It’s no secret—small bedrooms are a hot topic! I’m constantly fielding questions from blog readers and design clients alike: ‘What size is that room?’ or ‘What are you using as a nightstand there?’ And honestly, I get it. Tiny spaces can feel like a puzzle. But here’s the truth: in a small bedroom every single inch counts, especially when you’re aiming for a stellar Airbnb experience. Today, let’s dive into some practical and inspiring small bedroom ideas to help transform your short-term rental into a guest favorite.
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Let’s Talk Bed Size Basics:
One of the most important things your guests will be reviewing is whether or not they had a good night’s sleep! So, let’s talk beds! In a small bedroom, scale is your absolute best friend. Understanding the space requirements for each bed size is crucial. Ideally, aim for a king-size bed in at least one room if possible—potential guests use a king-size bed as a critria in their search results! For king beds, you’ll want a minimum of 12 feet by 12 feet for comfortable movement. Queen beds can fit into a 10 by 10 space, though a bit more room is always appreciated. A full-size bed is the most flexible, fitting nicely into even the smallest rooms, but don’t forget to factor in walking space and other furniture. Leaving ‘breathing room’ around the bed will visually expand the entire room.
Ideally, you’d have two feet of walking space around the bed. However, that’s not always feasible. As I mentioned, prioritize a king bed in at least one bedroom. In our Little Green Cottage, we managed to fit two bedrooms and two full baths into 600 square feet. The primary bedroom is quite narrow, so we accommodated the king bed by removing the closet doors (eliminating swing space) and using drink tables instead of traditional nightstands. The guest reviews have been glowing!
The bedroom actually feels spacious (the vaulted ceiling helps) and inviting, proving that size doesn’t limit style. We focused on scale, must-haves, a wow-factor design, and some clever tricks to make the most of every square foot.
Here is a visual of the other side of the room.
Guest Essentials: The Airbnb Bedroom Must-Haves:
Consider your guests’ experience from the moment they step into the bedroom. They’ll need a designated spot for luggage—a compact, foldable rack is ideal, along with a place to unpack a few essentials. Prioritize easily accessible charging with a multi-port station or strategically placed outlets. Lighting is a key element; a mix of ambient, task, and accent lights creates a welcoming and functional atmosphere. Opt for space-saving solutions, such as wall-mounted shelves or floating nightstands, to keep the floor uncluttered. By focusing on these thoughtful comforts, you’ll ensure your guests feel pampered, even in a cozy smaller space.
- Comfortable Mattress- This is the best mattress I’ve found at a middle-level price point. I buy the hospitality version through HostGPO and love them so much I have bought them for my own home.
- Cozy Bedding- mattress encasement and mattress pad. At least four pillows per bed (mix firm and soft), a quilt, or a duvet cover a crisp set of sheets. Because I use white linens and quilts, I add a printed or colored quilt at the bottom of the bed for color.
- Bedside Tables or Nightstands.
- Adequate Lighting- I like to use at least three light sources, bedside, overhead, ambient which can be nightlights or a floor light.
- Chargers/Charging station next to bed.
- Alarm Clock
- Blackout Curtains or Blinds.
- Full-length Mirror or Large Mirror
- Place for Clothing- Dresser or Closet
- Hangers- I like these wooden hangers
- Tissues- I Love this tissue box holder.
Great to Have:
- TV
- Greenery- Live if possible, faux if not.
- Extra set of bedding
- Books- Here is a list of my favorites
- Bench or Comfy Chair
- Fan
- Laundry Basket
- Luggage Racks or place for guest to set suitcase/luggage
Extra Special Touches:
The “Wow” Moment: Designing for Impact:
Just because a bedroom is small doesn’t mean it can’t have a big personality! Creating a ‘wow’ moment involves focusing on one or two thoughtful design elements. You can play with textures and patterns to add depth and interest but keep the overall palette cohesive. A well-placed rug can also define the space and add a touch of luxury.
The following mood boards combine cohesive neutrals with texture, perfect for smaller spaces.
Warm/Coastal Mood Board:
a. Wallpaper Mural, b. Light, c. Lumbar Pillow, d. Coat Rack, e. Mirror, f. Bedding
Lake House Bedroom Mood Board:
a. Chair, b. Seagull Wall Art, c. Lamp, d. Ottoman, e. Propeller Art, f. Plaid Throw, g. Bedding, h. Fish Pillow I. Rug
Wallpaper, Accent Walls and Headboards:
Consider creating a focal point with a statement headboard, a bold accent wall, or a stunning piece of artwork. Mirrors are your best friend, reflecting light and creating the illusion of more space. And don’t forget to look up! Going vertical draws the eye upward, making the room feel taller. Consider adding shelving that is over the bed or bookcase from floor to ceiling, painting or wallpapering the ceiling a color, or incorporating tall, narrow decor elements to enhance the sense of spaciousness.
The Wall Mural is Honey Bloom by Anewall.
To make your small room shine, consider adding unique, personalized touches. This is an easy way to elevate your vacation rental, helping it stand out from the competition and create a memorable guest experience, which I strongly encourage. This headboard, for example, is a DIY project.
If wallpaper feels a bit intimidating, consider wall decals! These are Eden Florals from Urban Walls and are really easy to install
Another statement piece: a DIY Headboard, this time in a darker, more Moody Design.
Quick Tip: Make sure larger Headboards are wall-mounted for your guest’s safety and comfort.
My favorite part of incorporating a focal point in a small space is that it is significantly more affordable than wallpapering a large area while offering a custom look.
More Small Bedroom Ideas:
Even in the tiniest of bedrooms, it’s a good idea to squeeze in a chair if at all possible. It provides a convenient spot for your guests to put on shoes, set down personal items, or lay out clothes. A lightweight, foldable chair or a small accent chair can work wonders.
Bring life into the space with live plants! Little touches like a small potted plant can make a big difference in a small bedroom. Plants add a touch of nature, improve air quality, and create a more inviting atmosphere. Opt for low-maintenance varieties like ZZ plants or snake plants, and place them on a shelf or windowsill to maximize space.
Decorative pillows can be a fun way to personalize a space, think pillows with localized words or art. Careful not to overdo it. A little goes a long way here. 🙂
The All-White Bedding Debate:
The white bed linens versus colored sheets debate rages on in the Airbnb online forums. You’ll see I use all-white linens in my properties. This is a personal preference that complements my design style, especially since our Airbnb rentals are primarily in beach communities. Ultimately, quality linens are key, and the color should align with your overall color schemes.
I hope you have found these small bedroom ideas helpful. Creating a comfortable and stylish small Airbnb bedroom is about smart choices and creative solutions. By focusing on scale, prioritizing those guest essentials, and adding a ‘wow’ moment, you can transform even the tiniest space into a guest favorite with five star reviews. Remember, it’s not the room size but the experience you create within it. So, get inspired and make your small Airbnb bedroom a big hit!
An Industry Secret for Saving Money on Furnishing Your Airbnb.
If you are a Short-Term or Med-Term Rental Host, I highly recommend taking a look at buying groups for savings on Brand name furniture, mattresses, decor, and more. If you have any questions about how they work please feel free to e-mail me. I use Minoan most often and it is free to join, (here is a referral code for $25.00 of your first Minoan order) the savings are real. When we furnished our last home I saved over $3,000 on the furnishings through Minoan alone. I also use HOSTGPO which charges a small fee but I find the savings is recooped in the first order.
Until next time,
-Libbie
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