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11 Small Bedroom Decorating Ideas On a Budget

Small bedrooms, big style, low budget.
11 Small Bedroom Decorating Ideas On a Budget
Tom Greenspan
Updated 
December 21, 2022

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With the cash in your pockets and banks diminishing rapidly due to high-interest rates and inflation, you will likely need to tighten your belts and make the necessary sacrifices to keep a reasonable living standard.

Is it possible to make changes to a small bedroom decor on a limited budget and maybe add value to your home?

In this article, we will explore multiple options of how you can change your small bedroom decor on a budget and create a small bedroom that appears to have no expense spared while you retain as much cash as possible.

Learn how fantastic small bedrooms are created on a budget and much more such as:

  • Simplicity works best
  • The Mexican Maharaja
  • Vibrant comfort
  • Ukulele time

Let's get into it and start saving your hard-earned cash.

How can I make my small bedroom cozy without spending money?

You can improve your small bedroom decor in many ways, and some of these ideas don't even include you breaking a sweat to start redecorating.

We will show you inspirational budget-friendly decor ideas to make your small bedroom look like a million dollars.

Here are some tips to get you started on your small bedroom makeover:

  • Resurrect your old paint cans and see what color you can mix that look fabulous as an accent wall in your small bedroom.
  • Declutter your small bedroom, so the limited dimensions have the illusion of being much bigger than they actually are.
  • Rearrange your bedroom furniture, not just your bed, but your wardrobe, bedside tables, pictures, and accessories, so the room appears easy to navigate.
  • Use ready-made curtains that are bright and breezy, this will brighten the room perfectly.
  • Use fresh colors for your bed linen that are not looking tired, bed linen is affordable and a great way to improve the overall look of your bedroom.
  • Bedroom fireplaces in older homes can be put to fantastic decorative use, placing friend flower arrangements in the fireplace for a warm feeling.
  • Add a full-length floor-standing mirror, it can reflect light and make a small bedroom seem bigger than its dimensions.
  • Organize your ornaments and trinkets, and get rid of things you no longer need to use like old magazines or makeup jars.
  • Make use of framed monochromatic images, the frames are affordable, and the ambiance of the small bedroom will change with this sophisticated look.

So let's get into it.

1. String lights and memories

In small bedrooms, it's best to stay on the side of simple as it often provides the best overall bedroom experience, and this image is so simple to create and is budget-friendly.

Small bedrooms share a common problem, what do you do with the lighting? If you have a bottomless pit of cash, it's an easy fix but dropping a pendant light from the center of the ceiling is somewhat unimaginative, to say the least.

String lights are a solution that provides a warm glow to the wall and bedroom in general, but when combined with some of your favorite holiday snaps from the photo box under your bed, the room's ambiance is elevated exponentially.

String lights can be used around mirrors, draped across the drapes pole, or just fixed on panel nails to create an incredible fairy-style image that is awesome.

If you have a great painted wall or some cool wallpaper then the colors are also accentuated changing the small bedroom into a fairy palace.

How to create this look?

It's all about your budget and how you can make your small bedroom feel cozy and inviting without spending a lot of cash.

Hanging personal photos on the string light cable is a perfect way to stamp your personality on the small bedroom, and it's great fun to create a room like this on a limited budget.

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.

If you are looking for a simple makeover for your small bedroom that is low cast then this idea should be on your list. It's easy to tap a few tacks into the wall and drape the string lights.

Don't penetrate the cable with a tack and use plastic clips to hang your photos.

2. Simplicity works best

If you have the framework of the bedroom completed such as it's painted and you just want to make some adjustments to make the small bedroom look even better then adding a mirror in a wood frame will make a lot of impact on the styling of the bedroom.

Wood tones with yellow hues are incredibly versatile and can be matched with a lot of colors without clashing. What's more the wood tones will bring warmth to a small bedroom that may have been absent due to white or light tone walls that can create a clinical vibe.

A few porcelain vases strategically placed in the bedroom that can compliment the color of the wood will help tremendously to create a feeling of warmth and a room that is grounded in nature.

Does the mirror size matter/ no, not really, while mirrors are an essential item in a small bedroom it's the tone of the wood that is giving the overall addition of warmth to the small bedroom.

How to create this look?

Choose a timber that has yellow colors like the mirror frame in the image, this is essential for a small bedroom to add the illusion of warmth to the bedroom.

The mirror could be full-length attached to the wall or free standing to bring some additional styling to the 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 2.

You have to love simple ideas and this one is superb in its look. Add a hook so you can hang the frame at your face height.

3. Vibrant comfort

Many small bedrooms are delightful with their light tones walls and floors and would be a pleasure to spend time in but that's ok if you are a middle-of-the-road type of person. It's so easy to bring a vibrant chair into your small bedroom that will elevate your bedroom to new heights of design and style.

