A neutral bedroom with careful additions of accent colour

Small bedroom ideas: max out your space in style with FibreGuard


Small bedrooms can be deliciously cosy, but if you’re renting in a shared accommodation, the bedroom can frequently be your only place for privacy. Today we share our expert advice on different ways to make the most of the available space in a room that’s much more than just for sleeping.

The key to making small bedrooms liveable is to make smart design decisions where you can. In this blog article we look at some broad guidelines for every small-bedroom dweller, and then dive into three special examples from FibreGuard to really bring your visions to life.

Light, ambiance and daylight are so important for bedrooms

It's important to consider the amount of natural light available in a given space when choosing paint colours for small rooms, as darker paints absorb more light than lighter ones do. If your room has very little natural light and is therefore on the dark side, choose a lighter colour so that it doesn't feel claustrophobic.

Choosing the wrong colour can make a room feel smaller and more closed-in; however, choosing one that reflects your personality will make you feel happier while adding character to your home.

Pro tip: use lighting to create ambiance: Soft lighting can make a small bedroom feel warm and inviting. Consider investing in a bedside lamp or string lights to create a cosy atmosphere.

Mirrors are one of the best ways to create the illusion of space in a small room. Mirrors reflect light and make the room look brighter, which can help you feel more comfortable in your space.

You can use mirrors to reflect natural light coming into your bedroom through windows or skylights. This will make it feel like there is more natural light available, even if it's dark outside!

Pro tip: Use mirrors to create more visual space in the room.

Example One: A simple but beautiful small bedroom in neutral tones

This bedroom stands out immediately with a curved headboard that makes a subtle statement amid neutral colours and a sense of clutter-free minimalism.

A neutral bedroom with careful additions of accent colour

FIBREGUARD FABRICS FEATURE IN THIS BEAUTIFULLY CALMING BEDROOM WHICH REALLY MAKES A STATEMENT THROUGH COLOUR CHOICE AND CURVED ELEMENTS. GET EVEN CURVIER IN EMBRACING FUN WITH THE CURVED FURNITURE TREND.

A neutral bedroom with careful additions of accent colour

This bedroom features a lovely multipurpose fabric from FibreGuard. Learn more about the FibreGuard eco labels here.

Why does it work? Let’s break it down.

Working with light and shade.

Light colours like white, cream, and pastels can help create the illusion of more space in a small bedroom. They also reflect natural light and can make the room feel brighter and airier. Plus, because they're neutral in nature, it makes switching things up a bit easier, should you ever want to. That's what we call "maximising space."

And of course, there’s that headboard.

Adding a headboard to your bed can help create a focal point in your small bedroom. Consider choosing a headboard with built-in storage or a simple design that complements the rest of your decor.

Finally, this is a very inviting, almost tactile-looking space.

To get this feel, adding texture with your textiles is a great way to create a cosy and inviting space when styling a bedroom in neutral colours. Achieve this look (and feel) with natural look fabrics.

Linen, for example, is a classic choice for bedding and can add a natural, textured look to your Scandi or Japandi style bedroom. It has a slightly rough texture that adds depth and a relaxed, lived-in feel. It hasn’t escaped us at FibreGuard that you’re loving all and any of our collections or designs that feature natural, linen-like qualities.

We’ve also noticed a real spike in the popularity of our chenille fabrics, as they combine four different fabric compositions (cotton, polyester, viscose, and linen).

The bouclé upholstery fabric used in this small bedroom also has a friendly, natural feel, which of course is perfect for curved furniture & bedding. Its luxurious feel really amps up the fashionably simple look of this bedroom.

A neutral bedroom with careful additions of accent colour

The FibreGuard fabric featured here is part of a collection with a beautiful brushed-wool feel to it. Perfect for this upholstered bed!

A neutral bedroom with careful additions of accent colour

We particularly like how colour is introduced to the room through paint or furniture, rather than through extra decorative accessories that could just choke up a small bedroom like this. The headboard features FibreGuard high performance fabrics.

Example Two: A neutral bedroom with careful additions of accent colour

Colourful accents in small bedrooms are great ideas if you want to make them look more inviting while still maintaining some sort of calmness within them. This bedroom is simple but has added personality and warmth thanks to the natural wood furniture accents and that gorgeous sage green wall.

Obviously, we’re a fan of the throw pillows and their delicate difference from each other in terms of colour and texture. Choose pillow covers made from FibreGuard furnishing fabrics in different yet complementary shades like this to make a quiet impact on the bedroom.

Example Three: the maximalist guide to small bedroom life

Making maximalist aesthetics work in a small bedroom requires a bit of organising and imagination. It might seem a bit scary but we’re telling you: it can be done. We’re cheating a little but we have two examples for you, both with a different take on the maximalist aesthetic.

A neutral bedroom with careful additions of accent colour

Caning, wicker and tropical leaves carry the Caribbean vibe throughout this Garden District home in New Orleans, designed by Maureen Stevens. View more.

A neutral bedroom with careful additions of accent colour

A mix of patterns, colours and styles work together to create a bright, fresh bedroom. Pairing striped green walls with a cheetah print rug and a bed upholstered in olive green velvet is not for the faint-hearted. The bed is flanked by two coral lacquered tables, and the overall effect is stunning. Designed by Summer Thornton. Explore more at Houzz.

The key takeaways from these two small but fierce bedrooms?

  1. Focus on a cohesive colour scheme
  2. Mix and match patterns and textures
  3. Use statement pieces sparingly
  4. Don't be afraid to layer to create a visually interesting and inviting space.

Over to you

Maximising small bedroom space can be a challenge, but with the right materials and design tips it's easy to create a stylish and functional space. FibreGuard offers a range of high-performance fabrics that are perfect for small bedrooms with a range of colours and styles to choose from. They are also easy to clean and maintain helping to keep your bedroom looking great for years to come.

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