Small bedroom ideas: 15 design ideas that max out on style

At Livingetc we see lots of small bedroom ideas. Whether you have a compact master bedroom, a tiny children's room, or a bijou box room, make the most of every square inch with these clever space saving ideas.

As these small bedroom ideas show, you can still pack plenty of style into a tiny room. Wall lights look oh-so-elegant, and they forego the need for clunky bedside tables and table lamps – freeing up valuable floor space. 

Still need somewhere to perch your glass of water or mobile phone? A shelf by the bedside will do the job. 

Alcoves and stud walls can also provide opportunities to create clever built-in storage or recessed shelves, freeing up more floor space. Make the most of under bed space too, with built-in drawers for towels and linens. Designer Casey Keasler shows how trundle drawers can also double up as pull-out steps for children. Meanwhile in one home, a tiny loft was opened up to create a sleeping area above a study – connected by a staircase with wardrobes inside.

Meanwhile trailblazing design studio X+Living shows how to make built-in storage around the bed look luxe. Looking to create a dual purpose room, for example a study that doubles up as a guest bedroom? Beata Heuman shows how it's done in a West London townhouse, where a built-in bed is separated from the desk area by curtains.

When it comes to beds, you might be surprised to see that you could squeeze a four poster into a box room to cool and dramatic effect, or you could opt for grown-up bunk beds for when grandma comes to stay.

Ready to turn your small space into a dreamy, Pinterest-worthy bedroom design? These clever small bedroom ideas will show you how to transform a small bedroom into something chic and elegant. A lack of square footage shouldn't cramp your style...

• See more modern bedroom ideas

1. Wall-to-wall

The below master bedroom demonstrates one of the most popular small bedroom ideas, with 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, and recessed, freeing up floor space. Having recessed shelves makes the most of any alcove space, and looks cleaner than having traditional shelves protrude from the wall.

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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 favourite small bedroom ideas. During the day it acts as a home office and reading room, but it doubles up as a guest room for when the owners have visitors.

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4. All about eaves

A cramped loft space was opened up 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. 

• See more loft conversion ideas

5. Nice nook

Casey Keasler transformed an awkward nook with a sloped ceiling into a cosy guest room 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 cosy. There are so many small bedroom ideas to steal from this compact layout.

• See also: kids room ideas

6. Modern four poster

A four poster bed gives this tiny bedroom bags of drama and style. 

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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. 

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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.

• See more bedroom wallpaper ideas

9. Bespoke bunks

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 personalised with USB sockets, wall lights, and even built-in trundle drawers or book shelves. 

• See more blue bedroom ideas

10. Headboard storage

Building a frame behind the bed with a shelf and an alcove drawer will provide space for lamps, books etc and free up floor space to open and close divan drawers.

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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. 

• See more boy's bedroom ideas for small bedrooms

12. Wood cladding

Tucked under the eaves, the timber wall cladding in this cute kid's room gives it the feel of a cool cabin hideout.  

• See also: boy bedroom ideas and girl bedroom ideas

13. Shallow wall storage

Lacking space for a chest of drawers? A slimline wall cabinet with shelves across the length of a wall will provide a shallow storage solution. Paint it the same colour 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 colours.

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. Winged headboard

A winged headboard in midnight blue velvet is an opulent touch. The low ceiling and rich colours make this a cosy space to relax in.