So your bedroom is small. Like, really small. The kind where you have to do a little sideways shimmy just to get to your closet. Trust me, I’ve been there — standing in my tiny room, Pinterest board open, wondering how on earth people make these spaces look like something out of a Scandinavian design magazine.
Here’s the good news: a small bedroom isn’t a design problem. It’s a design challenge. And honestly? Some of the coziest, most swoon-worthy rooms I’ve ever seen have been the smallest ones. Size really doesn’t matter when you know what you’re doing.
Let’s get into it.
Why Small Bedrooms Are Actually a Pinterest Dream
Small bedrooms force you to be intentional. Every piece of furniture matters. Every color choice counts. Every little detail has a job to do. And that intentionality? That’s exactly what makes small bedroom makeovers so satisfying to scroll through — and even more satisfying to live in.
Pinterest users search for “small bedroom ideas” millions of times a month because people crave that cozy, curated feeling. And you can absolutely create it, even in 10×10 square feet.
1. Go Vertical With Your Storage
When you can’t go out, go up. Tall bookshelves, floating wall shelves, and floor-to-ceiling storage units are your best friends in a small bedroom. They draw the eye upward, which makes the ceiling feel higher and the room feel bigger.
I added a set of floating shelves above my bed and suddenly had a home for books, plants, and a few little décor pieces — without sacrificing a single inch of floor space. Game changer.
🛒 Shop the Look: Floating Shelves We Love
Elevate your walls and your storage game with these top picks.
✅ Floating Wall Shelves Set (Rustic Wood) [Buy on Amazon]
✅ Floor-to-Ceiling Adjustable Bookshelf [Buy on Amazon]
✅ Wall-Mounted Display Ledge Shelf [Buy on Amazon]
2. Choose a Light, Airy Color Palette
Dark colors can work in small rooms (more on that later), but if you want that breezy, open feel, soft whites, warm creams, blush pinks, and sage greens are your go-to palette. These shades reflect light and make walls feel like they’re stepping back.
The trick is to stick to two or three tones max and carry them throughout your textiles, walls, and furniture. Cohesion is everything.
🎨 Set the Mood: Our Top Bedding Picks in Soft Tones
The right bedding set ties your whole color story together instantly.
✅ Linen-Look Duvet Cover Set (Blush/Sage/Cream) [Buy on Amazon]
✅ Soft Washed Cotton Comforter Set – Neutral Tones [Buy on Amazon]
3. Try a Platform Bed or Low-Profile Frame
A bulky, high-profile bed frame will eat your room alive. Platform beds and low-profile frames create visual breathing room by keeping the furniture close to the ground. This makes the ceiling feel taller and the room feel less cramped.
Bonus: many platform beds come with built-in storage drawers underneath. Efficiency and style? Yes please.
🛏️ Find Your Perfect Base: Platform Beds Worth Buying
Low profile, high style — these beds do it all.
✅ Queen Platform Bed Frame with Storage Drawers [Buy on Amazon]
✅ Low Profile Wooden Platform Bed Frame (No Box Spring Needed) [Buy on Amazon]
✅ Full Size Platform Bed with Upholstered Headboard [Buy on Amazon]
4. Use Mirrors Strategically
Mirrors are the oldest trick in the small-space playbook, and they work every single time. A large mirror on one wall can visually double your room’s size by reflecting light and creating the illusion of depth.
Lean a full-length mirror against the wall, hang a statement mirror above your dresser, or try a gallery wall of small mirrors. All of them work. All of them look amazing on Pinterest, FYI.
✨ Mirror, Mirror: Our Favorite Picks for Small Rooms
One great mirror can do more for your room than a full renovation.
