Looking for how to turn your small bedroom into a room you wouldn’t feel cramped up in here are 11 common mistakes to avoid.
Having a small bedroom comes with its challenges. You want it to be cozy, stylish, and functional—but it can quickly feel cramped, cluttered, or just plain frustrating. If you’re struggling to make your small space work, you’re not alone!
Here are 11 common mistakes people make in small bedrooms—and, more importantly, how to fix them.
1. Choosing Oversized Furniture
The Problem: A huge bed, bulky dresser, and oversized nightstands might look great in a big room, but in a small bedroom? They eat up all the space.
The Fix: Opt for space-saving furniture, like a bed with storage drawers underneath or a compact nightstand. Floating shelves can replace chunky tables, giving you storage without taking up floor space.
2. Ignoring Vertical Space
The Problem: When floor space is limited, every inch matters. Yet, many people forget to utilize their walls for storage and decor.
The Fix: Install floating shelves, use tall bookcases, or hang organizers on doors. A vertical approach makes your room feel bigger while maximizing storage.
3. Using Dark Colors Everywhere
The Problem: Dark walls and furniture can make an already small space feel even tinier and more closed-in.
The Fix: Stick to light, neutral colors like white, beige, or pastels to make your room feel airy and open. If you love dark tones, use them in accents like pillows, rugs, or artwork.
4. Not Having Enough Storage Solutions
The Problem: With limited space, it’s easy for clutter to pile up if you don’t have enough storage options.
The Fix: Make use of under-bed storage bins, wall hooks, or multi-functional furniture. A storage ottoman or bed with built-in drawers can be game-changers!
Related: Small Bedroom Ideas to Make your space feel bigger
5. Overloading the Room with Decor
The Problem: Small bedrooms can quickly feel overwhelming if there’s too much going on—too many photos, plants, pillows, and trinkets.
The Fix: Keep it simple. Choose a few statement pieces instead of cluttering every surface. A single large artwork can be more impactful than a dozen small ones.
6. Blocking Natural Light
The Problem: Heavy curtains or furniture in front of windows can make the space feel dark and cramped.
The Fix: Use sheer curtains or blinds that let in natural light. If possible, place mirrors near windows to reflect light and make the room feel bigger.
7. Placing the Bed in the Wrong Spot
The Problem: Shoving your bed against a random wall or placing it in the center without considering the layout can waste precious space.
The Fix: Try positioning your bed against the longest wall, or in a corner to free up walking space. A symmetrical setup with small nightstands can create a balanced, open feel.
8. Forgetting About Multi-Functional Furniture
The Problem: A regular bed, a standard desk, and a traditional dresser all take up space without doing extra work.
The Fix: Look for furniture that serves more than one purpose, like a fold-down desk, a bed with storage, or a bench that doubles as a storage unit.
9. Not Keeping Things Organized
The Problem: A small bedroom can instantly feel chaotic if things aren’t in their proper place.
The Fix: Use drawer organizers, bins, and dividers to keep everything neat. Make it a habit to tidy up daily to avoid clutter taking over your space.
10. Skipping Mirrors
The Problem: Without mirrors, small rooms can feel closed off and even smaller than they actually are.
The Fix: A large mirror on the wall or a mirrored closet door can create the illusion of a bigger space. Even better? Place mirrors opposite windows to reflect more light into the room.
11. Not Personalizing the Space
The Problem: Some people overcorrect and make their small bedroom too minimal, leaving it feeling bland and uninviting.
The Fix: Add personality with cozy textures, artwork, or a fun accent wall. Just be mindful of balance—too much decor can feel cluttered, while too little can make the room feel lifeless.
Final Thoughts
A small bedroom doesn’t have to feel like a cramped, frustrating space! By avoiding these common mistakes and making a few smart changes, you can create a cozy, functional, and stylish retreat that actually works for you.
Which mistake have you been making? Let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to save this post for later!