Ways to decorate small bedrooms


45 Small Bedroom Decorating Ideas From Designers

1

Pile Up Book on the floor

Nicholas Obeid

Stack up some coffee table books to use as a skinny side table. All you need to fit is a stylish nightlight and mood-setting candle, as shown in this small bedroom designed by Nicholas Obeid.

2

Opt for a Trundle

Ngoc Minh Ngo

Designer David Kaihoi transformed this one-bedroom apartment into a family home. This little trundle bed tucks right back under the bed when it isn't in use, "first thing in the morning," says Kaihoi. And they use that windowsill as a bedside table.

3

Duck Into Corners

paul raeside

A corner seating nook for lounging, reading, and chatting is a bonus in any bedroom, especially in a tiny one! Here, designer Andrew Flesher recovered a pair of vintage Ward Bennett Scissor chairs in a Marimekko print for a fun pop of color. The low silhouette makes them perfect for a sloped ceiling corner.

4

Practice Restraint

Amelia Stanwix

Sometimes all it takes is a modern light fixture and offbeat paint color to perfect a small bedroom. An old bedside table, jute rug, and color-block linen bedding turn this bedroom into a moody, earthy sanctuary by Fiona Lynch.

5

Use Lucite

Nicole Franzen

Lucite is your best friend in small spaces. This bedroom in Kristin Fine's Connecticut farmhouse is another gorgeous example of simple but transformative styling. Fine opted for a lucite side table for a hint of modernity that doesn't make the room feel too cramped.

6

Build Narrow Custom Storage

Corinne Mathern Design

If you don't have a closet, but you do have a clothing collection, stay organized and polished with custom wall built-ins that store everything behind closed doors. In this bedroom design by Corinne Mathern, the built-ins provide extensive storage and accommodate the irregular ceiling structure. They're also less deep than your typical dresser and armoire—a win for small bedrooms.

7

Squeeze In a Desk

Robert Peterson / Rustic White I

In a small bedroom, there is no wall space to spare, so don't be afraid to put your bed beneath the window. Vern Vip opted for bold curtains to ensure style and sleep-ins. A Cambria quartz desktop suits the sophisticated mood, but “doesn’t ever require resealing, reconditioning, or polishing,” says Yip. Plus, it doubles the bedroom's use-case as a home office.

8

Pay Attention to Scale

Heidi Caillier Design

Take note of this bedroom designed by Heidi Caillier, where great big windows and high ceilings are maxed out by hanging the long curtains all the way at the top. In a small bedroom, have fun with color, shape, and prints, but pay close attention to scale.

9

Repurpose an Unexpected "Room"

Leanne Ford Interiors

If you're looking for out-of-the-box ideas on how to carve out a small guest room out of basically nothing, look no further than this bedroom design by Leanne Ford Interiors. Contemporary striped linens match the beige-painted walls and the paper pendant brings adds just a touch of intrigue to this small sleeping nook, which looks like it was once a sunroom.

10

Get Matchy-Matchy (Playfully)

Thijs de Leeuw/Space Content/Living Inside

This small room designed by Atelier ND is exploding with fun colors. The objective was to use a pretty floral wallpaper, but to dress it down with items that made it look bold and modern rather than precious and dainty. The electric orange blinds, dark green carpet, yellow side table, and purple plaid bedspread bring an edgy midcentury feel that gets the job done.

11

Or, Get Matchy-Matchy (Seriously)

Stephen Kent Johnson for Ashe Leandro

As far as high-impact decorating ideas go for small bedrooms, it doesn't get cooler than this: Ashe Leandro used the same print for the wallpaper (which extends up to the ceiling), curtains, bedding, and even the lampshade.

12

Paint Exposed Materials White

Stephen Kent Johnson

To center a headboard on the wall, designer Shawn Henderson closed up a decorative fireplace in this pint-sized but perfect NYC bedroom. A coat of white paint helps the exposed brick wall blend in and feel much less heavy.

13

Opt for High-Contrast Colors

Brie Williams

Make it a jewel box bursting with colors and patterns. This striking red nailhead bed frame can be tame and paired with classic neutrals, or it can be dressed up with fun accessories and contrasting painting colors, as designer Ariene Bethea displays here.

