Styling a bedroom may seem like it should be a fun and easy task. After all, it’s probably the one place in your home where you have free rein to decorate however you want. If you’re leaning towards a bedroom design with bold and vibrant wallpaper and an eclectic gallery wall — well, that’s your prerogative. But the truth is, your bedroom is much more than an outlet for creative self-expression. It’s often the place you go to unwind from the day and catch up on much-needed sleep.
Creating a dreamy bedroom space that perfectly balances function and style is harder than it looks — hence why many people pay interior designers to do the job for them. But if you don’t have the money to hire a pro right now, don’t sweat it! Here are a few interior design tips and tricks that will help you craft your bedroom into a serene oasis at a fraction of the cost.
Prepare a Luxurious Bed
From both a design and practical standpoint, your bed is the single most important piece of furniture in your bedroom. Not only does the bed often serve as the focal point of any bedroom, but it’s also critical for ushering in a good night’s sleep. The bottom line? Don’t cheap out on your bedding. Ensure that your mattress is high-quality, top it with a comfortable mattress topper and invest in the best sheets you can afford. Then, style your bed like a pro by layering a chic duvet cover over a cozy throw blanket (bonus points if it’s a weighted throw blanket) and adding shams to unify your design.
Layer Your Light Sources
Installing one light fixture in your bedroom isn’t going to cut it. According to the pros, you need to have multiple light fixtures — three, ideally — in any given space. Why? Because layering your lighting gives you plenty of ambiance options that enhance both the comfort and functionality of your space. So, go beyond basic overhead lighting and add a bedside table lamp or a sculptural floor lamp to your space. For even more flexibility, install a dimmer switch to achieve a wide range of lighting.
Don’t Be Afraid of Dark Colors
Lighter color palettes are popular in bedrooms, and for good reason. They tend to make us feel calmer and more relaxed. But don’t write off darker hues too quickly. Dark colors, such as black and navy blue, can make a large bedroom feel much cozier and add intrigue to your space. The key to using darker colors is to avoid dark everything. For instance, if you have dark floors in your bedroom, you’ll want to add a large area rug in a light color to avoid making your space feel too dark. In a similar vein, be sure to decorate your walls with bold colors and artwork in interesting shapes to add dimension.
Embrace Patterns — But Know When to Go Solid
People are often hesitant to add bold patterns to their bedroom, especially when they’re working with a small space. But here’s the thing: incorporating patterns into your decorating scheme is an incredibly easy way to set the tone for your bedroom and make it look like something from an interior design magazine. To make your eye-catching design look purposeful (as opposed to chaotic), be sure to combine patterns and prints in an array of styles and scales. At the same time, though, be careful to avoid too many patterns. Give the eyes room to rest by incorporating plenty of solid colors in your bedroom.
Corral Clutter with Decorative Trays and Baskets
One thing you’ll never see in a professionally designed bedroom? Clutter. Your knick-knacks and tchotchkes may seem harmless enough, but in excess, they can lead to higher levels of stress and problems with procrastination. Fortunately, most interior designers know that being a bare-bones minimalist isn’t a realistic goal for the average American family. That’s why they often use decorative trays and baskets to hide clutter and ensure that every item has a proper home. If you want to steal from their clutter-free playbook, look for functional storage ideas, like over-the-door storage baskets for shoes or an upholstered storage bench to go at the foot of your bed.
Choose a Nightstand with Storage
No bedroom is complete without a functional nightstand. So, why not choose one with an equal mix of storage and style? Pick a nightstand with shelves or a drawer that you can use to store all your nighttime essentials (think books, earplugs and your favorite weighted eye mask). For a decorative touch, try adding a vase with flowers or a small succulent. Prefer to keep things practical? Add a reading lamp and a carafe of water.
Build a Timeless Foundation
When decorating a bedroom, it can be tempting to mimic the stylish design trends you see on Pinterest. However, unless you have the time and money to redesign your bedroom every season, you’re probably better off sticking to timeless decor. To find the right balance between trendy and evergreen design, many interior designers recommend thinking about your bedroom in terms of layers. For example, your bedroom’s base layer typically includes your biggest (and most expensive) furniture, like your bed frame, dresser and maybe an accent chair. In contrast, your second layer includes smaller, less expensive items, such as artwork, rugs and decorative objects.
Stick to timeless pieces for your base layer and use your second layer to have fun with trends. That way, when you inevitably get bored with an interior design trend, you can simply swap out some decorative accents and keep your foundation the same.
Wrapping Up
Your bedroom may not get as many visitors as, say, the living room or dining room, but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be equally stylish. With these design tips, you can style the bedroom of your dreams and carve out a serene sanctuary that you’ll never want to leave.
