11 Tricks to Make a Small Bedroom Look Bigger

If you have a small bedroom, you’re not alone—it’s a common challenge for many. While you can't add more square footage without major renovations, there are clever decorating tricks that can create the illusion of a larger space. Check out these 11 bedrooms to learn how you can make your room look bigger.

When space is limited, think vertical. You may not have much floor space, but using your walls up to the ceiling can make the room feel larger. Built-in shelves that extend from floor to ceiling are great for storage and visually expanding the room, but if that's not an option, consider a tall headboard and hanging artwork above the bed to utilize the vertical space.

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Elevate the room's aesthetic by choosing furniture with legs. This creates an airy and open feel. While not every piece needs to have legs, try to include at least one, like a nightstand, dresser, or bed. The mid-century modern style, known for its elevated thin-legged furniture, is perfect for small rooms. Notice how the bed frame in this room isn't exceptionally tall but adds just enough height to make the space feel larger.

Contrasting window treatments can work in large bedrooms, but in a small room, match your curtains or blinds to your wall color. This helps the eye move seamlessly across the space, creating the illusion of a larger room. Notice how in this small, white bedroom, the paneling adds texture without making the space feel cramped by blending into the windowpane.

Free up your nightstand space by installing sconces above and slightly to the side of your headboard. This draws the eye upward, lends an open, airy look, and reduces clutter around your bed. Adjustable sconces are ideal for nighttime reading; you can direct the light where you need it and move it aside when you're done.

Though a small room doesn’t necessitate tiny furniture, it does require pieces that are proportionate. A king-sized bed with tiny nightstands looks out of place. Instead, opt for a bed size that allows you to have nightstands that complement the room, like the bedroom shown here. The dresser should also match the nightstands in scale, with a tall and narrow dresser often working better than a wide, short one in a small room.

Light colors can make a room feel more spacious. While you don't have to stick to all white, using a soft, light palette helps. Pastels and light grays work wonderfully in small spaces. Try pairing white with one bright or mid-tone color, such as blue. Cool colors like soft blues, greens, and purples can enlarge a space, while warmer hues might make it feel smaller.

Natural light can make your room feel larger, so let it in. If you can, keep windows bare and unadorned to connect the room with the outside space. If you need privacy, choose thin curtains that still allow light to filter through.

A white color scheme can make a small space feel open and airy. You don't need to stick to stark white—play with different shades and textures to find what works for you. Include lighter neutral accents, such as the wooden bed frame shown here, to add some diversity without compromising on space or style.

When space is really tight, fitting multiple beds can be tricky. Bunk beds are a great way to maximize vertical space without making the room feel cramped. They don’t have to be basic—there are many stylish and modern designs that will impress both kids and guests alike.

Floating nightstands are a space-saving alternative to traditional nightstands with bulky legs. By mounting them on the wall, you free up floor space, creating the illusion of more room while still providing a spot for essentials like a lamp or alarm clock.

Rugs can significantly change the feel of a room. Placing a rug at the foot of the bed and having only half the bed sitting on it can create an elongated effect, making the room seem larger. You can use this trick with other furniture by placing only the front or back legs on the rug to achieve a similar effect.