Looking for inspiration on how to decorate your small bedroom? Read our guide on small bedroom ideas that show that the size of the room is no obstacle when it comes to creating a room you love.
Whether you are navigating the challenges of limited space or simply seeking inspiration for a more intimate room, our blog will provide you with the best small bedroom design ideas. Plus, discover expert tips from Caroline Woolmer, Head of Product Design at I Love Wallpaper.
Contents
10 small bedroom ideas
Choose light colours
@homesweethome_at_23 styles Milan Metallic Wallpaper
If you’re wondering what colour to use in a small bedroom, light shades are a great place to start. They naturally make the room feel brighter and more open, creating the illusion of space. Soft neutrals, greys and pastel tones work particularly well to create a calm, relaxing atmosphere.
You could also try warmer shades like blush, sage or light beige to bring a little extra warmth. And it doesn’t have to be paint — choosing a wallpaper with a subtle texture or a delicate pattern can also add character, making your walls a feature while still keeping the overall look light and fresh.
Pairing lighter wallpaper with matching bedding and curtains will help tie the whole space together, creating a bedroom that feels stylish and perfectly put-together, no matter the size.
Create space with mirrors
"Mirrors are a simple but effective way to make a small bedroom feel more spacious," explains Caroline. "When placed opposite a window, they reflect natural light around the room, instantly brightening dark corners and creating the illusion of extra space."
For the best effect, think about positioning a large mirror above a chest of drawers, or try leaning a full-length mirror against a wall to give the room more depth.
Mirrors work especially well alongside light-coloured wallpaper, as the reflection enhances the pattern or texture and makes it feel like the walls extend further than they do.
Use wallpaper behind the bed
@heavenatnumber7 styles Zurich Metallic in Cool Grey with Metallic Gold
If you love the idea of bedroom wallpaper but don’t want to overpower the room, why not add some wallpaper behind your bed and create a feature wall? Larger patterns can make a bold statement, while smaller patterns or textures may provide a more subtle backdrop.
Choosing colours that complement the existing colour scheme in your bedroom is important and will add depth without overwhelming the space.
Embrace patterned wallpaper
@thewhitehouse16 styles Camden Trellis in Neutral and Gold
Patterned designs, like geometric wallpaper, work particularly well in smaller spaces because the repeated lines and shapes naturally draw the eye across the walls, creating a sense of depth and movement. This clever trick can make your room feel larger while adding a bold style statement.
For a subtle approach, opt for soft neutrals with metallic detailing, which reflect light and add a touch of understated luxury. If you’d like something bolder, go for stronger contrasts or larger-scale patterns that instantly command attention.
Think luxurious
@thegrayhome styles Lux Textures Chenille in Ivory
“Even the smallest bedroom can feel indulgent with the right wallpaper,” says Caroline. “Choosing a luxurious design instantly elevates the space, creating an intimate atmosphere that feels both stylish and sophisticated.”
“Rich, regal tones like deep navy can bring depth and drama, while touches of gold add a sense of warmth and glamour. Metallic wallpapers are particularly effective in smaller spaces as they catch the light beautifully.”
To complete the look, layer in plush textures — think velvet throws, satin cushions and metallic accents in your lighting or furniture. Together, these details create a bedroom that feels like a sanctuary, proving that small spaces can still make a big style statement.
Use florals
@homebypoppylane styles Vintage Peony Mural in Blush
Waking up to a wall of blooms not only lifts your mood in the morning but can completely transform the feel of a small bedroom. Transform your bedroom into a serene botanical retreat with our enchanting collection of floral wallpaper and murals.
Caroline says: “If you are adding floral wallpaper or a floral mural to a small bedroom, make sure you accessorise in similar tonal shades and consider complementing the design with warm, ambient lighting to create a cosy and inviting space.”
Opt for glitter wallpaper
If you want to make a statement in your small bedroom, glitter wallpaper is the perfect choice. Just a touch of sparkle can completely refresh your space, adding personality and glamour without feeling over the top. The shimmer effect can also reflect light around the room, helping it feel brighter and more spacious — a clever trick in smaller spaces.
To keep the look balanced, pair glitter wallpaper with simple, complementary paint shades on the other walls. Soft neutrals or muted tones work best, allowing the wallpaper to stand out as the feature.
