The place you sleep every night should be made for relaxation, though exactly how you cultivate that atmosphere is up to you. When thinking about how to decorate a bedroom, embrace your style, but don’t be afraid to take risks either. After all, it’s one of the more private spaces in the house where you can experiment with artful accent furniture like quirky nightstands and bedside tables and pamper yourself with luxe bedding. (Peruse our Sleep Week 2025 content for more tips and AD-approved essentials.)
To help you along the way, we consulted designers from the AD PRO Directory for ideas and expert advice on how to translate your style into the space of your dreams—from maximalist to Art Deco. Whether you’re starting from scratch on a primary or guest bedroom design or looking for decorating ideas for a quick DIY makeover, these tips can help you create a beautiful bedroom in no time.
Farmhouse
Farmhouse bedrooms blend rustic warmth with timeless charm, featuring layered textures, classic patterns, and furniture that evokes a sense of history. Reclaimed wood, soft cotton, and subtle handmade details make the room instantly feel welcoming and familiar. “It’s grassroots, not overly designed—rooted in what’s local and natural,” says Sarah Latham of Idaho-based Latham Interiors.
The style favors well-worn finishes and easygoing layers that only look better with time. Mix quilts, checks, and weathered wood for a nostalgic look that’s warm but not stuffy. Nothing is too perfect or precious; the whole room invites you to unwind and feel at home.
Start with pieces that feel authentic to your personality. “Use reclaimed barn wood, a flea-market chair, or even a vintage piece turned into a light fixture,” Latham says. A leafy plant throws in a fresh, organic note that ties it all together.
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Nothing gives farmhouse vibes like ticking stripes, florals, and soft plaids. “Back in the day, people used what they had—quilts, stripes, prints—without worrying about matching everything perfectly,” Latham says. She also recommends using quality cotton, sateen, or linen sheets in earthy colors, topped with a Pendleton throw pillow for texture and a subtle pop.
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A wrought iron bed anchors the look beautifully. “They feel lightweight but timeless—you’d see them in pioneer houses and they still look good today,” says Latham. If you prefer wood, opt for a painted or distressed option to maintain a relaxed, layered feel.
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“Lighting should feel a bit handmade or repurposed; think a wagon-wheel chandelier or iron sconces,” says Latham. Add bedside lamps or wall sconces for a soft glow that turns the bedroom into a true escape at night. Latham is a fan of brass or iron options from Visual Comfort & Co.
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Industrial
Industrial bedrooms draw inspiration from converted urban lofts characterized by exposed textures, deep wall colors, and thoughtful layers that keep them comfortable, not stark. “An industrial bedroom should feel like a darker cocoon—layered and moody, but comfortable and inviting,” says Sarah West, designer and owner of her eponymous design firm, Sarah West Interiors.
The look mixes clean lines and rugged finishes with a dose of softness. “It’s all about the balance and telling a clear color story that feels cohesive,” West says.
“Industrial needs softness, always,” West insists. Concrete and metal elements pair best with linen bedding in earthy or charcoal tones. “Parachute Home and Restoration Hardware have great linen sheet sets that come in moody shades perfect for industrial palettes,” she says. A plush wool or shag rug helps break up bare floors and adds instant warmth underfoot.
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A low-profile bed frame highlights the style’s modern, no-fuss feel. “A bed that sits lower feels more contemporary and suits the scale,” says West. Opt for dark wood or simple, upholstered frames for added contrast.
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“I love exposed bulbs, smoked-glass pendants, or industrial metal sconces,” says West. Swing-arm wall lamps or small chandeliers can double as stylish decor and practical light sources. “Mixing metals keeps it interesting but ties everything together.”
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Bare windows can feel unfinished. “Custom linen drapes are my go-to because they break up hard edges,” West says. Ready-made linen blackout curtains in a warm, neutral tone keep the space private and personal—and store-bought options work just as well.
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Japandi
Japandi design combines Japanese minimalism with Scandinavian warmth. It’s airy and peaceful, defined by natural materials and simple lines. “Japandi is very organic—real wood, wool, linen, cotton—materials that feel honest and calming,” says Boston-based interior designer Sashya Thind.
