When it comes to a list of things never to put in a small bedroom, we have all probably been guilty of making the odd mistake here and there over the years. Often, you can look at a small bedroom layout and can’t quite place what it is that looks off-balance, out of proportion, or just ‘not quite right’.
While some small bedroom mistakes, like too much clutter or overcrowding a small bedroom with excessive furniture, are easy to put right, some are less obvious, and it isn’t always apparent how to go about rectifying them.
We asked designers to share the key things you should avoid putting in a small bedroom and what they suggest you should try to include instead to enhance your space, no matter what your style.
1. Excessive throw pillows
Much-loved by interior designers, throw pillows are a bedroom staple and can be a fabulous way of styling your bed and giving it a finished look.
But if you’ve ever attempted to climb into a bed and had to fling a huge stack of throw pillows to the floor before you could get in, you’ll appreciate that there is such a thing as ‘too many’ throw pillows – especially in a small bedroom.
‘While layering can feel luxurious, too many cushions on a bed in a small bedroom just becomes impractical and cluttered,’ says Kunal Trehan, Interior Designer & Founder of Touched Interiors. ‘A curated selection of two to four high-quality cushions makes a far more refined statement and is plenty.’
When it comes to throw pillows, choose colors that complement your bedding. A mid-scale toile like this will add a hit of pattern without feeling too bold.
Neutral coloring will work with most bedroom color schemes, and this tactile jacquard-knit is perfect for cozying up a bed.
An elegant fringed and braided design, plain-colored throw pillows are great for layering up with small-scale patterns or motifs and monograms.
2. A large freestanding closet
The question of where a closet should be placed in a small bedroom is crucial. With such a key item, the positioning of the closet will have a major impact on the bedroom layout. Get it wrong and you could throw the whole bedroom off-balance.
‘In a small bedroom, it’s best to avoid bulky, freestanding furniture, especially closets,’ advises Sean. ‘Instead, built-in joinery is a smarter choice as it makes the most of the space and can be seamlessly integrated into the room’s architecture.’
‘We always encourage clients to embrace bold, cocooning colors in small rooms, think creating a jewel box of a room,’ adds Sean. ‘Painting the walls, ceiling, and joinery in one shade can actually make the space feel larger and more considered. For a charming touch, we also love building in the bed with curtains framing it and adding softness.’
3. An oversized headboard
In any size bedroom, the bed is a natural focal point, so for many of us, the temptation is to go big when it comes to choosing a headboard, opting for an oversized design that will instantly grab the attention. But size is everything, and big isn’t always best, say interior design experts.
‘Oversized headboards can overwhelm a smaller space,’ says interior designer Sean Symington. ‘Rather than going big, consider matching your headboard to the wall color to create a more cohesive and calming look.’
‘When furnishing a small bedroom, proportion is everything,’ agrees Shauna Dennison-Taylor Creative Director at Penny Morrison. ‘Begin with the bed, choose a size that suits the room and allows space on either side. In more compact settings, a three-quarter bed may be a better fit.’
Opt for a bed with a low headboard and no footboard which can overcrowd a small bedroom. A tapered shape like this creates a streamlined silhouette that aids the sense of space.
Don't rule patterned designs out, just because the bedroom is small. Keep to a mid-scale pattern in soft complementary colors and team with toning plain-colored bedding.
In small bedrooms, choosing a bed that won't overly dominate the space is a must. The softly arched upholstered headboard of this design makes a style statement without overpowering.
4. An accent wall
Much-debated, the accent wall seems to go in and out of favor. But as far as small bedrooms are concerned, they are a no.
‘Accent walls can break up a space unnecessarily in a small bedroom,’ says Sean. ‘Instead, we suggest wrapping the room in a single color, including the ceiling and joinery for a cohesive effect. Tongue and groove paneling painted in the same shade can add subtle texture and character without visually cluttering the space.’
