Your bedroom is MORE than a sleeping place, it is a special place where you unwind at night, curl up reading a good book, have deep conversations about life and so forth. Decorating a small bedroom on a budget with limited space might seem like a daunting task, but fear not! With a bit of creativity and strategic planning, you can turn your small bedroom space into a cozy bedroom atmosphere that reflects your personality. In this guide, we’ll explore various tips and tricks to help you achieve a stylish and budget-friendly small bedroom makeover.
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Step 1. Create a Mood Board – Look for Inspiration (it’s out there somewhere)
The first step in decorating your room is to look at your space and create a Moodboard. I like to do this by going onto social media platforms like Pinterest and Instagram. In Pinterest you can ‘Pin’ the photo that you like to a board that you created and on Instagram you can use the bookmark button to save your photo. Start by looking at spaces that resonate with you and saving images that catches your eye. Save photos that include the type of headboard you like, the type color scheme you are drawn to, ask yourself do your prefer using dark colors or light colors? Look at different textures and photos that may be coverted to wall art. Look for furniture inspiration, look at the works of interior designers. Really get a feel for what you want your room to look like and emulate. Don’t worry about cohesion at this stage – let your imagination run wild.
Afterward when you feel like you have enough material to get started with, review your board, identify common themes, and refine your choices by removing the photos from your mood board that don’t align with your vision. This is an important step, if you don’t review your board your space may look scattered as your artistic sense is pulling you to all different directions. Once your ideas are refined, this mood board will be the foundation for your bedroom’s aesthetic.
*Pro Tip* When you’re in Pinterest select one image that you really want to use in a space, you can click on the image and when your scroll down you can see other images with very similar aesthetic and style.
Understandably having a small budget limits the scope if works you can do, however, we can draw inspiration from the overall look and pick out pieces that we would want to integrate into our bedroom.
2. Curtains and Rugs (+ Rule of Thirds)
When you walk into a room the rug is often the first thing you see because it is takes up the largest space in a room, curtains are also hard-to-miss as they cover up portions of the wall. Besides the bed, curtains are rugs are the often the main focal point of a bedroom, they play a pivotal role in setting the tone for your bedroom thus, it’s important to choose them correctly. If your small bedroom has multiple windows, opt for materials like linen or sheer curtains – materials that are more lightweight rather than choosing black-out or heavy fabric curtains that will just create a certain heaviness in appearance (Plus lightweight materials are usually more affordable than thicker materials). If you have one window, try experimenting with statement curtains. Let’s say you have a white bare wall, a quick and easy way to add interest to your bedroom space wall is to add a curtain with a unique design to your window.
Is it me or are these Floral Farmhouse drapes just SO CUTEEE! These curtains allow the perfect amount of natural light in while still allowing privacy, also acts as a closet cover.
Floral Farmhouse Curtains Closet Semi-Blackout Living Room Drapes 63 Inch Length Cotton Linen Blend Short Bohemian Window Curtain Panels with Tassel Beige Rod Pocket Bedroom Drapes, 1 Panel
OWENIE Sheer White Curtains, 84 inch Length 2 Panels Set, Rod Pocket Voile Fimly Drapes for Living Room/Bedroom, 2pcs, Each 42″ W x 84″ L
G2000 Sheer Curtains & Drapes 84 Inches Long Navy Blue and White Ombre Curtains for Bedroom Living Room Window Light Filtering Grommet Curtains for Patio Sliding Glass Door 2 Panels
Using your refined mood board, identify the colors that you would like to see in your bedroom space. I like to screenshot photos from Pinterest and use Canva to identify the key accent colors I will be using in my bedroom space. Use this colour palette as a guide when shopping for curtains and rugs. Doing it this way is quite methodical, however, it is one of the easiest ways to ensure that your bedroom space looks cohesive. Also, having a clear guide from the get-go ensures that you don’t get distracted and possibly buy something that looks pretty but out of your place in your overall bedroom feel and out of budget.
