16 space-saving, style-sparing small bedrooms that inspire

Johannes van Graan Johannes van Graan
A Classic Contemporary Home in Clapham South, Plantation Shutters Ltd Plantation Shutters Ltd Kleine slaapkamer Massief hout Bont
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It can be downright frustrating trying to achieve visual excellence with very limited legroom. We are, of course, talking about the pain of trying to instil lots of style (and still include a decent amount of functionality) into small bedrooms, because let’s face it: small rooms are nothing new, and they’re not going away anytime soon.

Apart from phoning up a professional (like an Architect) to help you tear down some walls, there are various other design tips and tricks to give your small bedroom a bigger (and more stylish) vibe. 

Like painting the walls of your small bedroom a light colour in order for the light to better reflect and make the space seem brighter and roomier. And remember that dark colours absorb light, which will make an already small room feel smaller.

What about your ceiling design? Many homeowners and professionals love this technique, as it forces the eye upwards to take in those colours, patterns, and designs that help give the illusion of more height and interior space.

We all know that furniture is important (how else will you know what the room is meant for?), but careful creativity is crucial in small spaces. For instance, you don’t need to have two bedside tables if legroom is limited. Or a cosy little sofa/ottoman at the foot of your bed…  

Speaking of furnishings, did you know that opting for designs that show legs (and we mean table- and/or chair legs) can help you create the illusion of more space? The secret to getting this one right, however, lies in the fact that you must keep the area below the furniture pieces clean and organised (unless you opt for built-in storage compartments, as anything that boosts storage gets first priority).

Don’t forget about mirrors! They not only reflect, but at the right angle they can also create extra depth and/or height in a room. Of course first prize would be to have floor-to-ceiling mirrors (such as a closet design) to double your small bedroom’s visual space. 

Finally, don’t be scared of empty space. Instead, embrace it via the Cantaloupe rule, which tells us that a room’s decorations mustn’t be any smaller than a cantaloupe; otherwise, it just contributes to clutter. What do you think? 

And while you mull over that one, enjoy being inspired by these 16 small bedrooms that manage to pack a lot of style in little space…  


1. Avoid bulky furnishings that take up extra visual legroom—slim furnishings are key!

2. Cut some non-existing corners and consider circular nightstands to help free up a tad more visual space

3. Less is certainly more, so let's keep those décor accessories to a minimum

4. Don't discount the power of natural lighting (whether it filters through a window, French doors, or even a skylight) and how it can emphasise space

5. Pure proof that an all-neutral colour palette (ideal for small spaces) doesn't have to be dull

6. Dangling pendants instead of table lamps on nightstands? Extra style points if you love the industrial style!

7. How about this creative (and subtle) design that blends a headboard, floating shelf, lighting, and nightstand space all in one?

8. Although lovely, refrain from a feature wall if it's going to compartmentalise an already tiny bedroom even further

9. Of course if your mirror can extend to a floor-to-ceiling size, that would be wonderful for visual spaciousness

10. Don't underestimate clever décor (like botanic prints mimicking the fresh and bigger natural world outside)

11. Try painting your small bedroom ceiling a much lighter colour than the walls

12. To help banish clutter, allow your storage to seep into quirky little spaces

Aren't floating shelves amazing? And just in case you’re in the mood for something similar, we have top-notch Carpenters ready at your disposal. 


13. Thank heavens for wall-mountable furnishings that spare what little floor space there is

14. As long as you don't overdo it, some pretty pattern can also create detail without wasting actual space.

15. Where possible, opt for creatively built-in closets as opposed to free-standing wardrobes

16. How about an artistic feature wall that cancels the need for additional space-eating décor?

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