14

Use All Available Surface Space

Fantastic Frank

One of the biggest challenges in a small bedroom is finding places to put all your stuff since the bed takes up most of the room. Be resourceful! Even a windowsill can provide extra storage space for decor, lighting, and other essentials when there's no room for an extra table.

15

Install Sconces

TREVOR TONDRO

This pint-sized bedroom designed by J. P. Horton is flexing a few small space design secrets. First, the sconces, which don't take up any surface space since they're wall mounted, and second, the side chair, which can be pulled up as a bedside table when need be.

16

Use a Day Bed

House Beautiful

Add a daybed and watch your bedroom double in size. If you don't have a designated guest room, this could also come in handy in your family room or home office that pulls double-duty when friends are in town.

17

Lean a Mirror

Hecker Guthrie

Now here's a bedroom that knows how to set a mood. With plush velvet seating, dark wood paneled walls, and classic landscape photos, this bedroom designed by Hecker Guthrie is a beautiful blend of classic and modern style. To make the room feel larger, lean a modern mirror against the wall, as done here.

18

Ditch the Headboard

Kevin Scott

Less is more, particularly in a small bedroom. Despite a simple, soft color scheme and bare decorating approach in this minimalist bedroom by Studio DIAA no, it projects a strong sense of personal style and easy living. That's thanks to the polished materials and cohesive look.

19

Embrace Coziness With Dark Wallpaper

Heidi Caillier Design

Heidi Caillier embraces the smaller size with inky grasscloth wallpaper. While any dark paint color could create a similar impact, the striated wallpaper brings even more texture—perfect for a cozy bedroom.

20

Section It Off

Fantastic Frank

Embrace the tininess of a space and make it extra intimate and cozy with a sheer curtain around the bed. Jazz up the walls with paint, artwork, or wallpaper to bring in personality without taking up space.

21

Accomodate the Layout

HB

Each item is carefully chosen to work within this small space. For example, the narrow bedroom table fits into the little nook perfectly, and since it's on the slimmer side, they made sure the two-tiered table on the other side of the bed offered extra surface space. Then, they went vertical with a gallery wall to draw the eye up.

22

Choose a Bold Bed

Bjorn Wallander

Designed by Balsamo Antiques and Interior Design, this bedroom proves that even if your space is mostly neutral, you can add character—and coziness—thanks to textures, unique combos, and sculptural silhouettes. This one is also wonderfully dark and moody for late sleep-ins. And don't let a smaller space stop you from choosing larger furniture. This statement four-poster bed is takes up most of the room, and that's actually a great thing.

23

Keep It Colorful

ALISON GOOTEE

Keep it tailored but unique with fewer and bolder pieces. From the vibrant red bedding to the mod bedframe and graphic lamp, this bedroom designed by Anthony Baratta feels both crisp and deliberate, but there's still tons of personality packed in. Each piece also nods back to the brilliant abstract painting above the bed.

24

Tuck Your Bed Away

Fantastic Frank

If you live in a studio or need or use your bedroom for more than just sleeping, consider a DIY trundle bed or a solid platform with a retractable bed under it. In this space, the wooden platform makes room for a sofa so there's somewhere to sit instead of the bed. It's kind of like a Murphy bed but easier to create yourself.

25

Channel a Ship

Elizabeth Georgantas

New England coastal charm meets rustic design with plenty of warm tones, antique pieces, and exposed beams painted white in this guest bedroom designed by Elizabeth Georgantas. Pro tip: Elevate under-the-bed storage with vintage suitcases.

26

Cozy Up to a Corner

© Rustic White Photography

Brian Patrick Flynn turned this teeny-tiny bedroom into a whole wide world with rich wallpaper, dimensional wall decor, and perfectly proportioned furniture. The pops of red add a fun surprise and encourage us to mix primary colors.

27

Pile on the Patterns

Simon Watson

With tons of patterns, from the golden damask-print coverlet and the cozy pile of purple floral pillows to the intricate shutter design, this bedroom designed by Kristin Hein and Philip Cozi proves that you don't need a big canvas for the perfect little nest.

