Blog

11 Relaxing Bedroom Decor Ideas for Small Rooms

Create cozy, calming atmosphere in small space.
11 Relaxing Bedroom Decor Ideas for Small Rooms
Tom Greenspan
Updated 
December 21, 2022

As a reader-supported website, we're able to keep it free. Buying something through a link on this page might earn us commissions. Thanks for that.

We should all aspire to a relaxing small bedroom, but we often settle for second best due to a lack of inspiration or outlandish color schemes that are being touted and will never look right in a modern bedroom.

Should you mix and match colors in a small bedroom? Is it best to use one color and then paint everywhere in the room, including the ceiling? With a room of small dimensions, how is it possible to make inspiring bedroom furniture fit into the bedroom?

We understand the dilemma that everyday folks face when trying to style a small bedroom to make it feel relaxing and tranquil. It doesn't need to be that difficult!

In this article, we will give you an authoritative overview of how to make your small bedroom relaxing, with colors that will look tremendous and furnishings that will fit and compliment the small bedroom.

Let's jump in and learn:

  • How to use accents and accessories for color
  • Mariachi days
  • Bold moves, committing to a color and decor plan
  • Breakfast in bed, when space is at a premium

How can I make a small bedroom look and feel relaxing?

There are techniques you can use to make the very best of a small bedroom space that will make the bedroom feel relaxing and make it a space you enjoy being in.

Here are some pointers to help you be inspired:

  • Use light to your advantage, if you have a window that is bathed in light make sure the light enters the bedroom to create a bright, airy feel.
  • Stick to a color palette that is limited to light tones and neutral tones, it doesn't mean you can't introduce some rich colors on an accent wall or part thereof.
  • Maximize storage, if you have a feature alcove, place shelves in it and use it for ornaments, books are a combination of both.
  • Make use of reflections, use mirrors to reflect light around the room, mirrors are an easy way to make your bedroom's small dimensions appear much more extensive.
  • Is your headboard a focal point in the bedroom? If you can divert the gazer of the eye to a specific point in the small bedroom it will detract from the small dimensions of the bedroom.
  • Use customized bedroom furniture, it's not as expensive as you may think and can create the illusion of a larger bedroom.

Let's get inspired!

1. City slickers

If you live in a city apartment with a small bedroom or a townhouse the concept of decorating a small bedroom to make it feel relaxing is going to be the exact same format.

It's essential to keep a small bedroom free from clutter, clutter will close your bedroom around you, and most of the time the clutter in your small bedroom is not needed. So what about your make-up? Take your make-up into the bathroom where you have lots of light around a mirror, makeup doesn't have to be in a bedroom, especially if the room is small.

This bedroom has a sumptuous bed and a delightful, headboard that spans the width of the bedroom detracting your gaze from the dimensions of the bedroom. Of course, the picture windows will make the bedroom feel bigger but if you don't have this expanse of glass in your bedroom use mirrors to create a large open room illusion.

Forget the subtle lighting, it looks great but what's important is the floor-to-ceiling drapes that make the bedroom feel as if the ceiling is high.

How to create this look?

If it's possible keep furnishings to a minimum and keep the bedroom clutter-free. A plush bed and a headboard that is working to remove the gaze of the eye is a design victory.

Light gray and white are classic colors for a small bedroom and you should try to emulate the subtle tones of the paint for the best look.

How easy is this look to achieve? Working on a simple scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the hardest level to achieve these bedroom shelves is a 5.

It's a simple look to achieve, keep the bedroom basic to all intents and purposes and use light to your advantage.

Paint with a light gray tone with a white ceiling, for a classic bedroom look.

2. Use accents and accessories to bring color to the bedroom

There are occasions when the best use of the bedroom space is to paint it a cream or magnolia color, this will give the room its best potential to shine as every inch is bright and visible to the eyes.

This doesn't mean the small bedroom needs to be dull and uninspiring, on the contrary, the room looks fabulous and it gives you a wonderful opportunity to express your style through accent colors and accessories.

