30 decorating tips to style the perfect bedroom

It doesn’t take a construction team and months of renovating to design a beautiful, inviting bedroom. Discover how the right combination of homewares and soft furnishings can transform your bedroom into a dreamy, relaxing retreat.  

1. DIY your curtains

Photography: Zach Milne, @zachmilne

“I’m not a big fan of blinds or typical drapery; I prefer a more natural effortless approach. To achieve this look, I purchased a few rolls of plain white cotton muslin which is sheer enough to feel light and airy but will still keep block out light and keep the warmth in. You can purchase these for roughly $150 at most fabric suppliers. I simply cut these to size and drape them once over a wire that is suspended above my window frames. I bunch them together and place around four panels of muslin across my windows.” – Zach Milne, Creative Director at The Mode Collective.

2. Leave art unhung

Photography: Annette O’Brien, Styling Julia Green, Assistant: Noel Coughlan 

“I love a leaning artwork in a bedroom space; it feels relaxed, just how a bedroom should. Art does not all need to be hung above a bed.” – Julia Green, Interior stylist at Greenhouse Interiors.  

3. Go dark

Photo by Hunting for George

“Using a dark hue on your walls is a great bold statement that will saturate the bedroom. This will add depth and dimension, creating a warm and encapsulating feel. Use a neutral colour palette to really complement the colour.” – Melinda Wood, Interior stylist at TheHome.com.au.  

4. Forget matching

Image via Pinterest

“Don’t fall into the trap of trying to match everything. Select a few statement pieces that you want to be the hero in the room and pick neutral pieces to work around them.” – Melissa Gries, Director at Zenza.

5. Create a raised bed

Image via Pinterest.  

“The best way to add ‘wow’ factor to your bedroom is by having built-in features, like a raised bed for example. Split-level rooms and built-in features are not commonly used design features, and therefore add value and interest to your home.” – Bonnie Kay, Stylist.  

6. Mix soft furnishings

Photo courtesy of Kmart

“A great way to inject the latest trends is to add soft furnishings such as cushions, rugs and blankets. Coordinating these three product types will really tie your look together and that can be by colour, texture or pattern.” – Julie Miller-Sensini, Kmart’s Head of Home.  

7. Clash patterns

Photo courtesy of Emma Blomfield

“Don’t shy away from a pattern overload in the bedroom. A crazy bed linen print matched back with complementary tones in the art and cushions creates a colour riot that leaves you with a fun, inspiring space.” – Emma Bloomfield, Interior stylist.  

8. Think pink

Image courtesy of Nathan + Jac

“White walls are a safe option in your home, but the bedroom is a place where you can show a little bravery with colour. Forego the safe white wall and create a soft and romantic vibe with blush walls instead. Try ‘Dusty Beige’ in a half or quarter strength by Haymes​ Paint, and layer bed linen to complement the look.” – Nathan + Jac, Stylists.  

9. Ditch the lamp

Image via Pinterest

“Instead of a simple bedside lamp, introduce a significant feature pendant to draw the eye down to the actual bed. It also frees up the bedside table and adds functionality to the space, allowing you to put some great decor or your favourite stack of books at arm’s reach.” – Catherine Valente, Senior interior designer at Porter Davis.

10. Keep it balanced

Photography: Emily Katz

“Bedside tables and lamps on either side of the bed are super important for balance. I also love plants in the bedroom; they filter the air and make it feel like you’re waking up in a jungle.” – Emily Katz, Interior designer.  

11. Get inventive

Photo by Rachel James

“Think outside the box when it comes to bedside storage, such as a stack of magazines or books.” – Rachel James, Stylist.  

12. Add greenery

Image via Pinterest

“Adding flowers or a touch of greenery to the bedroom reminds us of nature and adds a sense of calm to the space.” – Alana Langan, Founder of HUNT & BOW.

13. Substitute with photos

Photography: Sam McAdam Cooper, Styling: Joseph Gardner for InsideOut magazine

“If plants aren’t your thing, add a vase of native flowers or a photograph of a beautiful scene from nature. This stunning framed photograph is by the extremely talented Brooke Holm.” – Christina Fedders, Founder of Designstuff.

14. Play with textures

Photography: Zach Milne, @zachmilne 

“In the world of styling, texture is king. Add throws, some carefully selected cushions, a reindeer hide or a sheepskin for a big textural hit. In warmer months, think gauzy fabrics and lightly crinkled linen.” – Christina Fedders, Founder of Designstuff​.

15. Style a stand-alone rack

Photography: Tara Whiteman, @taramilktea

“Right now I always wear turtlenecks to keep warm, so I like to have them all handy and in once place. Sometimes I sort my rack with the colours I’m loving at the moment.” – Tara Whiteman, Design blogger at Tara Milk Tea.

16. Create a point of difference

Image via Pinterest

“A round rug is a great alternative to standard rug shapes. Positioning the round rug under a bed leg gives a new dimension to the room and creates a point of difference. The rug becomes a statement piece of the room that suggests a contrast between the hard edges of the furniture and the soft round edge of the rug.” – Melinda Wood, Interior stylist at TheHome.com.au.

