Wait, Tribe! I know you saw the word bedroom, but don’t get tired on me yet! The bedroom is ordinarily the location in a person’s home where we get to be selfish and make things very personal. For many of us, the bedroom is a comfort zone, a sanctuary, and a place to rest and heal. These seven tips will provide you or someone you know tranquility in a small bedroom. In a small bedroom, the goal is to make the space feel good, functional, and efficient. For this reason, we must start with the bed. It will be the foundation for everything else we do or ditch.

Tip 1 – It is all about the Bed

My house has a small primary bedroom, but my husband and I love our king-size bed. So, we had to decide if our bed would work in our space. The rule of thumb is to ensure you have 2-3 feet of walking space beside the bed. Measuring this out will help determine if you should drop the size of the bed down.

Once you choose the size of the bed, now it's time to add more function. Adding storage beneath the bed is an excellent idea in a small bedroom. The storage can be built into the base of the platform bed. You can also find beds that have hidden storage compartments under the mattress. For either style, this configuration works well because these platform-style beds tend to sit lower to the floor. This creates a feeling of openness in a small bedroom.

Tip 2 – Hang the Headboard!

In a small bedroom, you want to avoid a headboard more than 2" thick. Consider hanging the headboard above the mattress and pushing the bed up against the wall. This will save you precious floor space. Better yet, forgo the headboard altogether.

Instead, consider using artwork over the bed for the appearance of a headboard. Or beautiful wallpaper or fabric panels behind the bed that acts as an oversize headboard to the bed. When you have the space, headboards are lovely to have.

Tip 3 – Go Light and Bright

Use white or light colors to make your small bedroom feel more extensive and more open. Since lighter colors will reflect the light more, you'll have a sense that the space is larger than it is. With a monochromatic color scheme, you'll have fewer contrasting colors, visually breaking up the room. Again, making the space feel larger.

You can add pops of color, more textures, and some greenery to create that open, airy, serene feeling in your small bedroom. Making a small bedroom feel larger, light, and bright is the way to go!

Tip 4 – Use a small but multi-functional nightstand

Sometimes the space bedside the bed is slim. Your first thought may be to use a small leggy nightstand in the bedroom. However, in a small bedroom, function trumps aesthetics for me. It should have storage space, even if it's a small nightstand.

For example, if you have 3 feet beside the bed, consider using a three-drawer dresser as a nightstand, or add a small desk and chair. It's nice to have a surface beside your bed to hold your clock, a book, or a water bottle. But make sure you can store stuff in it too!

Tip 5 – Ditch the Lamp!

I know you're saying ditch the lamp. Is she crazy? I suggest you don't sit the lamp on top of the nightstand. Instead, consider using a wall sconce that sits above the nightstand to free space on top of the nightstand. Also, hanging pendant light from the ceiling is another excellent alternative. This offers a designer look while also freeing up much-needed surface space.

So, to my earlier point, keep the light, and ditch the table lamp.

Tip 6 – Go Vertical with Built-in Storage

Anytime you can draw the eye up in a small space, you will make the area feel larger. This is because you are now taking in the entire room from top to bottom, not just at eye level. A great way to draw the eye up in a small bedroom is to create built-in storage that utilizes your wall space. The higher it goes, the better. You can use closed cabinets that provide storage but covers the clutter. You can build in open shelving that allows you to display some of your favorite items. Here you get the illusion of more space with the added benefit of additional storage.

Tip 7 – Use Mirrors

Speaking of illusion! In a small bedroom, mirrors are your friend. Mirrors trick the eye into thinking the space has more depth and volume than it really does. Mirrors will also reflect the room's light, further brightening the room. Try using mirrors behind the bed or placing mirrors above the nightstand. A tall floor mirror increases the drama in the space. For all the benefits mirrors can add to a small bedroom, you'll need them to ensure your outfit is on point.

That's all, folks; you know what to do and ditch. Make sure you share this article with someone who may be doing too much with too little space. Visit my Amazon Store to bring some design elements I shared here into your home.

Small Bedroom Do's and Ditches