Tiny bedroom ideas – 10 inventive ways to be clever with space

Tiny bedroom ideas needn't hold back on ambition or style. Though tiny rooms can present many interior design challenges, there are several benefits to compact living. A well-designed scheme can feel just as comfortable as a larger space, with all the coziness and comfort you could need . 

Our curated selection of the best small bedroom ideas can turn even a tiny bedroom into a warm, cozy and welcoming retreat.

With practical storage solutions, curated color choices and enviable interior design schemes, these bedroom ideas are bound to inspire your next bedroom remodel.

Tiny bedroom ideas

Key to the success of a tiny bedroom is planning an efficient layout: your small bedroom layout ideas have to be spot on to make the space as practical as possible.

Whether you're looking for small bedroom storage ideas, box rooms or the best beds for small rooms, these small bedroom ideas come with plenty of useful interior design advice so that your bedroom revamp can be as successful as possible. 

We've covered everything from color schemes to lighting and flooring – and refresh our favorites regularly, so do keep checking back for more.

1. Tiny doesn't need to be dull 

Tiny bedroom ideas don’t have to be bland, in fact creating layers of pattern and color can give a room a wonderful and enticing jewel box feel. 

'Opt for patterns that create a trompe l’oeil, such as the ‘Hippie Paisley’ wallpaper design, with an undulating vertical motif filled with intense color and dazzling floral forms, this design draws the eye upwards making the space feel taller, whilst layering patterned cushions on the bed will work in the same way creating a focal point,' says Stefan Ormenisan, creative director and founder of MindTheGap.

2. Add wood paneling behind your bed  

Maximize space in a tiny bedroom by first considering the key pieces of bedroom furniture needed. A bed is the dominant feature of any bedroom, it is the focal point and acts as a base to centre the rest of your scheme around. 

'An upholstered headboard is an easy way of injecting color and texture into your bedroom, especially when designing within a smaller space,' say Jen and Mar, co-founders of Interior Fox. 'Consider incorporating panelling behind the headboard, this will add additional depth and contrast.'

3. Maximize the space you have 

Nook bed ideas are having something of a moment, and it is easy to understand why. 

This bed idea is perfect for making large bedrooms feel cozier, for making brilliant use of space in tiny spaces and for making bedtime an occasion in kids' bedrooms, we think every home should have one – or more.

If you're looking for practical guest bedroom ideas, you might want to consider the efficiency of your nook bed: good bedroom storage, lighting and privacy. A nook bed can also accommodate your child safely from toddler to high schooler, and we defy any child not to love the privacy and comfort a curtained niche can offer.

4. Position the bed wall to wall 

In a small bedroom, you really need to maximize space. 'In our project JB Mews the client wanted to include a double bed into the guest bedroom so we positioned the bed wall to wall under the windows,' says Tom Rutt, founder of TR Studio. 

'We dressed the windows using a curved curtain rail to create a design detail and to ensure the curtains didn’t overwhelm the corner of the room making it feel too heavy. Above the headboard we added artwork to balance the look.'

'To keep the floor as free of clutter as possible we installed wall lights which were moveable, but instead of installing them at either side of the headboard, we installed one at the head and one of the foot of the bed. This allows the lighting to frame the bed and also creating cosy reading spots. Adding a mix of textures with soft furnishings and keeping a pared back color palette and only small pops of bolder color ensured the small room is inviting and well balanced.'

5. Choose clever and practical storage 

Good small bedroom storage is be vital when every spare inch of space counts. 'By thinking outside the box, you can make a real difference to the available storage in your small bedroom,' says Jennifer Ebert, digital editor, Homes & Gardens.

'Storage can be a hurdle when it comes to a tiny bedroom, but it's also where you can get super clever with space-saving design features. We love this idea of having a secret alcove hidden in the wall and the nightstand with its drawers and shelf is really practical – and stylish.'

6. Look out for miniature designs

A bedside table might not be practical in a tiny bedroom, however, a slimline or narrow wall-mounted shelf could be provide the answer you are looking for.

In this cute and cozy space, a small shelf is just the right size for the room's narrow proportions. Above, a miniature adjustable bedroom wall light is ideal for a spot of night time reading.

7. Create a tactile space 

Tiny bedrooms are the ideal space to curate a room that is both comforting and cocooning. Layer your compact space with plenty of tactile elements; think knitted throws, fringed blankets, linen bedding and faux sheepskin rugs. 

If you want to add to the textural quality of the room, look to your walls. Enhance the desirability factor with textural bedroom wallpaper ideas, or paint tricks to give the illusion of texture.

8. Use mirrors to give the illusion of space 

Bedroom mirror ideas can add so much to a tiny bedroom. Mirrors will be your friend in a compact space but placement is key. Using them in an alcove is a great idea, have one cut to fit the space and opt for floor to ceiling for maximum effect. Then, place a pendant in front of it as that will help to bounce the light around further and create the illusion of space.

9. Opt for an unusual background 

A tiny bedroom is the perfect place to experiment with a riot of color, pattern and texture. An unusual but intriguing choice for a bedroom, tiles make for an interesting bedroom accent wall idea. 

The key to successful wall decor for bedrooms is to decorate in a way that has meaning to you, whether that’s using a favorite hue or most desired pattern.

It only takes one wall to give a room the wow factor. Generally your bedroom accent wall will be the one you see first when entering a room, but you could choose one behind a key piece of furniture such as behind the bed.

10. Choose a statement four poster 

‘Tiny bedrooms can still be places where you can have fun and make a statement with a show stopping bed,' says Kate French, creative director at Dado. 

'The fine frame of this four-poster bed delivers a sense of drama but doesn’t take up the space visually, giving a smart framework without being overwhelming. In addition, the touch of white works in harmony with the white highlights within the Monika Forsberg ‘Clover’ wallpaper, ensuing the room remain fresh and modern.'

How do you make space in a tiny bedroom?

Like any small space, the key to making space in a tiny bedroom is to create adequate storage within a functional layout.  Often when decorating a tiny space, one or two large, hard-working pieces of furniture will create a less cluttered look than several small pieces. 

Ensure that the surrounding furniture is lightweight so that it can easily be moved to accommodate a pull-down bed. If you have adequate ceiling height, look at bespoke options, such as a simple mezzanine incorporating a sleeping area on a raised platform with a wardrobe or shelving below.