Bedroom Design Ideas

A perfect bedroom is practical, comfortable and stylish. Learn how to get it right with these bedroom design ideas.

The place where you begin and end your day, your bedroom should be a calming, Zen space that puts you in a good mood when it’s time to retreat and makes you happy to wake up every morning. Thankfully, it’s easy to get it right—read on for a few bedroom design ideas that will help you create the perfect sanctuary.

Bedroom Design Considerations

Designing your bedroom is an exciting endeavor that can give you a fresh new perspective every day. The style, palette, and general direction that you choose for your bedroom can have a great impact on your mood, so think carefully before you shop.

There are a few things you should consider before you begin decorating. First, make note what you already have in the space that you would like to keep. Next, come up with a list of what you know you need to purchase and start thinking about how they should work with the style of your existing pieces. Regardless of your style, selecting plush rugs, comfortable bedding, and unique accessories will go a long way in helping you create the perfect private sanctuary.

Beyond sleeping, consider how else you’d like to use the space. Is this space multi-use? Do you work, exercise or watch TV in the room? Do you like to read or watch TV in bed? If so, be sure your bedroom is properly equipped with a television, media cabinet, or storage for exercise equipment, if you need it. Would you like a seating area for reading? Look for a comfortable chair and ottoman, as well as a reading light. Think about your habits, too. Do you like to use the bed to put your shoes on? If so, make sure your bed is the right height for your legs to reach the ground, or start shopping for a bench or ottoman for the end of your bed.

Bed Decorating Ideas

Chic, comfortable bedding is of utmost importance in any bedroom—as well as a supportive mattress. When shopping for bedding, think about your lifestyle and how much time you have to make the bed. A duvet is practical because it can be made quickly, while quilts and coverlets make take a bit more time to make but can create a gorgeous layered look. If you prefer a more weighted layer for sleeping, quilts and blankets may preferred to duvets, which tend to be lightweight. A matching suite of bedding will give your bedroom a more formal, pulled-together look, while a mixed-and-matched collection of sheets and other textiles will create a more eclectic look.

Lighting Tips for Your Bedroom

Every room should have a mix of task lighting, accent lighting, and ambient lighting. In the bedroom you should ensure that each nightstand is properly lit for nighttime reading; You can use table lamps, sconces, or even low-hung pendants on either side of the bed. Overhead lighting is also key for general lighting; flushmount lighting is simple and subtle, while chandeliers and pendants will offer more style. When you’re creating your lighting plan, don’t forget to consider the natural light (or lack of it).

Window Treatments for Your Bedroom

Window treatments are essential for creating privacy in your bedroom. Whether you have shutters, blinds, shades, or curtains, you’ll want the ability to shield your bedroom from neighbors and the exterior of your house. Curtains and drapes can have an airy, romantic effect, while roman shades can add style in more streamlined way. If you want to soften up the look of blinds, without getting too crazy with pattern, consider hanging a pair of simple white curtains.

Space Planning Tips for the Bedroom

When you’re planning your bedroom furniture layout, begin by determining you preferred placement of the bed, following by bedside tables, and then secondary pieces like any dressers, reading chairs, or side tables. Once those are in place, continue to fill the room appropriately making sure there’s enough space for traffic flow. We recommend a passage space of 30-36” near the door and around the bed.

Ideally a bed should be positioned with the headboard against the wall and 24" of space on either side for access and ease of making the bed; A foot of space can suffice in a tight situation.

If you have a dresser in your bedroom, be sure there is enough clearance for it near doors and for the drawers to open: allow 42–48" of clear space in front to open doors and drawers.

You don’t need to purchase a nightstand for your bedside—in many cases a side table will do—but be sure there is enough surface area for a lamp, books, magazines, an alarm clock, and any other amenities that you like to keep at hand. Also note that bedside tables should ideally be the same height as the mattress.