Working with a small bedroom? These are some common mistakes to avoid, according to an interior designer
Interior designer Jordan Samson just shared the small bedroom design mistakes he sees most often, and revealed how he'd put a small-scale space together instead


Living in a small bedroom is practically a rite of passage, but that doesn't make designing these compact spaces any easier. Fitting all the furniture you need into a small space – and making the design scheme look chic at the same time – is far from simple.
That's why interior designer Jordan Samson, who says the topic is 'near and dear to his heart,' just shared his top tips for making the most of a 'pint-size bedroom' – and we're taking notes.
From common mistakes to straightforward advice, Jordan imparted his tried-and-true guidance for small bedroom design schemes. These are the small bedroom design mistakes that are ruining your sleep space, and expert-approved tips for how to fix them, according to Jordan.
How to make the most of a small bedroom design scheme
A post shared by Jordan Samson
A photo posted by jordansamsondesign on
With the help of budget-friendly bedroom furniture and design accessories from The Home Depot, Jordan transforms a small bedroom into a cozy oasis, guiding us through the entire process. But before diving into the design scheme, he shares the first small bedroom design mistake he advises staying far away from.
'The first mistake is thinking that white bedding and white walls are the only answer. You can absolutely have color and pattern, just stick to a more limited palette of two to three to avoid the space feeling too busy,' Jordan says in the video.
He presents a calming color combination of warm beige, army green and mustard yellow to make up the room's foundation – a pared-back yet bold color scheme that fits the bill. By sticking with two to three main hues in a room, you'll be left with an elevated look that doesn't take over a less-than-large space.
When it comes to decorating with pattern, Jordan says your bed's headboard is an easy place to go bold. But in a small bedroom, a statement headboard can be a bit too much. Instead, in his design plan, he looks to the space behind the army green, velvet headboard in an elegant shape that he's selected.
Sign up to the Homes & Gardens newsletter
Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups.
'We're going to create our own version of this using wallpaper. The wall-to-wall application will also create the illusion of a wider room,' says Jordan, showing a bold red and green wallpaper design from The Home Depot stretched across the wall behind the bed. The paper stops just above the headboard, bringing in pattern without taking over the space.
'Next, we want to draw the eye away from our limited floor space, so instead of a nightstand, we're gonna opt for these beautiful mid-century-inspired floating drawers,' Jordan continues. Floating shelves are an elevated take on the bedside table, freeing up floor space while adding chic charm to the room.
And to free up even more storage, Jordan says to 'skip the table lamps,' instead opting for a 'pendant and a reading light in [a] brass finish instead.' The combination of floating shelves and empty surface space makes this small room look airy and expansive, and the reading light's brass finish adds a complementary decorative hue to the room's sophisticated palette.
'Mirrors are your new best friend,' Jordan says, adding on another tip that's sure to expand the look of a smaller space. 'A large mirror placed across from a window will reflect tons of light and will open up the room.'
Jordan opts for a standing, rounded mirror placed near the far end of the bed to uplift the space and increase natural light. And a final furniture touch creates even more room for storage: a boucle bench placed at the foot of the bed.
'We're going to keep the styling pretty minimal so that we don't overwhelm the space – a textured rug and simple bedding will do the trick. With a little help from The Home Depot, we can transform this tiny bedroom from this to this,' says Jordan, showing off the final space, a chic and stylish bedroom that looks twice its actual size.
Working with a small space doesn't have to mean compromising on style – Jordan's work proves the opposite. With a considered color palette and functional furniture, you'll be left with a space that's fit for all your nighttime needs.

Abby was the Interior Design News Editor at Homes & Gardens and is now studying for her Master's degree in Journalism at City University, London. Prior to joining our team, she worked with Better Homes & Gardens, where she wrote and edited content about home decor, gardening tips, food news, and more. She studied Journalism and English Literature at New York University and moved to London to pursue her love of writing in 2023.
-
Mandy Moore's modern, minimalist entryway is the perfect mix of textures and patterns – shop the look from $50
Mandy Moore combines natural materials with bold patterns to create an entryway that is both contemporary and timeless, and it's simple to replicate
-
Don't dismiss this prolific plant as an irritating weed – it's actually a climate resilient, secret superfood packed with health-boosting nutrients
Discover how to grow dandelion greens for food, with advice from expert growers
-
I have a designer taste on a discount budget – here are the 12 best rugs, mirrors, and lights I'm shopping in the sales to finish my home
I'm decorating smarter, not harder, and have waited all year for these items to finally hit the sales
-
Shea McGee has just shared her top tips for an effortlessly chic yet cozy guest bedroom
Interior designer Shea McGee explains how she designs a timeless guest bedroom that's the perfect balance of cozy and chic
-
The best neutral paint colors for bathrooms that aren't white – 5 timeless shades designers always turn to
From earthy tones to soft pinks, these are designers' favorite neutral paints for bathrooms
-
Storage doesn't get more chic than this – 9 designers on how they made storage a design statement
These interior designer's projects are all brilliant examples of how to make storage more than just a place to hide things away
-
Joanna Gaines has given her Magnolia store a spring makeover – these are the 3 simple decor tips that are so easy to replicate
As spring draws near, interior designer Joanna Gaines has decorated her homeware store with farmhouse-style decor that's both elegant and uplifting
-
How to decorate a room with a high ceiling, according to interior designers
Take advantage of a high-ceilinged room with the techniques interior designers use
-
You've heard of color drenching but have you heard of stripe drenching? Here's how to bring this classic yet dramatic look into your home
We spoke with interior designers and uncovered their favorite ways to decorate with stripes in five iconic looks
-
Shea McGee uses this unpopular paint color in her home office – but color experts say it's actually the perfect shade for a calming working environment
Move over warm browns, this interior designer has chosen an unexpected cool-toned gray for her home office due to its soothing and sophisticated qualities