Bedroom design matters — a thoughtfully decorated interior can make it easier to decompress and sleep through the night. Even if your space is small, your bedroom should feel like a personal sanctuary defined by the colors, textures and furniture that aid in relaxation. Regardless of your design style — farmhouse, modern, rustic, boho and more — this roundup of the best bedroom ideas will help craft your dream retreat.
Whether you're renovating your primary bedroom, styling a small bedroom or even upgrading the kids' rooms, we've got you covered with a mix of aspirational design ideas and budget-friendly DIY projects. Think big with warm wood paneling, painted ceilings and intentional alcoves. For an easy weekend project, consider painting your own headboard, layering in pops of pattern or repainting an old dresser. Swap out area rugs, install new light fixtures or hang a fresh set of curtains. We also share ideas for reusing inherited pieces, like vintage bed frames, sliding barn doors or arched window frames.
Start scrolling to find inspiration for your bedroom design, no matter your budget or skill level. Remember that small changes can have a big impact (for example, something as simple as swapping bedding, throw pillows or bedside lamps). And for paint color inspiration, we have tons of shades for you to peruse: striking black and white, calming blues, playful pinks and dreamy white.
1
Paint a Wall-to-Wall Headboard
Mimic the impact of a piece of furniture with a rich color on the wall and baseboard behind a bed. Here, designer Julie Rose painted a ¼ inch black line to emphasize the cheerful green (Farrow & Ball’s Breakfast Room Green).
2
Incorporate Soft Black
Take a risk with dark shades, whether it's bedding, furniture or paint colors. Sherwin-Williams’s Web Gray in a flat finish completes this restful space, designed by Candace Shure. "The richness was exactly what the room needed to create that moody vibe," Shure says.
RELATED: Behr Keeps It Classic With a Soft Black as Its 2024 Color of the Year
3
Decorate Open Shelving
Ebony-stained shelves flank this bed and complement the bedroom’s main focal point: a stunning Japanese screen. Designer Victoria Sheffield replaced original upper cabinets with wood shelves to showcase treasures like vases and dishes.
RELATED: Clever Bedroom Storage Ideas to Keep Your Space Organized, No Matter How Small
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4
Spark Imagination in Kids' Bedrooms
From the playful Bien Fait animal-print wallpaper to the full-size bunk beds, this boy's bedroom is designed to grow with him over time and inspire creativity, according to designer Ryann Swan.
RELATED: Creative Kids' Room Ideas for a More Inspiring Space
5
Build a Ladder Clothing Rack
Turn your wardrobe into room decor by putting a clothing rack out in the open. To recreate this sleek style, you'll need two ladders, two wooden planks for the shoe platforms and a wooden rod to hang clothes.
RELATED: Budget-Friendly DIY Home Decor Ideas for an Instant Refresh
6
Put an Reading Chair in the Corner
Create a designated spot for cuddling up with a good read, like this striped armchair sitting in the corner. To complete this cozy bedroom, designer Nellie Howard Ossi brings in soothing cool tones, like green and blue patterned curtains and floral bedding.
RELATED: Reading Chairs That Don't Skimp on Style or Comfort
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7
Rely on Warm Neutrals
If you prefer warmth over cool tones, layer in earthy tones like beige, brown and tannish pinks. Here, designer Lindye Galloway infuses texture, warm woods and a floral wallpapered accent wall to balance the space.
8
Cover Walls in Paneling
For a modern farmhouse feel, install white wood paneling all the way to the ceiling — which works particularly well when paired with exposed beams and ceilings. To elevate the vintage-inspired look, Liz Williams Interiors adds a taper candle chandelier and canopy bed.
9
Weave in Warm Woods
From kitchens to bedrooms, warm woods are trending for 2024 — mostly because of their power to cozy up an interior. Take note from designer Emily Henderson and start with an oak bed frame and matching nightstands.
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10
Add Pops of Pattern
Even if you prefer a timeless neutral design, don't miss the chance to bring in a bit of whimsy. Here, designer Ryann Swan chooses a floral fabric for lamp shades, striped throw pillows and a geometric throw blanket for the foot of the bed.
11
Let an Area Rug Be the Focal
Draw attention to a gorgeous area rug beneath the bed, just as JAM does here. It's genius if you're decorating an apartment, where you can't change the floors or walls.
RELATED: Best Places to Buy Modern, Affordable Rugs Online
12
Think Shades of Blue
Popular in the bedroom, blue is symbol of calm, serenity and tranquility. Make your personal oasis feel more soothing with a shade of blue, from teal to navy.
RELATED: Blue Bedrooms That Showcase The Shade's Unrivaled Calming Powers
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13
Choose Timeless White Bedding
Reminiscent of a luxe hotel, this all-white bed looks bright, clean and polished. To add a dose of color, Morse Design adds a geometric area rug.
14
Put Your Bed Into an Alcove
If you have extra room, create a tiny alcove the exact size of your bed frame — an easy way to guarantee more floor space. We love how Studio Munroe adds a striped wallcovering all over and hangs three paintings inside the cove.
15
Create Contrast With Black Details
Add a bit of contrast to an all-white bedroom by bringing in jet black elements. Here, interior designer Stephanie Brown paints the window rails black, hang a dark curtain rod and opts for a black bed frame.
RELATED: How to Hang Curtains the Right Way, According to an Interior Designer
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16
Try a Cabin-Chic Style
Turn exposed wood walls into a design statement, just as architecture and interiors studio JAM has done here. To make the space more inviting, layer in textures (think faux fur rugs, cozy bedding and tons of throw pillows).
17
Hang Luxe Curtains
Never estimate the power of bedroom curtains. Hang them high to create the illusion of a larger space and allow them to puddle on the floor for a luxe look. Here, designer Amy Sklar hangs light pink curtains from a gold rod to tie the bedroom color palette together.
RELATED: Inspiring Bedroom Curtain Ideas to Recreate
18
DIY Your Dresser
This blogger upgraded her simple bedroom dresser using scrap paper, Plaid Royal Coat Decoupage and a blueprint copy of one of her favorite photos. It's a project you can try at home for less, as only five materials are needed.
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19
Choose Symmetrical Furniture
Symmetry is one word Clara Jung, principal of Banner Day Interiors, kept in mind when designing this bedroom full of neutrals. The pairs of wooden nightstands, table lamps and mirrors give the space a cohesive feel.
20
Pair Black and Green for a Dramatic Retreat
A black and green color palette can be both elegant and casual. Use green as your bed's backdrop and paint the surrounding bookshelves and accents, like a wall sconce, a moody shade of black.
Monique Valeris
Home Design Director
Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, "What's in My Cart."
Alyssa Gautieri
Associate Lifestyle Editor
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