✅ Full Length Leaning Floor Mirror (Gold/Black Frame) [Buy on Amazon]
✅ Large Decorative Wall Mirror – Arch Style [Buy on Amazon]
✅ Round Sunburst Wall Mirror – Boho Style [Buy on Amazon]
5. Invest in Multifunctional Furniture
If your furniture isn’t pulling double duty in a small bedroom, it’s not earning its place. Think:
- Storage ottomans that work as seating AND hold extra blankets
- Nightstands with drawers instead of open shelves
- Desks that fold flat against the wall when not in use
- Beds with built-in storage underneath or in the headboard
IMO, multifunctional furniture is the single biggest upgrade you can make in a small bedroom. It’s not just practical — it makes the room look intentional and well-designed.
🔄 Work Smarter: Multifunctional Furniture Picks
Every piece in a small bedroom should earn its space — these ones do.
✅ Storage Ottoman Bench with Lid (Linen Fabric) [Buy on Amazon]
✅ Nightstand with Charging Station and Drawer [Buy on Amazon]
✅ Wall-Mounted Fold-Down Desk [Buy on Amazon]
6. Embrace the Maximalist Cozy Look
Wait — didn’t I just say cohesion matters? Yes. But there’s a big difference between clutter and curated coziness. The maximalist cozy look is all over Pinterest right now: layered bedding, stacked pillows, warm textures, and lots of plants.
The key is keeping your color palette tight while layering textures freely. Mix linen, velvet, chunky knit, and cotton — but keep them all in the same warm family of tones.
💡 Light It Up: Layered Lighting Must-Haves
Good lighting isn’t optional — it’s the secret ingredient every cozy room needs.
✅ Warm LED Fairy String Lights (Plug-in, Bedroom) [Buy on Amazon]
✅ Bedside Table Lamp with USB Port (Warm White) [Buy on Amazon]
✅ LED Under-Bed Accent Light Strip [Buy on Amazon]
7. Try Dark, Moody Walls
Okay, I promised I’d come back to this. Dark walls in a small bedroom can feel incredibly cozy and intentional when done right. Deep navy, forest green, charcoal gray, or even a rich terracotta can make a small bedroom feel like a luxurious hideaway.
The secret? Keep the bedding light and bright to balance the drama, and add plenty of warm lighting to stop the room from feeling like a cave. :/
🖼️ Nightstand Upgrade: Wall-Mounted Picks We Love
✅ Floating Nightstand with Drawer (Set of 2) [Buy on Amazon]
8. Layer Your Lighting
Speaking of lighting — this one is huge. Most people rely on one overhead light and call it a day. But layered lighting transforms a small bedroom from flat and basic to warm and atmospheric.
Try this combination:
- Ambient lighting — a ceiling fixture or flush mount
- Task lighting — a reading lamp on your nightstand
- Accent lighting — fairy lights, LED strips under the bed, or a small table lamp in the corner
The difference is honestly night and day (pun intended).
🛋️ Make a Statement: Headboards That Steal the Show
Your headboard sets the whole tone — make it count.
✅ Upholstered Velvet Headboard (Queen/Full – Various Colors) [Buy on Amazon]
✅ Rattan Woven Headboard – Boho Style [Buy on Amazon]
✅ Tufted Wingback Headboard (King/Queen) [Buy on Amazon]
9. Mount Your Nightstands on the Wall
Floor space is precious. Floating or wall-mounted nightstands free up the floor, make cleaning easier, and give your room a clean, modern look. You can find beautiful options online at every price point.
They also photograph incredibly well for your Pinterest board, just saying.
🪟 Curtain Call: Length-Creating Curtain Picks
The right curtains can make an 8-foot ceiling feel like 12.
✅ Blackout Curtains Extra Long – Neutral Tones [Buy on Amazon]
10. Add a Statement Headboard
A bold headboard gives your bedroom an instant focal point without taking up extra floor space. Upholstered headboards, rattan headboards, or even a DIY shiplap wall behind the bed can anchor the whole room and make it feel designed rather than thrown together.
Even a simple DIY fabric panel works wonders. Your bed is the star of your bedroom — dress it accordingly.
📚 Nook Goals: Everything You Need to Build One
A cozy reading corner is just a few pieces away.
