22 Very Small Attic Bedroom Ideas (Pro Designer’s Picks) (2024)

This article was written byLauren Copping– a professional interior designer – to ensure that the content is unique and factually accurate.

Very small attic bedrooms lack space and therefore require extra care when coming up with a design in order to allow the room to feel relaxing, cozy, and inviting.

So how do you style a small attic bedroom?

The best way to style a small attic bedroom is to maximize the space effectively by framing the bed naturally between pillars or under the window, using a storage bed or loft bed, creating a relaxing reading corner, and using a lighter palette to make the room feel fresh.

I have highlighted 22 ways to maximize your small attic space through critical organizational and design strategies in the rest of this article using my experience as an interior designer and small space specialist.

Related: click here to see how to design your attic bedroom step-by-step.

22 Very Small Attic Bedroom Ideas

Below are 22 very small attic bedroom design ideas that you can copy and adapt as you see fit:

1: Showcase Exposed Brick to Add Character

Historic homes and lofts often have exposed brick to showcase the building’s structure.

I always encourage my clients to keep building materials exposed to create a deeper connection between a space and its occupants.

The color of brick warms up a room, and the wood structural support in this image adds a unique character.

I love how the imperfect brick and its inconsistent texture allows for a bedroom to be a little untidy without feeling out of control.

How to Create this Look:

Avoid placing tall furniture against the exposed brick accent wall to allow it to show as much of its surface area as possible.

Low-lying furniture like credenzas, low bed frames, or sofas can be highlighted in the space when placed against the brick wall, and will be the focus destination for people who enter the space.

Try to choose grayscale furniture to place against this wall to keep the color of the bricks vibrant in the space.

Click here to see 10 of the best colors to pair with gray bedroom furniture.

2: Use an Art Collage Feature Wall to Express Your Tastes

One of the best ways to add personality to a space without adding anything permanent is to create a feature wall with creative expression.

This can be done with a large-format collage, a mural, or your favorite photos!

In this image, the collage of images on the wall, the plants, and the collected items atop the shelf create a unique personality in the space that directly reflects the main occupant.

How to Create this Look:

In a big white room, choose one wall to make “yours”.

In this case, it’s a half wall that allows for plants and other items to be placed on top for added interest.

I always advise my clients to lay out their accent collage walls on paper by drawing the wall to scale, then placing each measured image or item within the drawn rectangle.

This will help speed the process up, and the end result will show that careful consideration has gone into the process.

Check out these 19 cool bedroom door designs.

3: Save Space With a Built-In or Single-Piece Storage Bed

Storage beds are incredibly useful furniture pieces in small spaces.

They are usually sold as individual pieces, however, when custom-built, as in the photo, they can offer double the storage and utility.

When constructed with unpainted wood, they can also be a valuable design asset to the room, and create a warm, grounded atmosphere.

How to Create this Look:

If you’re able to in your space, construct a storage bed that caters to your specific needs.

I’ve designed some with clothing storage, full closets, and trap doors.

The possibilities are endless!

For contrast, paint the walls an off-white to complement the lighter wood tones.

To reinforce the contrast and add height, choose darker green or gray curtains that span from the floor to the ceiling.

Be sure to design steps into your raised platform if necessary!

Click here to see the best space-saving wall beds.

4: Create a Reading Corner with Shelving and Rugs

If you’re familiar with my bedroom design approach, you’ll know that I am a big proponent of reading nooks.

Because our bedroom spaces need to have a place for us to relax other than the bed.

In this room, they have added bookshelves into an unused corner of the bedroom to make the perfect reading corner.

The sloped ceiling makes the area feel even more safe and welcoming.

How to Create this Look:

Choose a corner of your attic bedroom for a quiet reading space.

With slanted ceilings, be strategic about your shelf placement!

Books usually need 12 to 15 inches of space between shelves to be placed comfortably and neatly.

Next, choose a floor lamp or shelf lamp that will illuminate the corner appropriately during the day and night.

To center and define the space, place a small rug in front of the shelves.

I would advise adding some floor cushions for additional comfort.

Try these 15 ideas for painting your bookshelves creatively.

5: Loft Your Bed for Additional Space

Attics may or may not have two things: high ceilings and extra floor space.

