Category: Bedroom

Having a calm and relaxing bedroom that doesn’t skimp on style is the goal of many homeowners. But that can be interpreted in many ways. Here, designers share the details they used to create calming bedrooms in looks that range from subtle to sophisticated.

1. Old Meets New

Designer: Traci Mortazavi of Nate Fischer Interiors
Location: Laguna Hills, California
Size: 350 square feet (33 square meters)

Homeowners’ request. “For their primary bedroom, they desired a space that would be both calming and timeless yet comfortable,” designer Traci Mortazavi says. “The client’s home is filled with beautiful antiques, and seamlessly integrating these cherished pieces with modern furnishings presented an exciting challenge. Through careful thought and attention to detail, we were able to blend the old with the new, creating a room that reflects their unique style and personality. Their beloved dog, Pippa (pictured here), was another key consideration. This retreat is as much hers as it is her humans’, and we ensured that every choice made was mindful of her presence. We selected materials that are durable, pet-friendly and easy to clean, ensuring the space remains both beautiful and practical for all members of the family.”

Special features. “The canopy bed was the key piece for the space and helped create a cozy feel that can often be lost in a large room that has 10-foot ceilings,” Mortazavi says. “A calming, well-balanced paint color is also key. We used Benjamin Moore White Dove on all the walls.” The nightstands combine a reeded wood base with a stone top.

Designer tip. “Tall ceilings in a primary bedroom can present a challenge when aiming to create a cozy, intimate retreat,” Mortazavi says. “The key is selecting furniture that complements the scale of the space. Opt for pieces that help fill both the horizontal and vertical dimensions, such as a canopy bed and broader, dresser-style nightstands. Layering textures is another effective way to add warmth and comfort. Consider incorporating a mix of materials through rugs, bedding and drapery to soften the space and enhance its inviting feel.”

2. Resort Feel

Designer: Tanya Lacourse of Violet Marsh Interiors
Location: Sandy Springs, Georgia

Homeowners’ request. “These clients bought this home in Sandy Springs that was built in the ’90s and it was stuck in the ’90s,” designer Tanya Lacourse says. “They lived here for a few years before deciding to renovate. Their vision was to make this principal suite feel like a hotel and spa. They make regular trips to Mayakoba, Mexico, and are very inspired by the Banyan Tree resort. It’s laid-back, modern, earthy and luxurious at the same time. It’s inspired by Mexico while also having an Asian feel.”

Special features. Dark paneled slat wall. Oversize brass beaded chandelier. Asymmetrical black-and-brass pendant lights. Upholstered velvet bed in a rich brown. Leather sofa. Custom drapery in a textural cream sheer and black linen.

Designer tip. “In planning this renovation, we proposed a bold idea: cover the windows behind the bed to create a paneled slat wall,” Lacourse says. “With plenty of windows on the adjacent wall, reducing brightness was a good choice for rich, moody ambiance.”

3. Natural Layers

Designer: Abigail Ray Interiors
Location: Overland Park, Kansas
Size: 660 square feet (61 square meters); 20 by 33 feet

Homeowners’ request. “The clients requested a calm, relaxing retreat, a space they could recharge and unwind,” designer Abigail Ray says. “The existing space, while large, lacked cohesion and refinement. They had just repainted the room in Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray prior to engaging Abigail Ray Interiors and were feeling the room was darker than what they really wanted, so looked to us for ideas to keep the paint color but lighten up the space overall.”

Special features. “To achieve the relaxed vibe but keep the room interesting, we used lots of natural elements and soft layers,” Ray says. “The ceiling in this space was really special, and we wanted to take advantage of the height, which was achieved by installing a large, tiered drum chandelier made from natural rope. The wallpaper was another great way to bring in movement, nature and lighten up the room. We papered the top two-thirds of the walls in Eijffinger’s Feathery Clouds, which is such a dreamy pattern, and kept the Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray paint on the bottom third, separated with a white chair rail. We rounded out the room with lots of mirrors to really keep it light and bright. An oversized Palecek Laurel mirror doubles as a work of art given its handcrafted rope-and-raffia-straw design.”

