17 decorating ideas for bedrooms: Dreamy updates for every boudoir
Lara loves writing about every aspect of the home – from the latest colour trends to emerging designs. She has a lot of experience writing about home trends and interior advice for leading titles such as The Telegraph, Metro, and Homes & Gardens.
If you’re ready to refresh your boudoir, you’re in the right place. We’ve got masses of decorating ideas for bedrooms to give you all the inspiration you need.
Whether you want a relaxed vintage vibe or a colour-packed feast for the eyes, our bedroom design ideas have got you covered.
There are so many decorating tips to transform bedroom interior design.
- Think statement panelling, luxe bedroom curtain ideas or bold wallpaper.
- Even purse-friendly bedroom makeover ideas like fairy lights and new bedding can make a huge impact.
- For a bigger investment, play around with bedroom furniture ideas.
- Try fitted wardrobes for space-efficient storage or a wow factor four-poster bed.
Some DIY tricks you can happily do yourself. But for the bigger jobs and for a super professional finish, we recommend hiring a recommended painter and decorator.
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Decorating ideas for bedrooms
Without further ado, if you’re itching to switch up your boudoir, read on for dreamy bedroom inspiration.
Here’s a round-up of our favourite sleeping beauties…
1. Go bold with bedroom makeover ideas
Paint should be your best friend if you’re looking to level up bedroom interior design. From pretty pastels to bold primaries – like this sunshine yellow bedroom – there are literally hundreds of paint colours to choose from.
It’s a quick and relatively simple way to transform your bedroom walls for a brand-new look. And don’t forget your ceiling – it’s a neglected part of almost every design concept. Check out our decorative ceiling ideas to get your creative juices flowing.
Colour blocking can make a big impact and make bedroom walls pop – but you need to get it right. Perhaps it’s time to get in touch with a local decorator who will get your bedroom walls looking top-notch.
Plus it’ll free up time for you to finish off your boudoir with some gorgeous accessories.
2. Embrace all white for serene bedroom interior design
Don’t underestimate the power of all-white bedroom design ideas. In fact, bedrooms that are decked top to toe in shades of milk, off-white and buttermilk are a timeless country classic.
It’s an easy look to pull off yourself too as there are no major decisions about colour choice.
To ensure a white bedroom doesn’t feel too cold, layering with texture is key. Seek out rustic bedroom furniture, linen throws and rattan baskets. Whitewash floorboards to complete the laid-back vintage mood. Read our guide to painting floorboards if you fancy giving it a go yourself.
Dreamy stuff!
3. Fall in love with bedroom wallpaper ideas
If you want to add some colour, pattern or extra wow factor to a bedroom renovation, then feature wallpaper is perfect.
Of course, wallpaper trends come and go, but the choice is vast and will add a big dose of personality to every bedroom style.
Choose bold botanicals in teal and gold like this concept bedroom. The look is pure Art Deco for the 21st century. Alternatively, try out pretty blooms, a smart stripe or an understated monochrome print.
If you need a tutorial on how to hang wallpaper, you can check out our dedicated guide. Or if you’d prefer to leave it in the hands of a professional, these are the rough prices of professional wallpapering in the UK.
4. Incorporaye modern art in your bedroom wall decor ideas
Decorating ideas for bedrooms don’t come simpler than hanging up your favourite artwork or photographs – whether that’s a single, oversized print or a curated gallery wall.
You might prefer modern splashy art, black and white family photos or antique-style prints – they will all do wonders for your sleep space.
It’s a great idea to create a focal point above your bed with a bold oversized painting on the wall. Then, why not echo the colours across the bedding for an elevated look loved by interior designers?
If you need some guidelines on how to hang pictures, head to our handy blog. Otherwise, discover our comprehensive picture hanging cost guide and let the professionals take care of the job.
5. Opt for built-in bedroom furniture ideas
Fitted wardrobes are a bigger investment than paint or wallpaper. But they can revolutionise your bedroom and instil a clutter-free mood that enhances every available inch of space.
However big or small your bedroom, built-in wardrobes can be tailored to create dedicated storage for all your dresses, suits, tops, shirts and trousers. That’s not forgetting dedicated shoe racks as well as bespoke drawers and cubbyholes for every last accessory.
Whether you want sliding doors, a walk-in wardrobe or mirrored fronts, this is definitely a job for the professionals. Find out the average price for fitted wardrobes and make it your first step to a streamlined bedroom.
6. Embrace boho bedroom design ideas
Bedrooms should be a restful, cosy sanctuary to unwind in at the end of the day and kick back at weekends.
