The Best Small Bedroom Design Ideas To Steal

Like so many compact rooms, small bedrooms are a great source of ingenuity, and often have to work a double shift.

In addition to maxing out storage, they also strive to create a serene and calming space that invite homeowners to rest and relax. Scroll down for some of the best small bedroom design ideas!

Wrap The Room In One Pattern

In smaller rooms, designer Cynthia Ferguson often wraps the space in the same pattern so the eye isn’t distracted, as seen in this guest house bedroom. “I love the charm of small spaces. I find large, expansive spaces with no walls more challenging. Your home is supposed to be intimate,” she says.

This free-flowing, large-scale wallpaper pattern helps disguise the awkward angles in the other guest house bedroom, that features a pair of twin beds in the same pattern.

Make a Big Statement with Art and Lighting

Designer Sharon Mimran kept the palette light in the small second bedroom of her bold condo, but still infused the space with her glam style through statement lighting, striking artwork and designer furnishings.

Conceal with Style

In the same room, Sharon used bold drapes to hide access panels. “My stepson, who’s in fashion, found this black and white fabric with the wide stripes and it was perfect,” she says. The antique walnut linen press is used for storage.

Highlight Architectural Features

In this tiny retreat, wood-clad vaulted ceilings, uncluttered design and large windows make the bedrooms feel larger than they are.

Paint Out Cabinets

The owner of this compact condo hates clutter, so maximizing storage was a must. The built-in cabinets in the principal bedroom were painted the same color as the ceiling and walls to make them recede into the space.

In her bungalow’s guest bedroom, designer Orsi Panos followed the same approach by drenching the walls and built-ins around the bed in the same pale pink hue to keep the small space feeling light and airy.

Run Panelling Horizontally 

In this bedroom in a Laurentian ski chalet, the oak panelling is installed horizontally to visually expand the space in this niche behind the bed.

Try A Trundle 

Trundle beds are a great way to stash off-season clothes, and in this case, the twin beds are set in a guest room so they can accommodate extra linens or guests’ clothing.

Embrace Textiles

In this compact principal bedroom with angled ceilings, designer Samantha Sacks creates a layered look  with an international array of colorful patterned rugs and cool textiles. “I always feel that global elements are very compatible with Victorian houses because, at the time, people were beginning to explore far-flung parts of the world, and bringing home rugs and textiles as souvenirs of their travels,” says Samantha.

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Take Advantage Of Bay Windows

In the daughter’s room of the same home, a four-poster canopy bed may seem like a daring move for a small kids room, but placing it against a bay window creates the illusion of more space.

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Add Recessed Shelving

To save space in this loft bedroom, designer Stephanie Houghton installed recessed shelving in place of a freestanding cabinet or armoire. The addition of a floor-to-ceiling wood feature wall and sliding door make the ceilings appear taller than they already are.

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Integrate Nightstands

This cottage guesthouse bed headboard segues into a space-saving nightstand, for a clean look that’s also super functional.

Turn A Bug Into A Feature

Small bedrooms are often set under the eaves, but you can make those awkward angles work in your favour. “We embraced the quirks,” says designer Tiffany Leigh of the slanted ceiling. Painting the tongue-and-groove panelling and ceiling a calming grey sets it apart from the patterned wallpaper, and gives the space character and makes it feel cosy.

Install Custom Built-Ins 

In this 2,150-square-foot Toronto home, custom storage makes a huge difference in the bedroom. A tiny closet or skimpy wardrobe can’t match this wall of millwork, complete with stacks of drawers, and tall cupboards to store off-season clothing or accessories.

Create A Tonal Envelope 

Matching the wall color to the drapery doesn’t break up this bedroom visually, so the room feels less small. Upholstered walls are cosy and help with soundproofing.

Consider A Long Headboard

A full-width headboard makes this principal bedroom feel wider, and pendants free up space on the nightstands.

Install A Murphy Bed 

A Murphy bed can morph a living room or home office into an instant guest room. In the condo of designer Fenwick Bonnell’s living room, the Murphy bed is concealed by a wall of millwork (and a privacy drape also blocks off the area when guests are in residence).

Add A Large Rug

“A common mistake in small spaces is having a rug that’s too small,” says designer Nicci Harrison. In this compact bedroom, the rug extends to the wall, bringing the furniture together for a cohesive look. Bonus: wall sconces free up space on the nightstand!

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Install Floor-Length Drapes For A Breezy Look

Jackie Kai Ellis softened the look in her Vancouver condo by framing the windows with sheer white drapes that draw the eye up, and emphasized that movement by opening up the ceiling to expose the cool industrial concrete.

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Double Up

If your narrow space can’t accommodate one large dresser, place two small cabinets side by side for a look that feels custom. Bonus: rattan doors allow airflow for garments.

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Use Every Inch

In this Victorian-era house, an unused bedroom nook was turned into a multipurpose table that doubles as a makeup vanity and desk.

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