15 Easy Tips For Designing A Modern Bedroom
Bedrooms provide us with an opportunity to create an inviting space that's both comfortable and stylish, but they can be tricky to design, per Real Homes. But since the bedroom is where we spend a third of our day, it's important to have a space that's a refuge away from the rest of the world.
But what makes a cozy bedroom a cozy modern bedroom? Before you can answer that question, you need to ask yourself a few others. Think about how much time you spend in your bedroom each day. Will you need lots of storage? Do you plan on spending most nights watching TV? Or do you prefer reading books while relaxing at night? These factors should help guide your decisions when selecting which type of bedroom design suits you best.
Don't get overwhelmed by all the options available today; you can transform your bedroom into the ultimate refuge. Create a space that's made just for you with our 15 easy tips for designing a modern bedroom.
1. Make it minimalist
People who live in minimalist homes often feel happier because they only have what they really need or want, explains Minimalism Made Simple. They also feel more creative because there is less visual noise. With less visual noise, they have more time and energy to think about their goals, dreams, and aspirations. This can lead them to living fuller lives with improved mental health and well being.
However, sometimes decorating your bedroom in a minimalist style can be challenging, so don't be too hard on yourself if extra furniture or artwork creeps in (via Zen Habits). Start by choosing one or two pieces that work well together in harmony. Resist the urge to add extra accents like pillows, artwork, rugs, and complicated lighting fixtures.
2. Try monochrome
Monochrome spaces are easy on the eyes, simple to design, and suit any apartment or house. They're also perfect for anyone who loves simplicity and sleek lines, or who wants to express their creativity with just one color. With their chic, one-and-done appeal, monochromatic rooms are a great way to introduce a simple and chic design into your bedroom, according to The Spruce.
Monochrome rooms are also perfect for those who are looking for a blank canvas (via Décor Aid). Everything else in the space should be in the same color, including the walls, bedding, accessories, and even the floors. Keep the rest in neutral white, black, or gray to make your color choice really pop.
3. Add texture to the wall
A textured wall adds depth and dimension to any room, as noted by House Beautiful. It can be an excellent way to create a focal point or add intrigue to your space, and it's much easier than you might think. Some of the best ways to texture a wall that you may want to try: pebbled wallpaper, fabric, wood panels, bricks, concrete blocks, pebbles, or shells can give your home a bit of personality.
Whether you are looking to create a sense of warmth or serenity, texture can be a powerful tool in the design process. The key to successful texturing lies in understanding what textures work for different spaces and on different types of surfaces (via Science Direct).
4. Play with patterns
Patterned fabrics are a way for homeowners to bring visual interest to bedrooms without too much effort, per My Move. They can be just the thing to update a room and make it feel fresh and new. Patterned fabrics can also give any room personality (via Houzz). It's kind of like taking your favorite piece of furniture and adding your own unique touch to it.
Patterns like stripes, plaids, polka dots, checks, florals, animal prints, and geometric shapes can create the effect of a room within a room. For added impact, use bolder patterns against darker backgrounds.
5. Select a soft palette
Soft palettes offer a sense of calmness and serenity, says Bob Vila. This comfort is key in any bedroom, so having soft colors there will help create that feeling of peace and security. Colors like light beige, pale pink, or cream also ensure that you're creating an environment that supports your mental health.
Start by choosing one or two colors that work well together in harmony, suggests Sessions College. Use these same hues as inspiration for accents like pillows, artwork, rugs, and lighting fixtures. You don't have to rush into something permanent if you're not sure what color scheme you'll like in your space — just paint a few samples on walls to get an idea of what will work.
6. Hang mirrors
Mirrors reflect the natural light in a room, thus making the space seem warmer, according to SF Gate. Hang large mirrors above beds, dressers, desks, and windows to brighten up dark corners. Smaller mirrors placed strategically throughout the room can serve double duty by reflecting sunlight while providing additional privacy. Mirrors also provide visual interest throughout a room, creating a sense of brightness that never fails to make a space feel bigger and airier (via Star Furniture).
7. Add mood lighting
The lighting in a bedroom can affect sleep and well-being, shares Sleep.org. This is because light directly influences the circadian rhythm and behavior (via Healthline). Light stimulation is also effective in waking the body from sleep. Fortunately, from table lamps to ceiling fans, LED bulbs to dimmers, there are endless possibilities to illuminate your bedroom.
