1. Paint
Painting the walls in light colors like white, soft neutrals or pastels can make your bedroom appear spacious and appealing. To prevent the room from looking flat and lifeless use different textures, like this chunky cream blanket and these light blue linen pillows. Pops of color can also be found in the with books and decorative accents on the built-in shelving.
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Follow these tips to prep for painting.
Learn how to paint a room.
2. Bed with Storage
Your bed will typically take up the most space, so one with built-in storage is ideal for a small bedroom. Here are a few ideas.
- Install a platform bed with built-in drawers to store linens, seasonal clothes or even shoes.
- If you're an avid reader, choose a bed with built-in shelving in place of a headboard.
- To save square footage and obtain additional storage, consider a Murphy bed. Murphy beds with bookcases, drawers or cabinets on either side, give you plenty of places to store necessary items. When the bed isn't in use, it can be folded neatly into the wall. This works well in studio apartments or small guest rooms.
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Try these underbed storage ideas.
Build a Murphy bed for your small bedroom.
3. Multi-Functional Furniture
Maximize your space by using multi-functional furniture. Here are a few ideas.
- Place a trunk or a storage ottoman at the end of the bed. Not only does it provide additional seating, but you can also store extra bedding or off-season clothing.
- For a child's bedroom, there are a few different options. Use a bunk bed to fit two beds vertically or consider a daybed with a pull-out trundle for sleepovers. Lastly, consider a loft bed. In this image, a white loft bed with a built-in desk underneath occupies the same square footage for multiple uses.
- Make your bedside table do double duty. Use nightstands or a small dresser with drawers and doors for additional storage.
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4. Mirrors
Mirrors are one of the easiest small bedroom design ideas since they reflect light and help make the room bright. To maximize the effect, use a full-length mirror on a wall or closet door, creating the illusion of a larger space. Install round or oval mirrors if you prefer a soft look. For a modern small bedroom idea, install a mirror with gold or black trim and clean lines.
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Learn how to hang a heavy mirror.
Choose the best mirror for every room.
5. Lighting
Wall Sconces
Swap bulky table lamps with wall sconces. This saves space, while giving a modern touch to your bedroom. They're available in a variety of styles and colors to complement your space. Opt for brushed gold, polished nickel or black sconces for a modern or industrial look. If you're an avid reader, consider installing sconces with a swing arm, allowing you to adjust the light as needed.
Pendant Lighting
Brighten up your small bedroom with pendant lighting that hangs from the ceiling, saving you valuable nightstand space. Choose a sleek design for minimalist interiors or opt for tiered pendant lighting to add depth to the room.
Flush Mount Lighting
If your ceilings are lower and you're worried about bumping into the light, consider flush mount lighting. They sit close to the ceiling and come in a wide array of styles and finishes.
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Choose the right lights for your home.
Don't miss these 5 lighting trends.
6. Curtains & Drapes
Install your bedroom curtains closer to the ceiling. Longer curtains help make the room look spacious. Sheer curtains allow the most light inside. Semi-sheer curtains help maintain privacy while letting in the most light. If you prefer a cozy space with less sunlight entering the room, choose blackout curtains.
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Learn how to choose and hang curtains.
Try these 7 easy ways to make curtains look expensive.
7. Underbed Storage
If you have a bed with available space underneath, use it for storage. Plastic storage containers on casters work well to help you easily access off-season bedding and clothing. They're a simple yet effective storage solution for small bedrooms. Label them to quickly identify items or choose clear bins so you can see what’s inside without opening them.
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Maximize space in your small closet.
Use these 7 tips to organize your closet on a budget.
8. Corner Shelves
Maximize unused corners by adding shelves for books, plants or everyday essentials. Use wooden shelves if your bedroom has farmhouse interiors. Install metal corner shelves for an industrial look. If you want a seamless look that blends into your walls, select shelving that's the same color as the walls.
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Learn how to build a wall-mounted shelf with storage.
Find out how to install floating shelves.
9. Wallpaper
Wallpaper and murals are one of the easiest ways to create a big impact in a small space. From cute animal motifs in a nursery to dramatic and moody landscapes, murals and wallpaper come in thousands of designs, colors and themes to suit any aesthetic. Select from traditionally pasted panels to peel-and-stick varieties that are easy for renters to remove when they leave.
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Learn how to hang peel-and-stick wallpaper.
Use our wallpaper calculator.
Let's Get Started
You don't need more square footage to transform a small bedroom. By painting the walls in lighter colors, using multifunctional furniture, vertical storage and mirrors, you can create a cozy space you'll love for years to come. From paint and organizational supplies to furniture and mirrors, Lowe's has thousands of products to bring your vision to life. Shop online or visit your local Lowe's store.