How to Make a Small Master Bedroom Cozy and Comfortable

Last Updated on December 23, 2025 by Stacy Averette

We find ourselves in strange times. Routines, schedules, to-do lists, and appointments are almost a distant memory for most of us. Though we as “mental health providers” are technically considered “essential” during the COVID-19 quarantine, we have opted to work from home out of respect and concern for the health and safety of our clients and ourselves. Some are taking advantage of counseling and coaching by phone, while others have preferred to wait until this is over and resume face-to-face time.

We are thankful to be able to help in the way God has gifted us.

We are thankful for the technology and resources that allow us to work for a few hours each day.

But we are still left to decide what to do for the rest of the time. Our latest project is our bedroom. This is no HGTV-worthy-before-and-after-project. I’m happy to say it is simple and budget-friendly.

Master Bedroom Refresh

For as long as I can remember, our master bedroom has been the most neglected room in the house. Perhaps because we are usually the only ones who see it, I’ve worked at it here and there but never quite finished it. I wouldn’t call it “finished” now—the walls need a fresh coat of paint, and the old carpet needs to be replaced, but those are “someday” projects that can wait.

Our home is a 1970s ranch-style home, and we love it dearly, but our master bedroom is relatively small. In addition to being small, it’s poorly laid out. Also, the poor lighting plus an old cell phone camera equals grainy photos. Sorry.

On the south-facing wall, there is the door from the hallway and the small walk-in closet door (louvered), so this leaves very little space for furniture. We have a chest of drawers and a large vintage mirror on this wall.

On the east-facing wall, a window lets morning sunlight stream through! After much deliberation, our bed is most suited for this spot. Thrifted finds and DIY projects create a “headboard”. My old Royal typewriter takes center stage on the vintage dresser.

The dresser and chest of drawers belonged to my husband’s parents. I use the dresser, and he uses the chest of drawers. One day, he said, “You know, Mama used the dresser, and Daddy used the chest of drawers just like we do.” I love that he shared that memory. Isn’t life sweet?

On the north-facing wall, another window overlooks our pretty backyard. We have a great view of a Dogwood tree and a 200-year-old Tulip Poplar. Placing the bed under the window would be an optional space for our queen-size bed, except for the vent on the floor directly under the window. I’ve considered placing the bed there anyway and covering the vent, but according to my internet research (and my husband), it’s not a good idea.

The framed dried-flower prints next to the tall mirror have been sitting in my thrift stash, waiting for the perfect spot. I know what colors and textures I like, so when I spot something at a thrift store or yard sale at a reasonable price, I buy it,  confident I’ll find a home for it.  Finally, they found a home.

On the west-facing wall is the bathroom door. Even though the room is small, we’ve always had two chairs in here. Having a place to retreat became a priority for us years ago when our home was filled with teenagers. This is our Dolce far niente—the sweetness of doing nothing—spot. You do know that to do nothing is sometimes the best thing one can do?

The Dolce far Niente wall decal is a good reminder, and a thrifted, broken clock tells time to stand still while we’re here.

Eric and I love to wear hats, and we have quite a collection of new and vintage fedora-style hats. Three for him and three for me, hanging on either side of the clock, feels orderly and balanced. Waking up to this view every morning makes me smile. “Can I take a hat off the wall and wear it?” he asks. Of course!

Even now that our home is quiet—we’ve been empty nesters for a while—we still retreat here often to talk, read, or listen to music before bed.

These days, “the sweetness of doing nothing” sometimes feels like the sweetness of having nothing to do. I’m not complaining, though. Our life was already quite simple and slower than most, but being required to stay at home has slowed it even further.

Drop Cloth Curtains

My resolve to declutter this year is timely. I’ve made lots of progress. The stack of drop cloths I used as a backdrop at my daughter’s wedding reception was put to good use as “new” bedroom curtains. They’re simple and lovely.

I had three extra-large ones, so after a wash to remove the lint they hold and soften them a bit, I laid each on the living room floor, folded it in half, and cut, resulting in 6 imperfect curtain panels.

I hemmed the raw edge using my mother’s sewing machine. I thought about her while I stitched the straight hem. She taught me how to live, make do with what I have, and be content. No doubt she’d learned this from her mother. I tried to teach my children the same essential lessons.

Two sets of dropcloth panels were used in the bedroom, and the third set will go on the bathroom window, hopefully this week.

The new curtains nicely frame the old windows that need cleaning. One day we hope to upgrade and replace all the windows in our home, but today we are thankful—-thankful for a home, for sunshine, for the blessing of leftover materials and the satisfaction of knowing how to make-do.