“I always start with windows—blackout shades layered with sheers give you privacy and soft, filtered light during the day,” says Thind. Also, Thind states that people should invest in a three-light, dimmable source ecosystem—she’s a fan of options from Visual Comfort & Co for this very reason.
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Japandi pieces sit low to the floor with clean, quiet silhouettes. “Pair a wood bed frame with an upholstered headboard to mix textures and avoid monotony,” Thind says. Design Within Reach and Saatva both have simple, well-made options.
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Cotton or linen bedding—including a duvet cover, coverlet, wool rug, and throw blanket add layers without clutter. “Natural fibers feel soft against the skin and keep the room feeling tranquil,” Thind says.
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Neutrals dominate, but subtle color brings life to Japandi-inspired spaces. “We’re doing a bedroom in olive green—it’s calm but has personality,” says Thind. Warm whites, muted greens, and light wood tones are classics for this style.
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Modern
A modern bedroom is all about restraint and intentionality. “Every piece should serve both an aesthetic and functional purpose,” says Belmont Shore, California–based designer Linette Dai. The pro starts a modern bedroom design with a foundation of “clean lines, a restrained color palette, and a focus on materiality,” setting the stage with a low-profile upholstered platform bed.
Textures, such as velvet upholstery or a wool or silk-blend rug, can add warmth and interest without becoming a focal point.
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When choosing furniture for a modern bedroom, pay attention to proportions. Dai notes that oversized bedroom furniture can feel heavy, while smaller pieces can leave too much negative space. “Balance is key—if the bed is large, the nightstands should be proportionate, and seating or a bench at the foot of the bed can anchor the room,” she says.
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The interior designer is a firm believer in layered bedroom lighting and suggests incorporating “sculptural pieces in patinated metals, hand-blown glass or ceramics to elevate the space with both function and artistry.” Layering is also her strategy when it comes to textiles. “A tonal approach—think linen bedding in soft taupes and charcoals, punctuated by a textural mohair throw blanket—creates depth without visual clutter,” she says.
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Designing a modern bedroom is as much about what you edit as what you include. Keep clutter to a minimum, especially in a small bedroom, by incorporating stealthy storage. “I often work with custom millwork to create built-in storage solutions that eliminate visual noise and maintain architectural purity,” she says. For one primary bedroom, Dai integrated a wooden ledge on the top of the headboard that contained pop-up outlets to allow the clients to charge devices without the usual mess of cords on the nightstand.
Dai recommends focusing on longevity and choosing quality materials that will never go out of style, such as solid wood, natural stone, and handwoven textiles. “A modern bedroom should feel timeless, with a sense of ease that invites rest and reflection,” she says.
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Minimalist
With clean lines and monochromatic color schemes, minimalist bedrooms offer serenity through simplicity. Rushda Hakim, founder of New York City firm Rushda Hakim Design, says that thoughtful restraint is essential to achieving the right balance. “Less is more, but too little can feel sparse,” she says. “The key is layering to maintain an elevated yet cozy atmosphere.”
While a neutral color palette is a hallmark of the style, Hakim cautions against going overboard with white. “One of the biggest mistakes people make is equating minimalism with starkness, often resulting in a space that feels more like an IKEA showroom than a thoughtfully designed retreat,” Hakim says. “Minimalism isn’t about emptiness—it’s about intentionality.”
To bring warmth and dimension to her minimalist spaces, the interior designer brings in tactile elements, including luxe area rugs, soft bedding, and plush throw blankets. “When it comes to bedding for a minimalist bedroom, I avoid prints and focus on textures and layers,” says Hakim. “Start with a base layer of high-quality percale or linen sheets (Brooklinen or Frette are great options depending on your budget). Add a textured duvet and a large, cozy throw for a luxurious feel. Throw pillows or shams add the finishing touch, and a large bolster pillow can be a stylish alternative.” Hakim says many of her clients gravitate towards luxurious Hästens mattresses and adds that Casper mattresses are a great budget-friendly alternative, especially for small spaces.
