42 Gorgeous Primary Bedroom Decorating Ideas (2024)

Innovate With Your Nightstands

Feeling uninspired by your nightstand? Before buying a new one, look around the house for something else that could replace it: a floating shelf, a beloved chair, a pile of books—even a stack of vintage suitcases. The charm will make your space feel more collected and thoughtful. You can hang artwork right above it to make it feel more intentional.

Play With Shape Repetition

If everything in your space feels too square, repeat a few circular patterns throughout the space to make it more dynamic. In this bedroom, the circular pattern wallpaper above the bed is flanked with two dome lamps and two circle throw pillows on the bed, creating a fun retro effect.

Repeat colors the same way you do shapes and patterns to give your space a cohesive feel.

Paint Your Ceiling

We always think of painting our walls, but how about leaving them bare and painting the ceiling instead? In this primary bedroom, the teal ceiling draws the eye up, making the ceiling appear higher than it actually is. It also highlights the architectural detail in the ceiling.

Try to mirror the effect on the floor by adding a rug that's about the same size as the area you painted on your ceiling to balance everything and ground the space.

Build Your Own Headboard

Regular headboards are great, but large upholstered headboards that go wall to wall are undoubtedly better, especially when they have built-in nightstands. If you're struggling with a large empty bed wall, try making your own headboard—it's easier than you think, and the effort will be well worth it.

Consider hanging a pendant from the ceiling instead of using a table lamp or sconce to play with the proportions of the space and fill up the blank wall.

Switch Up Your Layout

Sometimes all you need is to rethink your layout to make your space feel brand-new. Try putting your bed underneath the window and reorganize the orientation of your room. You'll be surprised how fresh your bedroom feels even if every piece of furniture stays the same.

While you're at it, take the opportunity to declutter the space—another trick that will make your room feel fresh and curated.

Use the Power of Paint

While we typically think of accent walls as painting a single wall and leaving the others in a neutral color, the new way to do accent walls is to paint shapes or even borders on all walls. Paint a red stripe in the middle of your walls or line the bottom half of your walls with a dark paint color.

Then add a few accents to the room in the same color as your wall accent color to make your décor feel more intentional and coherent.

Play With Your Ceiling Height

Have high ceilings? Play with the proportions of your bedroom by bringing in a canopy bed. Hang curtains all the way up to the ceiling and let them fall to the ground, or even paint the ceiling and the top foot of your wall in a darker tone-on-tone color. Staying within the same color palette will make your space feel elegant and refined.

Go Monochrome

Give yourself a challenge and try to decorate your bedroom with various shades of one main color. Choose a rug that’s the same color as your wall, and keep the hue going on your curtains too. Then add a darker accent in a rich fabric like velvet to give the space a little contrast.

Try to stay coherent with your metal finishes, too, opting for only one or two finishes like brass or blackened steel.

Add Texture

Every great designer knows the one trick to add interest to a room without overwhelming it is texture. Complex textures remind us of nature which are not only visually interesting, but soothing. This could be in the form of patterns, textiles, or materials such as wood. Look for anything that makes you want to reach out and touch it or curl up and get cozy in it.

Switch Up the Sheets

Something as simple as changing up the sheets can make a place feel like new. With plenty of colors, patterns, and material to choose from, it's easy to make a bold (or subtle) impact on your space with a simple swap. If it's cold out, spring for cozy flannel or sateen if you prefer silky smooth.

Play With Patterns

Patterns are one of the most popular ways to add interest and dimension to a room quickly and affordably. You don't have to stick to one particular style, though. Mix things up with a polka dot accent pillow, add some stripes to a headboard or accent wall, or even toss a floral throw on the bed. Simple patterns can work together creating a stylish and diverse space.

Add Some Drama With Curtains

Sometimes we need a little drama to keep things exciting. The easiest way to inject some in the room is with dramatic drapes or curtains. Try installing window treatments six to eight inches above the height of the window and let the drapes hang down to the floor for maximum effect.

Change Up the Accents

Just like accessories for an outfit, accent pieces can be easily updated to refresh your entire room with a few simple swaps. Consider a new knit blanket or throw some faux fur over your chair to cozy it up. Even a new vase can add a nice touch.

