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10 mistakes to avoid when decorating a small bedroom

Outfitting small spaces can be tricky — we've got you covered with tips for achieving the (petite) room of your dreams.
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10 mistakes to avoid when decorating a small bedroom

Mistake 1: Ignoring the corners. Use the corners of your bedroom to create more storage. A corner hanging bar such as the one below can be used for sweaters or blankets.

10 mistakes to avoid when decorating a small bedroom Corner Hanging Bar, $50, CB2.

Mistake 2: Buying furniture that doesn’t have a dual purpose. Invest in a bed that has storage underneath or a desk that folds against the wall to maximize space effectively. This simple and practical storage bed frame is from West Elm.

Pivot Storage Bed Frame, From $1300, West Elm Pivot Storage Bed Frame, from $1,300, West Elm.

Mistake 3: Putting something on the floor when it could be attached to a wall. Mount lamps and floating shelves to the wall and save floor space. We love these swing lamps from onefortythree.

10 mistakes to avoid when decorating a small bedroom Hard-wired swing-arm lamp, $95, onefortythree.

Mistake 4: Forgetting a mirror. Mirrors open up a space and make a room feel a lot bigger and filled with light. They can also act as a piece of art.

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small bedroom ideas (Photo, Sian Richards.)

Mistake 5: Keeping everything on display. A small space can easily look cluttered. Opt for cabinets that have doors, or store things in baskets along a bookshelf for a clean, streamlined look. Select only certain things you want to display and show them off on a simple display shelf.

Wooden Circle Wall Shelf, $129, Urban Outfitters. Wooden Circle Wall Shelf, $129, Urban Outfitters.

Mistake 6: Painting all of your walls white. Now is your chance to get creative! Choose a wall in your bedroom to paint a bold accent colour or to cover with wallpaper. This will add character to your small space. Don't be afraid to choose furniture and fabric with more personality.

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10 mistakes to avoid when decorating a small bedroom (Photo, Sian Richards.)

Mistake 7: Thinking bedside tables are necessary. Look for a headboard with storage instead. This one from Ikea has shelving attached to it.

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10 mistakes to avoid when decorating a small bedroom Mandal Headboard, $170, Ikea.

Mistake 8: Using heavy curtains that take up floor space. Use roman blinds in your small bedroom for a clean, soft look.

(Photo, Roberto Caruso.) (Photo, Roberto Caruso.)

Mistake 9: Not using the space at the foot of your bed.  You'll quickly find this is a perfect place for storage. Use a decorative trunk to stow extra sheets and pillows.

small bedroom ideas Bengal Trunk, $230, Pier1 Imports

Mistake 10: Thinking that a small bedroom can't be stylish or functional. In a way, small spaces make it even easier to add your own style to a room. You've got limited space but ample opportunity to get creative. Happy small bedroom decorating!

Related Posts:
4 tips to make a small room look bigger
6 genius furniture ideas for small living rooms
How to maximize your small space: 25 solutions
6 super-versatile pieces for small entryways

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Alexandra Gater is a former home editor at Chatelaine who now shares renter-friendly hacks, DIY projects and joyful makeovers with her 900,000 YouTube subscribers.

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