When it comes to bedroom design ideas, there are countless styles to choose from. As someone passionate about interior design, I have spent countless hours researching many different bedroom styles and figuring out what design elements makes them what they are.
Bedroom Style Ideas & Guide
In this article, I will be sharing my knowledge and expertise on the most popular bedroom styles that I have discovered, including Boho, Shabby Chic, and Coastal.
1. Preppy Bedrooms
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Preppy bedrooms are meticulously designed spaces that are characterised by their mix of patterns, bright and colourful colour schemes, and attention to detail.
The walls often feature bold patterns such as stripes, gingham, or plaid, adding a touch of preppy elegance to the wall space. The furniture used in preppy bedroom design ideas is often made of rich, high-quality materials like dark wood or polished metals, contributing to the overall refined aesthetic.
Classic elements such as an upholstered headboard, tufted chairs, and elegant dressers create an air of luxury, while the bedding and accessories follow a cohesive theme, with a mix of solid colours, bold prints, and carefully selected accents like monogrammed pillows or luxurious throws.
Preppy bedrooms are a perfect blend of sophistication, comfort and fun, offering a stylish retreat for those who appreciate classic design style and a quirky mix of colours and patterns.
2. Modern Bedroom Style
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Modern bedroom decor embraces clean lines, minimalist aesthetics, and a contemporary flair. The colour palette often revolves around white walls and neutral tones, such as whites, greys, and blacks, which creates a clean and calming bedroom atmosphere.
The furniture in a modern or contemporary bedroom interior often follows a clean and geometric design style, with a preference for materials such as metal, glass, polished wood and high gloss finishes.
Platform beds with low profiles are commonly found in this style of bedroom ideas, accompanied by minimalist nightstands and dressers that offer practical storage without overwhelming the space. The bedding and textiles that accompany them also use a minimal colour palette, with monochromatic tones or subtle flashes of colour.
To finish, contemporary design lighting fixtures such as pendant lights or recessed lighting, provide both functionality and a further modern touch. As a whole, for modern or contemporary style bedroom design ideas, prioritise simplicity, functionality, and a sense of calm.
3. Rustic Style Bedroom
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Rustic style bedroom ideas radiate a charming and inviting atmosphere with their warm and cosy appeal. This bedroom style is predominantly defined by its natural, earthy elements and lived-in ambience. Weathered wood, whether in the form of exposed ceiling beams, reclaimed furniture, or a sturdy bed frame infuses any bedroom interior with rustic beauty.
The colour palette often revolves around warm and earthy tones like deep browns, muted greens, and soft neutrals, creating a soothing and organic backdrop to the bedroom space. Textures also play a significant role, with cosy wool or fur throws, plaid blankets, and rough-hewn textures adding depth and visual interest.
Finally, rustic-style bedroom design ideas are incomplete without a touch of vintage flair, which can be achieved through antique-inspired light fixtures, distressed bedroom furniture pieces, and carefully curated decor items like vintage mirrors and old-world paintings.
4. Coastal Beach-Themed Bedroom
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A coastal bedroom design has the power to transport you to a tranquil seaside oasis by capturing the essence of coastal living, infusing the space with a light, airy feel and a refreshing colour palette inspired by the ocean and soft sandy shores. Cool neutrals with shades of blue, soft aqua, sandy beige, and crisp white often dominate the space, reflecting the tones and colours of a coastal landscape.
Natural wood materials such as rattan, driftwood, and other light-toned woods are incorporated into furniture pieces and accents, adding organic texture and a warm aesthetic. Nautical motifs like seashells, starfish, and anchors are thoughtfully placed as decorative elements, while sheer curtains allow gentle natural light to filter through, creating a calming and ethereal atmosphere.
Linens and fabrics in soft cotton or linen evoke the feeling of relaxation, while coastal-inspired artwork and seascapes adorn the walls, further immersing you in the beachy ambience. In my opinion, coastal bedroom styles are a true haven of tranquillity, allowing you to unwind and embrace the laid-back charm of seaside living.
5. Romantic Style Bedrooms
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For an enchanting and intimate space that exudes love and passion, a romantic bedroom is the design style for you. With soft and muted colour palettes, such as blush pinks, deep burgundies, and rich purples, the stage is set for a beautiful romantic atmosphere.
Add to this luxurious soft furnishings and fabrics such as satin, velvet, and silk, which can be gracefully placed across the bed and windows, to add a touch of opulence and sensuality. The use of a canopy bed with flowing sheer curtains and fairy lights can further evoke a dreamy atmosphere, while plush rugs and pillows offer an additional cosy and comfortable feel.
Soft warm lighting from bedside lamps or candlelit sconces enhance the mood, casting a gentle romantic glow for other delicate details like elegant lace accents, intricate embroidery, and a few pieces of decorative trim.
As a final flourish, thoughtfully chosen artwork, such as romantic quotes and sentimental photographs add a personal and intimate touch, indulging the senses to create a romantic bedroom where love and romance can blossom.