The warm teal green bedspread is glorious against the backdrop of the bright bedroom and the light gray bed linen. The natural tones of the wood floor elevate the bedroom to dizzying heights. Look how the floor-standing mirror makes the room dimensions expand.

A few flowering plants in the bedroom make the bedroom seem like it is part of nature and a pleasure to be within.

How to create this look?

Off-white paint and cool accessories are all that is needed to create this beautiful small bedroom. Don't get hung up on wall colors, in this room, it's not needed.

Use beautiful gray bed linen and compliment with textured pillows and a teal green bedspread.

How easy is this look to achieve? Working on a simple scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the hardest level to achieve these bedroom shelves is a 2.

The room is simple and fresh, this is the key to achieving this bedroom's inviting atmosphere. Simple drawing images in black and white make ideal wall decorations.

3. Bold moves

If you think decorating a bedroom as light as the one in the image is a get-out-of-jail card then you need to take a close look at how wonderful this small bedroom actually is.

It takes a brave person to commit to this kind of decor, it could easily go wrong leaving you open for ridicule. However, with some design cures, you can create the image of perfection yourself easily

The subtle gray wall and brilliant white ceiling and kick panels make the bedroom feel exciting and alive, the french style bedroom table is a suburb piece of furniture in this small bedroom but notice the room is not cluttered and it's not a minimalist design.

A white rug against the wood floor is a gesture of calmness and serenity in the beautifully serene bedroom.

Hints of gold from the lampstand and the bedside table are design triumphs.

How to create this look?

This is an easy look to replicate if you have a wood floor if not a gray carpet would work well in this bedroom.

You will need to commit to the theme of the bedroom totally and not introduce colors that will destroy the look, it's a very specific warm bedroom that is inviting.

How easy is this look to achieve? Working on a simple scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the hardest level to achieve these bedroom shelves is a 6.

The use of so much bright color in a bedroom with a lot of light is a bold move but a decor that works exceptionally well. The walls will need to be perfect for this decor as the light paint will show imperfections in the plasterwork.

4. Back to reality

This small bedroom brings us back to earth with a bump and demonstrates how a small bedroom can look cool without a lot of work decorating, the accent wall can be either paint, wallpaper, or even brown drapes for speed and texture.

The coir-style rug is perfect for this style of bedroom. It is functional and hardwearing which suits the vibe of the small bedroom.

Accessories are important in this small bedroom and the sting lights give the perfect sense of warm illumination and relaxation.

A simple trestle-style table for working from home or school work is all that is needed for this small bedroom. The disheveled look in this style of bedroom is inviting and suggests it's a young male's bedroom but it works perfectly.

How to create this look?

For the accent wall, it would be a great idea to use drapes for the color and texture and the coir rug is the perfect accent against the dark background theme color.

A bed loaded with pillows and some warm lighting is always going to be a classic inspiration for a relaxing look and feel in a small bedroom.

How easy is this look to achieve? Working on a simple scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the hardest level to achieve these bedroom shelves is a 4.

The decor is easy as are placing the shelves in the bedroom, the trestle style table is awesome furniture for this style of bedroom and demonstrates how to fit a desk into a tiny bedroom space.

Drapes or paint are good choices for the accent wall and can be done quickly.

5. Mariachi days

Decorating a small bedroom to make it feel like a relaxing space can be about introducing a vibe that you love, a vibe that brings fond memories flooding back.

Well, if you are inspired by color let's take a look at some Mexican inspiration, beautiful muted tones of light blue married together with the rich brash tones of bright sienna and textured wall, Sounds an unlikely match? Well, it works tremendously well and with some accessories, you can be transported back to those mariachi nights where the air was warm and the vibe rich in culture.

The selection of hats makes great accessories and the room comes alive with visions of Mexico and tequila sunsets.

How to create this look?

The textured plasterwork may be difficult to create unless you live in this type of bedroom but the vibe will work equally as well with this blue and the bright sienna brown.

