How to Style a Small Bedroom Beautifully
Maximising comfort, storage, and style in a compact space
Decorating a small bedroom isn’t about limiting your style — it’s about making intentional choices that create a sense of ease, calm, and beauty. Whether you live in a London flat, a family townhouse, or are working with a guest bedroom that doubles as a home office, a well-designed small space can feel just as luxurious and restful as a larger one.
Here are some of my favourite tips for making the most of a small bedroom — drawn from years of working in real homes, with real people, and helping them feel more at home in their space.
1. Start with Light and Calm Colours
When you're short on square metres, the colours you choose make a big difference. Light tones on the walls — soft whites, gentle taupes, warm greys — help reflect light and visually expand the room. That doesn’t mean everything has to be bland: you can still add character with textures and accents like cushions, artwork, or a bed throw.
💡 Tip from experience: Paint samples behave very differently once they’re on your actual walls. Test a few shades in different corners and check them at various times of day before committing.
2. Choose Furniture That Works Hard
Every piece in a small bedroom should earn its place. Opt for slimline furniture with a small footprint, and avoid anything bulky or overly decorative. Glass or acrylic pieces can feel lighter, and floating nightstands or wall-hung shelves free up floor space.
Built-in joinery or under-bed drawers are ideal for discreet storage — especially in period London homes where built-in closets are often lacking.
💡 Monica’s tip: A narrow console table can double as a vanity or desk without crowding the room.
3. Use Layered Lighting Instead of Overhead Bulbs
Ceiling lights can be harsh and flatten the room, so I always recommend a layered lighting approach. Think wall-mounted sconces beside the bed (a huge space-saver), a soft bedside lamp, and perhaps a small uplighter in a corner for warmth.
Soft lighting adds atmosphere and helps your bedroom feel cosy — not just functional.
4. Get Creative with Storage
Small bedrooms demand clever storage. Instead of relying solely on wardrobes (which can eat up space), look for opportunities to tuck things away:
Drawers under the bed
Decorative boxes on shelves
Peg rails or vintage wall hooks for bags and robes
Foldable laundry baskets or ottomans with hidden compartments
Don’t forget the vertical space: high shelves with baskets can hold seasonal clothes or extra linens without cluttering your daily life.
5. Let the Bed Be the Star
Rather than squeezing your bed into a corner, centre it against the main wall if possible. This not only gives the room a more balanced look but creates a true focal point.
Dress your bed with intention: I like to layer two or three sizes of pillows, one or two cushions, and a soft throw across the end. It immediately elevates the room and invites relaxation.
6. Keep the Feeling Open
In many London flats, the bedroom might need to do double duty — a workspace by day, a retreat by night. Keep a sense of openness by using light curtains or blinds, choosing multi-use furniture (a vanity that becomes a desk, for instance), and keeping surfaces tidy.
If you’re working with an ensuite, consider continuity in design — similar tones, matching hardware, or even a shared light scheme can visually connect the spaces and make both feel larger.
Final Thought
Small bedrooms are full of potential. With a few thoughtful choices, you can turn even the tiniest room into a calm, organised, and truly restful space.
If your bedroom feels more cramped than comforting, I’d love to help. Get in touch for a consultation and let’s create a space that feels like you.
