Designing a Small Bedroom That Feels Spacious and Luxurious

Jul 29, 2023 | Design 101, Small space

Isn’t it amazing that even the smallest of spaces can be turned into a spacious and luxurious oasis when you know how to wield (yes, I said wield – like you’re a magician!)  principles of interior design. 

Today I’m going to guide you through the process of designing a small bedroom that feels both spacious and indulgent. With a few expert tips and creative strategies, you’ll be able to transform your compact space into a luxurious oasis that will leave you breathless.

Whether you’re living in a cozy urban apartment or simply have a smaller bedroom in your home, there’s no reason why you can’t have a space that exudes elegance, style, and an air of luxury. 

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Designing a small bedroom is not about compromise; it’s about finding ways to be innovative and create solutions that actually work for how you use the space.  And making intentional design choices that maximize the potential of your space.

The key is to create an illusion of spaciousness. This is why it’s a bit like magic. It’s about using design principles to manipulate the eye and mind, making the room feel larger than it actually is. 

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1. Maximize Space with Smart Layouts

Take a good look at the architectural features like windows, doors, and alcoves. These elements will impact how you can lay out your space. Understanding the dimensions of your room will help you make smart decisions when planning the layout.

Choose a focal point to anchor the design and draw attention away from the size of the room. Think of a stunning headboard, an accent wall, or a statement piece of furniture. Most often, the headboard or the wall where your bed sits will do the trick.

Speaking of the bed, it’s the centerpiece of any bedroom, so its placement is crucial. In a small bedroom, consider positioning it against a wall to free up space in the center of the room. Oh, and please avoid shoving it into a corner – that’ll only emphasize the smallness of your room. We want a spacious and luxurious vibe!

Don’t forget to think vertically! Make use of your wall space by installing shelves or wall-mounted cabinets. This not only gives you functional storage but also creates the illusion of higher ceilings and a bigger room. I love using open shelving in small spaces – it’s a game-changer!

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2. Be smart about furniture choices

Pick pieces that serve multiple purposes to maximize space efficiency. Storage beds with built-in drawers or desks that double as vanities are perfect examples. Combining functionalities will save space and reduce the need for extra furniture.

make sure there’s enough room to move around comfortably. Avoid obstructing pathways with bulky furniture or unnecessary clutter. Keeping the pathways clear will open up the room and make it feel more spacious.

Scale and proportion matter too! Avoid oversized or bulky furniture that can overwhelm a small bedroom. Instead, opt for sleek designs with legs. They create visual openness and allow light to pass through, making the room feel larger.

embrace the minimalist approach. Simplify your décor and keep only essential items. Regularly declutter to minimize visual distractions and create a clean and serene space that feels open.

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3. Embrace Light and Airy Colors

The right color palette can transform the mood and perception of the room, making it feel brighter, more open, and ultimately more inviting.

Start by selecting a neutral color as the foundation of your color palette. Whites, soft creams, light grays, or pale beiges are excellent choices. 

These hues have a timeless appeal and create a clean, fresh backdrop that visually expands the space. A neutral base also provides a versatile canvas for incorporating pops of color or textures later on.

Another effective way to create a light and airy ambiance is by using monochromatic color schemes. Stick to variations of a single color, such as different shades of white, or explore a range of tones within the same color family. 

Monochromatic schemes provide a cohesive and harmonious look, while the varying shades add depth and dimension to the room. In fact, this is an approach we use on our client projects often.

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4. Use Colour Strategically

While light and airy colors should dominate the palette, don’t be afraid to incorporate pops of color as accents. Introduce vibrant hues through decorative pillows, artwork, or accessories to create visual interest and prevent the room from feeling too monotonous. 

Just be mindful of maintaining a balance and not overwhelming the space with too many bold colors.

Extend the light and airy color scheme to the ceiling to create a sense of continuity and height. Paint the ceiling in a lighter shade than the walls or keep it crisp white to make the room appear taller and more spacious. A lighter ceiling visually expands the space by drawing the eye upward, giving the illusion of a higher ceiling.

