Transforming A Bland Bedroom: Creative Decorating Ideas And Tips

Decorating a bedroom can be a fun and exciting task. It is a space that should reflect your personality and interests, creating a sanctuary that invites comfort and rest. Whether you're working with a blank canvas or looking to spice up an existing setup, here are some tips to transform your boring bedroom into a captivating space:

- De-clutter and deep clean: Start by removing any clutter and giving your room a thorough clean. This simple step can make your space feel fresh and invigorating.

- Choose a colour scheme: Consider painting your walls with a neutral base and adding accent colours through decorations. A fresh coat of paint can drastically update your space, making it feel brighter and more open.

- Add a headboard: Headboards come in various shapes and styles, and they can instantly transform the look of your bed. You can opt for a standard frame, a plush headboard, or even hang a piece of art or a woven tapestry behind your bed.

- Update your bedding: Invest in a new duvet or quilt to give your bed a fresh and inviting appeal. Mix and match patterns and textures to create a unique and textural look.

- Incorporate lighting: Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood and ambience of your bedroom. Incorporate soft, low-wattage lighting and consider adding decorative fairy lights or candles for a relaxing and romantic atmosphere.

- Hang meaningful artwork: Curate a gallery wall or display unframed artwork for a more organic look. Choose styles or images that resonate with you, such as nature, wildlife, or cityscapes.

- Bring in plants: Plants not only add visual appeal but also purify the air and create a calming environment.

- Add an area rug: An area rug can enhance comfort and style, even if you already have carpeted floors. It can add a pop of colour, pattern, or texture to your room.

- Create a cosy reading nook: Dedicate a corner of your bedroom to relaxation by adding a comfortable chair, an ottoman, and a side table.

- Incorporate scent: Use aromatherapy to create a soothing atmosphere. Opt for calming scents like lavender, jasmine, or rosemary through candles, incense, or essential oil diffusers.

Choose a colour scheme

Choosing a colour scheme is an important step in decorating your bedroom. This can be as simple as a colour scheme or as elaborate as a franchise. Pick a neutral base and a few coordinating accent colours for decorations. For example, you could go for coral, teal, and mustard yellow. You could also opt for a dramatic black or navy blue, but be wary of these colours if your space is already small as they can make it feel cramped.

If you want to keep your current wall colour, you can still make changes to your colour scheme by adding an accent wall. This can be done by painting one wall a bright, dark, or strong colour that you love. You can tie the look together with a throw pillow or two in the same hue. Alternatively, you can add a stencilled design or removable wallpaper to one wall for a unique look.

If you want to make your room feel brighter and more open, shades of white work well and can also make decorations pop. However, if you're looking for a low-maintenance option that won't go out of style, consider sticking to more neutral colours.

Don't forget about metallics! A few touches of shine, whether from glass, metallic surfaces, or reflective embellishments, can add excitement to your bedroom. Gold is particularly popular at the moment, but you can also go for silver or chrome if you prefer cooler tones. Just be careful not to overdo it, as too much metal can be overwhelming.

Add artwork

Adding artwork to your bedroom walls is a great way to inject some personality and creativity into the space. It can also help to tie your colour scheme together and make the room feel more inviting and personal.

When choosing artwork, opt for pieces that reflect your identity and integrate well with the space. You can either go for a cohesive look by choosing art that coordinates with your existing colour scheme or create an interesting contrast by introducing a new colour or style.

If you're feeling ambitious, consider creating a gallery wall by combining multiple pieces of art in a collage. This can be a fun way to showcase your favourite artists, colours, and designs. You can also hang a single, larger piece of art above your bed to create an attractive focal point.

When hanging artwork, consider the spacing and arrangement. For a clean look, frame your pieces and hang them equally spaced apart. If you prefer a more organic feel, try hanging unframed artwork with pretty pins or wash tape in the corners.

Don't be afraid to go bold and experiment with different styles of art. Whether it's a vibrant abstract painting, a black-and-white print, or a woven tapestry, adding artwork is a versatile way to transform your bedroom into a space that truly feels like your own.

Install a headboard

Installing a headboard is a great way to add style and personality to your bedroom. There are a few different types of headboards to choose from, each with its own installation process. Here's a step-by-step guide to installing a headboard:

Choose a Headboard

First, decide on the type of headboard you want. The three main types are wooden, metal, and upholstered. Wooden headboards offer a variety of styles and finishes to match your bedroom's look and are usually more affordable. Metal headboards are sturdy, durable, and easy to clean, but they can be more expensive. Upholstered headboards are soft and comfortable, perfect for a relaxing bedroom, and come in various styles.

