7 Small Bedroom Design Tips

If you’re working with a small bedroom space…

it can be hard to know what to prioritize when furnishing it. Whether you’re designing a guest bedroom, a master bedroom, or a kid’s bedroom, creating a space that feels like a sanctuary is possible with the right tools!

After working with all kinds of bedroom spaces in our client projects and on our Netflix show Dream Home Makeover, we’ve learned that although there is no one-size-fits-all solution, there are a few tricks to keep in mind.

Here are a few of our go-to small bedroom design tips:

No. 1: Prioritize the essentials

The truth is, you probably don’t need as much as you think you do. In our opinion, a bed and a dresser are the only necessities; plus, they both bring styling opportunities! This can be easier said than done when you are low on square footage, but overcrowding the room with furniture will only make space feel smaller.

From our Home on The Ranch

No. 2: Re-think the nightstand 

Although we love the form and function of nightstands, sometimes you need to re-think how they work in small bedroom spaces. Choosing smaller, legged pieces is always a good idea for bringing a more open feeling to the room. A small side table or stool can even work as a nightstand to hold a few essentials.  

If your closet door swings too close to one of your nightstands, try going for an asymmetrical look by forgoing a nightstand on one side or even breaking the “rules” and skipping nightstands altogether!  

From our Modern Lake House

No. 3: Take full advantage of wall space 

A small room can still be visually interesting without a lot of pieces on the floor. Creating a focal point by hanging art above the bed, on an empty wall, or even above a nightstand will give the eye a place to rest and give the illusion of more space. 

Explore the new McGee & Co. Fall Collection 

No. 4: Get creative with lighting 

Mood lighting is especially important in a bedroom, and layering different types of lighting can help illuminate each vignette, making a small room feel more interesting. If you don’t have room for a floor lamp (or even table lamps), try incorporating sconces above your nightstands! 

Explore the new McGee & Co. Fall Collection 

No. 5: Pay attention to your materials 

Incorporating minimal and lighter-weight materials in a small bedroom space through bedding and textiles can give a small room a relaxed, open feeling. Think linens, light-colored rugs, and pared-down throw pillow looks! 

Explore the new McGee & Co. Fall Collection 

No. 6: Add mirrors 

Whether they’re on the floor or hung above a dresser or console, mirrors do wonders for making the room feel bigger and more open. Plus, it’s pretty convenient to have in the space where you get dressed! Floor mirrors are a great way to fill the space without taking up a lot of room. Mirrors hung on the walls trick the eye into thinking the space is larger than it appears. 

From our Northridge Remodel

No. 7: Bring interest to the walls 

In a small bedroom, incorporating wall treatments like paneling can instantly make the space feel more intentional. We love using vertical paneling to draw the eye up to the ceilings and make them look taller. 

From our AZ Homestead Project