Bedroom design matters — a thoughtfully decorated interior can make it easier to decompress and sleep through the night. Even if your space is small, your bedroom should feel like a personal sanctuary defined by the colors, textures and furniture that aid in relaxation. Regardless of your design style — farmhouse, modern, rustic, boho and more — this roundup of the best bedroom ideas will help craft your dream retreat.
Whether you're renovating your primary bedroom, styling a small bedroom or even upgrading the kids' rooms, we've got you covered with a mix of aspirational design ideas and budget-friendly DIY projects. Think big with warm wood paneling, painted ceilings and intentional alcoves. For an easy weekend project, consider painting your own headboard, layering in pops of pattern or repainting an old dresser. Swap out area rugs, install new light fixtures or hang a fresh set of curtains. We also share ideas for reusing inherited pieces, like vintage bed frames, sliding barn doors or arched window frames.
Start scrolling to find inspiration for your bedroom design, no matter your budget or skill level. Remember that small changes can have a big impact (for example, something as simple as swapping bedding, throw pillows or bedside lamps). And for paint color inspiration, we have tons of shades for you to peruse: striking black and white, calming blues, playful pinks and dreamy white.
1
Paint a Wall-to-Wall Headboard
Mimic the impact of a piece of furniture with a rich color on the wall and baseboard behind a bed. Here, designer Julie Rose painted a ¼ inch black line to emphasize the cheerful green (Farrow & Ball’s Breakfast Room Green).
2
Incorporate Soft Black
Take a risk with dark shades, whether it's bedding, furniture or paint colors. Sherwin-Williams’s Web Gray in a flat finish completes this restful space, designed by Candace Shure. "The richness was exactly what the room needed to create that moody vibe," Shure says.
RELATED: Behr Keeps It Classic With a Soft Black as Its 2024 Color of the Year
3
Decorate Open Shelving
Ebony-stained shelves flank this bed and complement the bedroom’s main focal point: a stunning Japanese screen. Designer Victoria Sheffield replaced original upper cabinets with wood shelves to showcase treasures like vases and dishes.
RELATED: Clever Bedroom Storage Ideas to Keep Your Space Organized, No Matter How Small
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4
Spark Imagination in Kids' Bedrooms
From the playful Bien Fait animal-print wallpaper to the full-size bunk beds, this boy's bedroom is designed to grow with him over time and inspire creativity, according to designer Ryann Swan.
RELATED: Creative Kids' Room Ideas for a More Inspiring Space
5
Build a Ladder Clothing Rack
Turn your wardrobe into room decor by putting a clothing rack out in the open. To recreate this sleek style, you'll need two ladders, two wooden planks for the shoe platforms and a wooden rod to hang clothes.
RELATED: Budget-Friendly DIY Home Decor Ideas for an Instant Refresh
6
Put an Reading Chair in the Corner
Create a designated spot for cuddling up with a good read, like this striped armchair sitting in the corner. To complete this cozy bedroom, designer Nellie Howard Ossi brings in soothing cool tones, like green and blue patterned curtains and floral bedding.
RELATED: Reading Chairs That Don't Skimp on Style or Comfort
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7
Rely on Warm Neutrals
If you prefer warmth over cool tones, layer in earthy tones like beige, brown and tannish pinks. Here, designer Lindye Galloway infuses texture, warm woods and a floral wallpapered accent wall to balance the space.
8
Cover Walls in Paneling
For a modern farmhouse feel, install white wood paneling all the way to the ceiling — which works particularly well when paired with exposed beams and ceilings. To elevate the vintage-inspired look, Liz Williams Interiors adds a taper candle chandelier and canopy bed.
9
Weave in Warm Woods
From kitchens to bedrooms, warm woods are trending for 2024 — mostly because of their power to cozy up an interior. Take note from designer Emily Henderson and start with an oak bed frame and matching nightstands.
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10
Add Pops of Pattern
Even if you prefer a timeless neutral design, don't miss the chance to bring in a bit of whimsy. Here, designer Ryann Swan chooses a floral fabric for lamp shades, striped throw pillows and a geometric throw blanket for the foot of the bed.