*Pro Tip* The Rule of Thirds
If you already have an accent rug or curtain that you absolutely love but struggle to incorporate it into your space, try this easy no-brainer hack called the rule of thirds. As an example, this boho inspired rug has a lot of different colous but one of the most prominent color is green, something you can do is to place two other green items into your bedroom space throughout your bedroom (Keep in mind that they can be different shades). This is a great idea to ensure that your bedroom looks more cohesive. The rule of thirds is supposed to keep the eye moving, also things arranged in odd numbers are more visually appealing contributing immensely to your overall room look.
Lahome Boho Tribal Area Rug – 3×5 Vintage Green Rug for Bedroom, Soft Non Slip Washable Entry Bathroom Mat Bohemian Indoor Accent Floor Chair Carpet for Entrance Coffee Table Foyer RV Hall
Modern Elegant 18″x12″ Rectangle Emerald Green Shagreen Decorative Ottoman Coffee Table Perfume Living Room Kitchen Serving Tray with Gold Polished Metal Handles by Home Redefined for All Occasion’s
Serene Spaces Living Set of 2 Green Bottleneck Bulb Glass Vase, Vintage Round Flower Vase for Console Table, Shelf, Living Room, Bathroom, Office, Wedding, Measures 5.3″ Diameter & 7.48″ Tall
YIHOUSE 6×9 Ft Area Rugs Non-Shedding Washable Rug, Bedroom Living Room Dining Room Office Soft Nonslip Modern Rugs Faux Wool Collection Carpet Indoor/Outdoor Rugs-Black and White Rug
This neutral rug with simple line art is so easy to style and incredibly versatile. See below how the same rug can be styled two different ways – fun and artistic vibes versus modern and sleek with a pop of colour.
3. Paint and Wallpaper (Accent Walls + The Perfect Vibes)
Paint and wallpaper can transform the feel of a room without breaking the bank. Determine the vibe you want to create – whether it’s light and airy, moody and dramatic, warm and cozy atmosphere, or modern and minimal. Truly imagine yourself in that space you’re living in. If you’re decorating the master bedroom, think about how you’ll spend time in this space, how your mornings and nights will look like. When you walk into your room imagine the type of emotion you want to evoke.
There’s a lot of different aesthetics you can go for in your small bedroom decor! Always go back to your mood board as a guide to select a paint color that complements your chosen aesthetic. These are a few bedroom aesthetic ideas:
If you want to keep your white walls as is, that is perfectly fine too, a white wall does not necessarily equate to a boring room. You can build up your bedroom decor in different ways such as furniture and decor. If you’re hesitant about painting an entire room but want to try something new, consider an accent wall for a pop of color, wainscot panelling, or peel and stick wallpaper.
This Black Silk Embossed Peel and Stick Wallpaper looks so sleek and elegant.
Abyssaly 15.7 inch X 118 inch Black Silk Wallpaper Embossed Self Adhesive Peel and Stick Wallpaper Removable Kitchen Wallpaper Vinyl Black Wallpaper Cabinet Furniture Textured Wallpaper
See how others are styling it: look at how much more elevated a small space looks with an accent wall, really makes the small desk space pop.
An affordable touch of luxury: These Slat Wall panels are incredibly versatile, you can use them in place of a traditional headboard. This is one of the easiest ways to elevate your bedroom space saving both floor space and money. All you need is double sided tape and a cutting tool to make sure they all look even.
They even have a black version, if you’re into the more modern look, pair this with led strip lights and boom! A match made in home interior heaven.
Tenmiro Led Lights for Bedroom 100ft (2 Rolls of 50ft) Music Sync Color Changing Strip Lights with Remote and App Control RGB Strip, for Room Home Party Decoration
Art3d Slat Wall Panel, 3D Fluted Textured Panel 12-Tile 19.7 x 19.7in. – Oak
The good news is, a fresh lick of paint, panels and peel-and-stick wallpaper doesn’t have to cost a small fortune and are one of the easiest ways to elevate the feel of a small bedroom. The peel-and-stick wallpaper is also great for those who are renting a space and searching for renter friendly bedroom decor ideas. An accent wall can create the illusion of extra space in a small bedroom or you can design it in such a way that will embrace your limited sleep space and create a cozy atmosphere. I honestly love peel-and-stick wallpaper, there are so many patters and designs on the market plus, it’s one of the cheapest ways to instantly up you bedroom decor game.