Designer tip. “Juxtaposition,” Ray says. “Mixing curated materials and styles are what keeps a room interesting. To balance out all the natural elements in this room, we layered in really gorgeous high-end finishes: brass bedside sconces and picture lights, a velvet bench at the foot of the bed, dreamy cream curtains that flank the windows on either side of the bed, crisp bedding and some dressers that have a slick black finish mixed with natural cane material.”

4. Earthy Casual

Designer: Caileen Uznis of Caileen Designs
Location: Malibu, California
Size: 180 square feet (17 square meters); 12 by 15 feet

Homeowners’ request. “The overall vision was earthy and casual to reflect the surroundings,” designer Caileen Uznis says. “The clients wanted more privacy but to keep the same loft feel as before — and more storage.”

Special features. “The views are the best part of this project, so we wanted to include lots of windows, including French doors leading out to a balcony,” Uznis says. “The windows are in a bronze color. We included high, peaked ceilings to give an airy feel and make the room feel larger than it is. The high ceiling is finished with white shiplap and a natural oak beam and a custom macrame light fixture from Morocco. All fabrics are natural — linen curtains and Roman shades, linen duvet cover and wool rug — which contributes to the earthy casual feel. We also included his-and-her walk-in closets.”

Designer tip. “The fabric for the Roman shades was the jumping-off point for the design of this room and all the colors came from that fabric, even though it isn’t used widely throughout the room,” Uznis say. “Instead of matching the curtains to the shades, we picked a solid linen that matched the background of the printed fabric and used that for the curtains with a decorative trim to keep it from looking too busy.”

5. Softly Balanced

Designer: Izabela Tokarski of Kabela & Co
Location: Dobbs Ferry, New York
Size: 225 square feet (21 square meters); 15 by 15 feet

Homeowners’ request. “This was a new-construction project,” designer Izabela Tokarski says. “For this primary bedroom design, we focused on creating an intimate and serene retreat that balances softness with depth.”

Special features. “The foundation is a neutral color palette — warm whites and soft beiges — enhanced by a sophisticated textured wallpaper that adds dimension and elegance,” Tokarski says. “Blue serves as the accent color, introduced through plush bedding and decorative pillows, bringing a calming yet refined contrast. A standout feature of this bedroom is the custom-designed tray ceiling, which adds depth and architectural interest to the space. The recessed portion is clad in white oak, bringing warmth and a natural elegance that complements the soft, neutral color palette. Around the perimeter, we incorporated detailed crown molding, which not only enhances the ceiling’s sophistication but also serves as a concealed housing for LED strip lighting.”

Designer tip. “One key designer trick we used in this bedroom was layering lighting to enhance depth and intimacy,” Tokarski says. “By integrating LED strip lighting behind the crown molding in the tray ceiling, we created a soft, indirect glow that eliminates harsh shadows and makes the space feel cozier. This effect is especially impactful in the evening, reinforcing the moody, inviting ambiance the homeowners wanted.”

6. Cozy and Comfortable

Designer: Albina Hunt of Albina & Co.
Location: Santa Monica, California
Size: 400 square feet (37 square meters)

Homeowners’ request. “The client wanted something very cozy and comfortable yet clean and modern,” designer Albina Hunt says. “Sometimes these two themes can feel opposing, so careful consideration of the space was paramount to its success.”

Special features. Calacatta marble herringbone tile on the fireplace. Pendant light made from recycled cardboard. Upholstered headboard. Tufted modern sofa. Vintage art and candlesticks.

Designer tip. “Less is more,” Hunt says. “Keep it clean but find balance along the way. And always mix in some vintage pieces.”

“Uh-oh” moment. “The homeowners really wanted some seating, particularly armchairs,” Hunt says. “Unfortunately, the space didn’t really allow for it. Instead, we selected a sleek sofa to place under the windows, as well as a narrow coffee table to create a comfortable seating moment that complements the room, making it functional and perfectly fitting from a scale and balance perspective.”

