Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Inspiration
  3. Evergreens

21OAK may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

How to decorate a cramped bedroom

It can feel overwhelming to find furniture and decor for a small bedroom. There are not many options in terms of how items are positioned, and it can feel frustrating to try to get all the elements you want included to fit.

The good news is, it doesn’t have to be. There are many options for creating a serene and fabulous bedroom in a small space, and it can make the hunt for items a fun experience. The good news is you won’t spend a lot of extra money filling walls and corners with “stuff” for stuff purposes. You can spend your time selecting pieces that make the most of the space you have.

One fun option is using your ceiling as a statement area. It draws the eye up and gives the room a larger feel. A patterned ceiling may work for sloped or off-center ceilings. Consider gold circles of varying size or wallpaper that has a soft pattern—nothing too busy because it is what you’ll look at as you nod off to sleep at night. You can also find a fun and interesting ceiling light that draws attention upwards.

green bedroom with headboard
Image used with permission by copyright holder

If you don’t have room for a big nightstand (or a nightstand at all), think about mounting lights on either side of your bed. There are tons of wall sconces and mounted lighting that can give you the brightness you need to read or work in bed.

Finding a Murphy bed for your bedroom is an age-old solution for a small space. This bed can be pulled out from a wall cabinet or shelving set, so it doubles as a work and sleeping space. As with any big item you purchase for a small bedroom, measure (and then measure again) to make sure you have enough wall space and that when the bed pulls down, there’s room to move around it.

Mounting a curtain rod as far up the wall above your window is also a good trick to make the space feel bigger. Curtains on their own can be a perfect statement piece, and the longer they are, the bigger the space will feel. If you have a bright, white paint color (which can also help make any room feel larger), consider a bold curtain pattern that creates a dramatic statement.

Speaking of paint, while white or soft cream colors bounce light to create a more open feel, don’t feel bound to choose a light paint color. I have a small bedroom and went with a dark midnight blue color and left one statement wall covered in ivory shiplap. The darker color choice did not make the room feel smaller, and it’s soothing to cozy up in.

Another fun idea that helps with storage and decorating your space is using decor as a display for your jewelry, hats, and scarves. Check out this wood wall mounted jewelry holder for a fun way to use your space wisely. This option pairs a full-length mirror that doubles as an accessory holder, another great way to get more from your decor.

Speaking of mirrors, they are an excellent way to use decor to make your space feel larger. If you have the wall space, mount a large mirror, or lean it up against an open wall. The reflection will make any room feel bigger and will give you a place to get dressed and check yourself out before leaving the house. You could also do a collage of smaller mirrors of varying sizes to add character to the room.

wall mirrors bedroom
aaleenaf / Shutterstock

Finally, use wall shelves as a space to put books, clocks, picture frames, and other collectibles. Many fun industrial/vintage-inspired shelves use a combination of metal and wood to make your space feel fresh and new while providing much-needed storage for smaller items. You can find wall shelves pretty much anywhere, and combining ones in different sizes will make the walls more interesting.

Pairing one or more of the ideas above will most definitely help make the most out of your small bedroom decorating. Make sure you check out a bunch of different home interior websites for inspiration and (not to sound like a broken record) make sure you measure any item before you buy. It will save you the headache of returning it and ensure your furniture fits the first time.

Julie Scagell
Former Author
New book opens the gates to America’s most spectacular Gilded Age gardens
Jar, Plant, Potted Plant

In Gardens of the Gilded Age, garden designer and author Jana Milbocker invites readers inside America's most lavish historic estates, revealing the extraordinary landscapes that once served as the ultimate symbols of wealth, artistry, and ambition.

Interest in America's Gilded Age has experienced a resurgence thanks to shows like HBO's The Gilded Age, which returns for its fourth season this fall. The series has renewed fascination with the turn of the century, from its lavish entertaining and larger than life personalities to its opulent mansions and richly decorated interiors. But, while the architecture and fashion often steal the spotlight, a new book argues that some of the era's greatest masterpieces were found just beyond the front door.

Read more
How to Create a Gallery Wall That Feels Luxurious and Intentional
Indoors, Interior Design, Architecture

A gallery wall can instantly transform a blank wall into a focal point, but not all gallery walls are created equal. Some may feel sophisticated and curated, while others can appear cluttered or even feel unfinished. The difference often comes down to a few key design principles that can elevate the look and the feel: scale, spacing, framing, and editing.

Whether you are displaying family photographs, travel memories, vintage artwork, or a mix of collected pieces, a well-executed gallery wall should feel intentional. When done correctly, it becomes more than decoration. It tells a story about the people who live in the home.

Read more
Why Books Are Not Going Out of Style
Furniture, Couch, Bookcase

In the age of technology, it is very common for many people to go weeks or even months without opening a physical book. We can now read on our phones, computers, and tablets. Many people have also transitioned to audiobooks and podcasts, allowing them to consume information while commuting, exercising, or doing household chores.

Despite all of these digital options, books are not going anywhere. In fact, they have become one of the most versatile and affordable decorating tools available. Whether displayed on a bookshelf, stacked on a coffee table, or styled on a console table, books add warmth, personality, and visual interest to a room in a way few accessories can.

Read more