Welcome back to another installment of my Small Space series. It's funny, when I wrote my first blog post about designing a small living room I had no idea it would turn into a series, yet here we are. If you've been following along you know I am a lover of small spaces, and enjoy making the most of even the tiniest rooms. That includes the master bedroom.
We should all have a place where we can truly relax after whatever our daily grind includes. A place where we cozy up with our mate, or pets, or kids and shut out the rest of the world. Below I've listed some ways we can achieve this regardless of the square footage we live in.
First, let's talk about storage. It's important that everything has a place, especially in a small area. In a bedroom with limited space try furniture with built in storage. If you don't have room for a large dresser to hold your clothes, opt for a bed with built in drawers. Ikea has some great options along with unbeatable prices. You may be thinking you need a master's degree in furniture building before you order anything from Ikea, but you can always do what my husband does and hire a handy man to put it together!😄
For additional storage choose the right nightstands. When I'm designing a bedroom I actually prefer using end tables. Typically they're deeper, have drawers, and open shelving which allows you to keep things organized. Pro tip: Place a pretty basket on the shelf to give things like remotes and books their own place.
If there's no way to fit a nightstand next to your bed, then try a floating shelf. Even a small shelf can give you a place to charge your phone or set a glass of water.
To save even more space use sconces instead of table lamps. I love these simple brass ones from West Elm.
Once you've maximized your space with the right furnishings, it's time to trick the eye into thinking the room is larger. There are several ways to do this. An eye catching headboard can create a focal point. If your bedding is neutral go with a fun pattern like this colorful headboard from World Market to draw attention away from the size of the space.
Another way to make your room feel larger is by hanging your curtains high and wide over your window. This draws the eye up, and makes the ceiling feel taller. When ordering your curtains make sure to measure properly. The rod should sit about midway between the window and ceiling. If you have a low ceiling, hang the rod just beneath it to create more height.
Well placed art is another way to focus attention away from the size of the space. Place a few carefully chosen pieces around the room to keep the eye moving.
Photo: Pottery Barn
Mirrors can also make a space look bigger. Hang a couple over the bed or lean one against the wall to give your room a more open feel.
And finally, don't be afraid to go dark. What??! No, she did not just say that. Oh yes I did, girl (or guy😉). Dark colors can actually work in a small space by making the walls appear to disappear.
Photo by Ty Carlson on Unsplash
There you have it! A few ideas to create your dream retreat. If you missed my last Small Space post you can find it here here, and if you'd like some help creating the home you want then schedule your free call with me today!
What's your favorite way to maximize space in a small master bedroom? Let me know in the comments below!