While your entire home is a sanctuary of sorts, your bedroom is perhaps the most sacred of all. It’s where you begin and end your day—where you go to relax and recharge—so it’s important to take care when designing and decorating the space. From color schemes to organization to personal touches via art, textiles, and accents, the goal is to create a space that feels inviting, inspiring, and calming all at once. We asked interior designers to share their best bedroom décor ideas to help transform your space into a place you love to spend your time.
Get Creative With Mirrors
Jacob Snavely; K+Co Living
Mirrors are a must in a bedroom; they add depth, make the space feel larger and brighter, and serve a function. Don’t feel like you have to go with a standard option. “Be creative,” says Karen Wolf, interior designer for K+Co Living. “Instead of hanging one large mirror, think about two or three smaller ones to add some dimension to a space. Or go for a large floor mirror to add full length functionality and take up wall space in a larger bedroom.”
Emphasize Vertical Aspects
Newfield Design
Whether you have a large or small bedroom, emphasizing the vertical aspects can instantly elevate your space, says Lucas Goldbach, design director at En Masse Architecture & Design. He suggests doing so through tall drapery, ceiling-height shelves, and continuous ceiling design.
Provide Additional Seating
Vertical Arts Architecture
When you retreat to your bedroom, it’s nice to be able to have a cozy spot to curl up in aside from your bed. “A big cozy chair or chaise, allows you to utilize the room for more than just sleeping or lying down. It also creates more opportunity to bring textures into a space,” says Andrew Pharis, architect and interior design expert with Vertical Arts Architecture.
Try an All-White Color Scheme
Laure Nell Interiors
For a dreamy bedroom décor idea, consider going for an all-white color scheme and then play up texture to create depth. “What I love most about this bedroom is its serene, sophisticated ambiance. It strikes the perfect balance between luxury and comfort,” says interior designer Laetitia Laurent of Laure Nell Interiors. “The soft color palette and plush textures combined with the elegant, modern lighting create this unified, tranquil, polished vibe.”
Or Opt for Color Drenching
Kayla Bowen Studios; House of Four Design
If an all-white space doesn’t feel like your style, maybe color drenching is the approach for you. “We love drenching rooms that are sizable in a moody color because it adds instant intimacy and sophistication,” says Melody Gangi, interior designer at House of Four Design. “If you go dark on the walls, be sure to contrast with lighter furnishing pieces and natural elements for even more interest.”
Invest in Your Bedding
Vertical Arts Architecture
The most utilized part of your bedroom is easily the bed, which means the mattress, bed frame, and bedding deserve a good portion of the budget. “You likely spend at least six (if not more) hours per day in your bed. That’s about 91 days a year spent in bed—make sure that it’s someplace you want to be,” says interior designer Grey Joyner. “Your bedding should be comfortable, the correct weight and material based on preferences, and of course, beautiful and calming to look at.”
Create a Reading Nook
Tim Lenz; Barrett Oswald Designs
Add a cozy space to flip through a magazine, read a good book, scroll through your phone, or to simply sit, unwind, and relax. “Most importantly, you’re going to want a comfy chair, which, with a few pillows and a nice throw, will give you a haven for relaxation. Then, for convenience, add a small table and a lamp,” suggests Bree Steele, an interior designer at RJ Living.
Embrace Blush Tones
Olivia Westbrooks
Blush is a neutral color that still feels warm and welcoming. “Blush is a soothing and sophisticated, grounding color for any age and pairs well with warm neutral,” says interior designer Olivia Westbrooks. “Use blush as an accent in the drapery, pillows, and art.” To round out the color scheme, she suggests adding pops of gold or brass via hardware, lighting, and accessories.
Bring Fresh Plants Into the Room
Jennifer Hughes
Plants are an easy way to add a burst of color and a feeling of serenity. Steele suggests choosing low-maintenance indoor plants that’ll thrive best in bedroom conditions. “In terms of placement, put the plants on bedside tables, windowsills, or hanging planters to bring a touch of nature indoors,” she says. “This will give you a room that looks beautiful, and feels beautiful.”
Incorporate Low Lighting
Antonio Matres Design
Layered lighting is integral in any part of your home, but it’s especially important in the bedroom. Low light can help you wind down and lull you into a deep sleep. “The mood created through lighting is pivotal in any bedroom, as you want the space to feel intimate, warm, but also relaxing,” says interior designer Antonio Matres. “Consider low lighting where possible, adding lamps, wall sconces or reading lights, to create a soothing environment.”
Weave in Natural Elements
Kelly Brown
Along with living plants, you can tie nature into your bedroom décor by weaving in natural elements. For example, “you could update a wall by using grasscloth wallpaper or repainting a room with textured paint like Portola Paints Roman Clay or Sherwin-Williams Limewash,” says Amber Shay, national design director at Meritage Homes. “For those who aren’t quite ready to commit a wall color update, you can use grass clippings, tree branches, and wildflowers to create beautiful, one-of-a-kind arrangements that can be used as accent pieces.”
Layer Your Textures
Adding rich, layered texture to a bedroom is the best way to cozy it up. “Humans are tactile creatures. Adding wonderfully luxurious textures through textiles into a space can help us relax as well as dampen noise,” Pharis says. He recommends layering your texture. For example, avoid sticking with one fabric on your bed and instead combine unique textures such as shearling and leather, or linen and wool. You can also add texture via tapestries, rugs, décor, and drapes.
