Colours To Make A Small Bedroom Look Bigger

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On the JJ Barnes Blog, as part of my ongoing home renovation work, I check out top tips about how to make a small bedroom look bigger so we can make the most out of our space.

As I dive deeper into my home renovation project, I’ve realized that the color palette I choose can dramatically impact how spacious a room feels. A small bedroom can quickly become overwhelming if the wrong colors are used. So, I’ve been researching the best hues to create an illusion of more space.

In this post, I’ll share some top tips and tricks I’ve discovered with the help of Danielle Mathews, co-owner of Reborn Renovations, to maximize the potential of even the smallest bedroom with the clever use of colour.

How To Make A Small Bedroom Look Bigger

Embrace the Lightness

Soft, muted tones have the power to create an illusion of space and depth. Imagine a bedroom bathed in a gentle pale blue, reminiscent of a clear sky. Or perhaps a calming light green, evocative of a tranquil garden. Even a warm ivory can exude a sense of serenity while simultaneously making the room feel larger.

These delicate hues beautifully reflect light, preventing the space from feeling cramped or confined. By choosing a color palette that prioritizes airy and ethereal tones, you can instantly transform your small bedroom into a haven of relaxation and spaciousness.

Soft furnishings

Create a serene sleep sanctuary with a base of crisp white or soft grey bedding. Introduce pops of pale blue through accent pillows or a cozy throw for a touch of color that complements the airy feel.

Consider adding texture with linen or cotton blends for a luxurious and inviting atmosphere.

Wall art

Enhance the tranquil ambiance with wall art featuring calming imagery. Seascapes in soft blues and whites evoke a sense of serenity and spaciousness.

Alternatively, minimalist landscapes can add a touch of nature without overwhelming the room. Consider black and white prints for a contemporary twist.

Furniture

Opt for furniture pieces in light wood tones or crisp white finishes to maintain a sense of openness and airiness in your bedroom. These lighter colors will blend seamlessly with the walls, creating a cohesive and spacious feel.

Consider incorporating storage solutions with a sleek, minimalist design to maximize functionality without overwhelming the room.

Accessories

Add a touch of vibrancy with pops of teal or turquoise. Incorporate these colors through decorative items like vases, candles, or small sculptures to create focal points without overwhelming the room.

These accents will complement the pale blue walls and add a playful touch to your bedroom decor.

Light colours have an inherent ability to make a room feel more open and airier.

-Danielle

The Magic of White

White is a timeless choice for small bedrooms, and for good reason. Its ability to reflect light creates an illusion of space, making the room appear larger and brighter. A white backdrop also provides a clean, minimalist aesthetic that can be easily personalized with pops of color or textured accents.

By maximizing natural light and creating a sense of openness, white walls and ceilings can transform even the smallest bedroom into a serene and airy retreat.

Bedding

Create a luxurious and inviting atmosphere with a foundation of crisp white linens. Layer on textured throws in soft neutrals like cream, beige, or light grey to add depth and warmth without overwhelming the space.

Incorporate fluffy cushions in various sizes and patterns to create a cozy and inviting sleeping area. Consider using faux fur or velvet throws for added opulence.

Furniture

Select furniture pieces with clean lines and minimal ornamentation to maintain the airy feel of your white bedroom. Opt for white or light wood finishes to create a cohesive and streamlined look. A white upholstered headboard can add a touch of luxury and softness while complementing the overall aesthetic.

Consider incorporating storage solutions with hidden compartments to maximize functionality without sacrificing style.

Wall art

Add a touch of sophistication and visual interest with black and white photography or minimalist prints. These pieces can create a focal point on your walls while complementing the clean lines of your white bedroom.

To enhance the sense of space, incorporate a large statement mirror that reflects light and creates the illusion of a larger room.

Textiles

Introduce warmth and texture to your white bedroom with soft rugs in neutral tones like cream or beige. These floor coverings will create a cozy and inviting atmosphere while complementing the overall color scheme.

Consider using a layered rug look with a larger, neutral-colored rug as a base and a smaller, textured rug on top for added interest.

White walls act as a blank canvas, allowing the eye to travel freely without interruption. It’s a versatile shade that can be paired with pops of colour or kept minimalistic for a serene ambiance.

-Danielle

Soft Neutrals: A Soothing Embrace

If you prefer a warmer palette, soft neutrals like beige, taupe, or greige (a blend of grey and beige) can be excellent choices for a small bedroom. These colors offer a cozy and inviting atmosphere while still creating the illusion of space. Their ability to reflect light helps to make the room feel larger and brighter.

By incorporating these warm neutrals into your color scheme, you can create a serene and sophisticated bedroom that maximizes the available space.

Bedding

Invest in luxurious linens in timeless hues like beige, cream, or taupe to create a foundation of comfort and style. Layer on textured throws and cushions in complementary neutral tones to add depth and dimension to your bed.