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Hakim also considers wallpaper a must-have. “Minimalism doesn’t have to mean bare,” she explains. “Wrapping the walls in silk or textured wallpaper adds warmth and dimension while maintaining a refined aesthetic.” When furnishing the space, Hakim suggests incorporating oversized headboards, well-defined seating areas, and fireplaces, which she says “integrate seamlessly into a minimalist aesthetic without veering into stark Nordic simplicity.”
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Bedroom lighting should be chosen thoughtfully, and Hakim frequently opts for simple table lamps or installs wall sconces on either side of the bed frame to keep nightstands uncluttered. “The goal is to strip away excess while ensuring the space still feels inviting, sophisticated, and livable,” she says.
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Maximalist
Filled with eye-catching pieces and bold gestures, a maximalist bedroom design proves that sometimes more is more. “Maximalism is about layering statement pieces that flow, creating contrast, and playing with scale so the space feels dynamic and visually welcoming,” says Carmen René Smith of Aquilo Interiors. “The key is making sure everything speaks to each other in an interesting way.”
The Oakland, California–based interior designer recommends starting a maximalist bedroom makeover with a strong foundation, such as a saturated wall paint color or patterned wallpaper. “Walls shouldn’t just sit there; they need to do something,” she says. “Maybe it’s a deep, enveloping color, a high-gloss lacquer that reflects the light just so, or wallpaper that feels like it was uncovered in a forgotten estate.”
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Smith’s rule for furniture is “nothing generic, nothing timid.” She suggests bringing in a sculptural bed upholstered in a textural fabric such as bouclé or velvet. “You want a mattress that’s thick, plush, and so comfortable—because, let’s be real, how can you fully embrace maximalism if you’re running on bad sleep?” says Smith. Pay attention to proportions when picking a mattress.
“The mattress height should balance with the bed frame height and align as close to the nightstand height as possible,” she says. “A clean, even line across your bed and bedside makes all the wild maximalist elements in the room feel even more intentional.”
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Smith sees linens as a place to have even more fun. “If the walls are already making a statement, we can still bring in bold, patterned duvets, blankets, or throws, but the scale should be vastly different from the wallpaper so they don’t compete,” she says. Consider adding an unexpected punch of color through your sheets. “Why settle for white sheets when you could have marigold, cobalt, or the perfect shade of olive green?” the designer says. Finally, Smith loves to accent the bed with unique pillows. “Play with shape, texture, and a little sculptural moment,” she says. “I love throwing in quirky statement pillows like the hand pillows from Haus of Hands—they add dimension, a little humor, and just the right amount of what is that, and ‘where do I get one?!’ energy.”
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Light fixtures offer another opportunity to make a splash. “Lighting should always be a moment, whether it’s an oversized chandelier that feels like a piece of art or sculptural sconces that add a little drama,” the designer says. For the finishing touches, Smith suggests adding some elements of surprise, such as an abstract rug that doubles as art or bold, unexpected hardware.
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Maximalism is about going big, but Smith notes that it’s important to pay attention to balance and contrast. “If the bed is low and chunky, select a nightstand with some fun legs for a dynamic pairing,” she says. “If the wallpaper is intricate and full of movement, the bedding should balance it out with something more textural and complementary in color.” You also don’t need to pack the entire bedroom with home decor. “Create pauses—maximalism doesn’t mean every inch has to be covered; it just means every piece has presence,” Smith says. “And when it feels like too much? It’s probably just right.”
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Traditional
Gracious and inviting, a traditional bedroom design uses crisp linens and pieces with provenance to create a timeless look. The start of every great design is the architecture of the room, and this is particularly true for a traditional space. ”By adding architectural elements like crown molding, paneling, and millwork, you have a traditional canvas to then build upon,” says Leslie Martin, cofounder of M + M Interior Design, a studio with offices in Kenilworth, Illinois, and Los Angeles.
Symmetry and proportion help create a strong sense of space in a traditional bedroom. In addition to architectural elements, Martin uses lighting and accessories, like a pair of sconces with a delicate pleated shade or a collection of wall art prints of the same size and style, to add balance.
