7 Ways to Style a Small Bedroom When Your Bed Takes Up Most of the Space

Install Floating Nightstands

According to interior designer Andrea Goldman, when you’re tight on space in a bedroom, the best move is to try to build as much in as possible.

“If you can float your nightstands—either directly on the wall or through a headboard that’s the width of the bed and nightstands—you can save on some of the lost space from placing two pieces of furniture next to each other,” Goldman says. “In general, a floating nightstand will help it look less cramped.”

Mount your lighting to the wall, either above the nightstand or above the headboard, to maximize the free space on the top of the nightstand.

Stick to One Nightstand

When it comes to small space design, sometimes you need to break a few design conventions and be okay with it. “This includes placing the bed in front of a window (yes, I know… gasp) or opting for just one nightstand,” says Amy McCoy of McCoy Design Studio. “If the room only accommodates a single nightstand, that’s often perfectly functional for a single occupant.” 

However, the designer says this isn’t the only way to make essential furniture work in small bedrooms. “I’ve also gotten creative by repurposing radiators as nightstands or swapping in a writing desk when it’s a non-negotiable furniture piece for the client,” she adds. “These choices not only maximize space but add character and practicality.”

Add Plenty of Lighting

Michael Perez-Caromano, designer and sales director at Fine Art Handcrafted Lighting, notes that small rooms can feel closed in if they’re poorly lit, so it’s crucial to layer the lighting.

“Overhead fixtures on dimmers paired with wall sconces or picture lights keep the space feeling bright, warm, and flexible without sacrificing valuable floor or surface space,” Perez-Caromano says. “It’s all about layering light, maximizing function, and keeping the space feeling open and lived-in.”

Choose a Statement Headboard

A statement headboard can be the design punch a small room really needs to feel chic and stylish. “Given the bed is the focal point of the room, opt for a headboard or bed frame you absolutely love,” says designer Samantha Arak of Samantha Carey Interiors. “A patterned upholstered headboard or bed frame, or the geometric weight of a spindle-style bed, can carry the visual weight of the room, allowing your walls to remain as expansive as possible.”

Choose a Bed Frame With Integrated Storage

Storage is always at a premium in small bedrooms, so choosing a bed that has integrated storage, such as drawers, can help ensure you have enough space to store your clothes and linens.

“Integrated storage within the bed frame itself or casual low-profile storage below can keep bedding essentials close by when it’s time to change the linens,” says Arak.

Install Roman Shades

Window treatments are important to every room, but especially in small bedrooms. This is not only because of their function, but because they can add a design moment or create a vibe.

Designer Lindsey Crowley advises going with Roman shades. “Roman shades above the window casing will bring your sightline up, making the space seem larger. And skip drapes to free up wall space.”

Cut Back on Bedding

In a small room, it’s easy to have too much of a good thing, and that’s especially true when it comes to bedding. Crowley recommends keeping your bedding edited so your room doesn’t feel crowded. “I love the sophistication of a simple coverlet and long bolster,” she says. “A bevy of throw pillows is akin to clutter.”