7 Designer Tips for Furnishing Tiny Bedrooms

Just because your bedroom is small doesn't mean you can't go big.

When picking a place to live, there are many reasons to opt for smaller square footage. Some people move to major metropolitan cities for a busy career, thinking they won’t spend much at home. Others lead a life of minimalism, choosing a tiny house, an RV, or a deliberately humble home. In all cases, location and lifestyle might trump square footage regarding your home.

But with small spaces can come some tricky interior design choices. Balancing functionality with aesthetics is more an art than a science, especially for tiny bedrooms. Finding the right furniture to move through small halls and doorways is just the beginning. Interior design experts share tips and tricks for incorporating furniture into a tiny bedroom here.

Related: 14 Small Bedroom Ideas to Make Your Space Feel Bigger Than It Really Is

1. Focus on Windows and Walls

Nikki Klugh, principal designer of the eponymous all-women design group, believes everyone should have a sanctuary to rest, recharge, and revitalize. "In the event that you are restricted to a little window, utilize light installations to light up the space," she says. "Likewise, consider the brilliant wall tone. Dull walls can cause a space to feel more modest than they are, on the grounds that they retain light."

As for wall decor in a tiny bedroom, Klugh says it is best to create one visual focal point. "Limit your wall style to a solitary enormous craftsmanship piece rather than a few little outlined photos or masterpieces. A point of convergence will draw the eye effectively, though many little pieces will appear to be jumbled."

Related: 15 Small Apartment Decor and Storage Ideas to Maximize Your Space

2. Consider Walkways

“Pay close attention to pathways in and out. Too many ways in and out of a room make it like Swiss cheese, limiting your options on where to put furniture,” says Andrew Mikhael, an architect licensed in New York, New Jersey, and Washington State. When considering the feng shui of your tiny bedroom, correctly measure furniture to ensure it doesn’t block doorways. Also, avoid obstructing windows that let in natural light. Clear pathways should be throughout your small bedroom so you can easily move around the space.

3. Utilize Multipurpose Furniture

Melanie Thomas, a Los Angeles-based interior stylist, "loves getting weird with interior design." Her design style is characterized by color and global art influence. In small spaces, her signature look feels quite maximalist.

She says to choose multi-functional furniture that offers storage for a tiny bedroom. "Hide as much of the day-to-day knick-knacks away and use every corner to add storage. Instead of using a closet only to hang clothes, you can also place a small dresser in there," she suggests. "That way, there is more floor space that isn't eaten up by a bulky dresser."

Additionally, she advises paying attention to vertical space. "Use hanging furniture, plant baskets, and wall storage off the floor to give the appearance of layering and space. If everything is on the floor—chairs, shelves, desks, plants, beds—the space will feel crowded."

4. Try Furniture with Narrow Frames

"Just because your room is small, you don't have to use tiny furniture," Thomas says. "Just make sure the furniture itself isn't overly ornamental or bulky. Streamlining is key." Look for chairs, nightstands, and benches with narrow steel frames or glass surfaces for an airy look.

Regarding beds in tiny bedrooms, you don't have to skimp on size. "A regular-sized bed can fit in a small bedroom, but a canopy bed will make it feel like there isn't room for anything else." Rather than go for oversized designs, lean on slim furniture and unify the space with a corner-to-corner rug that fits under all the furnishings.

Related: 19 Creative Storage Ideas to Solve Your Small-Space Problems

5. Go Neutral

Kasia McDaniel, owner of Blue Diamond Staging & Design, helps homeowners make their spaces more inviting so they can sell their homes at top dollar and quickly. She suggests a neutral color palette for tiny bedroom furniture to help a small room feel larger.

"Light or white furniture makes the room feel bigger, especially when the walls are painted a lighter color. Darker furniture shows too much of a contrast against a lighter-colored wall and, therefore, stands out and makes the room feel more cramped," she says.

Related: 13 Modern Bedroom Ideas to Help You Create a Relaxing Retreat

6. Reflect Light

To visually expand a tiny bedroom, McDaniel suggests using mirrored surfaces and accents. "A mirror, particularly when situated opposite a window, can assist with getting all the more light," she says. Even if you don't have a large window in the room, artificial light will bounce off of mirrors and brighten a space with minimal effort.

7. Decorate Slowly

While you might be in a rush to settle in, take your time when shopping for tiny bedroom furniture, says Elizabeth Byler, creative image director and owner of Eden Environments, a design firm focused on creating inclusive and sustainable spaces. "It's tempting to fill the room as quickly as possible, but take your time to find pieces that you love and that work for your space," says Byler. "Go slow and add one or two things at a time."

Related: What is Slow Decorating? The Sustainable Home Trend with Timeless Style

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