✅ Small Accent Chair – Boucle or Velvet (Various Colors) [Buy on Amazon]
✅ Large Floor Cushion / Pouf Ottoman [Buy on Amazon]
11. Use Curtains to Fake Height
Here’s a simple trick that makes a massive difference: hang your curtain rod as close to the ceiling as possible, even if your window starts much lower. Long curtains that pool slightly at the floor create the illusion of taller walls and grander windows.
Sheer white or linen curtains work best for a light, airy feel. Blackout curtains in a neutral tone work great if you need darkness for sleep.
🌿 Natural Texture Picks You’ll Obsess Over
Rattan. Jute. Woven goodness. Your room needs all of it.
✅ Rattan Pendant Light Shade (Boho Ceiling Light) [Buy on Amazon]
✅ Jute Area Rug – Natural Woven (Various Sizes) [Buy on Amazon]
✅ Rattan Wicker Storage Basket Set [Buy on Amazon]
Small Bedroom Style Quick Comparison
| Style | Best For | Key Element | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scandinavian | Minimalists | Clean lines, neutrals | Calm & functional |
| Cottagecore | Romantics | Florals, vintage pieces | Warm & whimsical |
| Moody Maximalist | Bold decorators | Dark walls, layers | Dramatic & cozy |
| Boho | Free spirits | Rattan, plants, texture | Relaxed & earthy |
12. Declutter Ruthlessly (Yes, Really)
No amount of cute décor will save a cluttered small bedroom. Clutter makes small spaces feel suffocating, and it’s the number one thing that kills the Pinterest aesthetic you’re going for.
Do a regular sweep. If it doesn’t belong in the bedroom or doesn’t bring you genuine joy, it leaves. Harsh? Maybe. Effective? Absolutely.
🏡 Rug the Room: Our Favorite Bedroom Rug Picks
The right rug makes your room feel complete — and your feet very happy.
✅ Soft Fluffy Bedroom Area Rug (5×8 or 8×10) [Buy on Amazon]
✅ Washable Boho Woven Rug – Cream/Beige Tones [Buy on Amazon]
13. Create a Reading Nook
Got a corner doing nothing? Transform it into a cozy reading nook with a small chair or floor cushion, a floor lamp, and a little side table or stacked books. Even a tiny nook makes a room feel layered and thoughtfully designed.
This is also one of the most-pinned small bedroom ideas on Pinterest — because it’s adorable AND practical.
🪴 Green Up Your Space: Plant Essentials
You don’t need a green thumb — just these easy picks.
✅ Hanging Macrame Plant Holder Set [Buy on Amazon]
14. Lean Into Rattan and Natural Textures
Rattan furniture, jute rugs, woven baskets, and wooden accents bring warmth and texture to a small bedroom without adding visual weight. Natural textures feel light and organic, which keeps the room from feeling heavy.
A rattan pendant light above the bed or a woven headboard adds so much character for very little money.
🕯️ Set the Vibe: Scent & Ambiance Favorites
Because a beautiful bedroom should smell as good as it looks.
✅ Soy Wax Scented Candle Set (Vanilla/Lavender/Sandalwood) [Buy on Amazon]
✅ Ultrasonic Essential Oil Diffuser – Bedroom Size [Buy on Amazon]
✅ Reed Diffuser Set – Luxury Home Scent [Buy on Amazon]
15. Use a Small Area Rug to Zone the Space
A rug under the bed — even in a small room — grounds the space and makes it feel intentional. Go for something that extends at least 18 inches on either side of the bed so your feet land on softness every morning.
Layering two rugs (a flat-woven rug under a smaller, textured one) is a popular Pinterest trend that adds depth without overwhelming the space.
🖼️ Gallery Wall Starter Kit
You don’t need an interior designer — just these few pieces.
