KatarzynaBialasiewicz/
Too often, the bedroom is overlooked in favor of more public areas within the home, yet crafting a tranquil sanctuary is crucial. When selecting furniture, take into account the dimensions of your bedroom, steer clear of matching sets, and opt for clever storage solutions. Enhance your space with natural elements that offer comfort and cosiness, along with lighting and window treatments that encourage restful sleep.
Your bedroom is more than a storage space for clothes and a place to sleep; it can be a soothing oasis for self-care and relaxation. (And that’s precisely what we all need right now!) The way it’s designed and decorated can transform it into a perfect little retreat where you can unwind.
Are you ready to revamp your bedroom with a touch of design flair? Adhere to these expert bedroom design tips from renowned decorators to transform your bedroom into a snug haven.
Liz Goldberg, Founder of Carolyn Leona Design
Rosanna Bassford, Founder and Principal Designer of Memmo Interiors
It’s not uncommon to find someone with a stunningly decorated living room but a plain and unexciting bedroom. “I frequently notice individuals not giving priority to the decoration and completion of their bedroom when moving into a new space or even after living in a home for some time,” explains Rosanna Bassford, founder of Memmo Interiors. “They focus on communal areas like the living room and kitchen, but I believe your resting place is equally significant. We spend a considerable amount of time in our bedrooms!”
It might seem like an obvious point, but the bed should indeed be the centerpiece of the bedroom. “Figuring out the ideal wall to position the bed against is essential, and then the rest of the room builds around that,” notes Liz Goldberg, founder of CAROLYNLEONA.
In the past, placing a bed against a wall with windows was frowned upon, but there are ways to make it work. “When we’re placing a bed on a windowed wall, I’ll hang floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall curtains behind it,” Goldberg explains. “This makes the windows seem larger and creates a stunning, soft backdrop that anchors the bed.”
The all-in-one bedroom sets are now somewhat outdated—and it’s better to select pieces that complement each other rather than match perfectly. “It’s definitely more captivating when you pair a bed with nightstands from various sources,” Bassford says. “To take it to the next level, the nightstands don’t need to match on either side. A useful guideline for achieving this look is to have one similar feature between the two, like color or size.”
By thoughtfully selecting a blend of furnishings, you can truly personalize the space. “Introducing a dresser or console in a different material adds character and makes the space feel more personalized,” Goldberg adds.
Consider the available space—especially if you’re trying to fit a king-sized bed into a compact bedroom. “I prefer furniture that fits the room’s scale and doesn’t feel overly heavy or bulky,” Goldberg says. “Over-sized items can overwhelm the room and make it feel cramped.”
When designing your bedroom, think about how you’ll use it—and how to achieve that within your space. Whether it’s a simple spot for rest at night or a luxurious space for self-care and grooming, you’ll want to outfit it accordingly.
“I enjoy adding a chair and lamp to one corner of the bedroom if there’s room,” Bassford remarks. “It provides a cozy spot to read, sip tea, or listen to music and unwind.”
If you have a cramped closet and need extra storage, invest in pieces that serve double duty—such as storage benches or stools. “Storage is always a key consideration,” Goldberg notes. “Closets can only hold so much, so I like to incorporate additional storage with a window bench, dresser, or drawers that keep things neatly tucked away. A clutter-free bedroom feels instantly more serene and spacious.”
“I always suggest removing workspaces from primary bedrooms if possible,” Bassford advises. “These are two distinct aspects of life and activities that don’t blend well.” If you can’t eliminate it entirely, consider segregating it from the room with a removable partition.
A single overhead light fixture, especially if it lacks a dimmer switch, won’t suffice in creating a cozy atmosphere. You’ll want to incorporate multiple lighting sources to allow for varied lighting schemes. “Adding lamps or dimmable fixtures gives you control over the light levels. Bedrooms need warmer, softer light,” Bassford advises.
Opt for warm-toned light bulbs to foster a cozy ambiance—or consider smart bulbs that can be programmed to change the lighting or dim at a set time to encourage you to wind down.
Comfort reigns supreme in the bedroom more than in any other room in your home. You’ll want to choose soft fabrics and materials for your bedding and rugs that you’ll cherish. “Bedding is a simple yet effective way to introduce coziness and tell the story of the room,” Goldberg shares. “I favor natural materials like linen and cotton because they feel great, stand the test of time, and are easy to maintain.”
When selecting decorative elements for your room, focus on items that bring you joy. “Incorporating artwork or framed photos into the bedroom is a great way to complete the space and introduce things you love that enhance your mood,” Bassford concludes.