7. Spa-Like Retreat

Designer: Minhnuyet Hardy Interiors
Location: Atlanta
Size: 320 square feet (30 square meters); 16 by 20 feet

Homeowners’ request. “The homeowner wanted a spa-like retreat for her bedroom,” designer Minhnuyet Hardy says. “She loves the colors pink and purple and wanted a soft and serene bedroom to relax in. The homeowner also needed a lot of closed storage.”

Special features. “We decided on various shades of rose to bring in the soft shades of pink without the room appearing juvenile,” Hardy says. “We sourced a textured grasscloth wallcovering that has a rose-colored background with a hint of shimmer to infuse a bit of girlie glam into the room. We painted the room Sherwin-Williams Mink, which is a gray with a purple undertone, to make the space cozy and moody. The existing window coverings lacked the ability to make the room dark, so we had fully functional motorized custom blackout drapery installed for complete darkness when needed. The large nightstands also function as mini dressers and help to accommodate extra storage.”

Matching dressers sit on the wall opposite the bed. The canopy bed combines weathered gray acacia wood with cotton blend upholstery.

Designer tip. “I feel that most homeowners select too small of a rug for the bedroom,” Hardy says. “For a king-size bed, we like a minimum size of at least 9 by 12 feet or larger if space will allow it. The rug should be placed so that it lays horizontal to the bed and 4 to 5 inches from the front of the nightstands.”

“Uh-oh” moment. “The most challenging obstacle was that the existing ceiling fan was centered on the room but not centered on the bed,” Hardy says. “It was cost-prohibitive to move the junction box since it was a concrete ceiling under the sheetrock. We solved the offset centerline by sourcing this fabulous natural crystal chandelier that was asymmetric. You don’t notice that the chandelier is not centered on the bed at all.”

8. Elegant Ease

Designer: Julia Vikander Decoration
Location: Winnetka, Illinois

Homeowners’ request. “As this was a new build already in progress, we were not able to tweak the square footage or the existing floor plans, so our only objective was elegant opulence,” designer Julia Vikander says.

Special features. “We used subtle taupes, chocolate brown with silver undertones and a blush of violet throughout,” Vikander says. “The Phillip Jeffries grasscloth wallcovering with bespoke seams amid its overall textural appearance allowed the room not to feel cold or too precious.”

Designer tip. “Always add sheer window treatments to unusually shaped bedroom windows to create an overall cocooning vibe within,” Vikander says. “It can be a challenge to sort through shapes and proportions to cover, but the added warmth makes for a serene calmness.”

9. Warm Coastal

Designer: Nikole Starr Interiors
Location: Galveston, Texas
Size: 150 square feet (14 square meters)

Homeowners’ request. “We created a true guest suite by encasing this bedroom in shiplap and warm coastal accents,” designer Nikole Starr says.

Special features. Shiplap in Benjamin Moore Blue Dusk. Woven rattan bed frame detail and woven pendant light. “We wired for pendants instead of traditional lamps for accent lighting,” Starr says.

Designer tip. “We layered a rug over the carpet to add to the room’s color story and add interest that the carpet alone couldn’t provide,” Starr says.

10. Soft and Subtle

Designer: Kristin Pair of Bill Clark Homes
Location: Leland, North Carolina
Size: 247½ feet (23 square meters); 15 by 16½ feet

Homeowners’ request. For this model home, designer Kristin Pair says she wanted to create “a collected design incorporating high-end and budget-friendly items curated to highlight the features of the primary bedroom suite while keeping true to the overall palette and theme of the home.”

Special features. Soft and subtle layers of pattern and texture in warm neutrals. Painted millwork feature wall. Cove ceiling with molding. Light wood floors.

Designer tip. “We knew we wanted to create a warm and inviting space with a color palette that could be used in any home,” Pair says. “Start with a staple item like your bed or rug as the foundation of the design and color theme and build from there.”

