The Bedroom Design Mistakes That Could Be Making Your Room Feel Smaller

If you feel your bedroom is too small, it could be clutter rather than the size of the room that’s the problem. Kate Palmer, Creative Director at The Painted Furniture Company, shares some simple ways to make a bedroom feel calmer, more spacious and more luxurious.

When planning a bedroom, it’s easy to get caught up in choosing the bed, paint colour and finishing touches, while storage gets left until later. But according to Kate, this is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. “It’s very easy to focus on the wall colours and accessories, but without enough storage, clutter can quickly build up and make even the most beautifully designed bedroom feel chaotic, making it hard to switch off.” Kate explains.

And it’s not necessarily the size of the room that makes it feel cramped. Clothes left on chairs, piles of books, chargers and exercise equipment can all add to a cluttered look, making even the largest of bedrooms feel chaotic.  Kate advises being a little more ruthless about what stays in the bedroom, for example, store your seasonal clothes under the bed or in less frequently used cupboards, and move exercise equipment elsewhere where possible. Even keeping bedside tables clear apart from the essentials can make a noticeable difference.

Choosing furniture that provides storage without taking up unnecessary space is another simple solution. A bed with drawers underneath, a wardrobe with plenty of storage or bedside tables with built-in drawers or cupboards can all help keep things neatly tucked away. “Furniture that feels thoughtful in both how it looks and how it performs makes a big impact on how luxurious a bedroom feels. Well-made pieces that are the right size and scale for the room will help to create a calm atmosphere, while customisable designs allow you to tailor your storage so that everything has its place.” says Kate.

Luxury doesn’t have to mean expensive or overly formal either. Kate believes it is often the little details that make the biggest difference, from soft-close drawers and smooth painted finishes to handles that feel good to use. Colour can play a part too, with deeper, moodier shades adding warmth, while softer neutrals can be used to create a more relaxed feel. This idea of creating a comfortable, relaxing space fits with the growing interest in Organic Modern interiors. Kate says, “There’s a real emphasis on creating spaces that help us unwind, using calm colours, natural materials and furniture that feels grounding. It’s a simple, pared-back look, but one that feels inviting, with comfort at its heart.

Ultimately, the aim is to create a bedroom that feels good to be in, rather than simply one that looks good. With enough storage and furniture that combines practicality with timeless style, even a smaller bedroom can feel comfortable and luxurious.