Martin suggests looking for bedroom furniture with classical lines, paying attention to the scale and finish of the pieces. “Pieces like four-poster beds, commodes, and slipper chairs add a sense of tradition,” says the designer. When furnishing the space, don’t be afraid to explore different eras and even incorporate modern pieces. “Historically important items were passed down from generations over time, creating a collected look,” says Martin. “Keeping that in mind, the mixing of pieces from different periods can help achieve a look that is layered.” For example, pair an antique dresser with a modern lamp or upholster a roll arm chair in a bold fabric. “Contemporary pieces look their best when paired with something of age and patina,” she says.
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Bedroom wall treatments, such as murals, offer an opportunity to make a strong statement with color and pattern. “Chinoiserie is a motif we often employ because of its timelessness, and it allows us to introduce a color palette we can pull from,” says Martin. “A room drenched in a gorgeous botanical scene juxtaposed with a bed of crisp white linens is incredibly inviting and calming, the perfect combination for a bedroom.” A well-dressed bed is essential in an M + M Interior Design bedroom. “Quality linens (our favorite is Matouk) make all the difference, and making the bed daily is non-negotiable,” says the designer. Thick duvets and coverlets add comfort, and throw pillows bring in color and pattern.
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Textiles should combine pattern and texture. “Chintzes, plaids, ikats, and paisleys always feel timeless,” she says. “A mix of textures like wool, velvet, and linen are approachable and elegant and help to create the calming essence a bedroom should have.” And don’t forget the little details, such as trim on upholstered pieces and window treatments, which can elevate the design. Martin also adds heirloom-quality accessories, such as horn-and-bone frames, antiqued mirror elements, and needlepoint rugs, to complete the bedroom look.
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Art Deco
Referencing the design movement that originated in 1910s France and gained popularity in America during the 1920s, today’s Art Deco interiors incorporate the sleek lines, symmetrical designs, and geometric patterns of the style. For clients attracted to the Art Deco style, Jessica Lagrange of Chicago’s Jessica Lagrange Interiors references the hallmarks of the period while making sure that the spaces are updated for modern living with luxurious materials and comfortable furnishings.
Lagrange stresses that it’s about finding inspiration in the design style rather than doing a complete throwback makeover. “Too many Deco elements will make the room look stale and tired, while too many patterns will make the room look busy and eye-boggling,” she says.
Lagrange says an Art Deco–inspired headboard is essential to give a bedroom the gravitas of the style. “We use Deco-inspired headboards frequently because they are streamlined and sexy,” she says. The designer lets the bed take center stage, topping it with luxurious geometrically patterned or quilted bedding, and then adds other foundational pieces, such as a vintage or new Deco-inspired overhead lighting fixture.
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When it comes to furnishings, Lagrange mixes in a variety of periods. “Deco-style pieces are the perfect complement to contemporary and transitional furnishings,” she says. When mixing eras, Lagrange is cognizant of scale. “There weren’t queen- or king-sized beds back when Art Deco was a major force, so if you’re using antique or vintage pieces, be careful of the scale of new pieces,” she says. For a seating area, consider chairs with Art Deco curves or upholstered in symmetrical geometric patterns.
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Luxe materials are also a must to get an Art Deco–inspired look. “Metals like chrome, stainless steel, brass, copper and nickel were polished to a high shine; woods were lacquered and ebonized; fabrics like velvet and silk reigned supreme; and exotic materials were often used as accents,” Lagrange says. Mirrors also add to the ’20s bedroom feel. “I’m partial to vintage Deco mirrors; they can make a major statement in a room and brighten it up,” she says. “Look for unusual geometric shapes, beveled edges, and sleek metal frames.” The designer suggests a DIY gallery wall of smaller Deco mirrors.
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Eclectic
Unique and collected, an eclectic bedroom is a mix of one-of-a-kind finds and bold ideas. According to Ashley Ross of Charlotte and Dallas-based Muse Noire Interiors, designing an eclectic bedroom is all about thinking outside the box. “For every element of the design, one should consider, ‘Can this be done differently?’ ‘Can I put my own spin on the essentials?’” says Ross.