When you loft a bed, you can maximize and createboth!

This room is clever in its simple design for a shared space.

The flexibility and adaptability of lofted beds are intriguing.

If it’s just one person using the space, I usually advise clients to place a small workstation or closet beneath their lofted beds.

How to Create this Look:

Bright wall paint always helps a space appear larger, as it reflects light around the room.

If you have the ambition to build your own loft bed, consider a lighter wood color to adhere to this principle.

Bedding can be kept light or faded in color, as well.

For my clients, I usually set up their under-loft space with a small worktop, lamp, tackable wall panels for notes, and a small rug to complete the look.

Click here for instructions on how to build your loft bed.

6: Place Your Bed in an Unusual Space for a Unique Layout

Attics often have odd ceilings, some completely unique to the home or building.

Some people might look at a space like this and deem it unusable, but there are ways to stage a space so that the room is attractive and functional.

In this case, they have placed the bed under the tallest part of the ceiling, making it accessible, and also highlighting the bed itself with the window light.

How to Create this Look:

Place your low-profile bed frame within a window nook or odd roof feature in the attic you’re rearranging.

For some design elements of contrast, consider adding dark wood or metal accents to edges in the space (as seen above).

Avoid placing too much art on walls like this.

Place curtains to avoid blinding morning light in an attic such as this one, and ground the room with a rug.

Click here to see 9 of the best colors to go with dark wood bedroom furniture.

7: Use Bright Walls and Plants to Bring the Space to Life

Want to know how to add life and clean air to your attic space?

Plants, plants, and more plants!

It’s hard to have too many plants in a space.

They have been shown to reduce stress levels, purify the air, and even increase focus and productivity.

I know that when I walk into a space with plenty of plants, I feel connected to the room and the earth.

How to Create this Look:

First of all, I always encourage my clients and friends to research which plants are safe for children and pets before placing them in their homes.

Once you find the right ones for you, think about how you will place them around the room.

I like to place them around the perimeter of a space, or near any corners and nooks.

Think about varying their heights to have a more diverse and balanced look in plant-heavy areas.

Finally, have some fun choosing baskets and planters to place them in!

Follow these 8 steps when decorating a small bedroom.

8: Paint an Accent Wall for Visual Interest and Added Comfort

Accent walls allow for infinite possibilities.

Small spaces often lack a focal point, so painting or applying an accent wall is a great way to create one without taking up floor space.

In a small attic room like this one, I really like that the accent wall is unique in both color and texture.

Texture adds another dimension to the space and further takes the focus away from the surrounding smooth walls.

How to Create this Look:

When choosing your accent wall, consider using a wall that accentuates the slanted ceiling line.

Think about the way that you are going to add both texture and color.

Are you applying wood panels? Wallpaper? Tiles?

Make sure that the surrounding walls are painted in a white that complements the accent color.

Populate your room with light furniture, bedding, and a rug that references the accent wall.

Try these 20 relaxing ideas for small bedrooms.

9: Create a Relaxing Monochromatic Workstation

Visual clutter in colors and materials can make people feel crowded in a space.

A neutral color palette is an easy way to make a space look clean while still having just as many items in the room.

The color palette references colors and materials found in nature, which further enforces the aesthetic’s calming qualities.

How to Create this Look:

Be very selective about your color palette!

Choose one wood tone to adhere to, one or two whites, a select few plants, and especially consider the art added to the walls.

The furniture can be consistent in woodgrain, and the walls and accents painted white, but if you place a colorful poster or photo on the wall, the balance will be thrown and the space won’t have the same effect.

Be sure to add plants in this space as a lively accent color.

These are the 6 best colors to pair with cherry wood bedroom furniture.

10: Add Natural Colors with Soft Bedding

Natural-toned textiles and bedding have become more popular recently.

These less-vibrant, soothing tones are calming to the eye and can be extremely expressive in their combinations.

I love a combination of pinks, grays, and maroons for youth and femininity, or greens and warm grays for a soft nod to nature.

Mixing warm oranges and emerald greens makes for a lush, comforting space that promotes sleep.

How to Create this Look:

Bedding and colors in a bedroom space are very personal, so I usually encourage my clients to look at the catalogs of some unique, small businesses that offer organic bedding.