“Uh-oh” moment. “The gold tone of the dresser hardware was a different shade than we thought when we ordered the piece,” Pair says. “We did not have time to order new hardware, so we spray-painted the dresser hardware to match the other gold tones used in the room.”

Many people want their bedroom to be a sanctuary and retreat that rejuvenates the mind, body and spirit. Setting up a bedroom to foster that kind of atmosphere takes more than just placing a bed in a room. So we asked 40 design and remodeling professionals about the features they recommend to homeowners looking to create a functional, stylish and blissful bedroom. Here are the 10 bedroom features that came up again and again.

1. Layers of Lighting

Hands down the bedroom feature pros recommend the most is a layered lighting plan. This approach should ideally include natural lighting, task lighting for reading or doing a crossword puzzle in bed, ambient lighting like lamps and recessed ceiling lights, and statement lighting, such as a chandelier. “Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood and enhancing the ambiance of a bedroom, making it a must-have feature for creating a cozy and inviting retreat,” says designer Barbara Elliott of The Sisters and Co. Decorating Den Interiors.

This Miami bedroom by The Habitat Collective highlights a layered lighting scheme with abundant natural light, recessed ceiling lights, table lamps and a statement light fixture.

Many designers put a strong emphasis on including dimmers for all artificial lighting in a bedroom. “Always install a dimmer for your lighting,” designer Kasey Smith says. “As you wind down for the evening, lowering the lights will not only create a cozy atmosphere but also signal your body it’s time to rest, allowing a much easier transition to sleep.”

If you’re not updating the electrical components during a bedroom refresh, consider dimmer outlet plugs. These relatively inexpensive plugs allow you to connect most floor lamps, table lamps and even string lights to gain the ability to dim the lighting. Some smart models sync with Alexa or Google Home, giving you voice-control capabilities.

2. Bedside Light Switch

Speaking of lighting, many pros can’t speak highly enough about locating a light switch, preferably with dimming capability, next to the bed. A light switch panel that also includes an outlet and USB ports is especially helpful. These let homeowners dim or shut off lights and charge devices without getting up or reaching behind or under a bed or nightstand. “In the bedroom, functionality is key,” says builder Nate Abutbol of NA Design Builders. “Who wants to get up to turn off the lights? Or turn on the light to read? Or reach down to plug in one’s phone?”

This Raleigh, North Carolina, bedroom by LK Design NC features a multifunction light switch panel discreetly disguised amid a similarly colored wallpaper.

3. High-Quality Bedding

This might be obvious, but it’s worth noting that numerous home professionals highly recommend you don’t skimp on bedding. “I always recommend investing in high-quality linens,” says builder Jim Pitcher of CRC Builders. “While linens may seem like a small detail, they play a significant role in enhancing comfort, style and overall sleep quality. Quality linens, such as luxurious sheets, duvet covers and pillowcases made from premium materials like Egyptian cotton, linen or bamboo, not only feel wonderful against the skin but also contribute to a better night’s sleep. These materials are breathable, soft and hypoallergenic, promoting airflow and regulating body temperature for a more comfortable sleeping environment. Moreover, investing in high-quality linens can elevate the aesthetic appeal of the bedroom. Crisp, clean sheets and beautifully designed duvet covers can instantly transform the look and feel of the space, adding a touch of luxury and sophistication.”

The more layers of bedding the better. “Layered bedding is a consistent recommendation for bedrooms in my design approach,” designer Missy Stewart says. “The incorporation of varied textures and colors not only enhances the overall comfort but also injects a multitude of design qualities into the space, elevating its aesthetic appeal.”

Above, the Sacramento, California, bedroom by Design Shop Interiors shows how it’s done with layers of bedding in warm neutral tones.

Designer Kathryn Murphy recommends pairing an upholstered headboard with quality bedding. “These two things make a space feel cozy and luxurious,” she says.

This Orange County, California, bedroom by Gonterman Custom Homes features an inviting tufted headboard and cushy bedding.

