16 Small Master Bedroom Ideas That Prove Bigger Isn't Necessarily Better

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updated Apr 03, 2021

Sure, a sprawling master bedroom with enough space for a chaise lounge, a fireplace, and enough storage for an entire family sounds lovely, but not everyone has the luxury of space. The truth is, small master bedrooms can look just as chic and function just as well, that is if you know how to decorate them to their full potential. After all, don't they say that the best things come in small packages? We turned to our favorite interior designers' projects for 20 small master bedroom ideas to transform your space.

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Warm Walls

Small bedrooms with scant natural light typically look better and cozier with warm dark walls, like this NYC bedroom by interior designer Tali Roth. Embrace dim lighting by painting your walls a deep shade for a dramatic, sophisticated vibe.

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Built-In Bookcases

white and gold bedroom — Amber Interiors

Petite bedrooms are often low in storage space. If you can, maximize your wall space by adding built-in bookcases with both open and closed shelving.

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Small Accent Chair

Even if you don't have a ton of space for accent furniture, a simple chair or luggage rack can add loads of function to your space. It can provide a surface on which to place your bag when you get home at night or support a stack of magazines.

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Contrasting Colors

A monochrome palette can do wonders to a small space, but a high-contrast palette can look even better. Try painting your walls a dark taupe color while keeping floors in a high-gloss white. Further enhance the contrast by painting your door black.

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Extended Headboard

A proper headboard can entirely transform your small space, by visually extending the bed from wall-to-wall to make the space look intentional. Options are plentiful too, from polished wood to the linen headboard, pictured.

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Greenery

Even if you're opting for a neutral monochrome palette, a bit of greenery can do wonders to your space by bringing the outside in and adding visual interest. Where you'd like your plants to live will determine the best type to display, as some plants thrive in direct sunlight and vice versa.

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All-White Tones

An all-white color palette is a surefire way to make your small master bedroom appear wider, especially if the space is light-drenched. Layer tonal soft furnishings to enhance the airy and light effect.

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Oversize Sconce

Though it may be counterintuitive, try adding an oversize sconce to the wall above your bed as a trompe l'oeil effect to make your space appear larger. For ultimate versatility, choose a sconce that swivels.

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Moody Light

Blue bedroom with hanging, exposed light bulb — Fantastic Frank

The trick to achieving the ultimate moody and cozy space is ensuring that your lighting is layered and soft. Paper shades achieve this effect beautifully.

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Large Rug

Pink bedroom with large patterned rug — SARAH SHERMAN SAMUEL

A large rug will also make a room appear wider, so pick a rug that fits almost the entirety of the floor space while leaving six inches of flooring on each wall. If you're on a budget, try layering a large, inexpensive jute or sisal rug to cover more square footage, with a smaller, vintage rug layered over top for interest.

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Four-Poster Bed

Bedroom with four-post bed — TRINETTE REED/STOCKSY

Contrary to popular belief, a four-poster or canopy bed looks great in a small space. Why? Because it draws the eye up, pulling attention away from the width and length of the space.

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White Bedding

As for the furnishings, opt for all-white linen bedding to keep textures simple. Then add in a few natural textures like jute and warm wood to layer into the space.

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Built-In Nightstand

Bedroom with mounted nightstand — Pella Hedeby

If you're feeling very handy, try to mount your nightstand and lighting onto the wall or headboard. This will save floor and surface space.

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Soft Textures

A low bed with loads of tone-on-tone soft textures will blur the lines between the bed and floor, creating an infinity effect. Meaning, it'll make your space appear more expansive.

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Wire Metal Furniture

Warm toned bedroom with wire metal chair — COURTESY OF LILJENCRANTZ DESIGN

Add in a few pieces of black wire furniture. Wire legs don't take up much room and are delicate enough not to visually clutter a space, but they will provide a stark contrast to add to the visual interest of the space.

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Layered Storage

Bedroom with two nightstands with storage space beneath — MELANIE DEFAZIO/STOCKSY

Another great trick for small bedrooms that are low on space is to choose furniture pieces that can be layered, like a nightstand. Underneath, tuck storage baskets, books, or a weekender bag, for instance.