Struggling with how to arrange a small bedroom? You’re not alone. With limited space, it’s tough to balance functionality, style and comfort. But don’t worry – in this guide, I’ll show you how to transform your small bedroom into a cozy, spacious sanctuary.
If you want tips on how to decorate a small apartment, check out this post.
In this guide, I will give you various strategies for how to arrange a small bedroom. I help you on how you can maximize your storage and incorporate design elements that will make the room feel much more spacious, such as small bedroom layout ideas. Plus, I will also give you essential tips for the best color choices and budget-friendly decorating ideas – on a budget.
So, by the end of this post, you’ll have the information you need to turn your small bedroom into a stylish and functional space.
Also, don’t forget to save any of these pictures to your Pinterest board! Just click on the Pinterest logo!
Section 1: How to Arrange a Small Bedroom
When you have limited space, every decision you make about furniture placement and small bedroom layout ideas suddenly becomes crucial to making the most of the room. The way you arrange your bedroom will have a huge impact on how spacious or cramped it feels. So, let’s dive into how to arrange a small bedroom.
To make this process a little easier for you, I have gathered some expert tips on how to make the most out of your small bedroom layout:
1.1 Bed Placement: The Focal Point
Let’s start off with the biggest furniture – the bed. This will also most likely become the focal point in the room. If you center the bed on the wall opposite to the door (or what works for your room) it will create a balanced and symmetrical look.
Often in a small bedroom, you don’t have so many options on where to put the bed. However, if you have multiple options – be mindful of leaving enough space around the bed for easy access to other areas. When exploring small bedroom layout ideas, prioritizing flow and functionality is key.
1.2 How to Arrange a Small Bedroom By Maximizing Vertical Space
When figuring out how to arrange a small bedroom, it’s important to think vertically. Consider small bedroom layout ideas that use tall furniture bookshelves, cabinets or dressers as storage without taking up too much floor space. You can also opt for wall-mounted shelves and floating nightstands to help the room feeling airy by keeping things off the floor.
Another great tip I learned recently is that you can actually hang your artwork and mirrors higher on the wall. This will give the illusion of more space.
Also, one of my favorite tips is actually getting a poster bed. This will bring the eye higher up and create the illusion of a bigger room. You can also hang white curtains on it to make it even cozier. Here is a beautiful option on the bed.
1.3 Keep the Flow and Movement Clear
Knowing how to arrange a small bedroom effectively means prioritizing open space. When thinking about your small bedroom layout ideas, avoid overcrowding the room with unnecessary furniture and keep pathways around the bed and other furniture clear.
Think that you should be able to walk around the room easily without feeling cramped.
Also, try to avoid placing furniture in a way that obstructs the natural flow of the room.
1.4 Furniture with Multiple Functions
Of course, when space is limited, every piece of furniture should work as a double. When figuring out small bedroom layout ideas, look for multifunctional furniture such as a bed with storage drawers underneath (there are stylish ones) or an ottoman that can serve as both seating and extra storage. You can find an example on an ottoman here.
Another smart solution for how to arrange a small bedroom is to use foldable furniture or stackable items. These space-saving pieces can be easily stored away when not in use, keeping the room organized and clutter-free.
Section 2: How To Arrange a Small Bedroom With Smart Storage
One of the hardest things when having a small bedroom is finding great storage solutions. Without enough storage, your bedroom can quickly become cluttered and chaotic. So, here are some smart storage ideas to truly maximize you bedroom’s functionality:
2.1 Maximize Closet Space
When figuring out how to arrange a small bedroom, one common challenge is dealing with limited closet space – or not having a closet at all. So, if your closet is small, it means we have to think smart in order to maximize the closet space.
You should opt for slim hangers and also use hanging organizers, such as this one. I used to have beautiful wooden hangers in my closet, but I had to change them since they took up too much space and I could fit almost 20 more hangers. It really does make that big of a difference.
Also, if you have shelves in your closet, it’s important to use the efficiently by organizing your clothes by category or season. One thing that really helped me it to use vacuum compression bags for off-season clothes. Then, you can put them either in another storage space or at the top shelf of your closet.