6. Scandinavian Style Bedroom Design
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Scandinavian bedroom design, with its minimalist and functional approach, is known for its use of light colours, cool tones and natural materials, which deliver a soothing and harmonious ambience. A key feature of Scandinavian design is a colour palette that uses soft hues such as white, greys, and pastels, which contribute to the airy and open feel of the space.
Scandinavian furniture tends to be simple in design yet elegant in style, with a heavy focus on functionality and practicality. Other wooden elements, such as bed frames and flooring, add a cosy warmth and further touch of nature.
Decorative accessories are kept to a minimum, and instead, the emphasis is placed on the warm neutrals of textured fabrics and textiles like sheepskin rugs, knitted blankets, and linen curtains. These elements work harmoniously together to create a Scandinavian-style bedroom interior that is both tranquil and visually appealing.
7. Industrial Style Bedroom
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A favourite bedroom style of myself and many interior designers, industrial bedrooms embrace a raw and urban aesthetic, drawing inspiration from converted loft spaces and factory settings. They feature exposed brick walls, concrete floors, and visible ductwork, which are signature elements that lend an industrial appeal to the room.
The colour scheme often revolves around neutral tones like greys, browns, and blacks, creating a masculine and rugged atmosphere. To enhance the industrial vibe, metal accents such as iron bed frames, exposed pipes and distressed metal light fixtures are incorporated.
The use of repurposed or reclaimed furniture is an integral part of an industrial bedroom style, adding further character and authenticity to the space, with examples including vintage lockers or industrial carts turned bedside tables.
Focusing on decorative elements, vintage signs, salvaged wood, and industrial-inspired artwork serve as focal points in the room, infusing it with personality and nostalgia. By combining rough textures, utilitarian materials, and a touch of nostalgia, Industrial style bedrooms create a cohesive space with a unique and captivating appeal.
8. Boho Style Bedrooms
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Boho bedroom decor embraces a free-spirited and eclectic style that affords warmth and creativity, taking inspiration from bohemian aesthetics and design style.
It celebrates a mix of patterns, textures, and cultural influences, resulting in a design concept that is vibrant and visually stimulating. Colours used include rich jewel tones and earthy hues, which create a lively and visually captivating atmosphere.
To add depth and a cosy touch, layers of textiles such as soft blankets, tapestries, macrame wall hangings, and colourful rugs are incorporated into the bedroom design.
Natural materials like rattan, wicker, and bamboo are repeatedly used in furniture pieces or as decorative accents, infusing the perfect bohemian aesthetic. The use of mismatched furniture and accessories, blending vintage and modern pieces seamlessly, adds whimsy and individual expression. Plants and greenery also play a vital role in Boho styling, offering a refreshing and organic touch to the space.
9. Cottage Core Bedroom
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Cottage core bedrooms have a certain whimsical and comforting charm to them, transporting you to a tranquil countryside retreat. These dreamy spaces are enchanting and rustic in design, with soft, muted colours such as pastel pinks, sage greens, and creamy whites.
Floral patterns, vintage-inspired wallpapers, and delicate lace curtains all add a touch of nostalgic elegance, while weathered wooden furniture, from quaint four-poster beds to vintage dressers, infuse a sense of natural beauty. Other delightful accents like floral garlands, woven baskets, and dainty fairy lights adorn cottage core designs.
A distinct element of a cottage core bedroom interior is a sumptuous floral quilt or handmade crochet blanket, both the perfect accessory for snuggling up and unwinding. Finally, a scattering of antique books, dried flowers, and hand-painted artworks add personalised decor touches that complete the cottage core vibe.
10. Mediterranean Themed Bedroom
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Mediterranean-themed bedrooms effortlessly capture the vibrant and relaxed spirit of the Mediterranean, evoking the essence of a sun-drenched coastal retreat. Warm earthy tones and the use of natural elements define these inviting spaces.
Serene backdrops reminiscent of the sea and sun-soaked landscapes come to life through walls painted in hues of azure blue, sandy beige, or sun-kissed terracotta, infusing an authentic Mediterranean charm. Rustic wooden beams, stone accents, and terracotta tiles add rich texture to the space, while flowing curtains in light fabrics, like sheer voile or linen, gently sway in the breeze, allowing soft natural light to filter in.
Furniture made of natural materials such as distressed wood exudes a casual elegance and additional decorative details like mosaic patterns, ceramic vases, and wrought iron accents complete the look. Coastal-inspired artwork, seashells, and plants such as olive trees or potted succulents are perfect to adorn the room, further enhancing the Mediterranean theme.
11. Shabby Chic Style Bedroom
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Shabby Chic bedrooms afford a quaint vintage elegance and beautiful rustic charm and are adorned with soft and muted colours, often featuring pastel hues such as blush pink, faded blues, and creamy whites.
The furniture of this bedroom style embraces a distressed and timeworn look, where imperfections are celebrated as part of their inherent beauty. Distressed or whitewashed antique furniture, such as a weathered wooden bed frame or a French dresser add character to the space, whilst delicate floral patterns, lace accents, and ruffled textiles bring a touch of femininity and nostalgia.