28

Keep It Low

Nicole England

In a lofted bedroom, Keep the mattress low to the ground like architect McLaren.Excell did here. An antique work stool functions as a side table and the sconces are built right into the partial wall behind the bed.

29

Customize

House Beautiful

Customize bedding with monograms and match your lampshades to your headboard, but then get wacky with curtains and throw blankets. That will ensure the perfect balance between polished and fun.

30

Combine Dresser and Nightstands

Shade Degges

"I wanted to create a bedroom full of personality," designer Jae Joo says of the main bedroom in this Boston Rowhouse. With no room for both a dresser and nightstands, she opted for something that could do both at once. Though classic and understated, the room brims with character thanks to a shrunken photo gallery, curved furniture, and colorful accents.

31

Shrink It Down

Romanek Design Studio

If you don't have enough room to pull up a bench to the end of your bed, try a stool instead. It'll add that desired design polish and give you somewhere to put on your shoes or store a blanket, but it won't look as bulky or take up as much visual real estate. Interior designer Brigette Romanek of Romanek Design Studio opted for a sleek caramel leather stool to contrast with the romantic blush bed frame.

32

Go Wild With Wallpaper

Studio DB

It might seem a little much for a small space, but a bold, bright wallpaper can help cocoon your room and give it a jewel-box effect. You don't need to cover the entire wall to make a statement. Just choose a smaller nook to cover in a fun print, as Studio DB boldly did in this bedroom.

33

Customize With Built-Ins

Romanek Design Studio

Take advantage of awkward niches, corners, nooks, and crannies with a built-in bench like Romanek Design Studio did in this bedroom. Even though it might not seem like useable space when you first look at it, a simple bench, cushions, and wall art can give it a brand new second life.

34

Make a Fake Canopy

SIMON WATSON

With no space for extra fun elements like floor lamps and a canopy, designer Peter Durham created a custom curtain wall and installed bedside sconces.

35

Install Inventive Storage

Mikael Axelsson

When you have a teeny-tiny bedroom, you have to get scrappy and strategic about storage space—otherwise, you'll never find what you're looking for unless you stub your toe on it. Take inspiration from this space, where the bed has built-in drawers and is framed by a bookshelf, which allows for extra storage space as well as a place to display decor and art.

36

Use Multi-Purpose Furniture

Tasmin Johnson

In this bedroom designed by Tamsin Johnson, the nightstand doubles as a dresser. If you can only fit one piece of furniture in your bedroom, make sure it's one that offers a few functional benefits.

37

Customize Your Headboard

Emily Henderson Design

This wall-to-wall upholstered headboard was custom designed by Brady Tolbert for Emily Henderson Design to meet the homeowners needs function and style-wise. That's a guaranteed way to make sure your bedroom is everything you want it to be. In the case of a small bedroom, a custom headboard with built-in nightstand saves tons of space.

38

Put Stuff Under Your Bed

Tim Street Porter

In this bedroom by Martin Lawrence Bullard, the preexisting architectural quirks are played up by a graphic, linear wallpaper that contrast with the more traditional elements throughout the space. But the most genius element? This bed has drawers underneath for more storage when you're lacking closet space.

39

Use Bigger (But Fewer) Furnishings

Maltsev Design

It may seem counterintuitive, but outfitting a small space with just a few large-scale pieces (rather than a mishmash of pint-size furniture) can actually make it feel grander. Resist the urge to push all of your furniture up against the walls. If you leave space behind the furniture, it makes the room look wider than it is.

40

Downsize Your Bed

If you need to sacrifice your queen or even your double, don't fret. A twin bed still has plenty of potential to be your stylish dream spot. In this small bedroom designed by Arent & Pyke, the custom corner headboard upholstered with Kelly Wrestler fabric sets the tone for a room that stands out, no matter its size.