17. Bring the outdoors in

Photography: Zach Milne, @zachmilne

“Even in winter, I still sleep with the windows open. At my mother’s place in Milton on the south coast of NSW, her guest room is separate from the house and is situated in the garden. The guesthouse is made up entirely of glass doors that open up so in summer it feels like you sleeping in a forest, but in a really comfy bed with good quality linens! It’s literally my favourite place in the world.” – Zach Milne, Creative Director at The Mode Collective. 

18. Create zones

Photo by Hunting for George

Start by creating mood with ambient lights and integrate with task lighting. Avoid flooding the room with light by using directional lights and creating multiple zones within your bedroom, such as placing an armchair and floor lamp in a corner for reading.” – Duncan Ward, Design director at Satelight​.

19. Mix linens

Photography: Annette O’Brien, Styling Julia Green

“Mix up your linens, with block colours, patterns, fur, glitter and whatever else tickles you fancy, but don’t buy a matching set off the shelf as it requires no imagination and therefore exhibits little personality! A mixed bed is a work of art and sometimes a bedroom needs little else!” – Julia Green, Interior stylist at Greenhouse Interiors.

20. Use inviting light

Photography: Tara Whiteman, @taramilktea

“Sometimes I like to watch movies in bed, but I don’t like to have big bright lights on at the same time. I find having a good night light near my bed sets a lovely, welcoming mood. I achieve this with a cute lightbox​, or Christmas tree decor (recycle, people!)” – Tara Whiteman, Design blogger at Tara Milk Tea. 

21. Link to the ensuite

Image via Pinterest

“Finishing the bedroom with a hint of metallic can be a thoughtful link to the ensuite through the finish of the tapware​.  These subtle links to connecting rooms really complete the home.” – Erin Gannon, Principal interior architect at Studio Tate. 

22. Make a statement

Image courtesy of Porter Davis

“A bedhead doesn’t have to be a normal bedhead. Use a divisional screen, upholster the wall with fabric panels or create a slatted screen that runs up the wall and across part of the ceiling. By carrying the bedhead onto the ceiling, the bed encases the space and draws you in for a truly unique bedroom experience.” – Catherine Valente, Senior interior designer at Porter Davis.

23. Invest in linen

Photography: Annette O’Brien Styling: Alana Langan for Cultiver

“Linen really is the most luxurious way to sleep, and it’s a lot more affordable these days too. Don’t be afraid to mix and match your linen; different shades can work well together and constantly create a fresh look in the bedroom without having to do any redecorating.” – Alana Langan, Founder of HUNT & BOW. 

24. Keep a bed table handy

Photography: Tara Whiteman, @taramilktea

“A piece I rely on is my bed table! I love drinking warm drinks in winter and often have them beside my bed. A good lap table or bed desk keeps everything handy.” – Tara Whiteman, Design blogger at Tara Milk Tea.

25. Work with white

Photography: Zach Milne, @zachmilne

“I don’t like feature walls or generally any coloured walls, so I’m a big believer in all white walls. White walls make a home feel larger, lighter and cleaner and make it much easier to decorate your home. Once you introduce feature walls, it can throw off the whole aesthetic of a room, while white will always work.” – Zach Milne, Creative Director at The Mode Collective.  

26. Add wall art

Image via Pinterest 

“Wall art and quilt covers should be your first port of call when updating a bedroom on a budget. Both make great statements and can change the tone of the room quickly. Build around these with bedside lamps, rugs and have fun with contrast cushions.” – Julie Miller-Sensini, Kmart’s Head of Home. 

27. Mix prints

Photo courtesy of TheHome.com.au

“Mixing and matching prints and patterns can really make your bedroom pop. Start with neutrals as a base and build from there. Choose one colour or two main colours to create that outburst of character. Remember to keep it balanced– use small patterns against large. Choose patterns that complement each other, for example one solid bold pattern with a soft subtle print.” – Melinda Wood, Interior stylist at TheHome.com.au. 

28. Customise your bedhead

Photography: Annette O’Brien, Styling Julia Green, Assistant: Noel Coughlan

“A good alternative to art in the bedroom is to look at having a custom-made bedhead. Heatherly Design do an amazing job with this brief, and will create something in your palette just for you. Let’s face it, bedrooms are for sleeping, so if the bed is the focus, it’s all good!” – Julia Green, Interior stylist at Greenhouse Interiors.

29. Showcase souvenirs

Photography: Zach Milne, @zachmilne

“I love combining eclectic artsy​ pieces that I have collected while travelling or from my mum (who is an artist) over the years with new luxe items that I have acquired recently. I love the combination of something old that doesn’t look to perfect on something new and elegant like a marble table.” – Zach Milne, Creative Director at The Mode Collective.

30. Play with scale

Image via Pinterest

“Play with height and scale on either side of the bed. Drop a pendant light one side, and ground the other side with books and a plant. It doesn’t have to be conventional.” – Julia Green, Interior stylist at Greenhouse Interiors.