When decorating a very small bedroom, choosing the right colors can make a big difference in how the space looks and feels. With limited square footage, every design decision is critical. The colors you pick for the walls, bedding, furniture and decor impact the overall aesthetic, spatial dimensions and mood of the room.
For tiny bedrooms, stick with light or neutral wall colors to keep the space looking open and airy. Soft toned and less saturated hues will recede visually, making the room appear larger. Then layer in pops of color with decor items and textiles. This allows you to add visual interest without overwhelming the petite proportions.
Follow these tips on selecting paint colors and accents for maximizing a miniscule master or guest bedroom. Consider colors that will make the room feel soothing, relaxing and spacious.
Go Light on Walls
When dealing with a pint-sized bedroom, the best practice is to keep the wall color light. Dark wall colors have a tendency to feel oppressive and closing in when used in a small space. Instead opt for light neutral paint colors that will keep the room feeling open.
Light gray, beige, taupe and greige (a blend of gray and beige) are excellent go-to wall colors for tiny bedrooms. These versatile neutrals complement any style from modern to traditional. They also serve as a blank canvas for layering in accent colors through decor and bedding.
White and off-white like almond are two other great options for small bedroom walls. Crisp white will make the space feel bright and airy. It also allows colorful accessories to really stand out. Just steer clear of clinical bright whites, which can read as sterile and cold in a bedroom. Instead choose an off-white with subtle gray or beige undertones for a soft backdrop.
For a serene sanctuary vibe, consider pale blue, pale green or lavender painted walls. These very soft pastel wall colors work well in small bedrooms, especially when paired with white trim and ceilings. The muted tones keep the room feeling light and open.
Brighten with White Trim
Painting the trim and ceiling white (or the same very pale neutral as the walls) is another good trick for opening up a tiny bedroom. White trim will maximize the light in a small space and make it feel airier.
Having matching wall and trim color can make a room feel boxed in. Going lighter on the trim and ceiling creates contrast against the wall color, giving the illusion of higher ceilings. It also defines the architectural details, which helps the bedroom feel less cramped.
Use bright white paint on baseboards, window trim, the door and frame, crown molding and the ceiling. For a cohesive aesthetic, choose a white with similar cool or warm undertones as the wall color.
Incorporate Neutral Tones in Bedding
When it comes to bedding and furnishings, neutral colors are also ideal for tiny bedrooms. Just as with walls, lighter bedding avoids looking dark and overpowering. The bed is already the biggest furniture piece and focal point, so keeping bed linens light prevents them from dominating the room.
For bedding, look for colors echoing the soothing, airy tones of the walls – whites, gravel gray, pale blue, almond, ivory, or latte for example. Neutral bedding provides flexibility in mixing and matching patterns and textures.
Crisp white sheets paired with a light gray duvet cover and faint patterned shams makes a classic combo. Or team soft ivory bedding with breezy white linens. Even all white bedding looks fresh yet soothing.
Neutral bedding also allows you to switch up accent pillows and throws seasonally for a different look. Just stick with lighter weight bedding to avoid bulky layers in a petite bedroom.
Select Multitasking Furniture
Since you are working with limited space in a small bedroom, furniture needs to be compact and multitasking. Neutral colors for primary furnishings help keep the room looking light and airy.
For the bed, go with a metal frame in white, silver or black rather than bulky wood. Platform beds with built in storage are also excellent space savers.
Keep nightstands and dressers/chest small in scale – no wider than 20 inches deep. Shallow open console tables, like a sofa table behind the bed, maximize surface space without protrusion.
Select furniture in whites, soft grays, beige and light natural wood tones. These neutral colors coordinate well with varying styles from contemporary to cottage. Neutral bedroom furniture also provides flexibility if you want to change up wall colors over time.
Take Color Cues from Art
An excellent way to incorporate color into a small neutral bedroom is through wall art and decor. Lean into artwork or textiles featuring tones you want to accentuate in the room’s palette.
