Your home is your castle, but your bedroom is your inner sanctum. It’s the one place in the house you can really call your own. It’s where you go to get away from everything and everyone, and it’s where you keep the bulk of your personal belongings. With that being the case, you want to make that room your own. If it’s a small space, though, that can be challenging. Fortunately, it’s possible to make the most of the space you do have as long as you don’t make the following five small bedroom mistakes.
1. Having a Bed That’s Too Big or Too Small
If you’re like most people, you probably want a bed that gives you plenty of room to stretch out and roll around. Queen mattresses are the most popular sizes on the market for that very reason. They don’t exactly fit well in small bedrooms, though. Some people opt for the bigger bed but sacrifice wiggle room. Others choose a much smaller bed to give them more space for other things, but they don’t sleep comfortably as a result.
In truth, neither is an ideal solution. You have a couple of other options here. For one, you could choose a mid-size bed that gives you compromises from both perspectives. Alternatively, Murphy beds can solve the problem without forcing you to choose one over the other.
2. Too Much Clutter
Another common mistake is having too much clutter in a small bedroom. That applies to personal possessions, decor, and furniture alike. It’s nice to add your own personal touch to a bedroom, but it’s also important not to go overboard.
Keep pictures, decorative items, furniture, and other space consumers at a minimum. Don’t hold onto items you don’t need or use unless they have significant sentimental value. Less is more, so choose a few amazing pieces to give the space flair and make it more comfortable. Get rid of the rest.
3. Dark Colors
Dark colors make small rooms look and feel even smaller than they actually are. Open up the space with lighter shades and neutral colors. You can add curtains and a comforter with dark colors blended into their patterns or reserve a darker hue for a single wall and a few accent pieces. Overall, though, lighter colors should dominate to make the room feel more open and airy.
4. Not Enough Light
Lighting is essential in small spaces. As is the case with dark colors, not having enough light can make you feel claustrophobic. Natural light can make a world of difference, but if there’s not much of it available, artificial light will suffice. It’ll make your room brighter, and it’ll make it feel much less restrictive.
5. Inadequate Storage
Not having enough storage is also a common mistake people make with small bedrooms. You might be thinking that if you don’t have enough space for extra furniture, you don’t have room for more storage. On the other hand, you may feel that you’d gladly give up storage for a bigger bed or more open space. You don’t have to choose one or the other. Recessed shelving is a wonderful alternative. Multifunctional furniture, like ottomans and benches with built-in storage, can give you the best of both worlds.
Making the Most of Your Small Bedroom
Making a small bedroom comfortable and adding your own personal touches to it may not be easy, but it’s not impossible. Minimize the clutter. Brighten up the room with light colors and extra lighting. Use recessed storage and multifunctional furniture to your advantage. Choose a midsize bed instead of one that’s too large or too small or install a Murphy bed. All those measures can help you make the most of your small bedroom.