Go bold
Caroline suggests: “Sometimes bolder is better in small bedrooms. Marble wallpaper brings a striking look, and in children’s bedrooms, it works especially well. It's playful enough to spark imagination, yet timeless enough to grow with them.
Keep it simple
In a small bedroom, less can sometimes be more to prevent the room from feeling cluttered. Consider a minimalistic approach to your decor and accessories with dual-purpose items that can serve both functional and decorative roles.
Pair this decor with simple wallpaper in soft, understated tones to create a calming backdrop that ties everything together. The result is a space that feels effortless, organised and inviting.
Decorate with wall art
Wall art is a great way to add personality to a small bedroom without using any floor space. A single framed print above the bed can make a stylish focal point, or a few smaller pieces grouped together can create a gallery wall that feels personal and unique.
Carlone says: "When pairing wall art with wallpaper, it’s best to keep balance in mind. Bold, patterned wallpaper already makes a strong statement, so artwork can feel crowded or lost against busy walls. I always recommend keeping art for plainer designs in softer tones or subtle textures. This way, both your wallpaper and artwork get the attention they deserve."
Small bedroom storage ideas
Choose multi-functional furniture
In a small bedroom, furniture that doubles up on purpose can make all the difference. Beds with built-in drawers or ottoman-style bases are perfect for tucking away extra bedding, clothes or seasonal items without taking up additional space.
Bedside tables with shelving, or even a desk that doubles as a dressing table, can also help you get more out of your furniture.
Utilise vertical space
When floor space is limited, walls become your best friend. Tall bookshelves can add plenty of storage without taking up valuable square footage, while floating shelves and wall-mounted bedside units keep surfaces clear and organised.
You could even use vertical storage as a design feature — styling shelves with plants, books and accessories against a wallpapered backdrop creates a functional yet stylish display. Vertical striped wallpaper is another clever trick, as it naturally draws the eye upwards and complements taller furniture perfectly.
Consider your lighting
Lighting plays a huge role in small bedrooms, not just for ambience but because your choices can also save space.
Wall-mounted lights instead of lamps are a clever way to free up your bedside tables, giving you more room for essentials like books, plants or a morning coffee. They also add a sleek, contemporary look that feels thoughtfully designed.
Frequently asked questions
How do I plan a small bedroom layout?
To plan a small bedroom layout, start with the essentials — your bed placement. Position it right up against a wall to maximise floor space, and keep walkways clear for a more open feel.
From there, build around it with clever, space-saving furniture. A feature wall behind the bed can also help zone the room and make the layout feel considered, even in a smaller space.
What colours work best in a small bedroom?
"Light shades are always a safe choice, helping the room feel brighter and calmer," recommends Carloline. "Soft neutral paints or wallpaper, greys and pastels create a timeless base, while warmer tones like blush, sage or beige bring a cosy feel. For a little glamour, metallic wallpapers or designs with subtle shimmer will reflect light beautifully."
What are the best boys’ bedroom ideas for small rooms?
Geometric or patterned wallpapers are a brilliant choice for boys’ bedrooms, as they add energy and personality. Choose wallpaper or paint in navy, grey or green for a timeless look that can grow with them.
Multi-functional furniture and smart storage solutions also keep the room practical as well as stylish.
How do I make a small bedroom look bigger?
Light colours are the easiest way to make a small bedroom feel bigger. They reflect light and instantly make the room feel brighter and more spacious.
Vertical striped wallpaper also draws the eye upwards to make walls appear taller, while horizontal designs can give the impression of extra width. Pair these with mirrors to bounce light around the room and create the sense of openness.
Don’t underestimate the power of decluttering. Keeping surfaces clear, limiting accessories and regularly streamlining what’s in the room will prevent it from feeling overcrowded. Sleeping in a clutter-free environment can positively impact your mood and overall well-being, too.
How do I organise a small bedroom?
Organisation in a small bedroom is all about making the most of every inch with smart storage solutions. Furniture with hidden storage — like beds with built-in drawers and ottomans— keeps everyday essentials tucked away but close at hand. Floating shelves or tall bookcases are great for using vertical space, while wall-mounted lights free up your bedside tables for other items.
Storage baskets or boxes are another simple way to keep things neat. Choosing designs in tonal shades that complement your paint or wallpaper will help them blend seamlessly into the room, so your storage feels like part of the decor.
