How To Arrange a Small Bedroom

Updated 3/10/23

Small Bedroom

Have a small bedroom? Want to be sure you’re getting the most out of every inch of your small space? Check out this guide for how to arrange a small bedroom for tips on small bedroom layouts, small master bedroom design, and small bedroom organization.

16 small bedroom design and layout tips

We like to think that small spaces are filled with outsized opportunities. Getting creative with how you use your space can help you create a small space bedroom layout that looks and feels larger and more stylish. The 16 small bedroom ideas are broken into three parts.

• How to arrange a small bedroom

• Small master bedroom arrangement ideas

• Small bedroom organization and storage tips

Feel free to skip to the portion that interests you the most.

I. How To Arrange A Small Bedroom

This challenge typically goes hand-in-hand with the question, how can I maximize space in a small bedroom? Arranging a small bedroom has an impact on the look and feel of the room, regardless of what furniture you have to begin with. Below are some small bedroom space ideas to help when creating your next small bedroom layout:

Where should I put my bed in a small bedroom?

Start by putting your bed frame in the center of the most visible wall. (It’s usually the wall facing the doorway.) Putting your bed frame in the center will give your small bedroom layout symmetry so you can make the most of your space. You’ll have enough space to jump under the covers from both sides. Add in two nightstands if you can. Trying to put your bed along an accent wall will make your bedroom look even smaller, and this layout will also allow for plenty of wall space left for you to decorate.

How can you make a small bedroom look bigger?

Designer hint: Framing the bed or not, lighter walls make rooms seem more spacious.

Why limit yourself to a standard size nightstand?

If you don't have enough room on both sides of your bed, consider removing a bedside table to add more space to your small bedroom design. This will allow you to move your bed closer to the wall on one side and you'll still have some room on both sides. If you need even more room, you can remove both bedside tables and use an overhead shelf for lighting. If you don't have room for a bedside table, you can put them in a small closet.

Dressers for small bedrooms

When you are trying to make the most of limited floor space, you can always take advantage of height to make extra room. This idea is also appealing if you don't have the closet space to hold extra furniture. For example, you can put your TV on top of a tall, narrow chest or you can remove the chest altogether and mount a flat-screen TV on the wall.

Place your rug carefully

Is your rug an afterthought? Shouldn’t be. It can help make a small room look bigger, add softness, and introduce colors or patterns that tie your small bedroom design together. Follow your bed’s lead to understand what size rug you need. If the bed is centered, slip the rug about 2/3 of the way under. If it’s in a corner, put the rug next to it or under another piece of furniture. Learn more about choosing the right-sized rug.

Sketch your small bedroom layout

Now that you know the basics, grab a pencil and a piece of paper and sketch your ideas. Even easier, use our online room planner to organize your small bedroom design ideas without breaking a sweat. You’ll find it here.

II. Small master bedroom design ideas

Small master bedrooms can go from cramped to cozy with the right design ideas. As the most intimate room in your home, your bedroom should reflect your personality. When decorating your master bedroom, design for style as well as comfort with the right accessories and spacing.

Use natural light to your advantage

Lighting your room can make it look and feel more spacious. While darker colors can feel cozy, they also absorb light. When choosing your paint color, sticking with lighter colors can help create a more spacious, airy feel. You can also take advantage of the light you have by setting up your small bedroom arrangement so that natural light has a clear path through the window. In areas where natural light doesn't shine well, you can use mirrors to reflect the available light and make the room look more spacious.

Draw attention upward

Making your room feel taller can also help create a feeling of spaciousness. To get this effect, you can paint your ceiling a more vibrant color, which helps to draw the eyes upward. Another way to make the room seem taller is to make sure to hang your window treatments close to the ceiling.

Don't forget decorative lighting and mirrors

A decorative mirror on an accent wall above the chest of drawers gives the feel of a vanity and opens up the room without the need for a large dresser. A chandelier or hanging light fixture will draw the eye up and create the illusion of more space. Table lamps with small bases are always an option as well.

What are the best colors for a small bedroom?

The bottom line is, to coordinate your colors. Matching tones are a clever way to tie a small master bedroom together. Opt for light colors and cool tones to open up your small bedroom and create an airy, spacious feel.

Add artwork to your small bedroom design

Artwork is the icing on the cake for small bedroom décor. It will be one of the first things people see in your room and something you will see every day. Therefore, it is important to choose art that you love, and that speaks to your unique personality and interests. You may find that you like the small bedroom feel.

III. Small bedroom organization and storage tips

A well-designed bedroom will make all the difference in helping create space. Give the illusion of a spacious bedroom with a few simple design tips. The following are some space-saving, room-opening ideas to help you achieve the look and feel of a sprawling bedroom:

Create extra storage with multi-purpose items

In order to organize a small bedroom setup, storage is key. Look for creative ways to do this by choosing furniture that can pull double duty as a storage solution. For example, storage beds can help create under-bed storage to stash out-of-season clothing. You can even put a storage ottoman at the foot of the bed, which can be used for extra storage and seating. Bassett Furniture has a whole line of value bedroom furniture that can help you get the most bang for your buck.

Designer tip: Storage beds are another great way to get extra space without giving up on style.

Choose the right nightstand

Choosing the right type of storage can make a huge difference in a small bedroom. Bedside tables reduce clutter and give your bedroom a polished look. When choosing a nightstand, make sure to opt for one that has drawers instead of an open one.

Are you lacking space for a chest of drawers?

Hide your dresser in the closet. Big furniture can put the squeeze on arranging small bedrooms. If you have closet space, tuck your chest or dresser in the closet. You’ll free up valuable floor space, make your room appear larger, and have your clothes in one convenient spot.

Don't use too many pieces

But remember: too many pieces can overpower a small bedroom and make it feel cluttered, and pieces that are too small won't make much of an impact. Choosing a few larger pieces can give the room several major focal points, without feeling too busy. Browse through all of Bassett's bedroom furniture collections to find the pieces that meet your needs.

What is the best type of bed for a small space bedroom?

This is an essential part of creating a spacious master bedroom.

A medium-sized bed, placed in the center of the room against a back wall creates space on both sides for bedside table storage. A four-poster bed can add the illusion of space in a room with high ceilings. Think tall when it comes to your headboard, and lengthen your room by hanging curtains on the windows.

Get creative with your headboard

Instead of a conventional headboard, try something that takes up a bit less space. First, hang an area rug or gorgeous fabric behind your bed. Then, place a room divider behind the bed—preferably one that includes storage space. At this point, wallpaper, mirrors, or a picture gallery can create a focal point behind the bed. If you have a wooden board, you can paint a headboard on your wall. If this idea doesn't seem appealing, try an upholstered headboard, which can be a slim and elegant solution to the problem.

Remember, small layout, outsized opportunities

Need a smaller bed, a different dresser, or to start over? Instead of stretching to fill a massive space, tiny rooms let you focus on a few perfect small bedroom ideas and special touches.

With a little imagination — or the helping hand of a Bassett interior designer — your room will feel more like a boutique hotel room than a shoebox. And every square inch will be filled with personality. Yours!

If you feel your small bedroom is ready for a makeover or you still need some inspiration for modern bedroom ideas, you can further right here in our blog.

Feel cozy already? Shop for small bedroom furniture now, and don't forget to check out our bedroom furniture pieces that are on sale.

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