41

Bring In Foldable Pieces

Paul Costello

Can't fit an accent chair into the corner to pile all your clothes on? Use a slim stool instead—even better if it's foldable so you can tuck to away when not in use. This will the mess to a minimum. Decorated by Shaun Smith, this bedroom is a great example of bold yet sophisticated style and cohesive pattern play in a tiny space.

42

Go Dark

Seth Caplan

Contrary to popular belief, dark colors don't necessarily make a room feel smaller—sometimes they even have the opposite effect, creating the illusion of an expansive space. The sandy hues of the duvet blend so nicely with plum pillows, both of which are sharpened by the inky wall paint. The linen bedding softens up the edgier feel of the black paint in this bedroom designed by Tali Roth.

43

Use Vertical Space

Built-in and low to the ground, this bed boasts an easy coolness. It was designed by Southern California-based Alexander DB, so no wonder it exudes that quintessential Cali cool charm. Add a floating shelf to use your vertical space for displaying artwork and storing knick knacks.

44

Utilize Built-Ins

James Merrell

Built-in bookshelves give you extra storage space without having a chunky piece of furniture protruding into the room. This hot air balloon printed wallcovering brings a sense of dreaminess and movement to the small bedroom. It's a beautiful way to frame the wall of built-in shelves. Designer Katie Lyndon aptly describes it as both classic but imaginative.

45

Add Mirrors

Alec Hemer

Fake space 'til you make space. Closet mirrors make this small bedroom feel larger than it actually is.

Hadley Mendelsohn Senior Editor Hadley Mendelsohn is House Beautiful's senior design editor and the co-host and executive producer of the podcast Dark House.

21 Small Bedroom Decorating Ideas To Fall In Love With

L: John Lewis & Partners, R: Farrow & Ball

Decorating a small bedroom can often be a challenge as you try to balance style with functionality – creating a beautiful and well-designed space free of clutter and conducive to relaxation, all whilst working within diminutive proportions. Small bedrooms usually require extra consideration and a clever approach to decorating to be successful.

We've gathered the most effective tips on how to utilise the small space you have - a clever use of colour to create the illusion of size, the right bedside tables and multifunctional beds to store away your essentials, quick tips on utilising every inch of wall space, and the design styles most conducive to small bedrooms.

Read on for 21 small bedroom ideas to fall in love with...

IKEA

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Small bedroom ideas: Hidden storage

When it comes to storage in a small bedroom, shelving and extra rails will always provide you with extra places to pop your belongings. 'Having a smaller bedroom doesn’t necessary mean having fewer clothes. With clever storage compartments such as GIMSE, clothes can be sorted and stored away whilst keeping the room looking tidy,' explains Clotilde Passalacqua, Interior Design Leader from Ikea UK and Ireland. 'Make the most of the wardrobe space by using SLÄKTING storage compartments to organise clothes in an efficient and smart way,'

• Shop the look at Ikea

House Beautiful

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Small bedroom ideas: Add colour through accessories

Naturally, a white room will elevate space and brightness, so introduce colourful accents through accessories and furniture instead. This sweet design scheme relies on bright, chalky pastels to add colour without detracting from the airy and bright feel of the room.

• Shop the look: House Beautiful Maisy Ottoman Bed at Dreams

Farrow & Ball

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Small bedroom ideas: Make use of every corner

This lovely tucked-away bedroom may be small, but it's filled with character, colour and a personal lived-in touch. Make use of every corner, by hanging reading lights above the bed or creating D.I.Y-style bookshelves (here they are just placed on the side of the bed).

• Shop the look at Farrow & Ball. This room is painted in 'Parma Gray No.27'.

IKEA

4 of 21

Small bedroom ideas: Shelving

Additional shelving in a smaller space is the best way to store extra books, magazines, plants and photo frames. This super-small bedroom has utilised a tiny return to layer some simply frames and artwork creating a makeshift mini gallery wall.