The materials are often ethically sourced from sustainable sources and contain no artificial or harmful dyes.

Play around with your color palette from the chosen bedding company’s website by comparing fabric images side by side.

The company’s lookbooks will have plenty of examples, as well.

With colorful bedding, your bed is the focal point.

Keep other colors in the room to a minimum, or a neutral palette.

These are the 7 best bedding colors that go with gray walls.

11: Add a Rustic Feel with Raw Wood Lighting

One way to warm up a space with tall or slanted ceilings is to include unique and eye-catching lighting.

I love this light because the fixture has large, almost exaggerated light bulbs that create a unique art piece over the bed.

The emerald green blanket hints at nature below the tree branch light fixture.

How to Create this Look:

Find a soft, emerald/forest green blanket to use as the top layer on your bed.

Paint your walls a warm, mid-tone gray to backdrop the bed, and maximize the daylight by having white shades or curtains.

Find (or make) the branch lighting fixture with large, soft-lit Edison Bulbs for added shine.

I would complete this space with some plants (hanging or floor), and a small bench at the foot of the bed.

These 20 African designs can add boldness to your bedroom.

12: Create a Well-Lit Workstation Under the Skylight

Vaulted ceilings can create some awkward corners in attic spaces, and it’s not always easy to know how to productively use the space.

In this example, the designer or occupant has created a clever, well-lit workspace with plenty of storage and work surface area.

Natural lighting is the best lighting for a work surface, as its shadow radius is large with minimal outlines.

Daylighting on a workspace also improves focus and mood!

How to Create this Look:

Place a work surface that is at least 24 to 30 inches deep under your skylight.

You might have to adjust its position to allow appropriate space for a lamp or your seated headspace.

This U-shaped layout can be created by surrounding your seated area with storage on one side, and additional surface space on the other.

Keep your supplies organized with concealed shelf storage and cable organizers, and reflect maximum light with a light-colored worktop.

Pick from any of these 10 small bedroom ceiling design ideas now.

13: Reduce Visual Barriers With a Low-Profile Iron Bedframe

One mistake I see people make in small spaces and attic rooms is that they incorporate a chunky, solid bed frame.

In this space, the wrought iron bed frame allows light to pass through and reduces visual barriers.

The more that the space allows light to flow through, the less crowded it will feel.

This space is also helped by the light bedding and the windows that line the room.

How to Create this Look:

If you have a very small footprint to work with like this space, consider using a bed that has a pass-through frame or no footboard at all.

You want the eye to immediately travel to the source of natural light upon entering the room, so minimize these visual blockages.

Keep window coverings to a minimum, including privacy curtains only, and use white bedding to keep the space illuminated.

Click here for a 7 step guide to painting a metal bed frame black.

14: Use Narrow Sloped Ceilings to Frame the Bed

Sloped ceilings provide so much opportunity for a dramatic and impactful space.

This attic space is warm and cozy with its wood-clad ceiling and is lengthened by the neutral accent color on the far wall in the room.

The bed is positioned with its head against the accent wall, further elongating the visual space.

How to Create this Look:

Keep the space clean with minimal furniture.

Include only the essentials: a bed, a reading light, and a side table, or a wall shelf where there is space.

If you have wood-clad ceilings, keep them in their natural state for warmth, and paint the far vertical wall a lighter color to bring the eye through.

Place the head of your bed on the vertical wall furthest from the point of entry.

Click here for a full guide to creating a minimalist bedroom on a budget.

15: Keep it Airy by Using Minimal Colors

White, black, and navy blue are the perfect color combination for a minimal and tasteful space.

The white walls reflect light throughout the space, the black accents provide sleek contrast, and the navy accents give the space personality.

Notice the wood accents in the room, which gives the aesthetic some warmth and comfort as well.

Overall, a space like this promotes comfort and clear thoughts with its minimal color scheme and ample light distribution.

How to Create this Look:

Choose a white that is bright and vibrant, as it will reflect as much light as possible.

I encourage clients to use a satin or matte finish paint to prevent a shiny look that often shows dirt and fingerprints.