This gorgeous sky blue comfy chair is ideal in a small bedroom for function and design. These styles of chairs are fantastic and are budget-friendly which is the whole premise of uplifting your bedroom. The color variation is huge so you can certainly find the perfect color for your bedroom.

Sky blue was the intrinsic choice for this bedroom the contrasts the gray tones and the beautiful tones of the wood floor.

Although decluttering is a great idea don't go overboard and make the small bedroom look deserted

How to create this look?

Think bright and loud and contrasting to find the ultimate color for your small bedroom chair. 

Shop online to find the best deals for this type of furniture.

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.

It's another simple solution for transforming a small bedroom into a potential iconic design for the smaller bedroom in your home.

4. Petite Chambre

Translation, tiny bedroom. Some bedrooms are small and others are tiny, but this should not prevent you from making the most of the space on a tight budget. If you do have the challenges of a tiny bedroom space then you will need to think white and bright and add an accent wall as in the image to add depth to the bedroom.

Keep cabinets white in color, this has an advantage: they are budget friendly compared with wood cabinets, keep accessories to a minimum, and keep the space free from clutter.

Use contemporary lighting solutions to make the tiny bedroom a place where you want to spend time and relax.

A large mirror is a must in a bedroom of these dimensions so fill a wall with a mirror and enjoy the reflected light and the illusion of a bigger bedroom.

How to create this look?

Tiny rooms are difficult to deal with, maybe select a smaller bed but keep the decor the same, you will need a clean bright room to make the bedroom feel like you're not sleeping in a shoe box.

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.

Tiny bedrooms are a challenge to work with to make the bedroom feel cohesive instead of a design afterthought. Ditch the TV and replace it with a larger mirror, it's cheaper and you can use a laptop more effectively in a space of this size.

5. Ukulele time

It's a fact that most small bedrooms are occupied by kids, due to the fact that they don't need that much space to make a real mess!

A kid's bedroom needs simple design techniques that are effective and budget-friendly like the desktop supported by a set of draws and a trestle. The desk makes a logical addition to a kid's room, it's a place for homework and playing, be it coloring or art-based topics the desktop is a valuable addition to the bedroom.

Painting the inner of the shelves at a gender-specific tone is a perfect way of personalizing a kid's bedroom without spending a lot of cash.

Accessories frequently make a bedroom look interesting and a space where you wish to spend your time.

Don't forget the spindle back wood chair, it could be white or let the wood shine through.

How to create this look?

Utilize a set of drawers as support for the desktop, and you can find a trestle online that will be the right size. Use accessories wisely and keep them age-appropriate, you can add a Ukulele for some intrigue in the bedroom.

Painting inside of the bookshelves to indicate a boy's or girl's bedroom is a genius idea to be emulated without excessive costs being incurred.

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.

This is a simple concept that will save you a few bucks on buying a fully made-up desk, the beauty with this is the desktop can be made with less width to accommodate the dimensions of the bedroom without compromising on function.

Small amounts of paint can be purchased as sample pots!

6. Add color to a small bedroom

There is a misconception that adding dark colors in a small bedroom is going to make the bedroom feel smaller as if the dimensions have magically shrunk. The truth is adding dark colors can make the bedroom feel bigger as your eyes are drawn away from the precise lines of the small bedroom.

Add a deep green to a small bedroom as an accent wall color, the other walls can be brilliant white but the accent will give the small bedroom depth, and if you select green the room will feel tranquil and relaxing.

Accessorize to suit the dimensions of the small bedroom but think carefully about your colors, the monochrome images are shown cased by the deep green accent wall and make the bedroom look traditional and authentic.

Keep the bedding on the lighter side and introduce some gray along the way. Add vibrant colors to elevate the vibe of the small bedroom if needed.

How to create this look?

Apply a rich green to an accent wall, normally the wall with the headboard, and then accessorize as you feel is right for the size of the bedroom.

Keep light tones like light wood and whites in the bedroom to prevent you from feeling as if you are in the swamp.

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 just about applying paint to an accent wall which will make the small bedroom feel warm and cozy while adding depth and character to the bedroom.

7. Eclectic artwork

A simple way of giving your small bedroom a makeover without breaking out a paint can and roller is to use some inexpensive artwork with cheap frames.

Use a variety of frames from large to below medium and create some images yourself, artwork is difficult for anyone to be objective so paint some stripes and frame it, if it looks garbage start again.

Picture frames with random images is a design coup that cost virtually nothing to achieve in a small bedroom. Add a weird cactus for some perspective on the artwork and imagine yourself as the up-and-coming Andy Warhol of the century.

Add texture to the bedroom with a sheepskin rug and some super furry pillows and cushions to give the room interest.

A super bed bench always adds some thought when seen in a small bedroom so use one to great effect.

How to create this look?

Get creative and make some simple designs, even your country flag in random colors. Buy prints online and make some tremendous images. Make sure the frames are large to cover the small bedroom wall randomly.

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.

If you are not the creative type it's fun to walk around garage sales and flea markets to find some bargains. Everything is available online at affordable prices.

