Tiny Bedroom Ideas: How to Decorate a Small Room
In this post: Looking for tiny bedroom ideas for a small dark apartment? These tips will show you how to decorate a small room to look lighter and larger.⇒
You know when I start a post with a before picture, it’s going to be a pretty big transformation.
Last time I did this, I converted a ordinary storage closet into an elegant French Country butler’s pantry. The change was pretty amazing.
This time, I was working with a room in a tiny dark apartment and the challenge was to transform it into a lovely bedroom for my daughter to call home, in her very first apartment.
Now, if you’ve never seen a Manhattan apartment, let me emphasize, when I say small and dark, I mean REALLY small and dark.
You can see in the before photo how close the next building is, so despite the two windows, there’s very little light coming into this room. It’s a very old building and when you walk into the empty room, you can hardly imagine where you’d put a twin bed, let alone a queen. But queen we did, and much more.
So let’s look at how to decorate a small room in a tiny dark apartment.
Tiny Bedroom Ideas
I started this room the way I do most – with a mood board.
I sat down with my daughter like I would a client and discussed what she’d like the room to look like, what colors she preferred, what furniture pieces were important to her and what could be sacrificed for the sake of space.
I also took some cues from her bedroom at home (which you can see HERE) to narrow down the concept.
Next I did a layout and started selecting pieces that would fit, revising the board as idea became roadmap to reflect the final plan.
The number one aim was to open the space, keeping it warm and welcoming, but light and cheerful.
In addition to the space challenge, we also had to work within the constraints of a rental, so walls couldn’t be painted anything other than plain white.
We chose creams and beiges for the decor to maintain a bit of sophistication, with touches of pale lilac for an infusion of personality.
Much of the interest was added with pillows, utilizing tufted silk shams for a note of sheen and a Mongolian lamb throw pillow for a cozy luxe feel.
The French lilac print on the boudoir pillow hides a lavender filled interior that fills the room with a delightful scent.
(See below for resource info.)
The furniture pieces were selected for their storage capacity and function, as much as for their aesthetic value.
In a room this small, every detail counts, and we made sure the nightstand had enough drawer space to serve a purpose, while the pull out shelf made up for the lack of desk space in the room.
For the dresser we chose a piece that would offer the maximum amount of storage for a relatively small footprint.
The octagonal mirror above provides a bit of an edgy feel, keeping the whole thing from getting too sweet.
Given the space limitations, the walls needed to be used, as well, so instead of extra wall art, the jewelry rack becomes a visual focus.
The key to fitting a queen bed into this room, was pushing it up to the wall for as much walk space as possible. We chose not to forego the headboard and footboard as they lend a tailored note of finish to the room.
The faux fur skin print throw at the foot of the bed adds another hint or warmth, while the neutral print rug adds sophistication and comfort.
To keep the room clutter free, we used decorative items sparingly, but the distressed picture frame on the night stand personalizes the space.
The mercury glass lamp is another modern touch, ensuring the room doesn’t get too fussy.
One advantage of the tight spaces between buildings is that you’re not really facing anyone else’s windows, so privacy is not a concern. This gave us the freedom to use lovely sheers on the windows, although there are blinds beneath for when needed.
A little more bling was added to the dresser in the form of these mercury glass hurricanes, and a makeup organizer keeps cosmetics neatly corralled.
It’s hard to believe this is the same room as the empty one in the opening photo. We lightened it up, fit everything in that was needed and wound up with a space that’s warm and inviting without being a cramped mess.
I can’t guarantee it will stay that way after months of a young adult living here… 😉
Resource Guide
To get the look, click on the items below for direct links to the products. Where actual items were no longer available, I’ve provided similar options. If an item is out of stock but may be restocked, I left it on the list.
(This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.)
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OMG!! was my actual, honest-to-goodness shout when I saw this. Amazing transformation!! I can hardly believe it, it’s so beautiful! Great job!! 😀
Wow! Thanks so much for the kind words!! I think the capacity to transform a space into what makes you feel good is one of the things I most love about decorating… 🙂
Beautiful transformation, Lory!
Thanks so much, Kim!!
This is beautiful, Lory. All of the white was a great idea. Love that you used practical things in a pretty way. 🙂
Thank you, Stacey! In that kind of limited space, you really have to make sure each choice plays many roles… 🙂 Thanks for visiting!!
