How to create a cosy sleep sanctuary in a small bedroom
You don’t need sprawling space to create a calming sanctuary in your bedroom. From smart storage to clever colour schemes, these are the small bedroom design ideas that’ll help turn even the dinkiest room into a relaxing space where you can sleep soundly.
Get smart with storage
Your bedroom should be primarily used for sleeping, so clearing away the clutter will help relax your mind when you’re in there (that should set you on the right path for a good night’s sleep, too). Bedroom on the smaller side? Then it’s time to get clever with storage and space saving.
Top tip!
Use airy open storage solutions to keep your every-day items organised – they'll make the space look bigger, and stop any chairs from becoming involuntary laundry hampers.
Go big with colour (and pattern)
Small spaces can scare us away from using bold, bright colours or adding print and pattern to our walls. But neutral tones like cream and white aren’t the only shades that make us feel relaxed. Mixing bold jewel tones like mustard, emerald greens and midnight navy can help make your room feel cosier.
Oh, and plot twist: patterned wallpaper won’t make your space seem smaller. Opt for larger patterns rather than ditsy prints, and apply it to all your walls (not just one) to add personality and make things a little more cosy.
Top tip!
Choose a paint shade that perfectly matches your wallpaper for wardrobes and woodwork. The unity in colour actually helps to create the illusion of a bigger room, and those colourful surroundings will make the space feel like it’s made entirely for you. Which it is.
Set the scene with scent and soft lighting
Did you know what doesn’t take up space? Fragrance. Scent is something we often forget when it comes to decor, but it’s just as important for setting the mood – particularly in your bedroom.
Candles and diffusers infused with scents like lavender, floral ylang-ylang and woody bergamot help to relieve anxiety and tension (perfect for pre-sleep), while flickering candlelight makes a calming alternative to bright bulbs.
Top tip!
Opt for LED lighting when it comes to fitting your table lamps – they create a warmer, softer light than their halogen counterparts, making them ideal for use in your bedroom.
Get cosy with tactile textures
Interior designers say one of the biggest faux-pas when it comes to small rooms is making things too minimal. Bijou bedrooms are actually the perfect place to go wild with decor, since everything’s neatly contained.
Piling the pillows high on your bed makes an inviting space that’s ready for you to sink into, whether you’re resting your eyes or reading your favourite book with a cup of tea (or glass of wine). As for the floor? Don’t forget your feet. Experts say that up to 50% of your bedroom should be “soft” (sounds good to us), so tactile rugs you can sink your toes into will make your room feel cosier without taking up any space.
Top tip!
Built-in wardrobes ruining the vibe? Think outside the box and use tactile curtains in colourful velvet to hide them, and create a cosier feeling in your sanctuary.
So, just because your bedroom’s on the small side doesn’t mean you’re restricted when it comes to decor. In fact, piling up comfortable cushions, soft, fluffy rugs and bold colour schemes can make your room cosier (without feeling closed in), welcoming and ready for a really good night's sleep.
