Bedroom Decorating Ideas

With a few helpful bedroom decorating ideas, you can easily transform a boring bedroom into a dreamy retreat. Give your master bedroom a refreshing new look with the right use of color, layering and storage.

Color

A common problem in bedrooms is lack of color. Walls are often beige and bare, wall-to-wall carpeting leaves little to be desired and basic furnishings all contribute to a rather nondescript master bedroom that’s less than inviting. Adding color makes a big impact and is a great place to start.

Since your bedroom is a place for repose, choose restful colors when selecting a color palette. Choose three colors that work well together and stick to the 60-30-10 color principle (60 percent is a dominant color, 30 percent is a secondary color and 10 percent is the accent color). When choosing wall paint, your dominant color, think soothing neutrals. Now, neutral does not mean cream or white. It simply means choosing a lighter or softer shade of a color—whether it’s sand, green, gray or blue—that has a touch of earth tone in it.

Not in the mood to paint? That’s okay, too. You can easily add color with bedding, wall décor and other accents.

Bedding, usually your secondary color, is a great way to introduce additional color into the master bedroom. If your spouse is not into florals or overly feminine prints, go with solids and create a monochromatic color scheme that keeps it simple and cozy. Choose lighter and darker shades of the same color and vary textures of the fabric for added interest. Or, for more serene pattern play, limit your pattern palette to two contrasting patterns and a solid in your sheets, duvet and shams.

Reserve bold hues and playful patterns for smaller accents around the room. Accent pillows, a bedside throw rug, artwork, vases and lampshades can all add a splash of fun color while supporting your primary and secondary colors without too much commitment.

Layering

Layering key decorating elements is what creates the perfect combination of comfort, warmth and texture. You’ll find that most bedroom decorating ideas are in some way related to creating layers around the room.

Bedding – Your sheets, a soft blanket, a bedspread, quilt or duvet, a throw and pillows in different shapes and sizes are all building blocks that help create an inviting, sumptuous bed. We would even say a headboard fits in the mix and adds to the overall look, especially if it’s upholstered.

Windows – A simple shade or bamboo blinds under drapes create a soft, layered look while controlling the amount of light in your room.

Flooring – A wool or cotton rug breaks up the expanse of wood flooring or covers up old carpeting while adding an extra layer of color and warmth.

Lighting – Create gentle, restful lighting from multiple light sources. A floor lamp or pair of sconces adds ambient lighting, a bedside lamp provides task lighting for reading and an overhead fixture bathes the room in light when needed.

Storage

Employing high-capacity storage in your bedroom goes a long way in creating a clean and clutter-free environment—and saves your sanity. Look for nightstands that have drawers, so you can easily stow away books, magazines and lotions just before you turn out the lights. Dressers or armoires that are large enough to fit your undergarments and other clothing prevent overstuffed drawers or, even worse, dreaded piles of folded laundry lying about.

If you need extra storage for throws, sweaters or winter blankets not in use, place a storage bench or ottoman at the foot of your bed. A plus: an upholstered version gives you another fun way to introduce color and texture. To keep smaller items and dresser-top trinkets in check, use a mix of baskets, bins and pretty hat boxes.

Keep in mind when furniture shopping that your choices will heavily influence the overall style of your decor. For example, if you prefer a more contemporary look, choose clean-lined wood furnishings that match in scale and wood tone. On the other hand, a mix of furnishings in different materials—glass, metal and wood—creates an organic, casual feel.

Have other bedroom decorating ideas you’d like to share? Tell us in the comments below.