Lory, it’s beautiful! I love how you brought bits of her room style at home into her new space, while making it a fresh and new beginning for her.
Thanks, Lani! I guess it was kind of natural for there to be some similarities because it’s really driven by her design sense and personality, but definitely needed to be lighter than her room at home. I really enjoy the challenge of NY apartments. It’s kind of becoming a new focus of mine… 😉
Just perfect! Love the segue from home bedroom to her own place…
Thank you, Donna! We wanted some cohesion so she’d feel at home in either place… 🙂
This is absolutely gorgeous Lory. You have done such a beautiful job. I can’t wait to see the rest of the apartment. Your daughter is blessed to have such a sweet and talented mom.
Aw, such a nice thing to say, Shannon!
I love the femininity of this room. It would be wonderful if you could giving shopping sites for the beautiful furnishings you choose, when possible. Love the unique jewelry holder!
Thank you Rose Marie! I actually do have the links in the post. When you see type in bold, you can click on it and it will take you directly to where you can buy the item. I think maybe I need to move the links to the bottom, so people know to look for them there… 😉 I also wrote this very late last night, so need to add some more sourcing info in. Thanks for the feedback!! (As for the jewelry holder, I’m not sure where my daughter got it, so I sourced a similar one in the post.)
So perfect…living in a tiny temp place I am going to love seeing how this all comes together. I bought plastic covered wire (removable) shelves to give me extra shelving in cabinets. Thank you for sharing her lovely new home. This is exciting!
Thanks, Elizabeth! Sounds like you’ve worked out some great solutions, too… 🙂 I think the space challenge is kind of fun to work with!
Lory, you did such a beautiful job with your daughter’s bedroom! The room feels so light and airy, yet very elegant. I am pulling things together for my daughter’s first place and you have given me some things to think about!
Thank you, Shenita! The living room reveal will be a little different because I had to work with both my daughter’s taste, as well as her roommate’s. So that room is a lot darker. Will be interesting to see what people think… 😉
Hi Lory (and daughter)! What a fun and informative post, as always. Since I live in a small 1907 house with SMALL rooms, I’m always interested in seeing how small spaces are decorated. Did I mention my rooms are SMALL? This room looks spacious, sophisticated and very New York! Pat at Bringing French Country Home
Thanks, Pat! One of the good things about small spaces is that it takes less to make an impact. So, embrace those small spaces… 🙂
It is gorgeous. I love how bright and open it looks and you used some pretty big pieces too.
Thanks, Marty! Yes, it’s kind of amazing how much furniture you can get in a small room… lol.
I love before and after decorating , and this one is so bright and pretty…can’t believe it is the same room! Love everything you two selected. When my daughter lived in Manhattan, it was a real challenge to design the rooms in her little apartment, although she faced sunny south and no one blocked her 4th. floor view in her living room, kitchen, and bedroom because of the way the building was designed…a rarity in NYC! But space, especially storage space in her tiny kitchen had us coming up with all sorts of ideas. As her living room entertainment unit was finished on the back, we used it to create a hall entry behind it to get to her kitchen, which blocked any messy counters when she cooked. The entertainment unit was large and had lots of storage spots. A big bookcase on the opposite end of the room held her many books and decorative objects as there wasn’t much in the way of case goods with flat surfaces where one could add décor. Just one loveseat and chair in the living room for seating, but folding director chairs in her walk-in closet for extra guests. The French desk from her old bedroom finished off the living room. A small French table and four cane-back chairs was all that could fit in her dining area, so we put up a big mirror, wall sconces, and art to add charm and brightness. Some area rugs on the beautiful refinished floors and she had her first home. She was so proud of that apartment, and I am so glad to have that memory of us working together on that project.
Wow, Bobbi, it sounds like you came up with some creative solutions! It is fun working on such challenges. It’s one of the things I love most about decorating… 🙂 The best is when the after picture really looks like a different room, isn’t it? And how great is it to join forces with your daughter? We had the best time!!
Lory…did you end up painting the wall behind her bed??? It looks so much yellow-er in the ‘before.’