Infuse More of You

On that note, you may also want to consider incorporating more of your own interests or favorite items into the room to make it feel more like "you." Perhaps paint an accent wall in your favorite color, frame a poem by your favorite author, or display some distinct sculptures that reflect your interests. If you're drawn to it, incorporate it in.

Install Molding

This may sound like a lot of work, but it's easier than you think to install a frame of molding along a wall. It will instantly transform a once basic wall into a stylish, sophisticated boudoir. Especially if you have plenty of space that needs something extra, molding can give it that extra bit of flair.

Mix and Match

The eclectic look will always be in style, so get playful and try pairing a variety of shapes, colors, or designs together that are not as obvious. Even if you are skeptical at first, don't automatically discount something that doesn't perfectly match the rest of your room. You may end up loving it, and your style will be all your own.

Take a Seat

Bedroom furniture can certainly go beyond the bed, bedside tables, and dressers. Placing a tasteful accent chair in the corner or a bench at the foot of the bed can make the space feel more inviting. If you have the room, you could even include a lounge area with a small sofa or loveseat and table.

Let the Light In

Something as simple as changing the lighting in a room can make it feel like an entirely different space. Warm lighting, especially in the bedroom, is preferable to set the right mood. Dimmers or just a piece of cloth over a lamp can make all the difference. If you're craving more natural light in the room, consider switching out the curtains for sheer or lighter ones.

Freshen Up with Flora

Never underestimate the power of introducing some greenery into your space. You can transform the bedroom into a botanical sanctuary with fresh flowers and plant life that will instantly brighten and liven up any room on a budget. Not only are they pleasing to the eyes and nose, you'll reap the countless health benefits as well.

Decorate the Walls

Wall art can make or break a room, and even the most beautiful art needs a refresh every now and then. Since the primary bedroom is where you spend all of your resting hours, consider pieces that won't overwhelm or hang decor that represents things you love that you won't easily tire of.

Try a New Rug

Nothing can pull a whole room together more than the right rug. Get ready to shift the entire vibe of your room whether you decide to add or update one. Whether you choose a brand new pattern, texture, or color, it's an easy way to revamp the entire space without too much of an overhaul.

Update the Dresser

Dressers can often be overlooked when it comes to a bedroom makeover. However, this important piece of furniture can drastically change up the look of your room. Consider changing the color, material, height, and shape, or paint it to get a fresh take.

Add Mid-Century Charm

Mid-century modern has become a classic style known for its sleek and chic aesthetic, and it's not going away anytime soon. If you don't already have mid-century furniture, one or two key pieces, such as an accent chair or bookcase, could inject some instant cool.

Paper the Walls

It may not be the first thought you come up with, but if you really want to mix things up and try something less traditional, we are big fans of wallpaper. Whimsical prints or colors used on an accent wall can really bring a fresh element to liven up the room. Plus, with plenty of easily removable versions, you can make the switch to something else if you feel inspired.

Add a Gallery Wall

Artwork can transform a space instantly, but there are plenty of ways to go about it. Rather than hanging a single piece over the bed, try adding a gallery wall. Find a small collection of art, photographs, prints, or dećor items that reflect your personality and arrange them together. Corners aren't off-limits, either!

Add a Large Mirror

Your primary bedroom isn't complete without a mirror—you might as well go for a bigger option. Adding a floor-length mirror is not only a functional dećor option but can help your room feel more spacious and open. If you have the space, try leaning it against the wall for a relaxed vibe.

Play With Contrast

If you want a slightly dramatic refresh, try adding contrast into your home dećor. An easy way to do this is through color, particularly focusing on a light and dark hue to create depth. Black and white are tried and true staples in this category, but you can add softer shades of other hues to add a dose of color if you choose.

Play With Symmetry

If you want your room to feel exceptionally cohesive and put together, try playing with symmetry. Adding identical nightstands, twin sets of lamps, or even matching accent pillows is a simple way to go about this. The result is a balanced room meant for relaxation.