Choose a mix of black and mid-tone woods for your furniture pieces, to add focal points and warmth.

Finally, choose a simple striped duvet cover for some visual variety.

Navy is always a good choice, but this color can be swapped out for any other that fits your personality.

These 28 pro designs are ideal for decorating a 10-year-old girl’s bedroom.

16: Use the Window as a Headboard and a Natural Alarm Clock

We often see windows like this in rooms with vaulted ceilings, such as this one.

They are great for reflecting light off of angled ceilings, and can also act as a natural alarm clock when the bed is placed with its head to the window.

This is one of my favorite attic rooms I’ve found, because of its especially spacious and luxurious feel, with its light color scheme, and the high contrast window shade and black photo frame.

How to Create this Look:

You can easily recreate this look by white washing your wood-clad ceilings or, if you don’t have this type of ceiling, applying a large-format wallcovering that emulates the same look.

There are many wallcovering sources online – have a look!

Next, paint your vertical walls a light color that references your wood application.

Keep your bedding light – you can add texture with bedding similar to the blanket shown, or use a simple down duvet.

Install a soft charcoal window shade, use thin black frames for any wall art, and perhaps add wall-mounted reading lights that are black as well.

These 19 strategies are ideal if you need to make your bedroom pitch black.

17: Use Exposed Beams as a Decorative Accent

This attic space is especially appealing for several reasons.

The beams and attic structure can be used to frame furniture or workstations, or to hang lights from.

In this case, one of the triangular openings is used as a storage section, while the neighboring section houses wall shelves for decor and plants.

The furniture in this space shows a similar, yet lighter, wood tone to the structural beams, for a cohesive look.

How to Create this Look:

Keep your wood beams in your attic space in their natural state, or apply decorative beams that are unpainted and unfinished.

Think of clever ways to use the wall space that is divided by these beams.

For example, place custom-cut wall shelves in one for a unique bookshelf that follows the shape of the roof, or if space allows, place your bed between these beams.

Choose furniture that hints at the color of the wood beams, and of course, add plants to liven up the space.

I would suggest integrating lights into the beams to give the room a special effect.

These 20 kids’ bedroom ideas are ideal for small rooms.

18: Create a Plant Hanging Rail in Front of the Window

If you have an attic space with a focal point window, consider creating a dedicated plant area around the window.

This invites light in and draws the eye to natural elements in an otherwise small space.

The variety of plants and applications in this room invokes a creative flare to the space, and inspires innovative thinking!

How to Create this Look:

To recreate this look, you’ll want to be thoughtful about your plant frame construction.

Decide whether bronze, black, or white metal tubes will serve your aesthetic best.

I personally encourage bronze or black for some contrast.

Add color with rope macrame plant hangers or terracotta pots.

Next, decide your plant style.

Do you like a variety of plants or just a few of the same species?

A variety will create more visual interest, where a collection of the same plants will communicate cleanliness and sophistication.

Here are 31 ideas for creating a college bedroom dorm room for a girl.

19: Create a Cozy Window Seat for a Fresh Perspective

Window seats are always a great idea in an attic bedroom because they encourage you to slow down and appreciate your view from up high.

This also increases airflow and gives occupants of the space some fresh energy circulation, and a reminder to breathe and relax.

This window seat is cozy with its light seating, and its contrasting pop of color in the pillow that defines it as a seat.

The encasem*nt just outside the window provides security, yet allows you to look onto the street.

How to Create this Look:

If you have a large casem*nt window perfect for a seat, create a cozy corner by reinforcing the bench with seat and back cushions.

Ideally, these cushions would be movable so you can put the window seat away while it’s not in use.

In styling this area, choose a neutral or light seat cushion.

I personally like the sheepskin look as shown in this example.

For the back cushion, choose a color that speaks to the rest of the space, or the bedding that you have chosen.

Here are 8 ideas for decorating a small bedroom on a budget.

20: Use Boxed Wall Space for Strategic Storage

Wall storage such as this is a valuable asset in a small attic room.

Wall storage is often overlooked but can be maximized by using boxes, as shown in this example.

They are incredibly sturdy and offer a modular storage solution that doesn’t take up floor space.

Often times you can find recycled wood crates like these, and save on costs!