11
Let an Area Rug Be the Focal
Draw attention to a gorgeous area rug beneath the bed, just as JAM does here. It's genius if you're decorating an apartment, where you can't change the floors or walls.
RELATED: Best Places to Buy Modern, Affordable Rugs Online
12
Think Shades of Blue
Popular in the bedroom, blue is symbol of calm, serenity and tranquility. Make your personal oasis feel more soothing with a shade of blue, from teal to navy.
RELATED: Blue Bedrooms That Showcase The Shade's Unrivaled Calming Powers
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13
Choose Timeless White Bedding
Reminiscent of a luxe hotel, this all-white bed looks bright, clean and polished. To add a dose of color, Morse Design adds a geometric area rug.
14
Put Your Bed Into an Alcove
If you have extra room, create a tiny alcove the exact size of your bed frame — an easy way to guarantee more floor space. We love how Studio Munroe adds a striped wallcovering all over and hangs three paintings inside the cove.
15
Create Contrast With Black Details
Add a bit of contrast to an all-white bedroom by bringing in jet black elements. Here, interior designer Stephanie Brown paints the window rails black, hang a dark curtain rod and opts for a black bed frame.
RELATED: How to Hang Curtains the Right Way, According to an Interior Designer
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16
Try a Cabin-Chic Style
Turn exposed wood walls into a design statement, just as architecture and interiors studio JAM has done here. To make the space more inviting, layer in textures (think faux fur rugs, cozy bedding and tons of throw pillows).
17
Hang Luxe Curtains
Never estimate the power of bedroom curtains. Hang them high to create the illusion of a larger space and allow them to puddle on the floor for a luxe look. Here, designer Amy Sklar hangs light pink curtains from a gold rod to tie the bedroom color palette together.
RELATED: Inspiring Bedroom Curtain Ideas to Recreate
18
DIY Your Dresser
This blogger upgraded her simple bedroom dresser using scrap paper, Plaid Royal Coat Decoupage and a blueprint copy of one of her favorite photos. It's a project you can try at home for less, as only five materials are needed.
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19
Choose Symmetrical Furniture
Symmetry is one word Clara Jung, principal of Banner Day Interiors, kept in mind when designing this bedroom full of neutrals. The pairs of wooden nightstands, table lamps and mirrors give the space a cohesive feel.
20
Pair Black and Green for a Dramatic Retreat
A black and green color palette can be both elegant and casual. Use green as your bed's backdrop and paint the surrounding bookshelves and accents, like a wall sconce, a moody shade of black.
Monique Valeris
Home Design Director
Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, "What's in My Cart."
Alyssa Gautieri
Associate Lifestyle Editor
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
I am an expert in bedroom design and have a deep understanding of the concepts mentioned in this article. I can provide you with information related to each concept discussed. Let's dive into the details!
Bedroom Design Concepts
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Colors, Textures, and Furniture: A thoughtfully decorated bedroom should be a personal sanctuary that aids in relaxation. The choice of colors, textures, and furniture plays a crucial role in creating a soothing atmosphere. Whether you prefer farmhouse, modern, rustic, boho, or any other design style, it's important to select elements that align with your preferences and contribute to a calming ambiance.
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Bedroom Ideas: The article mentions a roundup of the best bedroom ideas that can help you craft your dream retreat. These ideas cater to various needs, such as renovating a primary bedroom, styling a small bedroom, or upgrading kids' rooms. The suggestions range from aspirational design ideas to budget-friendly DIY projects, ensuring there's something for everyone.
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Warm Wood Paneling: Warm wood paneling can add a touch of elegance and coziness to a bedroom. Consider incorporating warm wood paneling on the walls to create a modern farmhouse feel. This works particularly well when paired with exposed beams and ceilings, as it elevates the vintage-inspired look.
