In every home, there’s likely to be a bedroom that is smaller than the rest. These ‘box rooms’, are often considered to be the least desirable in a property. Having a box room can leave you stumped with how to decorate, organise or maximise its space, but there are a variety of ways to use a compact space and create something special.

For larger families with young children, the box room can be used as an extra space for another bedroom and prevent siblings from having to share. This could lead to a more peaceful environment as the kids get older. Research shows that adding another bedroom can boost the value of your home by around 10%. With this in mind, here are some things you can do to make the most out of your small bedroom or box room…

Make your furniture maximise wall space

Shopping for furniture can be a challenge when you don’t know what to look for. Before starting out, measure the wall space you have and how far the furniture can come out from the walls. Choosing rectilinear furniture as opposed to curved will help to free up space, as curved furniture is likely to reduce your walking area.

Think about your choice of bed

More often than not, the youngest child ends up in the smallest room, so investing in a good quality storage bed can act as the perfect solution to keep things organised and neat, while at the same time freeing up space.

While considered fun, these beds are useful for storing items – such as toys, shoes and clothes – underneath the bed or in drawers.

Let the light in

Keeping window alterations to a minimum and letting natural light into a small space can brighten the entire room and make it feel bigger. Minimal decorations would help to draw the eye to the window and the view beyond.

While you’re at it, consider soft neutral colours and pastel tones; this would enhance the room even more and can add the right amount of warmth that a smaller space requires.

Invest in a fold up desk

Homework is an important part of school life for children, so having somewhere to sit down and be productive is vital. A fold up desk is a versatile piece of furniture as it can be placed anywhere, allowing you to skilfully utilise the space in a box room.

Clear storage solutions

Being savvy when it comes to storing your belongings will make a difference in the long run, especially as there may not be much floor space in smaller rooms. Opting for a wall-mounted TV, shelving on the walls and building high cupboards, for example, are ideal tactics for a smaller space.

Neat, built-in units are useful for keeping clutter tucked out of sight, creating a serene mood while making the most of every inch of a bedroom. They are also a clever way to incorporate treasured objects, shelves for books and toys, drawers for personal items and surfaces that act as a bedside table.

Create an illusion

There are many ways to make a space seem bigger than it is, and this is key when it comes to a box room. Using mirrors are a classic trick that works every time. Perfect for smaller rooms, a mirrored wall will visually double the space. This can be done in style, with a high position mirror keeping the effect subtle.

With these tips and techniques in mind, you can now hopefully turn your snug space into a dreamy retreat and breathe new life into your compact room.