How to Create this Look:

Plan your wall’s layout before placing any furniture in your attic space.

You can see that in this space, the bed meets up with the lines of the box shelves and artwork, and the boxes mold and form to the bed and chair placement in the room.

Make sure you allow space for side tables, lighting, and any accent furniture you might want to include in the room.

Check out the 7 best and worst places to put shelves in your bedroom.

21: Use Building Columns to Frame and Center Your Bed

Using columns to help you plan your space can take a lot of pressure off of the furniture placement decisions.

In this space, it just makes sense for the bed to be centered under the skylights, and between the two wood columns.

Above the TV, plants are placed on a shelf that gets perfect lighting from the windows on the opposite wall.

Placing the bed under the skylights also creates a cozy stargazing space.

How to Create this Look:

To create this compartmentalized, symmetrical look, simply choose a reference point in your room to center your bed with.

I strongly encourage clients with skylights or columns to place their bed frames according to these features.

To recreate this look, paint the wall opposite the bed a darker neutral accent color, and add plants to this wall for color and life.

Click here for 8 ways to decorate the wall opposite your bed.

22: Create a Mini Jungle Corner Under the Skylights

An easy way to make a space lively, and ultimately bold, is to incorporate plants into the design.

The fresh contrast of green and white emphasizes a clean and bright environment.

Now, you may or may not have a bathtub in your attic space, but you could easily imagine your room with a bed, workspace, or seating area, surrounded by plants and light.

How to Create this Look:

This look is simple, beautiful, and effective at creating a fresh, romantic atmosphere.

Place your bed or workspace on one of the far vertical walls, and line the floor with ferns and vines similar to those in this example.

Get creative with your plant pots by looking for various colors and materials.

I suggest placing shorter plants under skylights so as not to block any of the light entering the space.

Click here for a full guide to putting an ensuite in your bedroom.

Image Attribution and Licencing

Main image: ‘Attic Bedroom Interior with Open Bathroom’ by casamediacasamedia – used with permission under the terms of Canva’s One Design Use License Agreement.

Image #1: ‘Bright living room in design apartment in Berlin, Germany’ by Beazy (Licensed via Unsplash).

Image #2: ‘Modern and original kitchen filled with original artwork and watercolors in Berlin, Germany’ by Beazy (Licensed via Unsplash).

Image #3: ‘Bedroom in Berlin, Germany, with bike in bedroom, original boheme bedroom design’ by Beazy (Licensed via Unsplash).

Image #4: Untitled by Jonathan Borba (Licensed via Unsplash).

Image #5: ‘Custom designed plywood cabin style bunk beds on a sunny morning.’ by Darren Richardson (Licensed via Unsplash).

Image #6: Untitled by Antonio Caverzan (Licensed via Unsplash).

Image #7: ‘Bohemian living room in urban jungle in Berlin, Germany’ by Beazy (Licensed via Unsplash).

Image #8: ‘Homely’ by Emily Wang (Licensed via Unsplash).

Image #9: Untitled by Kinga Cichewicz (Licensed via Unsplash).

Image #10: Untitled by Toa Heftiba (Licensed via Unsplash).

Image #11: Untitled by Olena Sergienko (Licensed via Unsplash).

Image #12: ‘Studio of Artist Sema Martin’ by Sema Martin (Licensed via Unsplash).

Image #13: ‘A comfortable bed by the windows’ by Cole Ciarlello (Licensed via Unsplash).

Image #14: Untitled by Alex Geerts (Licensed via Unsplash).

Image #15: Untitled by Jacalyn Beales (Licensed via Unsplash).

Image #16: Unknown (Licensed via Unsplash).

Image #17: Unknown (Licensed via Unsplash).

Image #18: ‘Pancake plant on windowsill’ by Sven Brandsma (Licensed via Unsplash).

Image #19: Untitled by Alisa Anton (Licensed via Unsplash).

Image #20: ‘Mansard with master bedroom’ by archideaphoto (Licensed via Envato Elements).

Image #21: ‘Double bed in stylish wooden bedroom in the attic’ by bialasiewicz (Licensed via Envato Elements).

Image #22: Untitled by Lisa Moyneur (Licensed via Unsplash).