4. Window Treatments

Drapery is also high on the recommendation list. Window treatments help mitigate light and sound and add style. “Full-length drapery elevates almost any bedroom,” designer Lisa Tharp says. “Clients are often surprised at how transformative this one element can be. Drapery adds softness and verticality, at once enhancing a room’s comfort and proportions. The key is to ensure they are well-made, sufficiently full and mounted high and wide to cover wall, not glass.”

You’ll find a good example in this Atlanta bedroom by design firm Elle Du Monde. Curtain rods placed near the ceiling help emphasize the height of the room, making it appear more spacious. The rods are also sized wide enough so the curtains fully cover the window area, preventing light from leaking in.

For this luxurious Miami bedroom, Design West concealed the curtain tracks in a ceiling cove, giving the floor-length drapery a clean look.

5. Statement Bed or Headboard

Many pros think the most important element in the bedroom should receive the most attention. “Create a statement with your bed and build the room from there,” says designer Dana Bender of Pine Street Carpenters. “Go for a higher headboard or a four-poster bed and splurge on great linens.”

In this Nashville, Tennessee, bedroom, designer Stephanie Ervin used a natural seagrass rope-wrapped canopy bed to add dimension, texture and interest to the soothing modern-organic space.

A statement headboard is another way to draw attention. “It serves as a focal point in the bedroom and can significantly impact the overall vibe of the space,” says design-build pro Michael Rezek of Chi Renovation & Design. “Whether it’s through intricate designs, bold colors or unique shapes and patterns, a statement headboard is a feature that can elevate the bedroom’s design, making it more visually stimulating and personalized.”

An upholstered headboard versus a hard, solid material will add function to your room. “I always recommend an upholstered headboard,” says designer Heather Hanley of The Tin Roof. “Not only is it an elegant look and timeless, but it’s functional for those of us that love to read in bed, watch TV or work in bed. I love to lean up against the headboard and spread out a project and work while sitting in bed. It’s cozy and seems somewhat like resting, even if it’s not.”

In this Tampa, Florida, bedroom by Debra Ackerbloom, a scalloped channel-tufted headboard elevates the serene style.

6. Wallpaper

Perhaps more so than for any other room in a home, designers recommend using wallpaper in a bedroom to add color, texture and visual interest. “Have you ever thought about how many hours you stared at the walls of your room as a teenager?” designer Lilianne Steckel jokes. “We don’t always have that luxury as an adult, but adding a special touch makes the room where you rest feel like an extra relaxation escape.”

Many pros focus on textured wallpaper when it comes to bedrooms. “I absolutely love using a textured grasscloth or linen wallpaper in a primary bedroom and wrapping all the walls, including the ceiling,” designer Deirdre Doherty says. “Even if you choose a color close to the overall home color — let’s say a cream or white — the room immediately feels more cozy and special. It works in both modern and traditional applications, and every time we do it, the clients are so happy they did.”

Designer Harmony Weihs of Design Harmony agrees. “You can only do so much with drywall and paint,” she says. “Wallpaper adds warmth, texture and interest.”

This Houston bedroom by L Design Group features a richly colored grasscloth wallpaper on the headboard wall that adds depth to the room while allowing the statement canopy bed to stand out.

This Denver bedroom by Duet Design Group shows how a patterned wallpaper creates movement, depth and style.

7. Color and Personality

Sometimes, focusing on comfort alone can leave a bedroom lacking in style and character. Many pros recommend that homeowners remember to express their personalities through color, pattern, artwork and decorative items. “We recommend incorporating the client’s favorite color in a bedroom in particular,” says designer Vanessa Smith of Flourish Interiors. “Primary bedrooms should be a very intimate and personal space. As such, they should really renew the mind, body and spirit. We find that starting with the client’s personal favorite color, and especially if it is a soothing color, helps start the design process off in a good direction.”

This Bridgeport, Connecticut, bedroom by Hendricks Churchill features energetic layers of pattern, color and artistic flair.

This Miami bedroom by Lantz Collective features pleasing pops of coastal greens and blues.

