The vast majority of us would love to retire every night to a spacious luxury master bedroom, complete with a solid oak kingsize bed. The reality though – for most of us – is that this is far from the dream. Most of us are relatively restricted space-wise and have to get creative in order to make the best of what we have. Fortunately, there are plenty of very practical ways to do exactly that.
Here are some essential top tips for furnishing a small bedroom.
De-Cluttering is Essential
There simply is no room for clutter in a small bedroom. So before anything else, dispose of all the random knick knacks and anything that is occupying space without purpose. Think of the William Morris quote: “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” Naturally, there will be a few sentimental items you’ll want to keep in the room. But in general, think about storing unnecessary items elsewhere in order to keep a tiny room looking as good as possible.
Choose Your Bed Wisely
Beds invariably occupy the largest amount of space in a small room, so think very carefully about yours. The chances are a standard double bed isn’t going to allow much room for anything else, so a good quality single bed may be your best option. If you really can’t live without a double, you could consider a low-to-the-ground futon. Though they’ll still take up plenty of space, the height of them may make the area seem roomier, and they can be folded away during the day to create more floor space.
Use Calming, Neutral Colours
The color palette in your room can have a profound effect on how spacious it seems. Given that one of the problems with a small bedroom is that it can feel very claustrophobic, having colours which are simple and calming is vital. In general, it’s best to avoid dark colours and bold or garish patterns, instead opt for simple shades such as whites, off-whites or beiges.
Let There Be Light
While harsh lighting can reveal the true limitations of a space, recessed lighting can actually work wonders for a small bedroom. Try installing some recessed lighting either under or over shelving: if placed strategically, it can create mood and instantaneously seem to expand the dimensions of even the tiniest box room, as it spreads light in all directions rather than straight down and does not create the illusion of a lowered ceiling.
What are some of your small bedroom design tips?
Featured Image via BHG found on Pinterest
