1. INADEQUATE STORAGE
One of the most important design features to plan for your small bedroom is plenty of small bedroom storage ideas. Without adequate storage for clothes, shoes, books, and bedsheets (the list goes on) your small bedroom will quickly become overwhelmed by clutter, feeling unorganized, uninviting, and far from relaxing.
2. HAVING TOO MUCH CLUTTER ON DISPLAY
Of course, a small bedroom should not be void of decoration or personality, but having too many items on display will make the space feel crowded and cluttered – having a mix of open and closed storage will always prove successful.
3. NOT BEING BOLD WITH COLOR
Many of us have been led to believe that lighter, more neutral color palettes are best for small rooms, and although these shades can work well in small spaces, it doesn't mean you should always choose light over dark in a small room.
4. IGNORING THE POTENTIAL OF YOUR VERTICAL SPACE
There is often a lot of furniture to fit into a bedroom, from your bed to cabinets, and closets and now many of us are working from home, desks too.
When planning your small bedroom layout, there is only so much furniture you will be able to place on the floor, so it pays to make the most out of your vertical wall space and incorporate tall shelving and storage.
5. NOT HAVING MULTIPLE POOLS OF LIGHT
'Don’t limit yourself to a single dimmer switch. Good lighting, with a variety of options including ceiling, table, and wall lighting, is imperative to creating an ambiance, and a cove of coziness and intimacy,' says Martin Waller, founder of Andrew Martin.
6. A LACK OF DECORATION
'The bed is the focal point of any bedroom, and the area above is the perfect spot for artwork and wall lights,' say Jen & Mar, co-founders of London-based interior design firm, Interior Fox.
'For maximum impact in a smaller room, opt for larger pieces of art over the bed to bring the scheme together. If you’re stuck on what color or design to opt for, take this opportunity to pull in an accent color. Whether that’s black used in the furniture or color from the soft furnishings, sticking to this rule will make the room flow and feel cohesive.'
7. MAKING THE BED TOO SMALL
'The temptation with a small room is to make everything in it small as well. Beds tend to become a particular compromise but the fact is that it doesn’t matter how supportive your mattress is – if it’s too small for your needs, you’re not going to sleep well over the long term. Buy the biggest bed and mattress that the room can comfortably accommodate,' says Adam Black from Button & Sprung.