8. Ceiling Treatment

Often the first thing you see when you wake up is the ceiling. That calls for some special attention. “More than most other spaces, the design of the ceiling is really important in bedrooms,” says designer Jeremy Babel of Jeremy Babel Architecture + Design. “When you are laying in bed, the ceiling becomes a major view, so you want it to be well-designed. This can be an opportunity for specialty finishes like wood paneling and interesting light fixtures that conceal the bulbs and look good from below. But most importantly the layout of fixtures and devices should be carefully planned so the ceiling view feels organized and well-considered.”

This Denver bedroom by Kimball Modern Design + Interiors features a wood-paneled ceiling that adds warmth and visual texture.

In this Houston bedroom by Houston Affordable Designs, textured wood-look wallpaper adds warmth and interest to the angled ceiling.

9. Rug Under the Bed

You may have noticed that many of the bedroom recommendations focus on things people see and touch most often. That’s why many pros advocate for placing a rug under the bed. “It’s the very first thing your feet will hit to start the day,” says designer Christine Craig of Designology Studio. Craig used a plush rug to create a warm and soft surface underfoot in this Los Angeles bedroom.

In a Los Angeles Spanish bungalow remodel by Tim Barber Architects, a small fur-like rug sits strategically next to the bed atop a large area rug.

10. Great View

Whenever possible, pros suggest highlighting a great view in a bedroom. “Having a view from the bed is always a goal,” says designer Stephanie Tottingham of Kashas Design | Build. If a sweeping landscape isn’t in the cards, consider adding artwork.

“We prefer to have art in the bedroom versus a television,” designer Craig says. “Your bedroom ought to be a place for unwinding and rejuvenation.”

This inviting Tiburon, California, bedroom by Lane McNab Interiors features a little of both. You’ll also notice other recommended elements, such as an upholstered headboard, layered bedding, wallpaper, a rug and motorized window treatments hidden in the ceiling.

A beautiful bedroom can help create a restful environment, especially if the room features sumptuous layered linens, light-limiting window treatments and soothing neutral colors.

10. In the Treetops

In an ODS Architecture-designed home in the hills of San Mateo, California, this bedroom has crisp modern lines, light neutral colors and soft textures. From the bed, the bench at its foot or the long built-in bench beneath the black-framed window, one can enjoy expansive views of the surrounding greenery. At bedtime, motorized blinds recessed in the soffit can be lowered for privacy and light control.

9. Contempo Cozy

Mister + Mrs Sharp softened this contemporary-style Atlanta bedroom with layered rugs, rounded furniture, thick wall-to-wall draperies hung on tracks and hotel-like bedding. Upholstery on the bed, bench and the legs of the side tables enhances the inviting feel. Matching smoky glass lamps echo the furniture’s curves and add a hint of 1970s style.

8. Linen and Light

The decor in this transitional-style bedroom may be neutral in tone, but it’s full of standout details, such as the flange on the upholstered bed and the tapestry pattern on the bolster pillow. In the Forest Hills, Tennessee, home by Megan Glenn Architecture, the room incorporates two layers of window dressings: inside-mount Roman shades and draperies hung on French return rods (which reduce light leakage at the window edges).

7. Take a Seat

Storie Collective took advantage of the large square footage of this Chevy Chase, Maryland, bedroom by adding a sitting area at the foot of the bed. Not only does it offer a place to read, relax and set down a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, but it also adds pattern and panache thanks to the settee’s checked upholstery and the coffee table’s marbled finish.

6. Gingham Style

This sweet girl’s bedroom in Orange County, California, by Alicia Torosian Design has a winning mix of geometric and floral patterns, muted pastel colors and medium-tone woods. Torosian, who uses Houzz Pro business software to manage her projects, brought the look together by matching the Roman shades and bolster pillow — a simultaneously nostalgic and on-trend touch.

5. Elemental Elegance

Uploaded by Home stagers Elite Austin, this stylish Texas bedroom boasts interesting architectural details, including a box-beam ceiling, a shallow paneled niche for the headboard, a fireplace and a walk-out bow window. The upholstered bed’s rounded and folded shape mirrors the curves in the stone fireplace surround, and layers of warm neutral colors and highly tactile textures enhance visual interest without competing with the room’s bones.