The room is more about cultural accessories to create the ambiance desired, But who said bright colors didn't work in a small bedroom?

How easy is this look to achieve? Working on a simple scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the hardest level to achieve these bedroom shelves is a 7.

The difficulty with this bedroom is the accessories, bad hombre hats are not easy to find! unless you live in Mexico but you could use other hats like a sombrero or fedora, which has a similar look.

Creating the wall is an easy process and could be done with a ready-to-use filler.

6. Relaxing blues

Small bedrooms are interesting spaces to decorate and the feeling of relaxation is subjective and has a different meaning to each one of you. The use of a monochromatic palette creates an awesome bedroom, it's not just for musicians, if it's your bedroom what would you write on a black wall? Would it be sweet nothing and would you draw an artist scene?

Inspiration can be surprising and nothing like you expected but the surprising decor elements for a small cozy bedroom can be extreme and work perfectly.

The music vibe is wonderful but it could be a mechanics vibe with a tinder block for a bedside table, the possibilities are endless when you get into the right mindset.

The beauty of the small bedroom is your idea of relaxation could be doodling on a large scale, guess what? You can't get it wrong, make a mistake and erase it instantly.

How to create this look?

Paint three walls white and the longest wall black, if you have a wood laminate floor that will lift the bedroom but so will a light color carpet.

Just because the theme is black and white doesn't mean you can't add some bright-colored accessories. And a plant or two to keep the bedroom grounded.

How easy is this look to achieve? Working on a simple scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the hardest level to achieve these bedroom shelves is a 3.

The inspiration is fantastic for a younger person's bedroom and the decor is super simple to achieve. If you do take the music theme you can find the score sheet online ready to be delivered to your home.

7. Dreams of Kyoto

It's hard to disagree that Japanese bedroom designs are inviting and have a relaxing element that is hard to describe, but the Japanese have been using this style of bedroom setup for centuries and all to great effect.

The low-slung bed is plush and inviting in its simple unapologetic surroundings. White is the perfect color when you wish to achieve an unpretentious but relaxing feeling to a small bedroom.

The only accents needed are those from nature in the form of green fronds and some light yellow flowers.

Of course, the beautiful wood floor color is the ultimate contrast with the white as its gray wood tones show through perfectly.

How to create this look?

Japanese bed frames or tatami bed frames are quite easy to find with a large Scandinavian furniture store stocking a range of Tatami beds.

The walls need to be white as you would find in a traditional Japanese bedroom setting and then accessories are minimal.

How easy is this look to achieve? Working on a simple scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the hardest level to achieve these bedroom shelves is a 5.

It's unlikely your bedroom will have these types of windows but don't be put off, the look is cool and with very little effort you can create a bedroom that is relaxing and feels larger than its dimensions.

8. Breakfast in bed

Small bedrooms all have a common thread running through them and it is this, there is not adequate storage for all of your books and clothes, so what can you do to make the most of the bedroom while keeping it your relaxation sanctuary?

There are space-saving ideas that work extraordinarily well in a small bedroom such as the inimitable Murphy bed which allows for enough space during the day and then a full-size bed for sleeping.

However, if you have a lot of books Murphey is not going to provide a realistic solution but a deep bookcase used as part of your headboard could be the answer you are looking for. Store your books behind your head with other ornaments.

Need some color in your small bedroom, teal green is not going to disappoint you in the slightest, it goes with most other colors and offers the serenity and tranquility only green can bring to your bedroom.

How to create this look?

You will need to think about storage before color and using a bookshelf to be your headboard is a stroke of genius proving books can't tumble while you sleep!

Teal green is an ideal choice for an accent wall in a small bedroom, it is known for its calming tranquil effects.

How easy is this look to achieve? Working on a simple scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the hardest level to achieve these bedroom shelves is a 4.

There is nothing complicated about the design. Let's face facts small rooms can look cluttered so make the best of the bedroom and enjoy light fabrics and light walls with a painted teal green accent.

Breakfast in bed is always a relaxing way to start the day.