Consider incorporating a mix of materials such as soft cashmere, fluffy fleece, or crisp linen for a truly indulgent experience. The interplay of textures will enhance the overall visual appeal of your bedroom while providing a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

Furniture

Opt for furniture pieces with clean lines and natural wood finishes to create a sense of warmth and spaciousness. The light color of natural wood will help to reflect light, making the room appear larger and brighter. Upholstered pieces in soft neutral tones, such as beige or cream, can add a touch of comfort and sophistication without overwhelming the space.

Consider choosing furniture with tapered legs or open frames to minimize visual bulk and create a sense of airiness.

Wall art

Incorporate artwork with muted tones or black and white photography to create a cohesive and calming atmosphere. Large-scale prints or wall tapestries can serve as focal points while also helping to visually expand the space. Opt for pieces with light and airy subjects, such as landscapes or abstract designs, to enhance the feeling of openness.

By strategically placing artwork on your walls, you can draw the eye upward, making the room feel taller and more spacious.

Accessories

Add a touch of glamour and warmth to your neutral bedroom with metallic accents like gold or copper. Incorporate these finishes through decorative items such as mirrors, lamps, or picture frames to create a sophisticated and inviting atmosphere.

To balance the metallics, introduce natural elements like wood, wicker, or jute for a bohemian touch. These organic materials will bring a sense of warmth and texture to the space, creating a harmonious and eclectic look.

These muted tones create a sense of calm and tranquillity, while still allowing the room to feel open and inviting.

-Danielle

The Power of Pastels

For those who crave a touch of color without overwhelming the space, pastel shades can be a delightful option. These soft, muted hues create a sense of airiness and light, making a small bedroom feel larger and more inviting.

Pastel colors like blush pink, baby blue, or mint green can add a touch of personality while maintaining a sense of calm and tranquility. By using pastels sparingly and combining them with neutral tones, you can create a harmonious and spacious atmosphere.

Bedding

Create a foundation of calm with a white or cream bedding set and infuse a touch of pastel magic through accent pillows or a duvet cover. This approach allows you to maintain a sense of airiness while adding a subtle pop of color.

Consider using a variety of pastel shades for a playful and eclectic look, or stick to a single hue for a more monochromatic feel. Experiment with different textures and patterns to create a visually interesting and inviting bed.

Furniture

Opt for a clean and airy aesthetic by choosing white or light wood furniture. These neutral pieces will serve as a perfect backdrop for your pastel accents, allowing them to truly shine. To introduce a touch of luxury and softness, incorporate upholstered pieces in delicate pastel shades.

Consider a pastel armchair or ottoman for a pop of color, or opt for a larger upholstered piece like a sofa or headboard for a more dramatic effect. Remember to balance the pastel hues with white or light wood to prevent the room from feeling overwhelmed.

Wall art

Incorporate pastel-colored prints or abstract art with soft hues to create a focal point on your walls. These pieces can add a touch of personality and visual interest to your bedroom while maintaining a sense of calm and serenity. Consider using large-scale artwork to make a bold statement, or opt for a gallery wall of smaller pastel-colored prints for a more eclectic look.

By strategically placing your artwork, you can draw the eye upward, making the room feel taller and more spacious.

Textiles

Add warmth and texture to your pastel bedroom with carefully chosen rugs. Opt for pastel-hued rugs in soft, muted tones to complement your color scheme while creating a cozy atmosphere. Alternatively, choose neutral-colored rugs with subtle pastel patterns for a more understated look.

Consider incorporating a mix of textures, such as shag, jute, or wool, to add depth and interest to the space. A well-placed rug can ground the room and create a sense of comfort and relaxation.

Soft pinks, mint greens, or pale lavenders can add a gentle pop of colour while maintaining an airy and spacious feel.

-Danielle

Colours to Avoid

While light and airy hues are generally the go-to choice for maximizing space in a small bedroom, it’s essential to approach certain colors with caution. Dark, heavy shades can dramatically diminish the perception of size, creating a claustrophobic atmosphere. Similarly, overly vibrant or bold colors can be overwhelming in a compact space, causing visual clutter and reducing the sense of calm. By understanding which colors to avoid, you can ensure that your bedroom feels as spacious and inviting as possible.

Dark, saturated colours like deep reds, navy blues, or rich purples can make a room feel smaller and more confined.

Additionally, bold patterns or busy wallpapers can create a visually cluttered and overwhelming effect.

-Danielle

About Reborn Renovations

Reborn Renovations is Calgary’s renovation contractor of choice. Specialising in all aspects of home renovations and remodels, whether you’re looking for a more complex project like adding more square footage with a home addition, bringing the heart of your home into this decade by giving your kitchen a modern update, or a complete overhaul with a full interior or main floor renovation, the Reborn team has the experience, know-how and track record to show you that we’re your best choice when it comes to modernising or improving your home.