4. Floral Flourishes

The star of this Alexandria, Virginia, bedroom by Asha Maía Design is the deep green velvet bed, which gleams against a backdrop of floral grasscloth wallpaper. The small sunburst mirror above the headboard, the headboard’s nailhead trim, the brass lamps and the hardware on the dark wood nightstands add subtle touches of warmth and glamour.

3. Deck Delight

This crisp bedroom is in a spectacular waterfront house built by Maine contractors Wright-Ryan Homes. The walls and ceiling are wrapped in vertical wood paneling for a coastal feel that’s enhanced by the blue, white and sand-colored palette. Welcoming spots for afternoon naps include the upholstered bed, the snug sofa and a pair of sling-style chairs on the private deck.

2. Under the Darkness

The water view alone makes this bedroom in a Pequot Lakes, Minnesota, home special. Designed by Mårka Architecture and Houzz Pro software users Tays & Co, its dramatic black ceiling, wood-paneled walls and refined rustic style elevate the space even more. Additionally, the room is packed with clever, space-saving features, including a television that slides out from the wall next to the bump-out window, a closet that pulls out from the left and hidden drawers beneath the bench.

1. Natural Pairing

Kansas-based Jami Campbell Interiors designed this transitional-style bedroom with a rich, warm palette of navy, copper and beige, with touches of black and brass. The colors are highlighted in the geometric-patterned Moroccan-style rug and complement the reddish tones of the nightstands and slatted bench. White walls and an arched full-length mirror, which reflects sunlight streaming in through the large windows, balance the darker hues.

Have you ever been in a room that just feels right? Nine times out of 10, it’s because it has a simple design that functions well. But creating a simple design is harder than it looks — particularly in bedrooms.

Why? Because every bedroom absolutely has to have a bed in it. And beds are big and ungainly, and dictate the placement of every other object in the room. But if you’re lucky enough to be planning a bedroom from scratch or remodeling an existing bedroom, you can control the other elements and create a space that’s both practical and pretty.

The bedrooms shown here manage that feat with panache. Even if you don’t have a great view, access to the outdoors or plenty of space to work with, the principles they embody and the simplicity they show can inspire your own bedroom design project.

Because the bedroom is one of the simplest rooms in the house, it’s often overlooked. One of the first steps to a great bedroom design is having an efficient and well-designed floor plan that gives you everything you want — no matter how much space you start with.

Here are seven tips to help you get the most out of your bedroom.

1. Plan for Simple Circulation

Try to keep your circulation on one side of the room. Hotels do a great job of this. There’s a reason many hotels use the same floor plan: because it’s simple and it works.

Browse nightstands and bedside tables in the Houzz Shop

2. Focus on the View

A bedroom always feels nicer when the first thing you experience is a pleasant view out the window — as opposed to a view looking straight at the bed. If you’re designing a new bedroom or reworking an old one, try to come up with a layout that focuses on the vista — whether it’s something as stunning as a lake or as simple as your backyard.

A cozy, calming bedroom designed for relaxation is a goal many homeowners share, and these inspiring spaces offer plenty of ideas for achieving it. Thoughtful layering of color and texture, well-scaled furniture and soothing details help shape rooms that feel restful and inviting. Discover how designers are creating serene retreats in this countdown of the most-saved bedroom photos uploaded to Houzz so far this year.

10. Warm Earth Tones

In this New Orleans bedroom by Susan Currie Design, terra-cotta accents enrich a pale neutral palette and create a cozy, inviting space. Throw pillows and a matching blanket highlight the bed and window seat. Japanese-inspired motifs appear throughout, including painterly paddle fans on the Roman shade, turtle-shaped lamp bases symbolizing longevity, and artwork depicting cranes associated with peace. Dark wood furniture and antique brass accessories deepen the color scheme, and open shelving filled with books adds texture and a lived-in feel.