-
Painting a Wall-to-Wall Headboard: Mimicking the impact of a piece of furniture, you can paint a rich color on the wall and baseboard behind the bed to create a wall-to-wall headboard. This technique can add visual interest and make a statement in your bedroom design.
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Incorporating Soft Black: Taking a risk with dark shades, such as soft black, can create a moody and restful space. Whether it's bedding, furniture, or paint colors, incorporating soft black elements can add depth and richness to your bedroom design.
-
Decorating Open Shelving: Open shelving can be a stylish and functional addition to your bedroom. Consider replacing upper cabinets with ebony-stained shelves to showcase decorative items like vases and dishes. This allows you to personalize your space and display cherished treasures.
-
Spark Imagination in Kids' Bedrooms: Designing kids' bedrooms to inspire creativity and grow with them over time is essential. Incorporate playful elements like animal-print wallpaper and full-size bunk beds to create a space that sparks imagination and reflects their personality.
-
Ladder Clothing Rack: Turn your wardrobe into room decor by placing a clothing rack out in the open. You can create a sleek style by using two ladders, wooden planks for shoe platforms, and a wooden rod to hang clothes. This not only adds functionality but also adds visual interest to your bedroom.
-
Reading Chair in the Corner: Create a designated spot for relaxation and reading by placing a comfortable chair in the corner of your bedroom. Pair it with soothing cool tones, like green and blue patterned curtains and floral bedding, to complete the cozy ambiance.
-
Relying on Warm Neutrals: If you prefer warmth over cool tones, consider layering earthy tones like beige, brown, and tannish pinks in your bedroom design. Infuse texture, warm woods, and a floral wallpapered accent wall to create a balanced and inviting space.
-
Adding Pops of Pattern: Even if you prefer a timeless neutral design, don't miss the opportunity to bring in a bit of whimsy with pops of pattern. Incorporate floral fabrics for lamp shades, striped throw pillows, and geometric throw blankets to add visual interest and personality to your bedroom.
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Using Area Rugs as Focal Points: Draw attention to a gorgeous area rug beneath the bed to create a focal point in your bedroom. This is particularly useful when you can't change the floors or walls, such as in an apartment. Choose a rug that complements your design style and adds a touch of luxury to your space.
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Choosing Timeless White Bedding: White bedding can create a bright, clean, and polished look in your bedroom. To add a dose of color, consider incorporating a geometric area rug that complements the overall design.
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Creating Alcoves for Beds: If you have extra room, consider creating a tiny alcove the exact size of your bed frame. This allows you to guarantee more floor space and adds a unique architectural element to your bedroom design. You can enhance the alcove by adding a striped wallcovering and hanging paintings inside.
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Contrasting with Black Details: Add a bit of contrast to an all-white bedroom by incorporating jet black elements. Paint the window rails black, hang a dark curtain rod, and opt for a black bed frame. These black details can create a striking visual impact and add depth to your bedroom design.
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Cabin-Chic Style: Turn exposed wood walls into a design statement by embracing a cabin-chic style. Layer in textures like faux fur rugs, cozy bedding, and throw pillows to make the space more inviting and cozy.
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Hanging Luxe Curtains: Bedroom curtains have the power to transform a space. Hang them high to create the illusion of a larger space and allow them to puddle on the floor for a luxurious look. Choose curtains that complement your bedroom color palette and add a touch of elegance.
-
DIY Dresser Upgrade: Upgrade a simple bedroom dresser using scrap paper, decoupage, and a favorite photo. This budget-friendly DIY project allows you to personalize your dresser and add a unique touch to your bedroom decor.
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Symmetrical Furniture: Symmetry can create a cohesive and balanced feel in your bedroom. Consider pairing wooden nightstands, table lamps, and mirrors to achieve a symmetrical look that ties the space together.
-
Pairing Black and Green: A black and green color palette can create a dramatic and elegant retreat. Use green as the backdrop for your bed and incorporate black accents like bookshelves and a wall sconce. This combination can add depth and sophistication to your bedroom design.
Remember, these concepts are just a starting point, and you can customize them to suit your personal style and preferences. Happy designing!