• Shop the look at IKEA

Farrow & Ball

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Small bedroom ideas: All-over colour

'To create the feeling of more space in a small room, stick to one single colour, this will help create more space as with no point of reference and no contrasts, you’re less aware of where things stop and start,' explains Charlotte Cosby, Head of Creative at Farrow & Ball. 'Dependent on light direction, smaller spaces are more successful with the introduction of darker colours such as Sulking Room Pink or Treron as this distracts the eye from the size. 'For those who are less comfortable with using a single colour, use complementary whites a few shades lighter than the wall colour to avoid bringing the ceiling lower such as Parma Gray and School House White. '

• Shop the look at Farrow & Ball.

Dunelm

6 of 21

Small bedroom ideas: Airy boho hues

When decorating small bedrooms, one of the best ways to maximise space is to use light and fresh colours. Hues such as soft sorbet-pinks, greys or whites will help to ensure the room feels bigger. Boho styles lend themselves to small spaces owing to their sorbet colour ways and an embrace of careful clutter.

• Shop the look at Dunelm

IKEA

7 of 21

Small bedroom ideas: Loft bed

The ideal solution if your small bedroom is short on floor space but generous in height - a loft bed can free up room for a sofa or a work-from-home desk area. These work especially well in tiny guest bedrooms. Select something light and airy - like this pale-toned pine loft bed from IKEA - with a slim and unobtrusive frame.

• Shop the look at IKEA

Furniture Village

8 of 21

Small bedroom ideas: Statement bed

Don't be afraid to add a large statement bed into a smaller room. Other furniture pieces can be worked around it, and there's always the option to practically store underneath. Whether you opt for a bed with drawers to pop additional belongings, or you only have room for a few boxes, under bed storage means you can still have that statement bed of your dreams.

• Shop the look: Vispring Elite Divan Set at Furniture Village

IKEA

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Small bedroom ideas: Fitted furniture

Over-head units are an excellent way to add extra storage when you are short on floor space. These IKEA storage units are just 42cm in depth, perfect for tidying away books, accessories, extra bedding or towels without taking up valuable inches in a small bedroom. We love the idea of adding a narrow desk underneath for the ultimate in multifunctional space.

• Shop the look at IKEA

House Beautiful

10 of 21

Small bedroom ideas: Miniaturise your bedside table

A bedside table is super handy for keeping your phone, a book, or soft task lighting close by, so don't forgo one if you have a small bedroom. Opt for a small round bedside table to reduce the footprint of your furniture, or a a floating bedside unit to keep night-time essentials up and away from your bed.

• Shop the look: House Beautiful Gatsby Blue Pleated Blinds at Hillarys, and House Beautiful Grove Ottoman Bed at Dreams

Argos

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Small bedroom ideas: Create a feature wall

Go bold with a statement feature wall in your small bedroom. An all-over wallpaper will make the room feel much more cramped, but having just one standout wall will create a bright statement — and ensure the room feels spacious. Play around with Scandi-style wooden panelling or wallpaper.

• Shop the look at Argos.

DFS

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Small bedroom ideas: Sofa beds

The ultimate solution for small bedrooms, and particularly handy if you live in a studio flat. Sofa beds have come on in leaps and bounds in terms of comfort and the variety of styles available. We're partial to our very own Layla sofa bed at DFS in this contemporary silver-grey upholstery.

• Shop the look: House Beautiful Layla Sofa Bed at DFS

Farrow & Ball

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Let the light in

Letting in extra light through larger windows will help to make the room feel bigger altogether. While this converted loft guest room may not have a lot of floor space, the slanted ceiling has been used as a place to build in an extra window. And what a brilliant way to bring in extra sunlight in the morning.

• Shop the look at Farrow & Ball. This room is painted in 'All White No.2005' and wallpapered in 'Uppark BP 523'

READ MORE: Two attic rooms turned into a contemporary bedroom and ensuite

John Lewis

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Small bedroom ideas: Throw out the rule book

This goes against most design advice for making a small bedroom look bigger, but if you are willing to embrace the diminutive proportions of your bedroom, then go maximalist. This 'more is more' style of piling colour on top of pattern on top of an abundance of furniture and accessories is decorating at its most joyous, and will help to create a space you love to spend time in, regardless of its size.

