How to Decorate a Small Bedroom With a Captain's Bed

Create a focal wall to provide a backdrop for the bed and to make the most of your small space. Paint the wall a vivid color such as pumpkin orange, forest green or cobalt blue. In such a small space, you want the bed to stand out. The focal wall will draw the attention to the captain's bed.

Position the captain's bed against the focal wall.

Hang a gallery of pictures, mirrors and sconces above the bed's head board. Position a large mirror above the bed and choose two or three small pieces of art or sconces to enhance the mirror. Look for a mirror with a decorative frame in a carved pattern, such as scallops or a carved African geometric pattern.

Decorate the shelves if you have a bookcase headboard. Use this space for some necessary items such as a lamp for reading, but also display decorative items that make the bed stand out, such as a few pieces of a colorful pottery collection or a series of family photos.

Choose a comforter that stands out. Opt for a color the complements the color of the focal wall. Select rich fabrics such as polished cotton or silk. Find a comforter with a pattern that you find interesting and that fits the decorating style of your room.

Make a backdrop of decorative pillows. Add large throw pillows to your captain's bed. Look for pillows with a lacy cover or a striped, floral or fleur di lis pattern. Mix and match the patterns on the pillows by featuring pillows that all have a common color, such as the color you chose for your focal wall.

Use furniture that serves more than one purpose, such as a trunk as a foot bench. Use this to stow away the clothes that won't fit into the captain's bed drawers or extra blankets. Take advantage of it as a bench by putting cushions or pillows on it that match the pillows on the bed.

Keep decorative accessories in your floor areas to a minimum. Avoid large pieces of furniture. Opt instead for floor lamps, floating bookcases or night tables that are attached to the bed frame.