Transform Your Bedroom Into A Cool Hangout

Whether you're looking to create a stylish sanctuary or a cosy haven, there are endless ways to make your bedroom a cool and inviting space. From simple updates to more ambitious projects, you can transform your bedroom into a place that reflects your unique personality and design style. So, get ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into the world of bedroom makeovers!

Choose a colour scheme

Colour is one of the most important factors when it comes to designing a cool bedroom. The colours you choose for your room can either make it feel soothing and calm or stimulating and energetic. For a cool bedroom, it is best to opt for a colour scheme that creates a calming atmosphere.

Nature-inspired colours are a great choice for a calming bedroom. Shades of blue, green, and earth tones such as sandy beige or brown will remind you of the sky, the sea, the grass, and the earth, creating a relaxing and peaceful environment. For example, a light blue or sage colour on the walls can give your bedroom a tranquil and refreshing feel. You can also try painting your ceiling a light shade of blue to draw the eye up and create a sense of spaciousness. If you want to make a bold statement, consider a darker shade of blue or green, such as a moody dark blue, which can turn your bedroom into an elegant and tranquil escape.

Neutral colours such as white, grey, and beige are also excellent choices for a cool and calming bedroom. White, in particular, is a versatile colour that can make your bedroom feel both soothing and calm. When choosing a shade of white, opt for a cool-toned white rather than a warm-toned white to keep your bedroom feeling cool. Grey is another versatile colour that can create a calm and soothing atmosphere. Go for a light shade of grey if you want to keep things airy and bright, or try a darker shade for a more dramatic and sophisticated look. Beige is a great option if you want to add a bit of warmth to your bedroom while still maintaining a neutral and calming colour palette.

If you want to add a pop of colour to your bedroom, consider using colourful throw pillows or accent walls. A few touches of colour can add contrast and interest to your room without overwhelming the senses. You can also bring colour into your bedroom through artwork, wall decor, or a gallery wall of family photos.

Remember that the colour scheme you choose will set the mood and style of your bedroom, so select colours that reflect your personality and design style. Whether you prefer a modern, contemporary, rustic, or eclectic look, the right colour scheme can help you achieve a cool and inviting space.

Add houseplants

Houseplants are a great way to add a natural, fresh, and vibrant element to your bedroom. They not only serve as decor but also offer health and wellness benefits, such as improved air quality and reduced stress. Here are some tips and suggestions for adding houseplants to your bedroom:

Choose the Right Plants

Select plants that are well-suited for bedroom environments and complement your space. Consider factors such as light exposure, humidity levels, and care requirements. Some popular bedroom plants include:

• Snake plants: These have bold, sword-like foliage and can tolerate low-light and low-moisture conditions.
• Orchids: They add a pop of colour and are hypoallergenic and air-purifying.
• Peace lilies: They thrive in indirect sunlight and can tolerate overwatering.
• Pothos: This hardy plant has glossy, trailing vines that can drape over furniture or hang from planters. It grows in various light conditions.
• Dracaena: This plant grows long, slender leaves and can adapt to low-light conditions while retaining its colour.
• ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia): It has dark green, shiny leaves and can tolerate low light and irregular watering.
• Parlor palms: These palms prefer indirect light and average to high humidity.
• English ivy: A trailing plant that releases oxygen and absorbs indoor air pollutants.
• Aloe vera: A succulent with fleshy leaves that requires bright light and minimal watering.

Grouping and Arrangement

When arranging houseplants in your bedroom, consider the following tips:

• Group plants in odd numbers to create a more casual and organic look.
• Vary the sizes and heights of plants to add visual interest.
• Mix and match different leaf shapes, such as trailing plants, fountain-like plants, and tall plants with upward-growing leaves.
• Include plants with colourful leaves to add variety and contrast.
• Use decorative pots that complement the plants and your bedroom style.
• Consider the care requirements of each plant, such as humidity, temperature, and light needs, when grouping them together.

Care and Maintenance

To ensure your houseplants thrive:

• Avoid overwatering. Use saucers under the plants to catch excess water and prevent moisture damage to surfaces.
• Allow the soil to dry out between waterings for most plants.
• Provide adequate light based on the plant's needs. Some plants prefer bright, indirect light, while others can tolerate low-light conditions.
• Dust the leaves occasionally to keep them shiny and healthy.
• Prune and trim the plants as needed to maintain their shape and size.
• Repot the plants when they outgrow their current containers.

By incorporating houseplants into your bedroom, you can create a relaxing, natural space that improves your well-being and showcases your personal style.

Install the right window treatment

Installing the right window treatment is essential for keeping your bedroom cool and comfortable. Here are some tips to help you choose the best window coverings for your space:

Choose the Right Type of Window Treatment

Blinds, shades, and curtains are all effective at blocking unwanted light and providing privacy. However, when it comes to keeping your bedroom cool, certain types of window treatments are more effective than others. Opt for adjustable blinds such as shutters, Venetian blinds, or day and night blinds. These allow you to control the amount of light and airflow into your room while still maintaining your privacy. Honeycomb blinds are also a great option, as their cellular design provides insulation, reducing the amount of heat entering your room by up to 80%. If you're looking for something more aesthetically pleasing, wooden Venetian blinds are a stylish choice that also helps keep the temperature down.