9. Coastal Layers

Gray-green painterly wallpaper defines this Charleston, South Carolina, coastal home by Michael Mitchell, replacing classic seaside motifs with a more atmospheric approach. The wave-like pattern forms a soothing backdrop for off-whites and pale grays. Layered textiles provide visual interest, including throw pillows, a shell-inspired lamp, a rattan bench and a soft gray carpet. Linen bedding, window treatments and upholstered seating with subtle woven details enhance the overall warmth of the space.

8. Textured Elegance

Rich neutrals and plush finishes define this Springfield, Missouri, primary suite by Obelisk Home, converted from a former garage. Brown tones — chocolate, caramel and creamy latte — introduce depth while keeping the palette cohesive. Velvet upholstery on the bed and tufted armchairs softens the room, set against grasscloth wallcoverings and a walnut floor. An antique brass canopy bed and coordinating chandelier introduce a metallic glow that complements the lofty ceiling.

7. Ocean-Toned Escape

A sea green tray ceiling creates a restorative setting in this Fremont, California, bedroom designed by Raashi Design, which uses Houzz Pro software. Blue-green hues define the space, layered with soft fabrics. A reading corner features an upholstered chaise lounge and task lighting. A dressing area with custom stationary drapery panels adds function. Venetian blinds control light and privacy, and darker blue accents on the bed and chaise delineate key areas within the color scheme.

6. Natural Comfort

A fireplace anchors this transitional Minneapolis bedroom by Eminent Interior Design, paired with a boucle wool bench and upholstered armchair. Pale gray stone, a wood-beamed ceiling and beige seagrass wallpaper introduce texture. A thick area rug softens the wide-plank flooring. A plush bed throw and pillows enhance coziness, completing the welcoming, lived-in feel.

5. Organic Inspiration

Nature-inspired colors set the tone in this Nebo, North Carolina, bedroom by CBB Design Firm, which uses Houzz Pro. Mirrors flanking the bed, inset into custom paneling painted Iron Ore by Sherwin-Williams, reflect the surrounding lake views and amplify daylight. Natural wood in the bed, nightstands, latticed ceiling beams and white oak flooring reinforces the earthy palette. Soft bedding, seating and an area rug invite lingering in the scenic, peaceful setting.

4. Sculptural Details

Deep Tricorn Black paint and fitted crown molding create a dramatic backdrop in this Winnetka, Illinois, primary bedroom by Lugbill Designs. Fluted wall panels behind the bed introduce dimension, echoed by ripplefold drapery, a stitched bench and a striped area rug. A tall, deep-blue headboard commands attention, balanced by opal bedside pendant lights that provide sculptural interest without competing with the centerpiece bed.

3. Light-Filled Serenity

Daylight and pale finishes define this Boston bedroom by Nina Kierulf Interior Design, creating a tranquil, nature-inspired space. Leafy artwork above the bed references the surrounding trees, while a floral area rug evokes a cottage garden. Natural wood frames the bed and artwork, complemented by wallpaper with a subtle wood grain pattern. Pale gold foliage motifs on the duvet and pillows establish the bed as the room’s inviting focal point.

2. Restful Retreat

Warm off-white and cappuccino tones define this Denver primary bedroom remodeled by Perspective Design Build. Rich wood beams, bed frame, nightstands, armchairs and flooring provide structure and visual cohesion. Decorative touches — including a chandelier, mirrored candle sconce and nailhead trim — introduce subtle interest without overwhelming the neutral palette. The original archway frames an intimate seating area, where a potted tree softens the transition to the leafy landscape outside.

1. Farmhouse Tranquillity

Clean lines and traditional details shape this Granite Bay, California, transitional bedroom by Design Shop Interiors. A tall, 72-inch natural-linen-upholstered bed complements the high ceiling. Tongue-and-groove wall paneling adds visual interest and nods to the rural setting. Vintage furnishings bring character and a sense of history. Layered earthy neutrals, floral prints and fabrics such as linen and velvet complete the welcoming, comfortable environment.