Hopepak 15.3” X 78.7”Floral Wallpaper Peel and Stick Wallpaper Multicolor Daisy/Peony/Lily Self Adhesive Removable Wallpaper Floral Contact Paper Nursery Bedroom Mural Wall Decorative
4. Furniture, Storage and Organisation
When it comes to furniture, keep things cohesive by sticking to the same tones for metals and woods. If you have wooden pieces, ensure they share a similar color family. If you have old furniture consider upcycling furniture with a fresh tin of paint is an excellent budget-friendly option. Consider spray painting metal elements black to create a unified look. Having your metals be the same color really ties your room together and look more polished. Look for small items like hardware or drawer pulls that can tie your furniture pieces together. You’d be incredibly surprised how these small details in bedroom furniture makes a huge impact to your bedroom. The thrift store or flea market can be a great place to find affordable furniture pieces for your small bedroom.
Rust-Oleum 340647 Specialty Metallic Spray, 11 oz, Gold
Chalk Style Paint – for Furniture, Home Decor, Crafts – Eco-Friendly – All-in-One – No Wax Needed (Cranberry Sauce [red], Sample (4 oz))
6-Pack French Provincial Drawer Pulls – Antique Brass, 2-1/2″ Hole Centers, Vintage Shabby Chic Pulls for Dresser Nightstand Cabinet, PW1619ABR64
Fvstar Kitchen Cabinet Handles,10 Pack Vintage Cabinet Pulls,2.5 inch Dresser Drawer Handles,White Cabinet Handles,Ivory White Kitchen Hardware for Cabinet,Dresser,Drawers,Cupboard,Silver Edge
A tiny bedroom with limited space does not mean you should not get furniture, instead list down the essential furniture you need, measure the square feet in your bedroom and plan out how you’re going to position the furniture. One of the top tips when choosing furniture for a bedroom that does not have enough space is to make sure that the furniture serves two purposes. For example, if you’re planning to get a study desk, make sure it has mirrors as it can also be used as a vanity.
HORM Makeup Mirror Vanity with Lights – 3 Color Lighting Modes 72 LED Trifold Mirror, 1x/2x/3x Magnification, Touch Control Design, Portable High Definition Cosmetic Lighted Up White (JING-007)
SLIMOON Hollywood Vanity Mirror with Lights, 15 Dimmable LED Bulbs 3 Color Lighted Makeup Mirror with Detachable 10X Magnification Mirror, Tabletop or Wall-Mounted, Touch Control
If you have piles and piles of books, use them in place of traditional nightstands.
Storage and Organisation
Consider a bench or storage ottoman at the foot of the bed to make good use of this often overlooked space. When you’re thinking of storage ideas, a storage ottoman is great way to add storage without having another dresser which might not work in the small space, also it is a cute design feature in your bedroom!
YOUDENOVA 30 inches Folding Storage Ottoman, 80L Storage Bench for Bedroom and Hallway, Faux Leather White Beige Footrest with Foam Padded Seat, Support 350lbs
PRANDOM Extra Large Ottoman with Storage [1-Pack] Velvet Folding Small Square Foot Stool with Lid for Living Room Bedroom Coffee Table Dorm Toy Pink 30.5x15x15 inches
Consider getting a platform bed frame which allows extra storage to be stored underneath. This is a great bed storage solution that limits the amount of dressers, drawers and other storage furniture you would otherwise need to get to store your items. I personally love this hack, it’s storage without the need of buying more storage, how utterly ingenious!
EMODA 18 Inch Tall Full Size Bed Frame with Large Storage Space, Easy Assembly Heavy Duty Metal Platform No Box Spring Needed, Noise Free, Black
Alternatively, you can get these under bed storage containers that will blend in seamlessly with your bedroom space.
Fulpower Under Bed Storage with Wheels, 2 Pack Under Bed Storage Containers, Large Under Bed Rolling Storage with Lid, Bedroom Storage Organizer for Clothes, Shoes,Toys, Books, Blankets BLACK
Of course, in this small bedroom ideas post we can’t skip over the closet organization system, consider integrating these closet essentials that will take the headache off trying to get dressed in the morning.
