How to Make a Small Bedroom Feel Bigger

Furniture and decor can change the feel of a bedroom.

Not all bedrooms are created equal. In most homes and apartments, at least one bedroom is not the optimal size for the homeowner. Using a few simple tricks and techniques for bedroom design and furniture placement can give the illusion of space, even in the tiniest bedroom. Creating space not only comes in handy while you are living there, but also comes in handy when trying to sell a home.

Things You'll Need

• Paintbrush
• Primer
• 3M Painter's tape
• Paint roller
• Tarp

Instructions

1. Paint in neutral colors. Small rooms feel even smaller when decorated in dark colors. Cover the floor in tarp, mask off trim, prime and then paint walls in light neutral colors using a paint roller. Cover dark trim with light, neutral colors and go over these areas with a paintbrush once the walls have dried.

2. Place small furniture in the room. Instead of big, bulky dressers and beds, select small furniture with clean lines. Ornate designs suffocate the space in a room; scale furniture around the size of the bed. For example, when placing a double bed in a small space select a simple headboard in place of a headboard and footboard combination. Decorate with a tall dresser or armoire as opposed to a wide dresser.

3. Decorate with simplicity. Use clean lines in the selection of bedding and accompanying décor. Stay away from ruffles or bulky bedding. Accent the room with bold colors for lampshades and photos, enhancing the neutral paint covering while making the room seem warm and inviting.

4. Hang a large mirror on a wall. Mirrors enhance the visible space of a room. Place a mirror on the wall opposite the door; this creates an illusion of space when entering the room.

5. Declutter the area. Small rooms feel even more cramped when crammed with multiple items. When decorating a small room to enhance space, less is more. Consider using wall shelves or closet organization systems in small bedrooms to keep the room looking sleek and clutter free, and---in some cases---eliminating the need for other furniture all-together.

Tips & Warnings

• Murphy or hide away beds are an alternative to a traditional bed in a small room, and can create a lot of free space.

References

• Apartment Ratings: Small Space Design: Make Your Bedroom Look Bigger in 4 Steps