✅ Boho Art Print Set – Printable Wall Art (Set of 4–6) [Buy on Amazon]
✅ Picture Frame Set – Mixed Sizes (Black or Natural Wood) [Buy on Amazon]
✅ Gallery Wall Command Strips (No-Damage Hanging Strips) [Buy on Amazon]
16. Try a Gallery Wall
A gallery wall above your bed or dresser creates a personalized focal point that draws the eye and adds personality to the room. You don’t need to spend a fortune — mix framed prints, photos, mirrors, and even small shelves.
Keep the frames in one or two finishes (like all black or all natural wood) for a cohesive look.
17. Go Monochromatic
Dressing your room in varying shades of one color is one of the easiest ways to make a small space feel larger and more sophisticated. A tonal cream or white room, for example, feels airy and editorial without trying too hard.
It sounds intimidating but it’s actually one of the most forgiving approaches — everything matches because it’s all the same family.
18. Add Plants (Lots of Them)
Plants make everything better. A small bedroom with greenery instantly feels more alive, fresh, and Pinterest-worthy. Hang trailing pothos from a shelf, line your windowsill with small succulents, or add a single large fiddle leaf fig in the corner for drama.
Plants also improve air quality, which is a nice little bonus.
19. Use Under-Bed Storage
The space under your bed is prime real estate. Flat storage bins, bed risers with drawers, or a bed frame with built-in storage can hold off-season clothes, extra linens, shoes — basically anything you want out of sight but within reach.
Out of sight, out of mind, and your room looks instantly cleaner. Win-win.
20. Keep Your Color Story Consistent
This ties back to cohesion, but it’s worth its own point: every element in your room should feel like it belongs to the same story. That means your bedding, your curtains, your rug, your shelves, and even your books and trinkets should share a color palette.
Pick three colors — a dominant, a secondary, and an accent — and stick to them. Your room will look like it was professionally styled.
21. Add Scent and Ambiance
A beautiful bedroom isn’t just visual. Scent and ambiance make your space feel like a true sanctuary. A candle on the nightstand, a reed diffuser on the dresser, or an essential oil diffuser in the corner adds an entire sensory layer to your room that photos can’t capture — but you’ll feel every single day.
Combine that with soft lighting and good music and you’ve built yourself a proper retreat.
22. Personalize It Unapologetically
Finally — and this is the most important one — make it yours. The best Pinterest bedrooms aren’t perfectly styled showrooms. They’re rooms that feel lived-in and loved. Your favorite books stacked on the nightstand. A photo of your best trip. A throw blanket your grandma knitted.
The personal touches are what make people stop scrolling and save your room. Don’t be afraid of them.
Putting It All Together: Your Pinterest Makeover Plan
Ready to actually do this? Here’s a simple starting framework:
- Step 1: Pick your style (use the table above as a guide)
- Step 2: Declutter everything that doesn’t fit the vision
- Step 3: Choose your color palette (max 3 tones)
- Step 4: Swap out or rearrange your biggest furniture pieces first
- Step 5: Layer in textiles, lighting, and décor last
Small changes stack up fast. You don’t have to do everything at once — even two or three of these ideas can completely transform a space. 🙂
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What color makes a small bedroom look bigger? Soft whites, warm creams, and light grays reflect the most light and give the strongest illusion of space.
Q: How do I make my small bedroom cozy without making it feel cluttered? Stick to a tight color palette, use multifunctional furniture, and layer textures rather than objects. Cozy comes from warmth, not quantity.
Q: What’s the best bed size for a small bedroom? A full or queen with a low-profile or platform frame is usually the sweet spot. Twin if you’re truly working with a tiny space and need room to move.
Q: Do dark walls really work in small bedrooms? Yes — when balanced with light bedding, warm lighting, and intentional décor. Dark walls can make a small room feel cozy and luxurious rather than cramped.
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely love and believe will add real value to your space.
Your small bedroom already has more potential than you think. It just needs a little vision, a few smart choices, and honestly? A solid Pinterest board to get you started. Now go make something beautiful.