1. Create the illusion of space
If there's one thing we learned from The Mummy (hey, you weren't expecting that now, were you?) it's this: mirrors are excellent at bouncing light around a room – and creating the illusion of more space in a small bedroom, too.
2. Have fun with your headboard
While the maximalist bedroom trend of an oversized headboard is perhaps better suited to a spacious room, there are still plenty of ways to incorporate a statement piece like this into your list of small bedroom ideas.
'If you're looking to add the trend at home, but have a small bedroom, then opt for a muted colour and simple pattern, as anything too bold may make the room appear smaller,' suggests Harriet Pringle, the founder of Narchie, aka the social marketplace for homeware.
3. Try colour drenching
'In small bedrooms, people often avoid the bold use of colour and steer towards white or beige,' says Shelley Cochrane, accessories buyer at Furniture Village. I would advise that they try colour drenching the room instead.'
4. Prioritise curves
In small bedrooms, it’s even more important to consider the flow to make it feel as spacious as possible – which is why Georgia suggests opting 'for sweeping silhouettes rather than angular shapes.' Noting that angles can make a room feel boxy, Georgia says 'furniture with gentle curves will create a sense of visual flow.'
5. Build in a vanity unit
To ensure that your small bedroom ideas remain clutter-free, include a built-in dressing table so that your make-up trinkets can be shut away to give the room a streamlined look.
6. Be smart with storage in a box room
If your small bedroom is more of a box room, you'll want to know how to arrange furniture in a bedroom to make the most of the space. Make a feature of a high shelf on decorative brackets, with grab-handled baskets that fit flush to the ceiling. Use a wall-mounted wire magazine rack as a book holder if there's no space for a bedside table.
7. Shop around for neutrals and pale woods
Keeping to a consistent neutral colour scheme is a great way to create an air of spaciousness – especially if you opt for pale woods and creamy accessories, too.
'Lighter woods and furnishings are generally better for smaller spaces as they feel less imposing, especially when it comes to larger pieces of furniture like beds and wardrobes,' says Georgia.
8. Invest in bespoke solutions
While fitted wardrobe ideas may seem pricey, it's worth the investment to maximise the space in your small bedroom. 'There are many options for personalising a fitted wardrobe to ensure it works perfectly for your lifestyle,' says Rachal Hutcheson, National Retail Manager at Sharps.
9. Use multifunctional furniture
Keeping the extra bedding out of sight helps to create a clutter-free space, which contributes to making your small bedroom ideas feel bigger. 'A clutter free space should be a priority when looking at small bedroom ideas and their layouts,' advises Patricia Gibbons
10. Rethink the layout
One thing your space is sure to benefit from is rethinking the traditional layout. Choose a small bedroom layout that makes you feel less overwhelmed.
Position the majority of furniture on just one wall, preferably the wall you see less of when in the space to stop it feeling overcrowded.
11. Utilise all awkward corners
When space is premium it calls for savvy solutions. Using an otherwise unusable space for concealed small bedroom storage ideas helps to prevent clutter from encroaching on an already limited space.
Out of sight is best when considering small bedroom ideas. Any visible items will make the room feel overcrowded – therefore feeling even smaller.
12. Reflect on surface choices
Double the feel of your small bedroom ideas by using reflective surfaces to create the optical illusion of continuing space. Who hasn't walked into a bar and thought it was double the size, only to realise it was a clever use of mirrors which led you to believe so?
13. get clever with paint patterns
Paint is a marvellous solution for so many decorating problems. Not only can a splash of colour instantly help to invigorate a space, making it feel more inviting, it can also be used in a way that helps to combat wider aesthetic issues, such as making small spaces feel bigger.
14. Make your headboard work harder
If space is in short supply, ditch the usual style of headboard for one with space for storage and a surface area, where you can place things. This means you can do away with bulky bedside tables, as you'll have a convenient spot to stash your bedtime reading.
15. Build into alcoves
Whether you have alcoves or awkward spaces caused by eaves as part of your small bedroom ideas, make the most of them by creating smart storage solutions. The architectural nature of alcoves provides the perfect place to feature a run of open shelves, with bespoke cupboards below.
16. Double up your dressing table
With working from home the norm, at least on occasion, for many, even the bedroom has been brought onto the roster. While it's not ideal to work or have your computer in the bedroom, can your dressing table double up as a writing desk?
17. Use uplifting colour to open up the space
Using an uplifting bedroom colour scheme, such as a sunshine yellow, can help to invigorate any small space, just be mindful of how you use the colour. Painting the bright colour up to mid room height will help to anchor the colour to the bottom half of the room.
18. Wall mount the lighting
Wall-mounted small bedroom lighting ideas can help to free up some much needed surface space. Using the wall allows you to perfectly place the task lighting to enhance the layout.
19. Swap the bed for a sofa bed
When square footage is at a premium, try incorporating a wall bed instead of a traditional sofa bed. It takes a standard mattress, offering greater comfort, and can fold away to look like a wardrobe or cabinet, freeing up valuable floor space for a desk and chair.
20. Opt for sliding doors
When it comes to bedroom ideas for small rooms, it's important to take a wardrobe’s doors into consideration to ensure they are easily opened.
'If a bed is in close proximity to wardrobe, opt for sliding doors to provide a sleek, effective alternative,' says Rachael.
Mirrored styles will, too, help to make a space look bigger.
21. Create a feature wall
Be bold with a striking wallpaper and eye-catching artwork and turn play with bedroom feature wall ideas to create a focal point in a small space. Opt for a restricted colour palette with crisp white bed linen and furniture made from reclaimed wood.
22. Paint a small bedroom white
Decorate walls and ceilings in the best white paint to visually open up your small bedroom ideas and free you to use colour and pattern in a controlled way elsewhere. Then go to town with cottage garden florals – against the plain background they won’t overpower.
Let colourful fabrics take centre stage with a bold, red patterned bedspread and cushions that contrast with the rest of the room.
23. Create a cool work zone
In a petite kid's room, take over part of the wardrobe space to create a cool work zone. Installing a wall lamp and hanging a pin board where you can fix pots for pens and other knick knacks will keep the desk space free for focusing on the important stuff.
24. Make it minimal
Symmetry is your friend when you need to strip back to essentials in a small room. Double up on bedside cabinets and lighting for an uncomplicated, easy-on-the-eye scheme.
Use hits of duplicated colour to create visual balance and add definition and energy.
25. Embrace pattern
If you love bold prints or texture, don't shy away from your favourite pattern in a small bedroom.
Whether it's on walls or soft furnishings, make a feature out of a strong design: papering one wall with flocked or floral wallpaper will stop the pattern from taking over the small room, but will still achieve the desired finish.