Hang Original Artwork
Vertical Arts Architecture
Just like any other room in the house, artwork is an excellent addition to your bedroom. It adds instant dimension and intrigue and gives your eyes a place to wander when inside those cozy quarters. Original artwork versus mass reproductions will lend more charm; Shay recommends keeping your eye out for original art when you’re on the hunt for furniture at thrift stores.
Opt For Versatality in Children’s Bedrooms
When designing a child’s bedroom, it’s tempting to go for a bold color like pink, blue, green, or yellow. If you want the space to grow with your child, though, consider choosing a neutral color scheme and incorporating color through decorative touches. This bedroom by Cohesively Curated Interiors was designed for a three-year-old and utilizes a neutral floral wallpaper that will suit the child over time. Whimsical touches help keep the space vibrant and inviting.
Elevate Everyday Objects
Antonio Matres Design
Elevate everyday bedroom necessities to feel like an intentional part of the design versus an afterthought. “I love adding thoughtful objects to a bedroom that offer both beauty and function,” says Matres. “Consider buying high-designed versions of items you already will need on your bedside. A striking clock or a sculptural water glass will not only serve their purpose but also work cohesively within your overall bedroom design.”
Make the Ceiling a Star
Olivia Westbrooks
We often focus on walls and floors when designing a bedroom, but you spend a lot of time looking up in this space. Add intrigue to your ceiling via intricate woodwork as pictured here, wallpaper, paint, beams, and beyond.
Add Vintage Pieces
Carly Jane Design
Underutilized space on nightstands is often hard to remedy as you don’t want clutter, but when left bare, the room often feels incomplete. This is your moment to weave in some character-rich vintage pieces. “We love finding vintage statues and busts to fill the dead space on nightstands,” says Carly Shafiroff of Carly Jane Design. “This vintage horse statue that lives atop this nightstand perfectly catches your eye while also still fitting with the overall moody feel of this bedroom.”
Tie The Space Together With a Rug
Todd Goodman of LA Light Photo
A rug gives your feet a cozy spot to land when you wake up or head to bed, and it does an excellent job of tying the room together. Rugs are also an opportunity to add dimension, color, and texture to your bedroom. Shay recommends investing in a high-quality area rug “that’s designed to look like a priceless heirloom, as it can set the tone for the entire space.”
Minimize Clutter With Trays
Kirsten Francis; Isy’s Interiors
Clutter accumulates easily in bedrooms. The solution: trays. “It is very easy for the top of a dresser to become cluttered and messy. Adding a large tray is a great way to keep mess contained,” says interior designer Isy Runsewe. “Add depth and various heights within the tray. For example adding stacked books under some décor items helps give added dimension.”
Add a Vanity
Salon 21
“I love a small vanity area in the bedroom that is solely dedicated to you—especially if you share the room with a partner,” says Alex Bass, founder and CEO of Salon 21. “It is a great way to stay organized and not have to use the bathroom for getting ready. It also adds another fun design element to the room.”
Design a Statement Wall
Newfield Design
Having a focal point in your bedroom room lends a more sophisticated feel without overwhelming the space. It’s also an opportunity for self-expression. “If you want to go all out, pick a wallpaper for only that wall, even better if it slightly contrasts the color used in the rest of the room,” Steele advises. “I think that the best place for this will be behind the bed, because the bed is already such a statement. Pair this then with some of your favorite art and your bedroom will the a statement to behold.”
Lean Into Midcentury Modern Design
Laure Nell Interiors
Midcentury modern is one of those design styles that’ll never fall out of favor, so it’ll stand the test of time even as trends come and go. “The Geometric wallpaper adds dynamic energy to the space, while the sleek, minimalist furniture in warm leather tones provides the perfect contrast,” says Laurent. “Incorporate unique lighting fixtures, such as hanging pendant lights with interesting details, like leather or metal.” Simple and layered bedding helps maintain a cohesive and polished look.
Save Space With Sconces
Kayla Bowen Studio; House of Four Design
Bedside lamps are a staple in bedrooms, but if you want to conserve space and still achieve the same effect, then consider sconces instead. “We love this as a space-saving trick for smaller nightstands because it frees up the surface for more intentional décor,” says Gangi. “If you have the luxury of space, consider reading light sconces in addition to table lamps for a luxurious look and feel.”
Indulge in Little Luxuries
Newfield Design
When it comes to luxe décor, the price tag doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with it. It’s all about finding pieces that help you feel great about your space. “Think of items like upscale hotel-style bedding, monogrammed towels, cozy throw pillows, or a stylish mirror,” Shay says.
Swap in Statement Lighting
K+Co Living
If you’ve got a standard light fixture hanging in your bedroom, watch how it transforms by simply swapping in a statement piece. Wolf says this is especially helpful in larger spaces. “Adding statement lighting can not only take up space to create a more cozy environment, it also adds a lot of instant visual appeal,” Wolf says. “Focus on one bold chandelier or ceiling fixture if the space allows it.” Alternatively, consider an interesting lamp or wall sconces to add personality without taking up too much room.
