The Design Hack That Makes Your Small Bedroom Look Bigger

Your bedroom isn't just where you go to sleep; it's where you relax, unwind, and try to find peace after a long day. The bedroom is a space that lets you take a deep breath and shake the real world off as you climb into bed to watch a movie or read a book before succumbing to dreams. It's the room you start and end your day in, so it should feel comforting, not confining.

A small bedroom can feel cramped and stuffy, so making your bedroom appear bigger is a great way to keep that cozy feeling even if you don't have a ton of space to work with. Since you probably can't expand horizontally, one easy solution is to take advantage of your vertical space. You can do this through utilitarian choices like shelving or change your bedroom through small aesthetic design choices like spot color or curated furniture designs.

When trying to make a bedroom look bigger than it is, you'll want to start with practical changes that take advantage of the vertical space. An easy way to do this is by adding shelving. With these additions, you're creating a vertically climbing focal point for the eyes, while also maximizing storage space which will alleviate floor clutter. Any time you can raise things off the floor, you're creating the illusion of space. There's other options available, as well — choosing raised furniture like floating nightstands can clear your floor even further and expand the view.

Another way to elevate your bedroom is with a tall headboard. You're bringing texture and, if you so choose, color into your space as another focal point. Tall curtains are a popular choice for creating height, too. Instead of choosing curtains to fit your window, choose them based on the height of your walls and hang them closer to the ceiling — Curtains with the perfect length draw the eye all the way up.

Although dark wall colors can make your bedroom look cozy, they can also make it feel smaller since these colors add to the visual clutter and absorb light rather than reflect it. Instead, aim for light and airy colors that will make the space feel bigger and brighter, reflecting light rather than creating shadows. If you want to use dark colors, do so sparingly and in areas that won't overpower the space. Artwork is a great way to add splashes of darker colors, but be careful not to hang too many pieces which will create additional visual clutter. And be sure to carefully consider the placement — taking advantage of the vertical space when hanging art can completely transform a room.

Aside from a tall headboard, try to avoid large furniture and multiple pieces. Large chunky pieces will overpower a small bedroom. Again, you're creating clutter and taking up floor space by doing this. Instead, opt for minimalistic pieces and clever storage solutions that hide clutter and make your room look spacious.