Most of us are probably familiar with the kind of bedroom aesthetic that happens ‘by accident’: mismatching furniture, sheets you scored on sale and a few decor items collected along the way, all accented by the piles of clothes and other bits and pieces you somehow never get around to putting away. The room may be functional, but it’s hardly an oasis of calm, or a refuge of rest.
Scrolling through Instagram, it doesn’t take long to stumble across stunning visions of bedroom bliss with beautiful linen bedding and furniture to match. Carefully curated spaces that draw the eye and tantalize the imagination. Looking at these colour-coordinated, textural havens of body and soul cosiness, you might wonder if you could ever achieve such beauty in your own bedroom aesthetic.
If you’re ready to turn dreams into reality (and then convert that back into sweet, sweet dreams as you enjoy new levels of slumber) then read on, because we’re about to take a look at some of the top bedroom designs that will have you relaxing from the moment you walk into the room.
Traditional
Let’s start at the beginning: traditional European design. Neat, elegant, with a solid sense of permanence and a nostalgic nod to bygone eras, the traditional bedroom is a timeless classic. This style tends to be symmetrical, with matching tables either side of a solid wood bed frame. Love a good four-poster bed or thick, velvet curtains? This is the place to rock that opulent, old-world luxury.
Cottage
Light and airy, filled with cosy touches and layers of textures, the cottage-style bedroom is the perfect place to retreat at the end of a busy day. Look for neutral tones, such as pale pinks and greens, vintage paintings, bed sheets in natural fibres, like linen and cotton, and sweet, ruffled quilt covers. Wrought iron bed frames really shine in a cottage bedroom, as do simple wooden beds.
Shabby Chic
Perhaps a spin-off from cottage design, shabby chic keeps those soft, neutral and pastel tones, then leans a little harder into the vintage aesthetic with that trademark ‘worn in’ look. Distressed furniture, lace doilies, patchwork quilts and cute, old-fashioned decor are all welcome in a shabby chic room. Layer these up over fresh, new elements, such as a classy bed frame and crisp sheets, accented with modern decorative touches, to keep the shabby looking chic.
Bohemian
If comfort for you means being surrounded by earthy and eclectic expressions of your vibrant personality, chances are you’ll revel in a boho bedroom. Think natural materials like wood, cotton, linen, bamboo bed linen; tribal patterns and decor; textured rattan and cane, wall hangings and rope plant hangers. Speaking of plants, feel free to add greenery to your heart’s content. A few vintage accent pieces and you’re set!
Rustic
Farmhouse meets nature in the rustic bedroom setting. Reclaimed wood, deep-coloured leathers, natural elements like branches, antlers and stone form the foundation, arranged squarely and with a minimum of fuss. Add a shag rug for texture and comfort, selective pops of colour with patterned soft furnishings or decorative lamps, and consider those ‘shabby’ distressed furniture items that will add that comfortably unpolished country vibe.
Coastal
Hands up, who loves the beach? Lazing in the sun, paddling in pristine waters, then retreating to a gorgeous room with breezy coastal vibes. Even if you don’t live by the sea (or especially if you do!) you can still bring that holiday atmosphere into your bedroom. Blue and white are the mainstay colours, but you can mix it up with teal and green tones, yellows and pink or clay hues. Seagrass decor and cane furniture really set off the beachy look.
Scandinavian
Nordic bedrooms are some of the most beautifully understated in the world. Think calm, minimalist styling featuring raw wood, neutral tones, such as soft grey, white and beige, with accents of pastel pink, blue and green. Of course, options abound under the Scandi umbrella, from more stark monochromatic styles to boho pops of colour and artistic flairs. There is a strong focus on geometric shapes with crisp lines, paired with softer elements like fluffy throws and textured quilt covers.
Modern
If country kitsch and boho flow aren’t quite your speed, maybe a modern approach is your key to sweet reverie? We’re going clean, classy and minimalist for this one, typically with a lowline bed and thoughtful colour schemes incorporating grey and charcoal, cream or white and maybe a deep teal, maroon or olive to set the mood. Modest, fabric-covered bedheads and unassuming lamps on matching side tables complete the look. This design style was founded in the early-mid part of the 20th Century, so keep an eye out for vintage, mid-century feature pieces to really set things off.
Contemporary
What’s the difference between modern and contemporary, you ask? While ‘modern’ refers to a particular aesthetic featuring sleek, functional designs and organic materials, contemporary style is what is current. That means it can be a little hard to pin down, as it updates constantly, but there are a few basic principles that underpin these changes. Drawing from both modern and postmodern styles, contemporary design tends to feature that minimalist leaning, but with allowance for art and whimsy. Contemporary designs are typically more rounded, and feature bold contrasts, often in black and white.
Regardless of your style, there are plenty of ways you can incorporate beautiful designs into your bedroom to help you unwind. Whether you prefer the understated vibes of Scandi styling or love to add a little drama to your space, there’s no shortage of aesthetics to choose from!