Consider the Direction of Your Windows

The direction your windows face will play a role in the type of window treatment you choose. For windows facing south, thicker, thermal materials are recommended to keep the room cool. On the other hand, windows facing north may benefit from lighter, more breathable materials that allow for more sunlight and warmth.

Opt for Light Colours

When it comes to colour, choose light shades such as whites, greys, and other neutral tones. These colours reflect sunlight and absorb less heat, helping to keep your room cool. Dark colours tend to absorb more heat, so they should be avoided for window treatments if you're aiming to lower the temperature.

Ensure Proper Installation

Proper installation is key to ensuring your window treatments are effective. Make sure your blinds, shades, or curtains fit snugly against the window frame with no gaps. This will help prevent warm air from seeping in through the sides. Additionally, consider installing blackout blinds or curtains, especially if your windows receive direct sunlight for extended periods. These will provide an extra layer of protection against the sun's rays, keeping your bedroom cool and comfortable.

Maintain and Care for Your Window Treatments

Finally, regular maintenance and care will help extend the life of your window treatments and ensure they function optimally. Keep them clean by dusting or vacuuming regularly, and spot-treat any stains or marks. Additionally, consider giving your window treatments a refresh by airing them out or having them professionally cleaned to remove any built-up dust or odours.

By following these tips, you can ensure your window treatments help keep your bedroom cool and inviting.

Use the right lighting

Lighting is an important element in designing a cool bedroom. It can make or break the ambiance and overall look of the space. Here are some tips on how to use the right lighting to create a cool and inviting bedroom:

Layer Your Lighting

A combination of different lighting sources and placements will create a cool and well-designed bedroom. Start by assessing the natural light in the room throughout the day. Identify areas that receive an abundance of natural light and those that remain darker. Use this information to layer your lighting accordingly.

Ambient Lighting

Ambient lighting refers to the general lighting of the room and is essential for creating a comfortable and well-lit space. Ceiling-mounted fixtures, such as a bold pendant light or a statement chandelier, can provide ambient lighting while also serving as a focal point for the room. If you're feeling creative, you can even make your own pendant light to add a unique touch to your bedroom.

Task Lighting

Task lighting is essential for specific activities such as reading or applying makeup. Bedside table lamps with adjustable brightness or dimmer switches are a great way to provide focused light for these tasks. They also add a cosy and inviting atmosphere to the room.

Accent Lighting

Accent lighting is used to highlight specific features or areas of your bedroom. For example, you can use wall-mounted lights to showcase a piece of art or a photo gallery. Picture lights or track lighting are great options for accent lighting as they draw attention to the desired feature without overwhelming the space.

Natural Lighting

Making the most of natural light is crucial in creating a cool bedroom. Opt for sheer curtains to allow more sunlight to enter the room during the day. You can also use mirrors to reflect natural light and make the space feel brighter and more open. Additionally, consider the direction your windows face, as this will impact the amount of sunlight entering the room.

Colour Temperature

The colour temperature of your light bulbs can significantly impact the atmosphere of your bedroom. Warmer light, often labelled as soft white or incandescent, creates a cosy and inviting ambiance. On the other hand, cooler light temperatures, labelled as bright white or daylight, provide a more energising and modern feel. Choose light bulbs with a colour temperature that aligns with the mood you want to create in your bedroom.

Dimmers

Installing dimmers for your lighting fixtures is a great way to provide flexibility and allow you to adjust the lighting according to your preferences and activities. Dimmers enable you to create a softer, more relaxed atmosphere or increase the brightness when needed.

By following these tips and considering the various aspects of lighting, you can create a cool and well-lit bedroom that suits your personal style and functional needs.

Display art and personal items

Displaying art and personal items is a great way to make your bedroom feel cool and unique to you. It's a chance to get creative and let your personality shine through. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Gallery Wall

Create a gallery wall by combining multiple pieces of art, such as paintings, prints, posters, quilts, or family photos. You can hang them over your headboard or on the wall with the most open space. If you're feeling ambitious, you can even create a stunning gallery wall that covers almost an entire wall.

Above the Headboard

Hang your favourite piece of art, whether it's a painting, print, poster, or quilt, above your headboard. This will create a focal point in the room and is a great way to showcase something you love.

Family Photo Wall

Consider creating a warm and personal atmosphere by dedicating a wall to family and travel photos. This idea, from Most Lovely Things, involves painting the bedroom walls a deep grey and adding a picture rail to display the photos.

Mix Art with Other Personal Items

Displaying personal items on the walls is a great way to make your bedroom feel cosy. For example, Lobster and Swan created a gallery wall with a mix of art and a jewellery display above a vintage nightstand.

Fill the Room with Art and Books

For book lovers, surrounding yourself with reading material can make your bedroom feel extra cosy. Leanne Ford Interiors showcases how a wall of bookshelves behind the bed, combined with large-scale art, can create a snug and inviting atmosphere.

Display Original Artwork

If you're an artist, displaying your original artwork can add a unique and personal touch to your bedroom. For instance, Erin Williamson Design added a scalloped carved wood opening to a bed alcove and painted the inside a warm latte colour. The space also includes a large tree painting and layers of pillows, transforming it into a cosy day bed.

Remember, when displaying art and personal items, it's essential to choose pieces that reflect your interests, hobbies, and personality. This will make your bedroom feel like a true extension of yourself and a space you can relax and be yourself in.

Frequently asked questions