Small Bed Space Tips: 7 Ways to Make Your Bed Feel Bigger

Feeling cramped in a small bed? These small bed space tips will help you make the most of your mattress with simple, effective changes—so your sleep setup feels bigger, brighter, and more comfortable right away.

Key Takeaways on Small Bed Space Tips

• Light, breathable bedding makes beds feel airier and more spacious
• Decluttering and vertical storage free up visual and physical space
• Smart furniture and mirrors enhance both function and perception of room size

1. Use Light, Airy Bedding

Answer first: Choose light fabrics and pale colors to visually expand the bed and improve breathability.

Light bedding can visually expand your sleeping area. It’s not just about looks — lighter fabrics tend to breathe better, improving comfort and enhancing the sense of openness in your room. Start with neutral or pastel tones, which naturally reflect more light and help the room appear brighter and more spacious. Heavy patterns and dark colors can visually shrink the bed, making the space feel more confined.

• Choose soft shades like ivory, pale gray, or sky blue
• Use layered textures — think waffle weave or gauze cotton — for dimension without weight
• Keep the number of layers minimal: a fitted sheet, a light duvet, and a decorative throw are often enough

For more guidance, check out our
bed width planning guide
to ensure your bedding choices align with room size.

Light bedding makes the entire setup feel fresher and roomier — a small change with big impact.

2. Minimize Clutter

Answer first: Clear surfaces and hide essentials so the bed reads as larger and the room feels calmer.

Visual clutter can make even a
king-sized bed
feel tight. When every surface is crowded with accessories or stray items, your room naturally feels smaller and more chaotic. Streamlining your space makes your bed appear larger and your sleep sanctuary more serene. Start by limiting bedside accessories and using intentional decor.

• Choose multifunctional decor like a stylish lamp with built-in USB ports
• Use decorative storage boxes to keep remotes, books, or charging cords hidden
• Invest in under-bed organizers — some even have wheels and dividers for easy access

Less clutter equals less distraction, helping you mentally wind down for sleep while making your small bed feel more open.

3. Choose the Right Bed Frame

Answer first: Pick a slim, low-profile frame (skip the footboard) to reduce visual bulk around the bed.

The frame you select sets the tone for your bed’s footprint. Bulky frames with large headboards or footboards tend to dominate a room. A sleek frame — especially one that’s low to the ground — gives the illusion of higher ceilings and more space around the bed. Consider materials and lines too:
metal frames
with slim rails or platform beds with built-in storage can visually lighten your setup.

• Choose open-frame or leggy designs that allow light to flow beneath the bed
• Skip the footboard if possible — it visually chops up the room
• Wall-mounted or floating headboards save square footage and add style

Need inspiration? Browse our
bed frame dimension guide
to ensure your frame complements your room’s layout.

The right bed frame does more than support your mattress — it transforms the look and feel of your entire room.

4. Add Mirrors Strategically

Answer first: Place a mirror opposite or adjacent to a window to bounce light and double perceived space.

Mirrors can double the perceived space in a room. Their reflective properties bounce light around the room, making everything feel more open and inviting. They’re especially effective when placed near or opposite windows, allowing natural light to amplify the sense of airiness. You don’t need a wall of mirrors — one well-placed mirror can do wonders.

• Mount a circular mirror above your headboard to create a focal point
• Place a tall mirror near a corner to extend the visual depth
• Try mirrored side tables for a glam touch that doesn’t overwhelm

5. Use Vertical Space

Answer first: Shift lighting and storage to the walls to free floors and make the bed area feel larger.

When floor space is tight, go up! Vertical storage and decor options draw the eye upward and help create a sense of spaciousness. Instead of crowding your bed with furniture at floor level, utilize the wall above and around it. This can also help keep your floor clear, which adds to the feeling of openness.

• Install wall sconces instead of table lamps to free up nightstand space
• Hang a tall piece of artwork or a gallery of frames aligned vertically
• Use over-the-door organizers for shoes, accessories, or extra linens

Learn more about balancing furniture placement in our article on bed width mistakes to avoid.

Vertical elements add drama and structure — two essentials when styling a small bedroom to feel larger.

6. Opt for Multi-Functional Furniture

Answer first: Use pieces with hidden storage or foldaway features so fewer items crowd the bed zone.

Every piece of furniture should earn its keep in a small bedroom. Look for beds with built-in drawers or benches that open up for hidden storage. These dual-purpose items let you keep necessities nearby without adding clutter. Furniture that folds away when not in use is a bonus for anyone looking to maintain a minimalist footprint.

• Consider a Murphy bed with shelving for ultimate space efficiency
• Use a lift-up storage bed for bulky seasonal items
• Look for headboards with built-in shelves for books or decor

Smart furniture choices reduce the need for excess furniture, allowing your bed to shine as the room’s centerpiece.

7. Play with Scale and Proportion

Answer first: Anchor with one or two larger accents and balance with slimmer pieces to make a small bed read as intentional.

Just like in fashion, proportions matter in bedroom design. A
small bed
with appropriately scaled decor can look intentional and chic. Use large-scale items sparingly to anchor the space and smaller pieces to add contrast and flow. For instance, an oversized pillow setup can make the bed appear plusher and more inviting.

• Layer euro shams with standard pillows and a lumbar pillow for depth
• Drape a king-size throw blanket sideways for a hotel-style look
• Place a large rug under the bed to define the zone — it should extend at least 24″ beyond the bed

Balancing scale avoids visual chaos and gives your small bed big impact.

Additional Resources

• Choosing the Right Bed Width for Your Room
• Standard Bed Width Chart: Quick Reference Guide
• Common Bed Width Mistakes to Avoid

Expert-Recommended Reading

• Small Bedroom Design Ideas – Architectural Digest
• Maximizing Small Spaces – Better Homes & Gardens

With the right adjustments, even the smallest bed can feel grand. Use these small bed space tips to create a restful, spacious atmosphere that’s both functional and stylish.

FAQ

What bedding color makes a bed feel bigger?

Light colors like white, ivory, and pastels reflect more light and make beds appear larger and airier.

Can mirrors really make a small room feel bigger?

Yes, mirrors reflect both natural and artificial light, creating the illusion of depth and doubling perceived space.

What type of bed frame is best for a small room?

Low-profile, platform, or minimalist metal frames with open legs are ideal for making small beds feel more spacious.