Living in a small space can be a real challenge, especially when it comes to making a bedroom feel cozy and spacious. With a bit of creativity and the right techniques, you can transform even the tiniest room into a more open and inviting space. I used to live in a 20 square meter studio and felt really cornered with how small the space used to be.
Every day felt like a constant battle against clutter, and I struggled to find ways to make my tiny home feel more spacious. So, I decided to challenge myself and tackle the issue head-on to make my lovely home appear more spacious. Through trial and error, I discovered several techniques that transformed my cramped quarters into a cozy, functional, and visually larger space. Here are 15 Ways to Make an Extremely Small Bedroom Look Bigger, based on my personal journey.
1. Use Light Colors
Light colors reflect more light, making the room feel airy and open. Opt for soft hues like white, cream, light gray, or pastels for your walls, bedding, and furniture. This simple change can instantly make your small bedroom look bigger. By choosing lighter shades, you can enhance the natural light in the room, making it feel more spacious and welcoming. Dark colors can make a room feel smaller and more confined, while light colors open up the space and create a sense of tranquility.
2. Keep It Simple
Minimalism is key in a small bedroom. Avoid clutter and keep your decor simple. Choose a few essential pieces of furniture and keep surfaces clear to create an open and organized space. When I first moved into my small apartment, I had too much furniture. Simplifying the room made it feel much larger and more comfortable. I sold or donated the extra pieces and kept only what I truly needed. This not only made the room more spacious but also much more relaxing. Embracing minimalism helps in reducing visual clutter, which can make a small room appear cramped.
3. Use Multi-Functional Furniture
Invest in furniture that serves multiple purposes. For example, a bed with storage drawers underneath, a fold-out desk, or a bench that doubles as a storage box. This helps you maximize space and reduce clutter. I bought a bed with built-in drawers, and it was a game-changer. I could store my extra bedding and clothes without needing a bulky dresser. This freed up a lot of floor space, making my small bedroom look much bigger and more organized. Multi-functional furniture not only saves space but also adds practicality and functionality to your room.
4. Mirrors Are Your Best Friend
Mirrors reflect light and create the illusion of more space. Place a large mirror on one wall or use mirrored furniture to enhance the room’s openness. I added a large mirror opposite my window, and the room instantly felt twice as big. The mirror reflected the natural light coming in from the window, making the space brighter and more inviting. Mirrors can also be used strategically to highlight certain areas of the room, adding depth and dimension.
5. Opt for Built-In Storage
Built-in storage solutions, such as shelves and cabinets, make use of vertical space and keep the floor area clear. Custom-built options can be tailored to fit your exact needs and maximize every inch. Built-in storage helps in organizing your belongings neatly while ensuring that the room doesn’t feel cluttered. It also allows for more walking space, making the room feel less crowded and more spacious.
6. Raise Your Bed
Elevate your bed to create extra storage space underneath. You can use bed risers or choose a lofted bed to keep items out of sight and the floor area clear. Raising my bed allowed me to store boxes and bins underneath, freeing up valuable floor space and making the room feel less cramped. It also gave me more storage options without needing extra furniture. Utilizing the space under the bed is an effective way to keep your room tidy and spacious.
7. Choose Vertical Lines
Vertical lines draw the eye upward, making the room appear taller. Use vertical stripes on your walls, tall bookshelves, or curtains that extend from the ceiling to the floor. I installed vertical striped wallpaper, and it made my room feel much taller and more spacious. This simple visual trick can make a significant difference in how large your small bedroom feels. Vertical lines create a sense of height, adding a dynamic element to the room’s design.
8. Maximize Natural Light
Natural light makes any space feel larger. Keep window treatments light and airy to let in as much natural light as possible. Avoid heavy drapes or dark blinds that block light. I switched from dark curtains to sheer ones, and the increase in natural light made the room feel brighter and bigger. The sheer curtains also added a touch of elegance to the room. Maximizing natural light enhances the room’s ambiance and creates a more open and airy feel.
9. Use Transparent Furniture
Clear or acrylic furniture can make a small room look less cluttered. Since these pieces take up less visual space, they help the room feel more open. I added an acrylic desk and chair, which blended seamlessly into the room, making it appear more spacious. The clear furniture doesn’t block the view, so the room looks less crowded. Transparent furniture adds a modern and sleek look to the room while maintaining a sense of openness.
10. Declutter Regularly
Regularly decluttering your space helps maintain a clean and open environment. Donate, sell, or store items you don’t use frequently to keep your small bedroom organized. I make it a habit to declutter every few months. It’s amazing how much bigger my room feels without unnecessary items taking up space. Decluttering also makes it easier to keep the room clean and tidy. Keeping your room free of clutter ensures that it remains functional and inviting.
11. Use Floating Shelves
Floating shelves free up floor space and create storage options without bulky furniture. They also draw the eye upward, contributing to the illusion of a larger room. Installing floating shelves above my desk provided extra storage without sacrificing floor space, making the room feel larger and more functional. Floating shelves are versatile and can be used to display decorative items or store everyday essentials, adding both style and functionality to the room.
12. Hang Curtains High
Hanging curtains close to the ceiling, rather than just above the window, gives the illusion of height and makes the room feel more spacious. Choose long curtains that reach the floor to enhance this effect. I moved my curtain rod up to the ceiling, and it made my windows look larger and my room taller. This small adjustment had a big impact on how spacious the room felt. High-hanging curtains add elegance and create a dramatic effect that enhances the room’s overall appearance.
13. Keep a Low Profile
Low-profile furniture, such as a platform bed or low dresser, can make the ceiling appear higher and the room more expansive. This trick helps to create a more open feel in a small bedroom. I switched to a low-profile bed, and it made a noticeable difference in how spacious the room felt. The lower furniture doesn’t obstruct the view, making the room appear larger. Low-profile furniture contributes to a sleek and modern look while maximizing the sense of space.
14. Utilize Corners
Make use of often-overlooked corner spaces with corner shelves or a small corner desk. This helps maximize every inch of space and reduces wasted areas. I added a corner shelf for my books and decor, and it freed up a lot of space while adding a nice touch to the room. Utilizing corners effectively can make a big difference in a small bedroom. Corners are perfect for adding functional storage or display areas without encroaching on the main living space.
15. Stick to a Consistent Color Scheme
A consistent color scheme creates a cohesive and spacious feel. Avoid too many contrasting colors or patterns that can make the room look busy and smaller. Stick to a palette of 2-3 colors for a harmonious look. I chose a white and gray color scheme with a few blue accents, and it made my room feel much more open and unified. The consistent colors helped to create a calm and spacious atmosphere. A unified color scheme ties the room together, making it appear larger and more cohesive.
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Conclusion
Making a small bedroom look bigger is all about clever use of color, light, and furniture. By incorporating these 15 Ways to Make an Extremely Small Bedroom Look Bigger, you can transform your cramped space into a comfortable and inviting retreat. Remember to keep things simple, make use of vertical and hidden storage, and let in as much natural light as possible. Happy decorating!
By following these 15 Ways to Make an Extremely Small Bedroom Look Bigger, you can effectively create a more spacious and comfortable living area. These tips have personally helped me turn my tiny bedroom into a cozy and functional space that I love.