So, a laid-back, boho bedroom is a charming way to nail this relaxed design tempo.
There are no hard and fast rules here. Perhaps the key ingredients are pale neutrals, natural materials and effective bedroom lighting. Swap conventional bedroom chair ideas for low-level pouffes and switch heavy drapes for window blinds which are neat and unobtrusive.
Finally, a bedroom screen is a cool way to divide up a space on a budget. Try zoning off a corner of the room for a mini walk-in wardrobe. Or maybe you need to create a small home office hub if you don’t have a spare room to use.
7. Experiment with pattern clashing
Pattern clashing is one of our favourite bedroom makeover ideas for creating an upmarket look that doesn’t cost a fortune.
Be confident with your print choices and dare to mix up graphic shapes and whimsical wallpaper as shown in this bedroom.
Choose patterns you love but do be aware of a few design rules if you want to nail the look. Stick to a similar family of colours (such as teal, peacock blue and soft sage) across the different-sized patterns, to instil a sense of harmony.
Then bring in an accent colour as a focal point. Layer with different textures and consider using a monochrome patterned wallpaper as a neutral backdrop.
8. Dare to go different with bedroom furniture design
Get creative with bedroom furniture design by upcycling old crates and sheets of plywood. This headboard with storage creation is a serious showstopper that adds a focal point to the space.
If you’re handy at craft projects and know your way around a toolbox, you might fancy tackling this sort of project yourself. Otherwise, a local carpenter can help.
This contrasting red, black and white colour scheme is dynamic and full of energy. It’s a spirited choice for shared bedrooms when couples might need to compromise on decor.
9. Dip your toe in DIY bedroom wall decor ideas
Offset a plain pink bedroom with some eye-catching DIY bedroom wall decor ideas.
First, paint long lengths of lightweight baton and then fix to the wall with screws or wood glue. The result is a striking feature wall that’s totally unique to you.
Don’t overthink the design as the geometric backdrop doesn’t need to be perfect. This is a really cool idea to introduce in a teenager’s bedroom den too.
10. Work in wall panelling bedroom design ideas
Wall panelling is a popular decorating tool to update a bedroom – and it’s easy to see why.
Whether you choose smart, Shaker-style walls, modern wood slats or coastal-inspired tongue-and-groove, panelling is eye-catching. It’s also durable, moisture-resistant and can cover up uneven walls.
Head over to our blog to find a collection of our favourite MDF panelling ideas. Or, to really put a stamp on your bedroom, get in touch with a local interior designer or carpenter who can create spectacular bespoke designs.
11. Co-ordinate bedroom chair ideas
Bedroom chair ideas can inject a luxe hotel ambience to your space.
Pick out small-ish designs that won’t take up too much room and can double up as a dressing table perch or a reading corner.
Don’t forget fabric choice: a soft, comfortable texture will suit the boudoir more than plain wood. Find out reupholstery costs here if your treasured chair is looking a little shabby.
12. Swap bedroom wallpaper ideas for a mural
Wall mural ideas are a creative way to upgrade your bedroom. Do you fancy a city skyline, a wall of large-scale blooms or a whimsical landscape?
Wall murals are often bolder and more scenic than rolls of patterned wallpaper and create a specific story for your boudoir.
You have the option of going freehand with a painted mural. Or, get a ready-made wallpaper mural to fit your feature wall.
For both ideas, you might want to hire a painter and decorator who can inspire your next wall mural project.
Bedroom curtain ideas
Discover how bedroom curtain ideas can add the finishing touch to every boudoir.
13. Go bold with colour and pattern
Make your bedroom curtain ideas stand out with punchy colours and busy patterns. Perfect for maximalists everywhere!
14. Drape sheer curtains over your bed
Recreate a French rustic mood by draping panels of sheer white voile over your bed. A romantic canopy for two.
15. Choose smart curtains and blinds
Not sure whether to go for blinds or curtains? Opting for both will guarantee smart and sophisticated bedroom decor.
16. Stick to a neutral palette
Sometimes only neutral curtains will do. Whether you go for flimsy voiles or heavy velvet drapes, tones of sand, buttermilk and caramel will meld invisibly into the decor.
17. Swap curtains for blinds
Swap curtains for neat blinds in box bedrooms and small walk-in dressing rooms. You don’t want full-length curtain fabric taking up precious floor space.
Ready to overhaul your bedroom? Find a trusted painter and decorator near you to kick off your decorating project.
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