Small Primary Bedroom Design Ideas, Tips & Photos

There is no reason at all that a small bedroom—even a really tiny bedroom—can’t be every bit as gorgeous, relaxing, and just plain full of personality as a much larger space. The trick to?creating a lovely bedroom?when square footage is limited is to make smart use of the space you do have, keep furnishings scaled to the room, and most of all, boldly show off your decorating chops.

About This Term: Primary Bedroom

Many real estate associations, including the?National Association of Home Builders, have classified the term "Master Bedroom" as discriminatory. "Primary Bedroom" is the name now widely used among the real estate community and better reflects the purpose of the room.1

Brown and White Get Cozy

Looking for a sophisticated palette that manages to be both?masculine?and glamorous at the same time? Then consider the combination of chocolate brown and white. Amp it up further with a small chandelier, a patterned rug, and white bedding, and the result is pure splendor.

Built-Ins Save Floor Space

Most of the time, a small bedroom means an equally small closet. A solution to this common concern is incorporating built-in storage around the head of the bed, as in this serene space designed by Chris Ebert of?Normandy Remodeling. If built-ins aren't an option, look for bookcases that fit in the space instead.

Elegance in Every Inch

If you thought a small?primary bedroom?couldn’t be every inch the equal in elegance to those huge rooms you see on Pinterest or in glossy interior decorating magazines, look again. One peek at Steven Ford Interior’s stunning navy blue, cream, and gray bedroom will change your mind.

Neutrals Soothe the Soul

Think?neutral bedrooms?have to be boring? Then take a look at this masculine, relaxing, and anything-but-dull bedroom from architect and designer?Patrick Brian Jones. When the palette is quiet, the clever use of subtle pattern adds interest without overwhelming the small space. A folded throw blanket in a contrasting hue adds an extra bit of zest to the foot of the bed.

Green and White Invigorates a Room

Most people want their bedroom to be a soothing, restorative retreat. If that’s your goal, then consider green and white for your palette. Add in?botanical touches?in the bedding, as in the room from?Viscusi Elson Interior Design?shown here, along with a showstopper sunburst mirror, stylish Roman shades, and cottage-casual white furniture, and the result is a room that calms your mind and refreshes your senses.

Vintage Touches Add Charm

Weathered shutters add a touch of shabby chic flair to this cozy gray and white bedroom from?Decor Gold Designs. It’s easy to work a?vintage vibe?into even a small bedroom—use an antique chest as a nightstand or footboard, set an old door in place of a headboard, or adorn your walls with framed vintage embroidered handkerchiefs, maps, or botanical designs.

A Headboard Set Into the Wall

This lovely but tiny home was once a library. Now it’s a testament to good use of small space, thanks to the designers at?The Works. Notice the built-in cabinets and the recessed, upholstered “headboard” nook—a genius use of architecture.

Seamless Furniture and Wall Color

While it’s generally true that oversize furniture doesn’t work in a small room, there are always exceptions. For example, the canopy bed here is nearly as large as the tiny bedroom, but instead of the space looking and feeling cramped, it's perfect. The secret is in the clean, simple lines of the?white bed, along with matching white walls which when layered eliminates contrast in the space.

Snuggle Into an Attic Bedroom

Your first impulse might be to think of the sloped ceiling and small space of an attic bedroom as a minus, but instead, embrace its benefits. Pile the bed high with quilts, pillows, and shams, and surround it with simple, yet lovely furnishings as in the?adorable country bedroom?shown here from?DigsDigs, The result adds up to a warm and cozy vibe.?

Double-Duty Furniture Stores More

Make the most of your small bedroom by making smart choices in furniture that provides the storage that many undersized rooms lack. Case in point: this lovely,?shabby chic bedroom? from?DigsDigs?substitutes a small dresser for a traditional nightstand, and makes the most of a recessed nook with a china cabinet to hold linens, sweaters, and other bulky items.