Create a stylish sanctuary by following these designer tips.
Your bedroom is more than just a place to store your clothing and sleep at night—it can be a restful haven for self-care and relaxation. (And that’s exactly what we all need right now!) How it’s designed and decorated can help you turn it into the perfect little getaway where you can unwind.
Ready to give your bedroom a designer makeover? Follow these golden rules of bedroom design from top decorators to help you turn your bedroom into a cozy haven.
Put a priority on your bedroom
If you’re someone who has a gorgeously designed living room but a blank and boring bedroom, you’re not alone. “Often I see people not prioritizing the decoration and finishing of their bedroom when they move to a new space or even if they’ve lived in a home for a while,” says Rosanna Bassford, founder of Memmo Interiors. “They prioritize the public spaces like living room and kitchen—but I think your place of rest is just as important. We spend a lot of time in our bedrooms!”
Focus your room design around your bed
It’s probably a bit of a “duh!” moment, but the bed really should serve as the focal point of the bedroom. “Finding the best wall to anchor the bed is important, and then everything else layers in from there,” says Liz Goldberg, founder of CAROLYNLEONA.
In the past, it was considered a no-no to place a bed against a wall with windows, but there are ways to make that work for your space. “If we’re placing a bed on a wall with windows, I’ll run drapery floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall behind it,” Goldberg says. “It makes the windows feel larger and creates this beautiful, soft backdrop that grounds the bed.”
Mix and match furniture for a stylish look
Those all-in-one bedroom sets are a bit dated now—and you’re best off choosing pieces that complement each other, rather than matching fully. “It is definitely more interesting when you mix a bed with nightstands from other sources,” Bassford says. “To take it a step further, the nightstands don’t have to be the same on either side. One rule of thumb to make this look work is to have one similar element between the two nightstands, such as color or size.”
By choosing a good mix of furnishings, you really make the space your own. “Mixing in a dresser or console in a different material adds personality and makes the space feel layered and custom,” Goldberg says.
Consider your needs
When you’re designing your bedroom, think about how you plan to use it—and how you can achieve that in your space. Whether it’s just a place to rest at the end of the night, or you’d like a glam station where you can indulge in self-care or take care of your makeup and hair, you’ll want to outfit the bedroom appropriately.
“I love adding a chair and lamp in one corner of the bedroom if space allows,” Bassford says. “It gives you a cozy space to read a book, have a cup of tea, or listen to music and unwind.”
If you have a small closet and need more storage, invest in furnishings that do double duty—like storage benches or stools. “Storage is always part of the conversation,” Goldberg says. “Closets can only do so much, so I like to sneak in extra with a window bench, dresser, or drawers that keep everything tucked away. A clutter-free bedroom just feels instantly calmer and more spacious.”
Splurge on window treatments
Window treatments not only add to the room’s aesthetics, but they also help ensure that the lighting is just right for your morning or evening routine (or afternoon nap), plus they protect your privacy when you’re in your room. So it’s essential to opt for exactly what you’ll need. This may mean layering your window treatments, such as using semi-sheer curtains that filter sunlight and provide privacy during the day and blackout shades that block out the light when you’re trying to sleep.
“Don’t skip window treatments,” Goldberg says. “Even the simplest design can completely change the mood of a bedroom. They add softness, warmth, and function beautifully from morning light to nighttime privacy.”
Get the lighting right
A single overhead light fixture—especially if it isn’t on a dimmer switch—isn’t going to do much to create a cozy mood. You’ll want to layer in lighting to allow you to create unique lighting schemes. “Add lamps or have light fixtures on dimmers so you can control the level of lighting. Bedrooms call for warmer, softer light,” Bassford says.
Add dopamine design elements
More than any other room in your home, comfort is king in the bedroom. You’ll want to choose soft fabrics and materials for your bedding and rugs that you’ll love to touch. “Bedding is such a simple way to bring in coziness and tell the story of the room,” Goldberg says. “I love natural materials like linen and cotton because they feel good, wear well, and are simple to care for.”
When choosing decorative items for your room, focus on things that spark joy for you. “Adding artwork or framed photos in the bedroom is a nice way of finishing the space and also bringing things you love that boost your mood into your room,” Bassford says.