2.2 How to Arrange a Small Bedroom with Under-Bed Solutions
Under-bed storage is such an underrated thing. It’s actually one of the most perfect spaces for storage when considering small bedroom layout ideas. You should consider investing in containers, drawers or boxes that will add some extra storage for off-season clothing, shoes or even bedding. The best thing is of course to invest in a bed with built in drawers underneath.
Smart storage like this makes a huge difference when figuring out how to arrange a small bedroom.
However, another option is to get a bed with long legs and then get under-bed storage containers, such as this one and this one. It all depends on the height of your bed. The negative this about these is that they might not look so aesthetic. That’s also why it’s a great thing to invest in a bed skirt, such as this one. This will help cover the storage and make the room look aesthetic.
2.3 Wall-Mounted Storage Solutions
Wall-mounted storage solutions are a great way to use the vertical space in your bedroom. It will serve both as storage and as decorations. You can keep everything from books and decor to accessories such as your jewelry. These are perfect since they will not take up any floor space.
2.4 Storage Furniture
As I have mentioned before, it’s crucial to find furnitures with built-in storage solutions. It could be a storage ottoman or a trunk at the foot of your bed. Both of these options will give you extra storage for blankets, magazines or even clothes. Plus, these pieces double as stylish statement furniture, making them perfect for maximizing both storage and style when figuring out how to arrange a small bedroom.
Section 3: How To Arrange A Small Bedroom With the Best Color Choices
If you want to know how to arrange a small bedroom, it’s important to know how to choose the right colors. For instance, in small bedrooms, choosing the right color palette can make a massive difference in making the room feel larger, brigher and more inviting. So, here are the best color choices for small spaces:
Also, if you want to learn more about how colors in our home affects our mood and overall well-being, check out this post about color psychology.
3.1 Light Colors to Open Up the Room
Light and neutral colors such as whites, soft greys, beige or even pastel tones reflect the light and help open up a small room. Something that actually makes a lot of sense when you think about it!
So, therefore lighter colors will give your space an airy feeling and make it feel more spacious than it actually is. So, choose these colors in your small bedroom on larger furnitures, such as the bed or the wardrobe, but also the walls.
3.2 How to Arrange a Small Bedroom Using Darker Accents to Create Contrast
Okay, so now you know what colors to choose on the big furniture and the walls. However, if you only use light colors in the entire room it will feel stiff and cold.
That’s why adding darker accent colors is essential for creating a beautiful contrast. It could be navy, charcoal grey or even a deep forest green. Pick your favorite color! If you use these colors on accent pieces such as your bedding, rugs or pillows – it will create a balance and depth without overwhelming it.
This thoughtful use of color is very important when figuring out how to arrange a small bedroom.
3.3 Accent Walls for Visual Interest
If you are looking for ways to add a bit of personality to your small bedroom without making it feel too busy, you should try adding an accent wall. This wall could be painted in a bold color, wallpaper or even a wood panel.
When figuring out how to arrange a small bedroom, I love adding a dark color. It could be a deep forest green – and then incorporating a decorative molding to create a beautiful visual interest, without overwhelming the space.
Alternatively, you can add wood paneling to the lower half of the wall and pair it with wallpaper on the upper half that complements the panel’s color. I think both of these options are absolutely beautiful and will give character to any space. What do you think about these examples?
These are two easy ways to instantly add character and interest to your space. But remember that it should be an accent wall, so keep the rest of the walls neutral to maintain the open feeling.
3.4 Choosing Colors Based on Your Desired Mood
As I mentioned above, the colors have a huge impact on your mood and how you feel in a space. I actually think that all of you have experienced the difference the different colors have on your mood, but maybe you haven’t thought of it really.
But let’s give you a short guide on some of the colors. Let’s start with lighter shades of blue, green and lavender. There are all calming and great for creating a restful small bedroom.
On the other hand, warm tones such as mustard yellow or coral will create an energizing and cheerful atmosphere. So, when choosing colors, think about the atmosphere that you want to create in your small bedroom and choose colors that align with that feeling.