Installation Options

There are three main installation options for headboards: free-standing, bed frame-mounted, and wall-mounted. Free-standing headboards are easy to install and only require a bed frame and screws. Bed frame-mounted headboards are also simple to install, but you'll need to remove your old headboard and mattress first. Wall-mounted headboards are a bit more complex as they require drilling holes into your wall and using anchors to hold the headboard in place.

Attach the Legs to the Headboard

Most headboards come with legs that need to be screwed into place. If your headboard doesn't have legs or you want to adjust the height, you can purchase legs separately from most hardware stores.

Find the Holes in the Bed Base

Look for a label indicating the hole size on the bottom side of the bed base. Use a tape measure to determine the distance between the holes, as they should be spaced evenly. Use a drill bit slightly smaller than the drilled holes to create new holes that line up with the existing ones.

Screw the Bolt into the Hole

Ensure the hole is the correct size for the bolt. Use a screwdriver that fits snugly to avoid slipping and apply firm pressure when twisting.

Slide the Headboard onto the Bolt Screws

Most headboards come in two pieces that attach with bolts. Slide the headboard onto the bolts and tighten them with a drill or screwdriver until secure.

Adjust the Headboard Height

The ideal height for a headboard is about six inches higher than your mattress. This will provide support and comfort while you're propped up in bed.

By following these steps, you can easily install a headboard and give your bedroom a stylish update.

Add lighting

Lighting is a crucial element in designing a bedroom, and it can significantly impact the atmosphere and aesthetics of the space. Here are some ways to add lighting to a boring bedroom:

Layer your lighting:

This is a key design principle when it comes to lighting a bedroom. Layering different types of lighting, such as ambient, task, and decorative lights, will create a warm, cosy, and functional space. For example, combine a table or floor lamp with wall lighting or a bedroom ceiling light. This will allow you to adjust the lighting to suit your mood and activities.

Adjustable light fixtures:

Opt for adjustable and flexible light fixtures, such as wall-mounted lights with a long reach. This is especially useful if floor space is limited, as it provides both task and ambient lighting without taking up valuable floor space.

Statement lighting:

Consider adding a statement piece, such as a striking floor lamp or an oversized lamp. These can add a beautiful focal point to the room while providing soft, ambient lighting. Just be mindful of the ceiling height—taller lamps can dominate and disrupt spaces with low ceilings.

Double up on lighting options:

Ensure you have both directional lighting for reading or tasks and ambient lighting for a softer, more relaxed atmosphere. Combine a task light, such as an anglepoise lamp, with a bedside lamp or a pendant light above. You can also use decorative wall lights to create a sculptural look while providing soft, warm lighting.

Dimmer switches:

Install dimmer switches to control the brightness of your lights and avoid harsh lighting, especially at night. This will allow you to create a cosy and inviting atmosphere.

Table lamps:

Table lamps are a great way to make a room glow and provide ambient lighting. They are also useful for reading or as bedside lamps. Choose interesting designs that add a decorative touch to your bedroom.

Task lighting:

Ensure you have adequate task lighting for reading or other activities. A pair of impactful lamps on either side of the bed can add drama and statement to the room. Glass lamps are a good choice as they don't look too bulky.

Pendant lights:

Hanging pendant lights beside the bed is a space-saving option, especially in small bedrooms. They add symmetry and highlight artwork or other features above the bed.

Wall lights:

Wall lights are a great way to save space while providing ambient lighting. They create a clean, boutique hotel look and are ideal for small or low-ceilinged rooms.

Pick a theme

Picking a theme is a great way to transform a boring bedroom. It can be as simple as a colour scheme or as elaborate as a franchise.

If you're going for a colour scheme, pick a neutral base and a few coordinating accent colours. For example, shades of white work well in any space, making your room feel brighter and more open. If you want to add a little more drama, try black or navy blue. A darker room, when done right, can feel cosy and timeless. However, be wary of dark colours if your space is already a little cramped.

If you're looking for something a little more complex, you could try a country theme. Visionbedding has some great ideas for this. Alternatively, you could go for a vintage look with cottage-inspired wallpaper and painted trim, offset by a vintage-inspired nightstand and other styling pieces.

You could also try an island escape theme. From the bed to the bedspread, bookshelf and plant, this room goes all in, leaning into a textured, natural style.

Whatever theme you choose, make sure it's something you love.

Frequently asked questions