8 Designer-Approved Tips to Make Your Small Bedroom Appear Larger

Decorating a compact bedroom can present challenges. You need to fit bulky furniture like a bed, dresser, two nightstands, and other accessories without overcrowding the space. How do you achieve a spacious, open feel while maximizing storage and comfort? Designers share their top eight strategies to create a more open and relaxing atmosphere in your bedroom.

Avoid Dark Shades

Darrell Gardner, the director of product development at Cort, suggests that the key to making a room feel more spacious is to utilize light to enhance a sense of openness.

“Begin with light shades—soft pastels or pale neutrals that create an open, breezy atmosphere,” Gardner explains. “It’s like allowing the room to exhale. The lighter the colors, the more the walls seem to recede, giving you space to breathe.”

However, this doesn’t mean you need to eliminate dark colors entirely! Limit them to smaller accents, like cushions and throws.

Maintain a Consistent Color Scheme

A cohesive color scheme is essential, explains Carolyn Cerminara, founder and principal designer of Cerminara Design.

Cerminara believes that a unified room always feels more spacious. “I’m fond of using monochromatic or tonal designs, especially in softer tones,” she shares. “This approach ensures everything flows seamlessly, making the space feel open and welcoming without breaking it into separate visual sections.”

This doesn’t mean everything must be strictly monochrome, but consider limiting your decor to two or three complementary colors.

Utilize Vertical Space

Making use of vertical space is an effective way to create the illusion of more height. As Cerminara points out, “Tall bookshelves, long curtains, and artwork placed slightly higher than usual immediately draw attention upward. This optical trick can make even the tiniest bedrooms feel more open and expansive.”

Another suggestion? Consider a tall headboard, says Colleen Bute Bennett of CBB Design Firm. She believes it’s an excellent way to introduce a splash of color or texture into the room, especially when the rest of the space follows a more neutral theme.

Maintain Proper Furniture Proportions

One of the main obstacles when decorating a small bedroom is selecting furniture that suits the room’s size. Cerminara points out that oversized furniture can overwhelm the space.

For instance, trying to fit a king-sized bed with two nightstands in a small bedroom might be impractical. Opting for a queen-sized bed can make the room feel significantly more spacious.

Choosing the right furniture is essential.

Bennett suggests that furniture with visible legs, such as mid-century modern designs, helps to create a sense of openness and airiness, as it allows for more floor space to be seen.

The designer also notes that wall-mounted furniture is an excellent choice, especially in compact areas. 'Opt for wall-mounted shelves and nightstands to maximize floor space,' she advises. 'This not only reduces clutter but also draws the eye upward, making the space appear taller.'

Consider Replacing Lamps with Sconces

Sara Beverin, a senior designer at Eisen Design House, recommends sconces over lamps for small bedrooms. 'Rather than occupying space on your nightstands, install sconces,' she advises. 'This brings the eye upward, creating a more open, airy atmosphere while also minimizing visual clutter.'

Opt for Larger Rugs for a Better Look

Though a smaller rug may seem tempting for your bedroom, it’s not the best choice as it will break up the space, making it feel disconnected and fragmented.

Beverin explains, 'A common myth is that a smaller rug will make the space appear larger, but it actually does the opposite. The size of the rug directly influences the visual perception of the room's scale.'

To maximize your room's visual appeal, choose the largest rug that fits comfortably. (Try to leave about a foot of floor visible around the edges.)

Strategically Place Mirrors

A properly positioned mirror can visually expand the space by bouncing light around and adding depth. 'I love placing a large mirror across from a window to capture natural light,' says Cerminara. 'You’ll be amazed at how much brighter and more spacious the room will feel.'