Lighting is also important for setting the mood of a room. For example, a bright white light can be great for getting ready in the morning, but it may not be ideal for sleeping at night or relaxing during the day. You should experiment with different types of lights until you find what works best for you.
8. Switch up your rugs
Decades of use cause waves and bubbles in carpeting from the weight of your bed, and it can also collect dirt, dust, and bacteria. To that end, updating the floor in your bedroom to something new can help you have a clean and welcoming vibe, as noted by Carlisle Wood Plank Floors.
Not interested in updating the entire floor? Think about a new rug, suggests Architecture Art Designs. A perfectly shaggy, woolly rug adds visual interest and a pop of color to any room. A rug also keeps your feet warm and cozy and protects you from drafty windows or hallways.
9. Paint the ceiling
Painting ceilings is one way to add color and life to a bedroom in need of a refresh. Don't feel like you have to stick with neutral shades like white or off-white, either. No one's expecting a Sistine Chapel level of artistry (unless that's what you want, of course). White, puffy clouds against a bright blue sky works well, but consider painting your bedroom ceiling a single color, like gray or a pretty coral. If you're not sure what color will look good, try painting a sample swatch onto cardstock first. While painting a ceiling can seem like a daunting task, you can catch a great tutorial over at Home Depot.
10. Add an accent chair
If you're looking for an easy way to make your bedroom feel more complete, adding accent chairs might be the answer. Accent chairs are often smaller and lighter than other pieces of furniture, which makes them easier to move around and rearrange, per The Spruce. They also come in a variety of textures, colors, and shapes that can help tie your room together.
If you want to add a new focal point to your bedroom, an armchair might be just the trick. A small armchair works great if you want to create a little nook, while an oversized ottoman provides extra comfort and serves as a convenient footrest. Even a simple stool can add some personality to a blah corner, notes Home Stratosphere.
11. Plants add panache
Plants bring fresh air and natural beauty to any living space, which is why they are an excellent addition to any home. They offer a unique aesthetic, improve the air quality of the room, and they can even reduce stress. In fact, many studies have shown that having plants in your home can help with mood elevation and relaxation, per Pure Wow. For example, lucky bamboo is often given as a gift to bring joy and happiness into a home or office, according to The Spruce. Spider plants are very versatile and can grow in many different types of living spaces, suggests Gardening Know How. And aloe plants can help with sleep because they produce alpha waves that promote relaxation and calmness (via Gardening Know How).
12. Get new bed linens
Bed sheets, duvets, and bed skirts are the perfect way to add some flair to your bedroom, per Homes & Gardens. What's best is that you can find them in just about any color or pattern (and budget) imaginable. Even better, adding decorative items to your bedding collection doesn't have to be a big overhaul; one piece at a time is just as effective. Choose fabrics that coordinate with your existing decorating scheme. For example, if you love bright colors, go for bold patterns instead of pastels. Or, if you'd rather stick with neutrals, pick solid hues over prints.
13. Consider a new nightstand
A nightstand is typically the only piece of furniture in the bedroom that is literally at the edge of your fingertips. The beauty of a gorgeous nightstand is that it doesn't need to match the rest of the furniture, which gives you the opportunity to get creative and make something that's uniquely yours, says House Beautiful. To that end, adding a pop of color to nightstands makes them much less mundane. Try mixing patterns together or choosing bold colors such as red or orange. Or go monochromatic: Choose black, gray, blue or silver for a sleek effect.
14. Hang artwork above your headboard
Art can be an inexpensive way to make your bedroom more eye-catching and interesting; you don't have to become a high-society art collector when you can always find something that fits your style and budget, shares Time. Additionally, by hanging art above your headboard, you create a focal point that draws attention away from parts of your room. This helps prevent visual clutter and keeps the focal point where you want it (via Construction Specialties). Plus, by creating a sense of balance between large objects and empty spaces, artwork creates visual interest throughout the entire room.
15. Get serious about storage
According to Psychology Today, cluttered rooms can make you feel restless and overwhelmed, as you can't find what you need and it's hard to relax. Fortunately, you can declutter your space without sacrificing functionality or comfort by adding bedroom storage. Doing so will make it easier for you to find items when you need them, make your room tidy, and help reduce clutter. Use baskets to store shoes and accessories; place open shelves under windows for books, magazines, and knickknacks; stack boxes underneath dressers for jewelry and clothing; and use wire racks to display necklaces and bracelets.