9. Starting out together

When starting a life with your partner it is unlikely that you will have the biggest home in the state and that's part of the journey you have embarked upon together but, it doesn't mean your bedroom of challenging dimensions can be cozy and relaxing.

The wood accent behind the headboard is a master class in design and how a small bedroom can simply be transformed into something special.

The simple furnishings and the teal green bed add just the right amount of color to the bedroom to compliment the wood accents of the bedroom. Simple wicker light shades throw great shadows and are budget-friendly.

If you are looking for the wow factor in a small bedroom then why not go with a projector so you can watch your favorite programs and movies while you relax in bed together.

How to create this look?

The wood accent should be easy to create yourself and you can stain it in any tone that compliments your bedroom furniture.

Simple furnishings in the bedroom work well and the shadows from the lamps are gorgeous.

Ceiling to floor drapes will make the room feel bigger than its actual dimensions.

How easy is this look to achieve? Working on a simple scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the hardest level to achieve these bedroom shelves is a 7.

You may need to get the wood accent custom made with a shelf for the projector, making this simple bedroom a 7, everything else is standard light tome paint, white or cream will work well to keep the bedroom feeling fresh and warm.

10. Log cabin

Creating a log cabin effect for your small bedroom may not have ever crossed your mind but it has some good features that are certainly worth considering.

If you live in an older property and have not got around to renovating the small bedroom then this could be a quick and easy solution that will deliver spectacular results.

You could opt to build a thin frame and then use shiplap on the walls, the theme would still remain and you would finish with a similar image to the above.

No need to paint, no need to stain, just enjoy the warmth and relaxation of wood. If you ever stayed in a log cabin you will have lasting memories of the smell and the feel of the room.

It is a terrific option to create a different style bedroom.

How to create this look?

You will need to make a timber frame to nail the shiplap to, but it's a simple process just keep the measurements even so you know where to fix the outer timbers too.

Skip the log burner but do introduce a white table and chairs to complete the look of this stunning bedroom.

How easy is this look to achieve? Working on a simple scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the hardest level to achieve these bedroom shelves is a 9.

There would be a lot of cutting and measuring but the actual process is straightforward for an accomplished DIY carpenter or a professional carpenter.

If you are heating the bedroom use a convection heater for a safer environment.

11. Indigo blue

Indigo has a purifying, stabilizing, cleansing effect when fear, repression, and obsessions have disturbed your mental body. Thoughts of blackberries, blue plums, blueberries, purple beetroot, and purple grapes. The secrets of maximizing energy.

It's a natural choice for relaxation. Indigo blue has a deep saturation and hue that makes it the perfect blue for calming and tranquil while the vehemence of the color brings forth passion and sensuality.

The best color combination is Indigo blue and white, it's beyond classic in its appearance, add some pine timber into the mix for a natural tone and the room develops into a masterpiece fit for a museum.

How to create this look?

It's all about Indigo and white, you can add wood accents and 60s furnishings together with some faux marble shelves but, to be honest, it's still about indigo and white tones.

The greenery of the plants is both structurally and color important to the bedroom and of course, the bedding needs to be almost white with some interesting pattern maybe.

How easy is this look to achieve? Working on a simple scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the hardest level to achieve these bedroom shelves is a 6.

It's really just about classic clean lines and Indigo blue paint that is going to dominate the bedroom regardless of size and furnishings.

It is a sublime color and will chill you out instantly.

Small bedroom decor that will make you relax.

It's been the intention to show you that it's about more than white and light tones to make a small bedroom feel like a relaxing sanctuary when you are feeling wilted for the drudge of the day.

There are some super cool designs, such as the Mariachi days, where clashing colors can create an awesome relaxing bedroom, to the relaxing blues, where black and white dominate a bedroom and black walls are used to chalk images and words.

Starting out together shows how you can transform the smallest bedroom and make it a cozy haven using simple ideas that work tremendously well.

If you are inspired to make some changes to your small bedroom then feel free to copy any of the images used in this article.