to Elevate a Small Bedroom.
9. Add a Mini Chandelier
When figuring out how to decorate a small bedroom, sometimes glam statement lighting can make all the difference! Position a mini chandelier above your bed for an element of luxury in your small bedroom. The best part about mini chandeliers is their space-saving size and more budget-friendly price-point.
Keep the tops of your dressers and nightstands uncluttered by opting for decorative wall sculptures instead of traditional decorative sculptures, which take up valuable surface space. The above abstract wall sculpture is just one example of a statement-making design you can install above your bed. Choose a wall accent or sculpture that speaks to your bedroom's design style and color palette for the best results.
If you have a small bedroom, you might as well take advantage of its size and make it as cozy and quaint as possible. Fill out your bed with plush, comfy throw pillows that match your bedding. If you have a daybed or twin bed, you can use throw pillows to create a makeshift sofa or lounge space. At the end of a long day, you can relax and unwind surrounded by cozy accents.
The right mixture of patterns can transform even the smallest of bedrooms into a creative space you won't want to leave. Take the bedroom above as an example. A dedicated accent wall displays a cool tree pattern, while the floor sports a pink checkered area rug. The rest of the wall space is a solid neutral color, which helps create balance within the room. The beds have a combination of solid color sheets, patterned pillows, and patterned throw blankets to make the space pop.
Decorate a tiny bedroom with minimal decor to keep the space relaxed, open, and uncluttered. The small bedroom pictured above features a decorative table lamp and potted plant on the nightstand. The walls around the bed are clear aside from the minimalist round mirror. A patterned throw pillow is the only display of pattern on an otherwise soothing and neutral bedding set.
Tip!
Craving more small bedroom inspiration? Check out these 10 Small Bedroom Ideas to Make Your Space Seem Larger, and reference our guide on Designing a Small Bedroom for considerations on furnishings and layout.
Now that you know how to decorate a small bedroom, get browsing!
