Cramming too much furniture into a tight bedroom? Maybe you've placed the furniture in a way that creates awkward traffic patterns. Yep. You're not alone. When it comes to designing and furnishing a small space, those are two of the biggest offenders. But there are some tips and tricks that can help you make a small bedroom seem larger.

1. It's all about scale

Furniture that's too large for a room can make it look and feel overcrowded. If there isn't ample space for a king-size bed and a large dresser and two nightstands and a seating area, don't try to fit it all in there. Minimize the furniture and use industry tricks to make the space inviting and useful.

If you've ever toured a model home, you may have noticed a few of these tricks.

In a bedroom that isn't exceptionally large, they may only have one nightstand instead of two. While this may not be the most practical solution, you can get a similarly pared-down effect with small-scale nightstands.

Make sure you have drawers and/or shelves to create places for storage.

Or, use floating nightstands that can be created in small spaces and that give you useful bedside storage - or at least a place to put your alarm clock and a glass of water.

2. Colorful options

It's true. Darker colors can make a small space look even smaller. Going light and airy can make it feel, well, light and airy.

"Sometimes a small bedroom can feel more like a cave than a cozy refuge, said Houzz. "If a space lacks natural light, smart storage and the right color palette, it can feel cramped and uncomfortable."

But that doesn't mean it has to be boring, By relegating strong color to accessories like rigs, lamps, and artwork, you can create the ideal balance.

3. Storage, storage everywhere

Because small rooms make it difficult to place larger pieces of furniture, like a dresser or pair of substantial nightstands, they can lack storage. Fix that problem with built-ins.

"Shallow built-in shelving can help you gain storage and maintain floor space," said Houzz. "Stick to shelving that's no more than 12 inches deep. If you go with built-ins in your small bedroom, try taking them all the way to the ceiling to make the ceiling look higher. And paint the back wall a contrasting color to create layering and depth."

4. Furniture positioning

How you organize your furniture can also go a long way toward making it feel spacious and open or crowded.

"Where to place furniture in the bedroom can be a tricky dilemma - especially if your room is long and narrow, has an abundance of windows or is a tight fit," said HGTV.

If there's room, the prime spot for the bed is across from the door. In a kid's room or guest room, consider turning a twin or full-size bed into a daybed by turning it and adding small bookcases to either end.

If you have a super oversized bed and you just can't part with—don't. Make it the centerpiece of the room and then pare down elsewhere.

5. Mirror, mirror on the wall

Using mirrors is a favorite design trick for making a space look larger and creating additional opportunities for light and reflection. "Make a tight bedroom feel open and spacious with properly placed mirrors," said HGTV.

If you have sliding closet doors, use mirrors to visually double the space. "The effect tends to work best when you can take the mirrors from floor to ceiling and wall to wall."

6. Go higher

Steal a trick from fave designers and hang drapes high to fake a taller window and draw the eye up.

It'll make the room look bigger and also lend a more sophisticated feel.