CTSNSLH 4 Pack Folding Closet Organizers Storage Box, Stackable Plastic Drawer Basket for Clothing(White)
5 Tier Closet Hanging Organizer, Clothes Hanging Shelves with 4 Hanging Hooks 5 S Hooks, Wire Storage Basket Bins, for Clothing Sweaters Shoes Handbags Clutches Accessories Patent Design
Vtopmart 4 Pack Clear Stackable Storage Drawers, 4.4” Tall Acrylic Bathroom Makeup Organizer,Plastic Storage Bins For Vanity, Undersink, Kitchen Cabinets, Pantry, Home Organization and Storage
Also I firmly believe that by applying cost saving measures stated above, we can splurge a bit more on decorations (Is the Girl Math Mathing).
5. Decorating! (Focusing on Color Palettes + Natural Tones)
Now comes the fun part – decorating! Use your refined color palette from the mood board to guide your decor choices. Mix in natural elements like wood, metal, and marble to add depth and texture to your small bedroom. Don’t shy away from DIY projects for affordable decor options. Consider having a large mirror as part of your small bedroom decor, large mirror can make a small room feel larger and brighter. Experiment with different sizes and colors of throw pillows to enhance your bedroom design. Having bedside lamps, I think, is a non-negotiable, having a cute lamp is not only stylish but incredibly useful in preventing a trip hazard. If you do not have a bedside table, consider these wall-mounted lights. For smaller bedrooms that do not have space for bedside tables this light fixture is my favorite way to save space.
Mkono Macrame Hanging Shelves Boho Wall Decor Set of 2 Rustic Wood Floating Storage Shelf for Bedroom Bathroom Living Room Nursery Dorm Room, Display Shelving for Hanging Plants Photos
You Are Like Really Pretty Neon Sign Pink LED Neon Signs For Wall Decor Bachelorette Party Engagement Party Wedding With Dimmable Switch USB Power(16.9 * 10.6inches)
Simmore Decorative Throw Pillow Covers 18×18 Set of 2, Soft Plush Flannel Double-Sided Fluffy Couch Pillow Covers for Sofa Living Room Home Decor,Cream White
SKELLIGE Black Circle Mirror for Wall, Large Round Mirror for Bathroom, Entryway, Bedroom, & Living Room. Metal Hanging Circle Mirror for Vanity(20”, Black)
Wall Light Battery Operated Sconce Set Of 2,not Hardwired Fixture,Wall Sconce With Remote Dimmable Light Bulb,Easy To Install Not Wires,for Bedroom, Lounge, Farmhouse ( Color : Gold )
Consider adding picture frames to your walls, the good thing is picture frames do not take up much floor space in your bedroom (save for the walls), that way you can add as much as you want. Consider buying a set to make your bedroom decor look more cohesive. Picture frames look especially breath-taking against a dark wall or accent wall. This works especially well if you’re under the dark moody aesthetic.
HesenDot Canvas Wall Decor,Framed Matisse Pink Wall Art for Living Room,Abstract Matisse Wall Art Exhibition Posters,16x12in High Framed Design Print, Minimalist 3 Piece Wood Art Wall Decor Aesthetic, MDF Framed Poster for Bedroom,Bathroom Set of 3
HoozGee Framed Art Black and White Poster with WOODEN FRAME INSIDE Set of 6 Vintage Fashion Wall Art Decor Retro Wall Art Print Pictures Set for Living Room Bedroom Decor (8″x10″ FRAME)
Howwii Botanical Boho Bathroom Decor Wall Art Prints, UNFRAMED Sage Green Plants Decor for Bedroom|Office, Minimalist Eucalyptus Leaves Watercolor Art Prints, Set of 4 Pictures, 8″x10″ No Frames
Conclusion
Remember, decorating a small bedroom on a budget is about creativity and thoughtful choices. By following these steps and infusing your personal style, you can turn your compact space into a beautiful bedroom without spend A LOT of money. Happy decorating!