Consider adding a plush, vintage-inspired rug for the floor and sheer curtains as window dressings, to gently filter in the sunlight for a dreamy ambience. Delicate accessories like vintage crystal chandeliers, antique picture frames, and mismatched floral china complete the look, infusing the space with a touch of whimsy and delight.
A Shabby Chic bedroom design should be a haven of comfort, with plush bedding covered by soft, fringed throws and an abundance of plush pillows.
12. Modern Farmhouse Style Bedroom
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Modern farmhouse-style bedrooms blend contemporary elements with natural rustic appeal, resulting in a harmonious and inviting space. They seek to embody a cosy and laid-back atmosphere while incorporating some modern design principles.
Neutral colours, such as soft greys, creamy whites, and warm beiges, create a soothing backdrop, while reclaimed wood accents, such as barn doors or exposed beams, infuse a touch of rustic character.
Clean-lined furniture with distressed finishes and antique-inspired details strike a perfect balance between modern and farmhouse bedroom aesthetics. Textured textiles like soft knitted throws, plaid blankets, and linen bedding add warmth and comfort.
To finish, delicate touches like dried floral arrangements, vintage signs, or farmhouse-inspired artwork enhance the room's visual aesthetic and greenery in the form of potted plants or fresh flowers bring a refreshing natural element.
13. Art Deco Style Bedroom
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Art Deco-style bedrooms are luxurious and glamorous, inspired by the elegance and design trends of the 1920s and 1930s. These opulent spaces are known for their bold geometric patterns, rich materials, and lavish accents. Walls are certainly not plain, but adorned with luxurious wallpapers featuring intricate patterns, such as sunbursts or fan motifs, to create a striking backdrop.
Rich jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, and ruby red add depth and drama whilst furniture is sleek with polished finishes, often made of exotic woods or lacquered materials. Mirrored surfaces and metallic accents, such as chrome or gold, reflect light and create an opulent feeling of grandeur. Plush velvet upholstery, silk draperies, and faux fur throws also contribute to the indulgent look.
Statement lighting fixtures, such as chandeliers or geometric pendant lights, become a prominent focal point and exude everything that is Art Deco charm. Finally for wall decor, art pieces that showcase the era's iconic motifs, like stylised figures or abstract geometric shapes are used to capture the essence of the era.
My Bedroom Styling Tips
Here are some of my top styling and design tips that can be used to enhance your bedroom decor:
- Incorporate teal accents: Teal is a versatile and on-trend colour that can add interest to any bedroom interior. Consider using it to cover walls or incorporating it in your bedding, curtains, or other accent pieces.
- Mix metals: Don't be afraid to mix metal finishes in your bedroom design. Combining silver, gold, and bronze can create a sophisticated and eclectic look.
- Use jute rugs: Jute rugs are a great way to add texture to any bedroom design ideas. They are also durable and eco-friendly.
- Take advantage of high ceilings: If your bedroom interior has a high ceiling, use it to your advantage by hanging a statement light fixture or tall bookshelves to draw the eye upward.
- Add flowers: Fresh flowers are a quick and simple way to add colour and life to your bedroom design. They also have a calming effect, making them perfect for a relaxing ambience.
- Embrace modern design styles: Modern design is all about simplicity and clean lines. Consider incorporating modern elements, such as a platform bed or minimalist art pieces, into your bedroom ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some tips for styling a cosy and inviting bedroom?
When it comes to creating a cosy and inviting bedroom interior, comfort is key. Soft, plush bedding and pillows can make a big difference in creating a comfortable atmosphere.
Neutral or warm-toned colours and soft lighting can also help to create a calming bedroom space. Adding personal touches, such as family photos or artwork, can also help to make the space feel more welcoming and inviting.
How can I make my bedroom look expensive?
There are a few ways to make your bedroom look more expensive without breaking the bank. One way is to invest in quality bedding and pillows as they are a prominent part of the space. Also, adding a statement furniture piece, such as a decorative headboard or a unique set of drawers, can elevate the overall look and feel of the room.
Another easy way to make the space feel more luxurious is to add texture, such as a plush rug or velvet curtains.
What are some cheap ways to update my bedroom decor?
Updating your own bedroom doesn't have to be expensive. One easy way to update the look of your space is to add new bedding or throw pillows in a contrasting colour or pattern.
Rearranging furniture can also give the room a fresh feel without spending any money, or adding a few plants or a gallery wall can add the perfect personal touch to update the space.
Should a bed be in the middle of the room or against a wall?
The placement of your bed ultimately depends on the layout of your room and your personal preference. Placing the bed against a wall can create a cosy and intimate feel to your sleeping space, while placing it in the middle of the room gives your room a more symmetrical look, but leaves you with less useable floor area.
Consider the flow of the room and how you use the space when deciding on bed placement.
Can you put a bed next to a radiator?
It's generally not recommended to place a bed next to a radiator, as it can create an uncomfortable and potentially dangerous sleeping environment.
Radiators can get very hot and may cause accidental burns or overheating whilst trying to sleep. If you have no option but to place your bed next to a radiator, make sure there is enough space between the bed itself and the radiator, to allow for proper airflow and prevent potential hazards.
Author: Matthew Chiappini
