HHello—Courtney here (Melissa’s daughter). I recently mentioned that I’ve been staying in a small room at my sister and brother-in-law’s new townhouse. Living in such a compact space has taught me a lot about what works and what doesn’t when decorating and organizing a small bedroom.
Here are five essentials every small bedroom should have:
Storage Ottoman Sources: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10 // 11 // 12
1. Furniture that Maximizes Space
Pick furniture that fits the room and uses vertical and hidden space wisely. In my room, a tall freestanding wardrobe on a narrow wall became the obvious choice for clothing and shoes. A short dresser could have worked, but cabinets that reach higher prevent the top from becoming a cluttered catchall. Closed storage keeps the room feeling tidy.
I also use an upholstered storage ottoman as a nightstand, extra seat, and a place to store bedding and seasonal items. Pieces that serve more than one purpose—or simply make efficient use of available space—are essential in a small bedroom.
Hook Rack Sources: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7
2. Wall Hooks and Shelves
Use vertical surfaces to expand usable space. Wall hooks are great for hanging bags, coats, and everyday items, while shelves display books, plants, and decor without taking floor space. I found a handy wall shelf-and-hook combo that will go by my doorway to keep things off the floor and easy to reach.
Layers Sources: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5
3. Layers and Texture
A small bedroom should feel cozy rather than cramped. Add layers and texture to create warmth: a mix of pillows in different fabrics, a soft throw for chilly nights, floor-to-ceiling drapery to make the ceiling feel higher, and a rug to anchor the bed. These elements add comfort and a sense of intentional design.
Lighting Sources: 1 // 2 // 3
4. Light
Natural light makes a small room feel larger. My room benefits from a wide window above the bed and a sliding door to a small patio—opening the blinds each morning instantly brightens and enlarges the space.
When natural light is limited, layer artificial lighting. Even in a tiny room I use an overhead light, a plug-in sconce clipped near my bed, and an accent lamp on a small table. Multiple light sources create a welcoming atmosphere and improve functionality.
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5. Reflection
A mirror is one of the simplest ways to make a small room feel bigger. I added an over-the-door full-length mirror, and the effect was dramatic. It’s practical for checking outfits, and it reflects light and space, visually expanding the room. Placing a mirror opposite a window or glass door amplifies daylight and brightens darker corners.
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Update 2018 — See my tiny bedroom tour, my Seattle studio apartment tour, and my 500-square-foot one-bedroom update for more ideas. Follow me (Courtney) on Instagram to see apartment updates, everyday life, and behind-the-scenes content.
Related Posts:
How to Get Organized in a Small House
Small Bedroom Ideas
Courtney’s Tiny Bedroom Tour
Courtney’s Seattle Studio Apartment Tour