• Shop the look: Silhouette Upholstered Bed Frame at John Lewis & Partners

Hillarys

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Small bedroom ideas: Utilise window space

A clever space-saving hack for the smallest of small bedrooms. If you don't have an inch of floor space to spare, look to your window sill. If there is any depth there, it's the perfect place to create a small shelf to stack books or magazines. If you have a bit of extra depth (you'll need at least 16 inches,) consider creating a window seat with some simple upholstery and scatter cushions.

• Shop the look: House Beautiful Chalk Pink Shutters at Hillarys

John Lewis

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Small bedroom ideas: Built-in shelving

An excellent way to bring in some extra storage space is to choose built-in shelving. As seen in this beautiful bedroom here, the added wall space brings in the opportunity to showcase flowers, ornaments and books. It's great if you wouldn't otherwise have room for a free-standing cabinet.

• Shop the look at John Lewis & Partners

Carpetright

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Small bedroom ideas: Light carpets

Light, neutral colours accentuate a feeling of space and brightness, and doubly so when used on large expanses like your walls and floors. Avoid deep shades in your carpets or wooden flooring that will draw the eye - we favour creamy blush colours, or a classic beige. This contemporary bedroom has a bonus small space hack, too - the sweet miniature shelf used as a bedside table.

• Shop the look: House Beautiful Harbour Beach Saxony Carpet at Carpetright

The French Bedroom Company

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Small bedroom ideas: Mirrors

Strategic styling is key when it comes to decorating a smaller bedroom. Additional mirrors and mirrored furniture is a clever way to reflect light. It will make any small bedroom feel much bigger, giving it a brighter feel. Don't be afraid to play around with how many mirrors you choose. Whether it's floor-length styles, or small rounded ones above vanity tables, the more you opt for (within reason) the brighter the room will feel.

• Shop the look: Arched Wooden Window Mirror at The French Bedroom Company

IKEA

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Small bedroom ideas: Clever multi-purpose beds

One way to make use of a small bedroom is to get your hands on a bed that has more than just one purpose. While its comfort is vital for a good night's sleep, finding a bed frame that has the option for extra storage makes for an excellent find.

Shop the look at IKEA

Dreams

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Small bedroom ideas: Storage beds

What an excellent way to bring in added storage to a smaller bedroom through items such as an end-of-bed ottoman. 'When looking to kit out a small bedroom being able to move freely around the bedroom is key, to make sure you don’t bump your shins on clutter left around the floor. Think about investing in a storage bed either with drawers or with an ottoman lift or if your budget prevents this consider separate wheeled drawers that you can slide under the existing bed – just make sure you check the height from floor to bed,' says Caitlin Price, Head of Buying, Furniture & Flooring at John Lewis & Partners.

• Shop the look: House Beautiful Neva Velvet Ottoman Bed at Dreams

Cuckooland

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Small bedroom ideas: Keep it minimal

Bright light colours will help to radiate your small space and make the room appear bigger. Tidy any clutter away and when choosing furniture ensure you opt for light hues such as oak wood or white gloss. Elsewhere, clear floors and cupboard surfaces will help to create the illusion of a larger room.

• Shop the look at Cuckooland

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Small bedroom design: 84 photos with interior ideas

06/10/2022

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Style, colors, finishes, furniture arrangement and decor - we tell you how to design a functional and beautiful small bedroom.

Design: Alisa Kashcheeva. Photo: Maria Irinarkhova

A small living room is a frequent occurrence both in Soviet apartments and in new buildings. With the right approach, even on 8-10 squares, you can place everything you need without sacrificing a beautiful and cozy design. In this article, we tell you what to consider when thinking through the design of a small bedroom: from a suitable style to the selection and placement of furniture.

How to furnish a small bedroom

Suitable styles
— Modern
– Scandi
— Minimalism
— Neoclassic
Arrangement ideas
— Color range
– Finish
— Furniture
— Decor

Some interior styles are designed for large spaces, so they do not look so good in a limited area. But there are enough directions that are great for a small room.

Contemporary

Rerooms social networks

Contemporary is a universal style. It can look completely different, it does not have strict canons and mandatory requirements for the footage of the room. The main thing is to follow the general principles of modern design: