Whether it’s the need to save money on rent or you’re living in a city with notoriously small rooms, we sometimes end up wishing for a larger space. It’s no secret that small bedrooms can be tricky to decorate.
Many of us imagine our dream bedroom having a large king-sized bed with a canopy, a giant walk-in closet, and large windows that let in plenty of sunlight. However, living in New York City, I’ve learned to adapt to a much smaller, less spacious room than what I could afford elsewhere. Fortunately, there are plenty of small bedroom hacks you can use to make the room look bigger.
Whether you’re moving into a new place or just want to upgrade your current one, follow our tips below to transform your small bedroom into a space you’ll never want to leave!
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apply a fresh coat of light-colored paint
Soft shades reflect light so painting your walls in light colors will make your room look airier and bigger. My preference for the walls is always a soft white such as Behr Swiss Coffee. It brightens up the space while giving it a warm glow. However, if white is not your thing, you can select a light pastel or a light shade of grey.
To really make an impact, consider painting the trim, doors, and ceiling a lighter color than the walls. This will trick your eye into perceiving added depth!
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keep the bedding simple
I’m obsessed with gorgeous floral-patterned bedding but in a small bedroom, they can make the space feel smaller and claustrophobic. Like me, you may be tempted to choose bold, heavily patterned designs and as many pillows as possible. However, by selecting simple bedding in light colors it can help the space feel more open and airy. You can always add a splash of color with a pretty throw blanket or throw pillows! My favorite throw pillows from Target are sold out but these throw pillows covers are a great option too!
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define small spaces with a rug
Placing an oversized rug can work wonders in a smaller bedroom! It helps to draw attention to the full length of the space and feel more open. If you don’t have space for a giant rug then opt for a slightly smaller one and slide it under your bed. Make sure to keep the front legs of your bed on it and leave the back off. The rug will help to connect all of your bedroom furniture pieces together to create a nice sense of proportion in a smaller bedroom. This is one of my absolute favorite rugs! I’ve seen it work in boho, farmhouse, and modern style rooms!
Also, if you have carpet no worries! Try finding a rug in a different texture for some contrast.
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hang ceiling-to-floor curtains
When hanging curtains, the closer to the ceiling the better! Installing ceiling-to-floor curtains can make a space seem taller by drawing the eye up and make a cramped room feel more spacious.
Patterned curtains can make a room look busy. Instead, try to go for a cotton or linen material in a single light-colored shade that will match your new wall color. This will help a small bedroom feel even more bright and airy.
I have these curtains in every room in my home! They provide so much natural light in the room while allowing for privacy from all the NYC dwellers. I highly recommend them for anyone looking to brighten a space up.
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Add mirrors
Mirrors can be one of the easiest ways to trick the eye into thinking a room is bigger than it is. Using a full-length corner mirror is my personal favorite however, feel free to incorporate mirrors over the dresser, mirrors over the bed, mirrored closet doors, fancy-framed mirrors grouped together on a wall, or mirrored or chrome-finished lamps and decor. Selecting one of these options will bounce light around the room making it feel much larger!
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declutter your room
This might be the most obvious yet underutilized tip! An organized, clutter-free, and minimalist bedroom looks visually larger than what it actually is. Make a habit of decluttering your room regularly and only keep the items that you love. Remove bulky unused furniture and do not crowd the walls with too many photos or artwork. If you are struggling to decide what should stay and what should go, The Organizing Queen, Marie Kondo, can help you decide fast.
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