When learning how to arrange a small bedroom it is important to know how the different colors affect our mood, so if you want a deep dive into color psychology, check out this post.
Section 4: How to Arrange a Small Bedroom To Make it Look Bigger
Of course, small bedrooms can feel cramped, but you can actually make it look bigger than it actually is – if you know how to do it. So, I will give you a few tricks on how to arrange a small bedroom to make it look bigger than it is:
4.1 Use Mirrors to Create Depth
I think you might have heard about mirrors before. This is an excellent way to making your home feel much bigger than it actually is.
I will give you a little personal story about this. So, I moved across the whole country to live with my boyfriend and when I first stepped into the living room he had a mirror facing the window. I wanted to redo the hallway and removed the mirror to be in the hallway instead – and I did not understand why the room suddenly felt so small. Until I realized, it was because I removed the mirror. The difference was mindblowing.
However, when you think about it – it all makes sense. I mean, the mirror reflect the light and make the room feel much more open than it actually is.
So, consider placing a large mirror on one wall (preferably facing the window) or using several smaller mirrors to create the illusion of more space. When exploring different small bedroom layout ideas, think about how the placement of the mirror can impact the light in the room. If you want to place the mirror facing the window – think about it could create glare. So, if you know the sun is facing directly on the mirror – maybe change the place of it.
4.2 Keep the Room Clutter-Free
Another thing that will instantly make the room feel smaller is by having too much clutter. In a small bedroom design, it’s very important to keep the space tidy and organized. So, remember to regulary declutter your room and make sure that every single item has a designated place.
Also, use smart storage solutions in order to keep things out of sight and off the floor – avoid overcrowding the space with unnecessary furniture.
If you want help with decluttering every room in your home, check out this guide.
Also, if you just want general decluttering tips, check out this post.
4.3 Vertical Lines and Tall Furniture
When learning how to arrange a small bedroom it’s important to know how to draw the eye upwards. This is a great way of making your room feel much bigger than it actually is. So, look for furnitures with vertical lines or tall designs, such as bookshelves or wardrobes.
Also, vertical stripes on the walls and ceiling can help create the illusion of height. However, be careful not to overwhelm the space with too many lines or patterns. It can make the room feel busy.
4.4 How To Arrange a Small Bedroom with Transparent Furniture
Another great tip is actually adding transparent or semi-transparent furnitures, such as acrylic chairs or glass tables. For instance, you can add a transparent bedside table – if you like this style. They will open up the space since they let more light through.
Section 5: How To Arrange A Small Bedroom On a Budget
I think a big misconception is that is costs a lot of money decorating a home at all. However, that does not have to be the case. There are plenty of budget-friendly ideas when decorating a home – even when decorating a small bedroom. Here are som ideas fo decorating a small bedroom on a budget:
5.1 DIY Wall Art
Instead of spending money on expensive artwork, why not create your own? I did it and so can you! Of course it could be easier or more difficult depending on what style your going after. However, there are pretty easy to make your own wall art using cheap materials such as canvas, acrylic paints or fabric. There are also soo much DIY guides on apps such as youtube or TikTok. These are such important things to think about when learning how to arrange a small bedroom – on a budget!
But you can try to paint abstract art, creating a photo collage or even framing beautiful fabric swatches to give your room personality. The best part? These projects will allow you to personalize your bedroom – on a budget.
5.2 Affordable Furniture Finds
Furniture could be very expensive, but it could also be very cheap. When figuring out how to arrange a small bedroom, always keep an eye out for discounts at stores, online marketplaces, and even second-hand shops. You can find great pieces that just need a little bit of renovation, such as a fresh coat of paint or a new hardware.
It’s important to not be afraid to get create with your furniture choices. For instance, an old dresser can be repurposed into a nightstand or maybe you can add extra storage to a cheap bed frame with some DIY. The options really are endless – but remember to be openminded when figuring out how to arrange a small bedroom.
