Small bedroom ideas: 15 design ideas that prove small can still be stylish

The best small bedroom ideas mean you won't have to compromise on style, no matter how tiny the space you are decorating. And we know that starting from scratch in a space that has... limited square footage can be daunting and you may feel limited by layouts, color schemes and furniture choice. But, as all these gorgeous tiny bedrooms prove, small bedrooms can have so much potential if you get creative. 

So whether you have a compact master bedroom, a tiny children's room, or a bijou box room, we have plenty of decor tips and modern bedroom ideas to help you make the most of every square inch.

1. Wall-to-wall storage

This gorgeous master bedroom demonstrates one of the most popular small bedroom ideas, with built in storage that frames the bed area. The wall of fitted storage around the bed frees up floor space as there is no need for a clunky chest of drawers or freestanding wardrobe.

2. Recessed shelves

Recessed shelves allow little pockets to display books and decorative items, and also act as space-saving bedside tables. Bedroom storage is built-in so frees up floor space and looks cleaner than having traditional shelves protrude from the wall.

3. Hidden sleep zone

This stunning guest bedroom design by Beata Heuman makes the most of a small and unused room in the house – the curtains framing the bed are one of our absolute favorite small bedroom ideas. During the day it acts as a home office and reading room, but it doubles up as a spare bedroom for when the owners have visitors.

4. All about eaves

A cramped space was opened up in this modern loft conversion to create a tiny guest bedroom that can be accessed via steps in the study below it. The plywood-clad staircase cleverly incorporates storage and wardrobe space. 

5. Nice nook

Casey Keasler (opens in new tab) transformed an awkward nook in this kid's room into a cozy sleep space. Trundle storage under the bed provides easy access to towels and linens, and also act as pull-out steps so small guests can reach the bed. A small, wall-mounted reading light is a space-saver too, while the wood bed frame makes this space feel elegant, well designed and cozy. 

6. Modern four poster

You might be thinking, four-poster bed in a small bedroom? Surely not. But in fact, a statement bed will not only add tons of drama, but it can also make a small bedroom feel bigger, alluding to more height and space.

7. Grown-up bunks

Bunk beds are one of the most commonly used small bedroom ideas for kids' spaces – but you can use them for guest spaces too.

These stylish, built-in bunks below have been designed with adults in mind – there is enough space so you don’t bang your head when getting into bed. We think it makes for a rather fun guest bedroom. 

8. Floating shelf

Wall lights mean there's no need for a clunky bedside table with table lamp. A floating shelf beside the bed provides ample space for resting a glass of water on.

And take note of the bedroom wallpaper idea here too. Rather than wallpapering all the way up to the ceiling, the print stops at the picture rail so you still get all that lovely pattern, but it doesn't overwhelm the room because there's plenty of contrast with the white ceilings. This is also a great tip if your small bedroom has low ceilings too. 

9. Bespoke beds

To really make the most of every square inch in a room, going bespoke is your best bet as it means that a bed can stretch wall to wall (without leaving award pockets of wasted space), and can be personalized with USB sockets, wall lights, and even built-in trundle drawers or bookshelves. 

10. Headboard storage

Building a frame behind the bed with a shelf and an alcove drawer, is the perfect headboard idea for a bedroom that has limited space for storage. It provides easy to access space for lamps, books etc and you can free up even more floor space with divan drawers too.

11. Under bed storage

This clever kid's bed not only offers ample storage in the drawers beneath the mattress, its sofa-style shape means it is easily switched from seating area to sleep zone. 

12. Cozy wood cladding

Sometimes, the best small bedroom ideas just embrace the tiny dimensions. Rather than fight against the limited space, lean into it, creating cozy bedrooms that have a lovely cocooning feeling. 

Case in point this adorable den-like space. Tucked under the eaves, the timber wall cladding in this cute kid's room gives it the feel of a cool cabin hideout.  

13. Shallow wall storage

Lacking space for a chest of drawers? A slimline wall cabinet with shelves across the length of a wall is the perfect small bedroom idea. Paint it the same color as the wall and it will 'disappear'.  Of course, white feels fresh and modern, but there's plenty of inspiration when it comes to bedroom paint colors.

14. Rustic charm

Over-sized pendants either side of the bed make a stylish feature and negate the need for surface space, while floor-to-ceiling wardrobes make the most of the tallest part of the room. 

15. Dramatic color schemes

It's a truth universally acknowledged that light colors will make a small bedroom feel bigger, but actually being bold and opting for darker shades can have just the same effect. Going for a dramatic hue on all four walls can in fact trick the eye and blur the boundaries of the room.  

How do you arrange a small bedroom?

The best layouts for small bedrooms are ones that are simple and minimal. Try not to cram in too much furniture for a start. The bed is a piece you obviously need in bedroom, so start with the placement of that first as that will probably dictate your layout options. As a general rule, the bed should be placed on the main wall of the room, that being the largest wall or the one your eye goes to when you first enter the room. If you can, place the bed the center of the room, allowing for enough space for you to walk either side.

When it comes to the positioning of storage pieces like wardrobes or drawers, try and balance the room by having these pieces tucking into corners on the other side of the room. And of course, make use of alcoves if you have them.

How do you maximize space in a small bedroom?

Maximize space in a small bedroom by opting for build in furniture over freestanding and where you can, get things up off the floor. Wall shelves over book shelves, floating bedside tables over ones with legs – you get the idea, you want as much floor space visible as possible and minimal visual bulk going on.