How to Make a Small Bedroom Look Bigger

Use light colors, mirrors, and strategic furniture placement to create the illusion of more space in your small bedroom.

1. Set Your Foundation Light. Choose whites, soft grays, or pale pastels for your walls. Light colors reflect more light and make walls appear to recede, creating the impression of a larger space. Avoid dark colors which absorb light and make rooms feel cramped. Consider painting the ceiling the same light color as the walls to blur boundaries and add height.
2. Let Light Pour Through. Remove heavy curtains and replace them with sheer panels or light-filtering blinds. Keep window treatments simple and mount curtain rods close to the ceiling and extend them beyond the window frame. This draws the eye upward and makes windows appear larger. Clean windows regularly to let in maximum light.
3. Double Your Space Optically. Place a large mirror on the wall opposite or adjacent to a window to reflect natural light and outdoor views. This doubles the visual space and brightness. Consider mirrored closet doors or a full-length mirror leaning against a wall. Position mirrors to reflect the most attractive parts of the room, not clutter.
4. Expose the Floor Below. Select a bed frame, nightstands, and dresser that sit on visible legs rather than solid bases. This allows you to see floor space underneath, making the room feel less crowded. Platform beds work well, but avoid beds with built-in storage underneath unless absolutely necessary.
5. Maintain Clear Sight Lines. Choose a low-profile bed frame and keep other furniture pieces at varying heights but generally lower than eye level when standing. This maintains clear sightlines across the room. Avoid bulky, oversized furniture that overwhelms the space. One larger piece often works better than several smaller ones.
6. Stack Storage Up, Not Out. Install floating shelves up to the ceiling to draw the eye upward and provide storage without taking floor space. Use tall, narrow bookcases or storage units. Hang hooks on walls for bags and clothes rather than using floor-standing coat racks. Mount bedside lighting on the wall instead of using table lamps.
7. Command Attention, Build Depth. Choose one wall for a bold accent color or interesting artwork to draw attention and create depth. This prevents the room from feeling flat while maintaining the spacious feel from light colors on other walls. Keep the focal point proportional to your room size.
8. Clear Surfaces, Clear Mind. Keep surfaces clear of unnecessary items. Use drawer organizers and closet systems to maintain order. Choose a few larger decorative pieces rather than many small ones. Store seasonal items elsewhere and rotate decorations to keep the space fresh without overcrowding.