For a serene feel, choose pieces with pale blue, sage green, dove gray or coral accents. Or for a more vibrant punch, hang graphic black and white abstract prints or botanical images.
Pick framed wall art sized in proportion to the room, rather than massive pieces that will overwhelm. For small bare wall spaces, clustered floating shelves displaying colorful books, objects and trailing plants enable building out a gallery wall vignette.
Add Pops of Color with Textiles
Liven up all the neutral foundation pieces with lively textiles and accessories in energizing accent colors. Textural pillows, throws and bedding in patterns and solids provide personality. Just take care not to overload the petite space.
Some key ways to incorporate color:
– Accent pillows in hues like emerald, navy, yellow, pink or orange
– A patterned throw at the foot of the bed
– A small bench or chair in a bold color and pattern
– Window treatments like faux wood blinds and patterned curtains
– Plush area rug anchoring the bed in vivid colors
– Vibrant art and accessories around the room
Keep accent colors to one or two hues. The small hits of color make more impact since they stand out against the neutral backdrop.
Maximize Natural Light
When decorating a small bedroom, take advantage of natural light. Sunlight streaming in makes any room feel more open and expansive.
Maximize windows by removing heavy draperies and shades. Install window treatments in light colors and materials to keep the room bright. For privacy, consider light filtering blinds or curtains in whites or neutrals.
Paint interior walls and trim white to bounce daylight throughout the bedroom. Position the bed to take advantage of outside views and light. Having optimal illumination lessens the need for overhead fixtures, which can make a low ceiling feel oppressive.
Incorporate Mirrors
Hanging mirrors is another excellent idea for visually enlarging a tiny bedroom. Mirrors reflect light as well as objects like windows and art, giving the illusion of more space. They add ambient lighting and visual interest too.
Strategically place mirrors across from windows so incoming sunlight bounces around the room. Use large leaner mirrors to elongate the look of a short wall. Positioning a mirror behind a bed expands the headboard area, making a small bedroom appear more spacious.
Just take care not to go overboard with mirrors. Too many can make a petite bedroom feel chaotic. One or two large statement mirrors create maximized light reflection without overwhelming the room.
Keep Clutter to a Minimum
For a small bedroom to feel tranquil rather than cramped, keep clutter at bay. With less square footage, messes and possessions stick out more. Minimize furniture and accessories to just essentials needed.
Store clothes and linens out of sight in closets, under bed storage and a dresser or chest. Invest in beds and nightstands with built-in organization. Use baskets, bins and trays to contain items. This keeps surfaces and floor space clear.
A tidy, minimalist environment prevents a tiny bedroom from feeling visibly crowded. The stripped down style also complements airy light neutrals and makes accent colors pop more.
Conclusion
Decorating a petite bedroom with light wall colors, neutral furniture pieces and colorful textile accents can make the room feel bright and relaxing. Keeping furnishings minimal and clutter contained prevents the space from appearing smaller than it is.
Strategic use of mirrors and maximizing natural light visually expand the limited square footage too. By following these small bedroom color and decor tips, you can transform a pint-sized space into a peaceful sanctuary.
With smart color choices and minimal furnishings, even the most miniscule bedroom can feel and function efficiently. The most important thing is choosing a soothing, light color palette that makes you feel calm and relaxed in the space.
| Color | Paint Finish | Recommended Brands |
|---|---|---|
| White | Flat, eggshell or satin | Benjamin Moore White Dove, Sherwin-Williams Pure White, Behr Ultra White |
| Off-white | Eggshell | Benjamin Moore Navajo White, Sherwin-Williams Alabaster, Behr Linen White |
| Light gray | Matte or eggshell | Benjamin Moore Pale Oak, Sherwin-Williams Mindful Gray, Behr Silver Drop |
| Greige | Flat | Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter, Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray, Behr Gray Cashmere |
| Lavender | Matte | Benjamin Moore Wisteria, Sherwin-Williams Lilac Blossom, Behr Spring Lilac |