Use color strategically to create focal points or highlight architectural features in your small bedroom. For example, you can paint an accent wall in a slightly bolder hue or choose a colorful headboard or statement piece of furniture to add visual interest.

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5. Lighting: A Key Ingredient for Luxury

When it comes to designing a small bedroom that exudes luxury, lighting plays a crucial role. Thoughtfully chosen and strategically placed lighting can elevate the ambiance, highlight key design elements, and create a sense of spaciousness. 

Maximizing natural light should be a priority in your small bedroom. Natural light not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the space but also creates a sense of openness and connects you to the outdoors. Bonus – nothing makes us look good as natural light does!

Mirrors are also a powerful tool in small bedrooms as they reflect light and create the illusion of a larger space. Place a large mirror opposite a window to bounce natural light around the room. 

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Choose lighting fixtures that are not only functional but also add a touch of sophistication and style to your small bedroom. Look for fixtures with unique designs, intricate details, or luxurious materials. 

Use lighting to draw attention to architectural features in your small bedroom. Consider placing spotlights or recessed lights to accentuate a textured wall, a decorative ceiling, or a built-in bookshelf. By highlighting these unique elements, you create visual interest and add a sense of luxury to the space.

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6. Infuse Opulence with Luxurious Textures and Fabrics

If you want to truly create a luxurious, opulent atmosphere in your small bedroom, then luxurious textures and fabrics are a must. The tactile experience of rich materials adds depth, visual interest, and a sense of indulgence to the space. 

Bedding

The bed is the focal point of the bedroom, so start by investing in high-quality bedding that feels luxurious to the touch. Opt for soft and plush bedding materials such as Egyptian cotton, satin, silk, or velvet. 

Enhance the luxurious feel of your bed by layering it with throw blankets and decorative cushions. Choose materials like faux fur, cashmere, or silk for a rich and cozy feel. Experiment with different textures, patterns, and colors that complement your overall bedroom aesthetic. 

Introduce upholstered furniture pieces to add a sense of luxury and comfort to your small bedroom. Consider an upholstered headboard, an armchair, or a bench at the foot of the bed. Choose fabrics like velvet, suede, or leather for a lavish look and feel.

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Window Coverings

Window treatments play a significant role in the overall design of a bedroom. Opt for luxurious draperies or curtains made from materials such as silk, velvet, or heavy linen. 

These fabrics not only add a touch of drama and elegance but also provide an opportunity to play with texture and color. Consider floor-length curtains that create a sense of height and drama, making your small bedroom feel grander.

Rugs

Add warmth, comfort, and opulence to your small bedroom by incorporating textured rugs. Look for rugs made from materials like wool, faux fur, or shaggy fibers. 

These rugs provide a soft underfoot feel while adding visual interest and depth to the room. Place a rug beside the bed or in the center of the room to anchor the space and create a cozy and luxurious atmosphere.

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Throw Pillows

Accessorize your small bedroom with decorative pillows and throws made from luxurious fabrics. Choose pillows with embellishments like beading, embroidery, or metallic accents. 

Mix and match different textures, patterns, and sizes to create a visually appealing display on your bed or seating area. Incorporate a throw blanket made from a luxurious material like cashmere or merino wool for added comfort and opulence.

Wall Treatments

Consider adding texture and depth to your small bedroom walls with luxurious wall coverings. Explore options like textured wallpaper, grasscloth, or fabric wall panels. 

These wall treatments create a visually captivating backdrop and add a sophisticated touch to your space. Opt for neutral colors or subtle patterns that complement the overall color scheme and design of your bedroom.

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Designing a small bedroom that feels spacious and luxurious is within your reach. By implementing these fantastic tips we use on our own client’s projects, you can transform your compact space into a haven of opulence and comfort.

Checkout this post for more small space design ideas.