‘In a small bedroom, I would never include too many contrasting colors in the scheme because it can feel overwhelming on this small scale,’ says Ali Attenborough, founder of The Style Counsel. ‘But that doesn't mean you can’t have the drama.’
‘Despite having a restricted color palette, it is possible to achieve a cohesive look with real depth by combining different shades from the same color family, or by using patterns in localised areas. Additionally, limitations can dial up the creativity, try developing your own unique color palette instead,’ advises Ali.
5. Sill-length curtains
How long should curtains be, is a question often asked. Although it’s crucial that curtain length be practical for the particular room in which they are hung – such as short length in children’s rooms – the general consensus is that long, floor-length curtains are the preferred choice. Either just touching or puddling on the floor will give a sumptuous, elegant look in a small bedroom.
When it comes to small bedrooms, it can be tempting to cut back on curtain width or length to create a more sleek and streamlined effect, but go for too-short curtains and it will likely have the opposite effect and feel a bit mean and skimpy.
‘Short curtains cut the height of the room and make windows look stunted,’ says Kunal. ‘Floor-length, even in a small bedroom, draws the eye upward and adds a sense of luxury and verticality.’
Add just a hint of pattern with these classy linen look drapes. The detailed trim is embroidered and can be color-matched to the bedroom decor.
Add color and a romantic vibe with these pretty floral embroidered velvet drapes. They are light filtering so perfect for a bedroom.
If you prefer the bedroom to be fully darkened when you go to sleep, these blackout drapes will do the trick, while thermal lining will keep the room feeling warm too.
6. Too-small a rug
The correct bedroom rug placement is a must if you want your choice of rug to be an asset to the room, but the size of rug is critical too, and small bedroom doesn’t equal small rug.
‘Rugs that are too small look lost in any room even if it's a small bedroom,’ says interior designer Leoma Harper at Interiors by Leoma Harper. ‘To anchor the space, the bigger the better when it comes to the rug, even if part of it goes under the bed.’
Kunal agrees that going for a larger rug is an easy way to make a small bedroom look bigger: ‘A tiny rug floating under the bed will visually shrink a small bedroom even more. Always choose a rug large enough to anchor the bed and extend beyond it – this creates the illusion of a larger, more cohesive space.’
A delicate pink and green colorway with a faded effect that gives the look of an antique find, this rug can be popped in a machine for easy cleaning.
Add boho style to your boudoir with this vintage-look design of gridded florals that is quite charming. A fringed trim adds a pretty finishing touch.
With the look of a timeworn oriental tapestry, this easy-care rug is made of synthetic fibres, making it super-durable and stain-resistant.
7. Open storage
We all know the benefits of an uncluttered bedroom. Bedrooms should feel restful, tranquil, and with minimal visual distractions, so cutting the clutter with bedroom storage is an easy fix that can help create a calm rather than chaotic environment.
‘Open shelving invites disorganisation,’ suggests Kunal. ‘In small bedrooms, closed storage helps keep everything looking sleek and intentional, avoiding excess visual noise.’
‘Embrace hidden storage,’ advises Shauna-Dennison Taylor. ‘Rattan baskets work well in smaller bedrooms beneath framed beds, and a gathered valance can neatly conceal items under a divan, combining practicality with decorative charm.’
Hide bedroom clutter away in this generously-sized jute basket. It has a roll-down top so you can adjust the height easily.
These smart linen-look storage boxes are easy to stack on shelves or in closets and come in a range of versatile shapes and sizes.
Available in a smart brass or black metallic finish, this perforated design will hide clutter but keep the contents fully ventilated.
Knowing what to leave out of a small bedroom can be just as important as knowing what the room needs. Furniture is the biggest challenge when it comes to what to leave out and what to bring in – working out how to include all the essential pieces you need, without leaving the bedroom feeling cramped and overcrowded.
But there are plenty of small fixes and easy solutions that can still make a big impact on how the bedroom looks and how easily the space flows, whether calmer colors, considered design details or thoughtfully-chosen furnishings that feel better proportioned to the room’s size.
