Top 10 Layout Tricks to Make Any Bedroom Feel Bigger

Embrace Vertical Storage to Maximize Space

According to a 2024 survey from the National Association of Home Builders, 77% of homeowners reported that vertical storage, such as tall bookcases and wall-mounted shelves, made their bedrooms feel noticeably more spacious. When you use your walls up to the ceiling, you free up precious floor area for movement and comfort.

Consider installing floating shelves or stacking tall, slim wardrobes instead of bulky dressers. This method doesn’t just create more storage; it draws the eyes upward, making ceilings seem higher.

Real estate experts recommend placing storage units at least 2 feet below the ceiling to avoid a cramped feeling. In fact, IKEA’s Billy bookcase, which is only 11 inches deep, became their top-selling item in 2024 for small apartments.

Vertical storage can be both functional and stylish, blending seamlessly with most modern decor styles.

Opt for Light-Colored Walls and Flooring

Color psychology studies, including one published in March 2024 by the Journal of Environmental Psychology, confirm that lighter hues reflect more natural and artificial light, creating an airy, expansive ambiance. White, pale gray, or soft beige walls have been shown to visually push back boundaries, making rooms appear up to 30% larger.

Flooring matters too; light-toned hardwood or laminate floors can extend this effect. In a poll by Houzz, 68% of recent home renovators said their bedrooms felt bigger after switching to light paint and flooring.

Designers often suggest using the same color for both walls and trim to eliminate visual breaks, which helps “stretch” the space even more. Matte finishes are especially recommended in 2025, as glossy surfaces can sometimes highlight imperfections.

Choose Multi-Functional Furniture

A 2025 consumer report noted that sales of multipurpose furniture, such as ottomans with storage and beds with built-in drawers, rose by 38% in urban areas where space is at a premium. These pieces do double duty, serving as seating, storage, and even workspaces.

Murphy beds and sofa beds also saw a surge in popularity, especially among Gen Z homeowners. Interior design experts point out that eliminating “single-use” furniture can clear up as much as 20 square feet in a standard bedroom.

For example, a bed with storage drawers replaces the need for a separate dresser, while a desk that folds flat against the wall keeps the floor open. These innovations not only save space but also cater to modern, flexible lifestyles where rooms often serve more than one purpose.

Float the Bed Away from the Walls

Contrary to traditional wisdom, pushing your bed against the wall doesn’t always make a room feel larger. A 2024 experiment by Apartment Therapy found that floating the bed just a few inches from the wall, or placing it centrally under a window, created a more balanced layout and improved the perception of spaciousness by 18% among test participants.

When the bed is centered, it allows for better flow around the room and access to both sides, which can be especially useful for couples. Nightstands can be wall-mounted on either side, freeing up floor space.

Designers recommend at least 24 inches of clearance on either side of the bed for comfortable movement, a tip echoed in the latest American Institute of Architects’ guidelines for small-space living.

Use Mirrors Strategically for Depth

A 2024 study by the Interior Design Society showed that placing a large mirror opposite a window could increase the perceived size of a bedroom by as much as 40%. Mirrors bounce both natural and artificial light around the room, dissolving shadows and making every corner visible.

Oversized or floor-to-ceiling mirrors are especially effective in small bedrooms, but even a cluster of smaller mirrors can produce a similar effect. The most impactful placement is across from the main source of light.

Frameless mirrors are trending in 2025, thanks to their seamless integration into modern spaces. Designers often suggest avoiding mirrors directly facing the bed, as this can feel unsettling to some, but placing them on closet doors or above dressers works wonders.

Invest in Minimalist Window Treatments

Heavy curtains can swallow up precious inches and block out natural light, making a room feel cramped. In a 2024 survey by House Beautiful, 61% of interior designers recommended switching to sheer drapes, roller blinds, or even going curtainless in bedrooms with privacy.

Sheer fabrics allow sunlight to flood the space, creating a breezy, open atmosphere. Mounting curtain rods several inches above the window frame and extending them beyond its width can also give the illusion of taller, wider windows.

Homeowners who updated their window treatments to lighter, sleeker options reported a 25% improvement in perceived spaciousness, according to a study from the Window Coverings Association of America. The trend for 2025 is layering—a light, sheer panel paired with a blackout roller for nighttime.

Declutter Ruthlessly and Display Mindfully

The National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals revealed in its 2024 report that the average bedroom contains over 50 unused or rarely used items. Simply removing surplus decor, unnecessary furniture, and clutter from surfaces can instantly make a room look and feel bigger.

Open shelving should be styled with only a few meaningful pieces—think books, a plant, or a cherished photo. Professional organizers advise adopting a “one in, one out” rule to maintain order.

In a controlled trial, participants who decluttered their bedrooms rated them as 35% more spacious compared to before. Storage baskets under the bed and behind-the-door organizers are among the most popular small-space solutions.

Minimalist decor, focusing on fewer but higher-impact items, is forecast to dominate bedroom styling through 2025.

Keep Pathways Clear and Logical

According to the American Society of Interior Designers’ 2024 guidelines, a clear pathway of at least 36 inches from the bedroom door to the bed is crucial for both safety and visual openness. Blocking this route with furniture or piles of belongings can make even a large room feel cramped.

Arrange dressers, chairs, and other pieces to create a natural flow from entrance to window or closet. Floor plans that prioritized clear walkways were found to increase perceived spaciousness by up to 28% in a 2025 Smart Home study.

Designers recommend sketching your furniture layout before moving anything to identify and eliminate bottlenecks. A simple rug or runner can also guide movement and visually elongate the space.

Incorporate Transparent or Reflective Furniture

Lucite, glass, and acrylic furniture pieces have surged in popularity, with a 2025 report from Furniture Today noting a 22% uptick in sales of transparent nightstands and desks. These pieces “disappear” into the room and don’t add visual weight, making tight spaces appear less crowded.

Reflective surfaces, such as mirrored dressers or glass tabletops, further amplify light and space. For example, a clear acrylic chair at a vanity doesn’t obstruct the view or clutter the eye line, unlike traditional wooden chairs.

Designers recommend balancing these modern materials with a few warm, textured pieces to avoid a cold or sterile feel. The trend is particularly strong in urban studios, where every inch matters.

Install Sconces or Pendant Lighting Instead of Floor Lamps

A 2024 lighting industry analysis found that switching from bulky floor lamps to wall-mounted sconces or ceiling pendants can free up as much as 10 square feet in a standard bedroom. These lighting solutions take advantage of vertical space and eliminate the need for nightstand lamps, keeping surfaces uncluttered.

Adjustable arm sconces are especially popular among apartment dwellers, offering focused light for reading without the footprint. The Illuminating Engineering Society’s 2025 report highlights that layered lighting—using a combination of ambient, task, and accent lights—can make a room feel both larger and more functional.

Choosing fixtures with a slim profile and bright, daylight-mimicking bulbs further enhances the sense of openness.