Green Tips for Making Your Small Bedroom Appear Bigger

The bedroom is a place for rest and relaxation, for coziness and (hopefully) cuddling. It is one of the most sacred rooms in your Chicago home. There are cases, however, when you may find it too small or cramped for comfort. It may resemble more like a side street where you have to maneuver your way through bulky furniture, twist and turn in such narrow space, and battle against the forces of darkness and toxicity.

Don’t worry. Your bedroom is not a hopeless case. Below you’ll find plenty of ways to make your small bedroom appear bigger and more spacious.

Go for bright lights

Just because the bedroom is small doesn’t mean you can’t place multiple lamps in the room. Don’t settle for just one source of light. You can install lamps close to your bed – at the bedside, or mounted on the walls, even directly above in the ceiling – to create the impression of bigger, wider space. Avoid stand-alone lamps that get in the way of the objects in your bedroom; go instead for eco-friendly fluorescent lights that illuminate your bedroom softly and elegantly.

Keep the colors light

Dark hues in a room make the walls seem like they’re closing in on you. So opt for softer, lighter shades – like cream, pale blue, yellow, beige, pink, and light green – to give your bedroom a more welcoming, more inviting feel. You’d be surprised at how these colors can create the effect of pushing the walls back. Also, try to avoid painting with heavy-contrast patterns or prints. And always choose eco-friendly paint! Those that are labeled as VOC-free, low-VOC, or non-toxic will do well in helping minimize your impact on the environment.

Don’t wait for spring to do some cleaning

A clean, clutter-free bedroom can make all the difference in the world. Seriously. If you leave so much mess lying around, you’re making your room so much smaller than it actually is. So arrange your stuff and keep them clean and orderly. Remove the non-necessities. Transfer those unnecessary pieces of furniture and place them elsewhere. If you truly want to live a greener lifestyle at home, the best way to start is by cleaning up.

Mirror, mirror on the wall

It sure sounds a bit old-fashioned, but placing a wide mirror on one of your bedroom walls is one of best ways to make small space seem bigger. Not only does it create the illusion of doubling the size of your bedroom; it also reflects the natural light that enters your room through the window and keeps your space from appearing closed and dark.

Multi-functional and built-in are the ways to go

One of the keys to making your bedroom bigger is maximizing its floor space. No, this doesn’t require costly home extensions and construction. All you have to do is look for multi-functional furniture pieces that serve more than just one purpose. Examples: a chest at the end of the bed that serves as storage and sitting area; a built-in closet that doubles as a storage unit; a small bookshelf that can also become your bedside table; and a bed from under which you can pull out built-in drawers or even a footrest. If unsure where to get them, a trip to IKEA, the local furniture shop, or even a garage sale can give you loads of options. Just make sure you invest smart and choose eco-friendly pieces for your bedroom.

Simplify your décor

It would be better to install one simple large painting in your bedroom instead of going for multiple small pictures. It’s also a smart move to resist heavy curtains that drape and cast large shadows on your bedroom. You cannot have too much going on; too many features can spoil the space and make it appear too busy. Besides, the bed is already your focal point; anything else should simply serve to complement it. So simplify your décor and limit your accessories – there’s no need to be too grand.

Lighten up the fabrics

The effect the fabrics in your bedroom have on your level of comfort is surprisingly huge. To make the atmosphere more relaxed, opt for airy and light beddings, slipcovers, window treatments, and rugs. If you want to go green, there are plenty of eco-friendly choices available: organic cotton, chemical-free silk, bamboo fabric, vintage polyester, soy fabrics, and cashmere. The best part? These environment-friendly materials are great choices for clothes, too.

Stay low

Staying low is a great space-maximizing trick for any room, especially that which doesn’t have high ceilings. You’ll be surprised at the effect low furniture pieces and low, Oriental-style beds can have on your small bedroom. They free visual space and keep the view at eye level unobstructed. If you have to include a tall furniture piece inside the bedroom, place it opposite the main entry.

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One Response to “Green Tips for Making Your Small Bedroom Appear Bigger”

1. Eric Myers says:

   January 24, 2011 at 3:03 am

   Great tips. I love the picture listed above too. After recently remodeling my kitchen, I am looking into little things I can do to bring the rest of the house up to date. Thanks for some of the great tips.

   Reply