One of the easiest ways to shake things up is to play with shapes. “Symmetry is the kryptonite of eclectic designs,” says Ross. The designer suggests eliminating matching items like bedside tables. “Maybe one side is a nightstand—because function—and the other side is a stool, a tree, a marble pillar, anything unexpected,” she says. “Ditch the traditional table lamps and hardwire some sconces or pendant lights too.”
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Walls are a place to play in an eclectic bedroom, and Ross often starts with a scenic wallpaper. “Bonus points if it’s a moody one,” she says. If you’re designing for the younger set, Ross says it’s all about pattern. For one kids’ bedroom, the designer mixed three wallpapers and a patterned rug to keep the space lively and fun. An eclectic wall art installation is also a Muse Noire Interiors signature. Ross is known for incorporating unexpected elements, such as vintage baguette boards and tennis racquets, into her displays, mixing them with black-and-white photography, masks, and framed textiles.
Accessories are essential to creating a collected feel. Ross suggests adding one-off pieces that look like you picked them up while traveling the globe. In a Raleigh bedroom design, Ross styled the nightstand with vintage books, a match striker, a ceramic urn, and oversized beads.
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When it comes to the bed, Ross focuses on comfort, complementing sculptural or cozy upholstered bed frames with layers of soft bedding in muted earth tones or deep, warm hues. (Lulu and Georgia and Quince are two of Ross’s go-tos for bedding.) The designer also considers what purpose and function the bedroom will have. “We usually have a conversation about how much life beyond slumber is happening in the bedrooms we’re designing,” she says. “With that, consider if there is a way to incorporate space for other elements of your life.”
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Coastal
Evoking sea breezes and beachy hues, a coastal bedroom has all the ease of a day by the ocean. To create that relaxed atmosphere for clients, Christine Markatos Lowe, founder of Christine Markatos Design, begins by looking at the architecture of the home to consider how it can incorporate unique details. “Is it a traditional-looking house or more contemporary?” she relays of her thought process. “That would be the starting point at which I think about what that coastal esthetic means.”
Whether the coastal style is classic or modern, Markatos Lowe believes nature-derived materials are essential to nailing the look. “I always love using raffia, jute, sisal, or sea grass in a coastal bedroom,” she says, and often incorporates those natural textures in rugs or wall treatments, mixing them with painted and upholstered furnishings. Balance is key, though, to preventing a room from looking one-note. “If you had had some sort of a natural material on the floor, I’d be probably more inclined to do either an upholstered or painted bed, and then mix in more natural woody tones in the lighting or accessories to bring the whole look together,” she says.
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While coastal spaces often lean on a blue and white color palette, Markatos Lowe likes to think outside the box with unexpected shades that still speak to the setting, such as soft grays that nod to fog or the greens, aquas, and ambers found in sea glass.
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Markatos Lowe also emphasizes curating pieces that you love as a collected item rather than picking something purely for its coastal aesthetic. “Try to not go kitschy,” she says. “There's nothing worse than too many knot accessories.”
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FAQs
Start by deciding how you want the room to feel every time you walk in. Aim for a mood that suits you—whether that’s cozy and calm, airy and bright, or bold and dramatic. Also, good lighting makes a big difference. For example, combine blackout shades with sheers or layer lamps for a soft, inviting glow. Once you have the atmosphere and lighting figured out, plan your furniture layout and measure carefully. However, getting the scale right ensures the room feels comfortable and balanced without making your space feel chaotic.
The essence of cozy comes down to layers and nature-inspired colors. Soft blues, taupe, olive, or muted plum can instantly make a room feel warmer and more inviting. Mix in patterns like florals, checks or subtle geometrics, and choose natural fabrics when possible for a high-quality, breathable sleep setup. . Also, multiple light sources help too—try a reading lamp, a bedside sconce, and a small table lamp for a soft, relaxing glow that envelopes you after a long day. Finally, finish it off with crisp cotton sheets, a wool rug underfoot, and a plush throw for extra comfort.
