Working out how to refresh a small bedroom will do wonders for your sleep space. It's the room you spend a lot of time in (awake or not), so it makes sense to give it a glow up every now and then.
We've spoken with designers who love beautifying bedrooms to find out what they do to refresh them. Re-organizing the space and reaching for fresh fabrics are just a couple of tricks they love using.
If you're searching for small bedroom ideas and don't want to completely change the design and decor, a little refresh instead might just be the perfect solution.
How to refresh a small bedroom
Our designers have plenty of tips for you to try, with everything from organizing your small bedroom to adding clever finishing touches.
They have recommended specific products throughout, so where they have, we've found some gorgeous buys for you to shop.
The prices below were correct at the time of publishing this article.
1. Declutter the space
We get it. When you’re about to catch some Zs, the last thing you want to do is pick up your clothes and trash.
Taking some time during the day to declutter your small bedroom is one of the easiest solutions, though.
“Getting clutter out of your space will give you more room to breathe and can help guide design decisions,” says Amanda Wiss, design expert and founder of Urban Staging and Urban Clarity.
Two quick ways we recommend doing this are dividing your ‘floordrobe’ — clothes scattered on the floor — into items needing to go in the wash and back on the rack, and going around with a strong trash bag (these Amazon Basics trash bags have over 64,000 five-star reviews) to pick up any stray pieces.
2. Try multifunctional furniture
We love using small bedroom storage solutions to keep all our trinkets and treasures neatly stowed away. While we know plastic bins are useful, when they’re out in the open they don’t look very stylish.
Amanda says, “Try swapping out storage bins for more aesthetically pleasing options.”
For example, you can go for multifunctional furniture such as stylish storage ottomans.
“I like to go for beds with built-in storage space (we love this Lark Manor Albertien Bed on Wayfair) and nightstands which can also serve as a desk,” says Artem Kropovinsky, interior designer and founder of Arsight.
Not only will these look much better, but they’ll also help you maximize space in your small bedroom.
Size (in.): H46.1 x W56 x L82
Made from: Linen, wood
Price: $246.99
Size (in.): H9.92 x W17.99 x L22.64
Made from: Wood
Price: $97
Size (in.): H16.9 x W15.75 x D15.75
Made from: Faux leather
Price: $110.77
3. Change coverings
Investing in the best bed sheets you can afford are a dreamy and luxe item to bring into your bedroom, and bring with them big brownie points for comfort and style. If yours are looking tired and dreary,along with any other soft furnishing covers, consider investing in new ones, or thrifting items you love.
Artem explains, “Changing coverings like bedding, curtains, and rugs will make a lot of impact. Choose light and breathable materials with minimal patterns, as well as ones corresponding with the color scheme, to increase the feeling of space.”
Even if you’re renting, you can still take off curtains (we love these sunny Opalhouse Jacquard Curtains from Target) and add your own — just be sure to put the old ones back and take your lovely ones with you when you leave.
Size (in.): W42 x L63
Made from: Synthetic fabric
Price: $22.99
Sizes: Twin / Twin XL / Full / Queen / King / California King
Made from: 100% organic cotton
Price: From $258
Size (ft.): W3 x L5
Made from: Polyester
Price: $129
4. Switch up your headboard
Changing up your headboard might not be the first thing you think of when decorating your small bedroom, but it’s worth paying attention to.
“For a quick and easy refresh on your small bedroom, consider placing a textile over the top of your headboard to bring in new color and pattern to the space,” says Emily LaMarque, interior designer and founder of Emily LaMarque Design Studio.
You can do this yourself by picking a beautiful piece of fabric (we’re swooning over this Craftido Fabric Bundle set on Amazon) and simply sewing a cover you can slip over your existing headboard, or use an upholstery stapler gun such as this heavy duty one from Amazon to secure your textile.
5. Layer up lighting
We’re big fans of the TikTok interiors trend which says to never turn on the big light, and apply this in all rooms — especially the bedroom.
Instead, play with different light sources to create a cozy atmosphere you’ll want to snuggle up in. “Layered lighting can make a small room look cuddly and spacious,” says Artem.
He recommends using task lighting such as bedside lamps (we have this Better Homes and Gardens Lamp from Walmart on our wish list) and atmospheric lighting such as string lights to create a comfortable atmosphere.
Size (in.): W7.52
Made from: Copper
Price: $9.99
Size (in.): H6 x W3
Made from: Resin
Price: $21.99
Size (in.): H18.8 x W5.75 x D9.75
Made from: Metal
Price: $42.99
6. Add personal trinkets
You want to be able to relax as much as possible in your bedroom, which is why it’s a great idea to add personal mementos that make you smile.
Artem explains, “Use things which create joy for you such as photographs, art, or a small collection of books (these The Puffin in Bloom Books on Amazon are adorable). Simpler decorations will help to reduce the clutter, too.”
Edit these down to pieces you really love and you'll feel more at home in this space.
7. Bring in greenery
Adding the most suitable indoor plants for your space will not only refresh the look of the room, but also improve air quality too, especially if you choose air-purifying plants.
Amanda explains, “If you can fit them in, plants are often a great way to change the entire feel of your room. A touch of organic provides grounding and calm.”
Plants are also a fabulous way to bring good Feng Shui into your small bedroom, as they add balance and harmony to the space.
Size (ft.): H3-4
Made from: Natural materials
Price: $38.78
Size (in.): H36
Made from: Natural materials
Price: $28.50
Size (in.): H32
Made from: Natural materials
Price: $32.07
By taking the time now to refresh your small bedroom, you’ll thank yourself later on when you’re lying in bed and feeling fully chilled.
If it’s the bath you want to kick back in, you might also find renter-friendly small bathroom refreshes useful.
