14 easy tricks on how to make a small bedroom look bigger

Struggling with a cramped bedroom? It happens to many of us. However, with the right interior design tricks, you can create the illusion of more space—without knocking down walls! Here are 14 clever tricks on how to make a small bedroom look bigger, feel airier, and function better—while maximizing every inch of floor space.

Use light, bright colors

Dark walls absorb light, making a smaller room feel like a cave. Instead:

• Stick to a cohesive color palette. Match furniture to walls for a seamless look.
• Paint your walls white or soft neutrals (white, cream, light gray, or beige) to reflect natural light.
• You could even try a monochromatic color scheme (different shades of the same color) to create flow.

Read more: Best colors for your bedroom

Maximize the vertical space

When floor space is limited, think upward:

• Install floating shelves for storage without clutter.
• Use floor-to-ceiling curtains to draw the eye upward.
• Hang artwork higher to emphasize height.

Choose the right furniture

Bulky furniture eats up precious space. Instead:

• Opt for low-profile beds (platform beds work great).
• Pick multi-functional, space-saving furniture pieces such as storage ottomans or beds with drawers.
• Use floating bedside tables instead of bulky ones.
• Bring in foldable desks or drop-leaf tables that can be expanded when needed.
• Use nesting tables that stack together and separate when extra surfaces are required.
• Arrange the furniture smartly so walking paths are open.
• Avoid blocking natural flow and movement with too many pieces of furniture.

Let in natural light

Nothing makes a room feel bigger like sunlight does.

• Avoid heavy drapes or curtains—opt for sheer or light-filtering shades.
• Place a mirror opposite your bedroom window to double the light.
• If privacy isn’t an issue, keep windows uncovered.

Utilize mirrors strategically

Mirrors are the ultimate small space hack.

• A large wall mirror instantly expands the room.
• Place mirrors to reflect light or a nice view from a window (we talked about this in the previous point).
• Try a mirrored closet door for function + illusion.

Go minimal with your decor

Remember, less clutter in your home decor = more breathing room.

• Keep bedside tables clean, with only essentials.
• Opt for wall-mounted sconces or hanging pendant lights instead of table lamps to free up space. 
• Stick to a few statement pieces rather than many small items. For example, instead of hanging multiple small frames, opt for a single oversized artwork to create visual impact without cluttering the walls.
• Keep your home furnishing simple. Stick to subtle textures and light patterns to maintain an open feel. Too many colors or patterns chop up the space. 

Use lighting to your advantage

You can utilize smart lighting to make the room appear brighter and larger.

• Ensure layered room lighting (overhead + wall lights + bedside lamps).
• Try subtle ceiling stripes or recessed lights to draw the eye upward.
• Avoid dark corners. They shrink the room.

Keep your electronic paraphernalia to a minimum

The idea is to keep your bedroom clutter-free while still enjoying all your favorite gadgets.

• A wall-mounted TV instead of one on a bulky dresser top can free up space. 
• Use hidden cable management systems to avoid visual clutter. Keep cords out of sight.
• Opt for under-bed charging stations or bedside organizers with built-in charging.

Hang curtains high and wide

Sometimes, the simplest of hacks give you the desired effect.

• Mount curtain rods near the ceiling to give the impression of more height.
• Extend rods beyond the window to make it seem larger.

Pick the right rug size

A too-small rug makes a room feel choppy.

• Choose an area rug that fits the room’s size well–maybe under the bed and bedside tables.
• Light-colored rugs open up the space.

Use hidden storage

Clutter is a room’s enemy. Avoid it at all costs. 

• Utilize under-bed storage (rolling bins or built-in drawers).
• Wall-mounted shelves for books and decor.
• Fold-down desks if you need a workspace.

Keep the floor visible

The more floor visibility, the bigger the room feels.

• Choose furniture with exposed legs. Opt for raised beds and tables to create an airy feel.
• Avoid oversized rugs that cover too much floor.

Opt for glass or lucite furniture

Transparent pieces can add a sleek, modern, and airy feel to your space. They disappear visually.

• A Lucite chair or glass nightstand keeps things light.
• Frosted glass shelves or acrylic bookshelves add texture while maintaining a light, floating appearance.
• A lucite vanity table can add a glamorous yet lightweight addition to your bedroom.
• A coffee table with a transparent or tinted glass top and metal/wooden legs gives a minimalist look.

Try stripes (the right way)

This is a smart way to give your room an optical illusion. This step on how to make a small bedroom look bigger is easy and perhaps the cheapest.

• Vertical stripes on walls or bedding help in drawing the eye up.
• Horizontal stripes on rugs can widen a room.

How to make a small bedroom look bigger​: Bottom line

A small bedroom doesn’t have to feel cramped or cluttered. With the right design tricks, you can create the illusion of space, making your room feel more spacious, airier, and, inviting.

The secret lies in strategic furnishing, smart color choices, clever storage solutions, and thoughtful decor. Whether you’re dealing with limited square footage in an apartment or just want to maximize your space, with these interior design tips and tricks, you will know how to make a small bedroom look bigger and feel sizeable.

Which tip will you try first? Let us know in the comments!

Written by Ramona Sinha. April 1, 2025

Ramona is the Senior Content Writer for Kukun. This experienced blogger uses simple and succinct words to decipher the complex phenomenon called life. She has written articles covering a broad range of topics, such as real estate, lending and mortgage, finance, business, taxation, home designs, home improvement projects, decor concepts, and more. An avid traveler, she’s a digital nomad at heart and an animal lover from the depth of her soul.