8. The Mexican Maharaja

Small bedrooms don't have to conform to traditional designs that interior designers love so much, you can experiment and be bold without spending a lot of money on accessories.

The Indian-inspired wicker chair with beautiful cushions would look wonderful in anyone's bedroom and with the fly protector you can imagine the punkah wallah fanning the person slowly in the warm Indian afternoon.

In contrast to the Mexican-style bed with vibrant ocre colors of the burnt savannahs and mustard color bedding.

It's a simple look to achieve and you could take the elements you like and would fit in with your bedroom. If you have some hats, old or contemporary hanging them on a wall is a fantastic idea to create conversation and inspire memories of days gone by.

How to create this look?

It's a simple look to recreate if you have the imagination of what old Mexican times and Indian heritage look like, it's easy to find these kinds of colors to adorn your bed and the maharaja chair can be purchased online easily.

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 relatively simple and fun look for your small bedroom, disregarding the wall styling in the image it will work with the walls in your bedroom. Hang hats, even Wooly hats would look great.

9. Geometric pink and gray.

It's a trend to paint accent walls but accent wall colors very rarely are given any thought other than the color palette, but why not add some shapes, geometric shapes, straight lines and add a contrasting color to make the small bedroom pop!

This beautiful shade of pink is the epitome of a feminine color but when you add a few angles and add a contrasting paint color like gray the concept of the accent wall takes on a new dimension and changes the ambiance of the small bedroom.

Wood tones from the wicker clothes basket and chair bring warmth into the bedroom that marries with the warm pink tones that wrap around you in a loving embrace.

The vibrant green of the leafy plants ties the bedroom into a cohesive design that could easily be achieved on a meager budget.

How to create this look?

It could be about using what paint you have left over in the cans from a previous decorating job. Keep in mind the concept is to create ideas for small bedrooms on a budget and what better way than to use what you have for your decor?

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.

It's a great concept, you may have reservations about masking the walls precisely, it's understandable, so forget about the geometry and angles just aim for a straight line and you will achieve a handsome effect.

10. Frosty the snowman

Let's skip the Christmas vibe, the blackboard and snowman are a great idea and could be changed up to read breakfast in bed, or late home tonight.

The concept is a budget-friendly small bedroom idea and there is no better way to create a spectacular small bedroom than to hang some stirring lights. String lights above the pillows recreating an eliminated headboard is a super idea and fills the room with a radiant glow that would please anyone.

The accessories are mainly soft furnishings that take the edge of the painted brickwork ( which is awesome) and soften the bedroom with a definite feminine touch.

Keep it light and bright and it's hard to go wrong with your design, it's not always about color on the walls!

How to create this look?

String lights are so easy to install and they give a glorious glow to the bedroom that makes you want to snuggle down in bed. 

Keep the accessories soft if you have a small bedroom like this, brickwork can appear to be stark and uninviting

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.

String lights are wonderful, additions to a lighting scheme, they have a sense of festivity all year round and glow beautifully.

Pin out your dimensions before draping the string lights.

11. A canopy fit for a princess

Finding a simple budget-friendly makeover for a kid's bedroom is a challenge, you may have the theme in place so what more can you do to keep your cherub happy in their bedroom?

Well, hanging a canopy on the other head of the bed is a great way to make an affordable upgrade to a kid's bedroom.  A piece of lightweight fabric is all that is needed and a sewing machine to make a spectacular canopy to hang over the kid's bed, It needs a secure fixing into the ceiling and your child will have endless dreams and fantasies of princes

Adding some luminescent stars to the wall of the kid's bedroom that glow in the dark is fun and makes for an effective nighttime bedroom where your child is happy to stay and dream.

The important issue is both improvements to the kid's bedroom were budget-friendly.

How to create this look?

It's a simple task to make a canopy from scratch, especially if you have a sewing machine in your home. Use plenty of lightweight fabric to reach the top together to prevent worrying about pleating the material.

Luminescent stars have a sticky side, so just place them on the wall and forget.

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 an 8.

You will need to fix the canopy into a ceiling joist, don't risk fixing to plaster work. If the hook comes loose, the consequences could be a disaster. Use a cardboard dick at the point where the ruching needs to start. This will help keep the form of the canopy.

You may want to use some double-sided tape on the stars to be sure they have adhered to the surface correctly.

Perceived challenges of small bedrooms?

Small bedrooms are no different from any other room in your home regarding decor, other than smaller dimensions, which makes upgrading the small bedroom that much easier.

You don't have enough paint for an accent wall? Try an accent stripe in the center of the wall, say about 3 feet wide from floor to ceiling. Offset the stripe closer to a door. It will look fantastic.

If your budget is tight, move the furniture around and give the room good spruce up to freshen the bedroom and ditch the clutter.

But selecting random picture frames and getting creative, simple art is wonderful, and you will be surprised how much of an artist you can be.