5.3 Thrifted and Vintage Pieces
Thrift shopping can be really fun and you can find things that will instantly elevate your bedroom’s decor. When thinking about how to arrange a small bedroom, be on the lookout for vintage furniture pieces, decor items such as mirrors or lighting, but also unique textiles such as throw blankets or pillows.
These vintage items can add so much character to your space, but also a sense of charm. The best part is that they are often much more affordable than brand-new items – if you know where to look.
5.4 Budget-Friendly Textiles
By updating your textiles, meaning your bedding, curtains and throw pillows can really make a huge difference in a small bedroom’s appearance – without costing a lot. Again, look for sales and discount in order to find high-quality and affordable items.
Also, don’t be afraid to mix and match textures, this will give the space more interest and add depth. It could be a soft linen duvet with velvet throw pillows and it will make the biggest difference.
5.5 DIY Lighting Solutions
Of course, lighting is one of the most important aspects when understanding how to arrange a small bedroom. Also, this does not have to be expensive at all. First of all, consider making your own lighting solutions by adding string lights, paper lanterns or even getting a thrifted lamp with just a new shade. You can also try installing inexpensive wall sconces or using LED strip lights to create an ambient glow in the room.
Learn more about lighting and where to use warm vs. cool lighting in this post.
Section 6: how To Arrange A Small Bedroom With Smart Organization Hacks
It’s not easy to maintain a clutter-free and organized small bedroom. However, it’s crucial to have great organization if you want it to work at all. So here are some smart organization hacks that will help keep your bedroom tidy:
If you want more organization hacks, check out these 10 simple organization hacks to help transform your space.
6.1 Use Storage Baskets and Bins
These are so underrated in my opinion – I love these. When figuring out how to arrange a small bedroom, storage baskets can be a game-changer. They’re so incredibly useful to just stash items such as books, accessories and even electronics. There are so many beautiful storage baskets that will complement your small bedroom’s decor, such as this one.
These can be places under the bed, in the closet or even on shelves to really maximize the space. I’m sure you will find the perfect place for these!
6.2 Create a Cozy Reading Nook
If you love reading but don’t have a lot of space for a full reading corner, you should consider creating a cozy nook in a small area. For instance, you can place a comfy chair, a small side tabla and a few cozy pillows in a corner of your room.
However, you might have to sacrifice storage in order to fit this in a small bedroom. But that is completely up to you, what you prioritize!
6.3 Keep Nightstands Simple
Nightstands can quickly become very cluttered and especially if you don’t have a drawer on it. When thinking about how to arrange a small bedroom, choosing furniture with built-in storage is key. You will always have things to keep by your bed so investing in a nightstand that also includes at least one drawer is crucial. It could be a floating nightstand with a drawer, like this.
Now, keep only a few decorative pieces, such as a lamp or a small plant in order to maintain a clean and streamlined look.
6.4 Use Over-the-Door Organizers
An over-the-door organizer are perfect for small bedrooms. These will store both accessories and clothing. The best part is that if your door is open they won’t even show. So, if you want a simple and cheap one, you can find it here.
6.5 Keep Your Desk Tidy
If you also have a desk in your bedroom, remember to keep it very clean and not cluttered. A well-organized space is essential when figuring out how to arrange a small bedroom efficiently. In order to achieve this, invest in drawer organizers or desk trays to keep stationery, papers, and gadgets neatly stored. A tidy desk will not only make your workspace more functional but also help the entire room feel clean and organized.
If you want to know the real power of organization and how it affects our well-being, check out this post. It’s actually really interesting on how big of an impact it has.
Final Thoughts
Okay, so arranging and decorating a small bedroom may seem like a scary task. However, if you use these strategies that I have provided in this post (and a little bit of creativity) you can truly make the most of your space.
All of these tips on how to arrange a small bedroom will guide you into creating a bedroom that looks much bigger than it is, that has lots of storage solutions but also looks good. And that’s what we all want, right? So, happy decorating!
Did you find these tips helpful? Let me know how you’re planning to arrange your small bedroom in the comments below. And be sure to check out my other articles for more home decor inspiration!
For instance, these 20 small apartment decorating ideas you’ll love – and of course, on a budget!