No, actually the wall color is exactly the same. I think the lighter furniture makes everything look light and the creaminess of it emphasizes that the wall is plain white. It’s amazing how different a space can look without changing anything about the actual floors and walls… 🙂
This is ahhhhhhhMazing, Lory! Oh I know she is going to be so happy here! What girl wouldn’t?
Blessings from Chippy White Cottage,
Rebecca
Thanks so much, Rebecca!!
Lory, My daughter moved to Chicago and had an apartment of less than 200 sq. ft. total! Only one room. She had a dormitory sized fridge and no room for a table and chairs. Improvise was the name of the game. She loved it though, beautiful hardwood floors and old pedestal sink with tile flooring/walls in the bathroom. I know what you mean about not having to worry about privacy, her window also looked out onto a brick wall, just as your daughter’s. Not once during the winter did she use her radiator because the apt. below was kept so hot it kept her apt. temperature so warm she slept with the window open. With only one window, summer heat was tremendous. Fortunately she’s moved to a larger apt. with A/C, lots of windows, and even a dining room. She’s in heaven!
Ha ha, yes, those city apartments can be crazy small, but they do have their charm. Thanks for stopping by and sharing… 🙂
Wow! Lory will you adopt me? I’m too old to be your daughter but I could be your mom. She is one lucky girl. It is amazing and beautiful.
Ha ha, Karen! You are so sweet… 🙂 Thank you!! I do think she appreciated the help.
Glad to see it was an actual small bedroom. We have an awkward 8×9 ft. Bedroom I’m wanting to turn into a guest room. It has60x48 in windows on one wall and a closet and entry door on the other. It had a smallish daybed in it, but then you couldn’t get into the closet and one wall is awkwardly narrow, 5 ft. Instead of 8 because the hall closet “bumps” into the room. So it’s really enjoyable to see other people’s solutions to tiny rooms. And you made your daughter’s gorgeous! Thanks for sharing your ideas.
Thank you so much! I actually enjoy the challenge of a small or awkward space. It’s fun to see it transform when it works out… 🙂 What sounds great about your room is that it at least has a nice sized window. I’d have to see the actual layout, but I would try to even out the weird indent by placing furniture where the wall bumps back out (at the widest part), especially if that’s were you can fit the bed.
Ein sehr schönes Zimmer-die Farben sehen sehr gemütlich aus-zum wohlfühlen-toll…
Thank you so much!!
I am curious, what did you do with the radiator?
That’s funny. I’ve been asked that before. It’s still there. It’s just behind the dresser in the photo, so you can’t see it.
Loved the small dark bedroom makeover ; see Macys has the sanibel collection but not the dresser u chose for the room. I am ordering the bachelor chest. Where could I find the dresser u show in the pix? Many ts for all your creativity
peace
Ann
Hi Ann,
Try this one: https://www.raymourflanigan.com/somerset-4pc-queen-bedroom-set-597007193.aspx
Hope that helps… 🙂
Best,
Lory
Your sons and daughters apartments are beautiful. I’m enjoying your posts so much. Thanks for sharing all you do
Diane
Lory, just love what you have done with the bedroom in your daughter’s first apartment! It’s just gorgeous and I know your daughter just loves it. How nice that you were able to help her!
I always enjoy your posts! They are so informative and really appreciate how you list the items you use and where they can be purchased. Thanks for always taking the time to do this for your readers! I appreciate you so much!
Enjoy your weekend!
Nice job. I love the covering the windows so that ugly view is gone. The nightstand with the pullout shelf is so clever.
Wow – gorgeous! I bet your daughter loves it to death! I love all the little details, especially the pull out shelf. It’s all brilliant Lory! ❤️
You did a superb job of making a very small space feel open & airy. I have a very small master bedroom and am looking for furniture with plenty of storage. I would love to know the actual source of the bed and nightstand. Love your designs!
Here you go. It’s not always available, but I just found it:
Dresser: https://rstyle.me/+_YEygPZCSbPFRSrI5-v6nA
Nightstand: https://rstyle.me/+gwsvM7hSLlitKeaR7Sz5Yw
Bed: https://rstyle.me/+j_nLOXHhUswt9iiMXiVhaA
Not sure how you got a queen size bed in a room that looks so small even pushed against the wall!
Well, there wasn’t a lot of walk space, but it was enough… 🙂