Get Creative With Floating Shelves

If you have plenty of items lying around but don't seem to have much space for them, try your hand at floating shelves. Not only are they incredibly stylish and minimalist, but can be arranged and used for a variety of purpose (like this makeshift bookshelf shown here). Go for one long shelf or a variety of smaller ones, but they are relatively easy to install and work well with a wide range of themes.

Use Drapes as an Accent Wall

Accent walls are all the rage, but you don't have to use wallpaper or even paint to create one. Hanging long drapes from the ceiling and along the walls creates a textured, luxurious aesthetic. Plus, the drapes can be switched out for other styles, so you aren't limited to just one.

Add Some Modern Touches

While there are many styles to choose from, you don't have to hardcore commit to one in particular. However, if you want to revamp your space, try adding a few modern touches. Whether it's a golden scone, some geometric artwork, or a contemporary headboard, just a few additions can make the place feel brand new.

Work in Pops of Color

If you're dealing with a mostly minimal or neutral color scheme, add a dash of color into your dećor. A few colorful books on a nightstand, a few throw pillows, or even some plants adding on a shelf can feel refreshing. Even a small amount can go a long way.

Switch Out Your Headboard

There are small changes you can make in your primary bedroom, but an often overlooked one is your headboard. Chances are you've likely had the same one for a long time, so why not swap it out for something that fits you better? Whether you do a DIY version or buy one, you might be surprised at how different your room can look.

Get Creative With Color

Of course, if small amounts of color aren't your style, there is no reason not to go bolder. Playing around with different color combinations like complementary or even triadic color schemes can generate new ideas for changing your bedroom. You can also choose to go from bright and bold hues to more pastel versions—the possibilities are endless.

Try a Darker Color On Your Walls

While some hesitate to paint their walls a darker color, there is no need to shy away from the option. Darker tones can look wonderful, especially if there is plenty of lighting. Pairing a black wall with golden accents and patterns can create an upscale, elegant atmosphere.

Switch Out Your Bed Frame

Though your bed frame is likely something you've overlooked when thinking of your home dećor, it shouldn't be. While some frames tend to be a standard baseline to lay the mattress on, there are plenty of decorative and colorful options that can revive your space. Switching out a basic version with something bold and eye-catching can have a bigger impact than you realize.

Create a Multi-Purpose Space

When decorating the primary room, you may come across having too much extra space that you aren't sure what to do with. Rather than leaving it empty, try turning part of your room into a dedicated space for something else—whether you add a desk and chair to create a workspace or adding a couple of extra chairs and a small table to read or chat with others. While your room can still be your place of rest and solitude, turning dead space into something functional can cause you to change the layout, opening up plenty of possibilities.

Incorporate an Accent Wall

Instead of changing the paint colors of all your walls, try focusing on one accent wall. You can opt for one solid color in contrast to the other three, an elaborate pattern, it even a distinct and artistic mural. Your creativity can be fully on display here, creating a strong focal point to the room.

Try a Muted Color Palette

Sometimes the most subtle changes can create a big impact. The color palette of your bedroom can affect your mood and mindset, so try switching out your linens and other fabrics for ones displaying a muted version of your favorite shades. The result will be a calming and subdued atmosphere where you can easily relax and unwind.

Use Natural Elements and Tones

When deciding on new dećor ideas, it's worth it to consider going with natural finishes and earthy tones as an option. Wooden furniture or palette walls, rustic touches, and cotton fabrics are just a few examples of organic items you can bring in to create a soothing environment.

Try a Minimalist Vibe

Want to downsize and make a big change to your space? Try going the minimalist route. Go through your stuff, get rid of the things you know you don't need or no longer serve you, and hold onto the essentials. You can also work in a neutral color scheme and arrange the room to become more open and spacious. You will be surprised at how different a few simple changes can reinvigorate your bedroom.

Create a Canopy

If you want to add a bit of elegance and flair, try creating a canopy over your bed. Using light fabrics allows you not to feel constricted yet upgrades your bed instantly. If you don't have a four-poster bed, don't worry—you can still make a simple version without too much hassle, like the one pictured here.

1. National Institutes of Health: Turning Discovery Into Health. Greenness Around Homes Linked to Lower Mortality. Updated April 15, 2016.