5 design choices that can make a bedroom calm, comfy and stylish

Over the many years of writing this blog, decorating a few homes and being a freelance interiors writer, I’ve realised just how much design choices influence the comfort and calm of a bedroom; way beyond the aesthetics. I’ve been thinking about this recently as I’m planning my own bedroom refresh.

As part of my planning I’ve found that there are five design choices that really impact how a bedroom feels. They are the elements that help create a bedroom that isn’t just stylish but also comfortable, calm and inviting.

So when Simba got in touch recently and offered me a mattress right in the middle of my bedroom planning, it felt like perfect timing to share these ideas here in case you’re planning a bedroom redo too. Read on to find out the five design choices that will impact your bedroom decor the most.

5 key design choices for a calm, comfy and stylish bedroom

1. consider the lighting

Lighting may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about decorating a bedroom, but it has such a big impact on the way a bedroom looks and feels. So much that even if you get everything else right, without the right lighting your bedroom will look like it’s missing something.

Soft, warm lighting as opposed to bright white lighting is always best for a bedroom. And it’s important to have more than just one overhead light. A layered lighting approach with at least 3 light sources, is best for a bedroom.

I’m planning to have an overhead statement light which I think creates a focal point and looks great aesthetically. In addition I’ll have bedside lights on each side of the bed and a table lamp and most likely a floor lamp too that will help create a cosy corner in which to read.

2. focus on the bed

The bed is the largest piece of furniture in a bedroom so it matters a lot for aesthetics but that’s not all. It’s where you get your nightly zzz’s so comfort is obviously very important. That for me means investing in a good mattress and good bedding.

The kind of mattress you choose will come down to what comfort means for you. For me, I’ve opted for this Simba hybrid one mainly because hybrid mattresses are better for support right up to the edge of the bed (I like sleeping on the edge), they’re also good for side sleepers which I am and finally with a hybrid mattress, you’re less likely to be disturbed by your partners movement which had recently begun to wake me up. So consider what is important to you and choose the best mattress you can afford that delivers on your needs.

The bedding will be one of the most visible things in a bedroom so that’s something else worth investing in. Not only that, it’s also got to feel good against your skin and keep you cosy. I always go for linen bedding as I love the look and feel of it. In addition to a linen duvet cover, I also like to drape a throw over my bed which makes my bed look intentional and gives me extra warmth in the colder months.

3. embrace negative space

A calm and considered bedroom doesn’t need to be filled. Too much stuff or too much furniture will simply create visual clutter, making the space look busy. And a busy bedroom not only looks chaotic but it will also feel the opposite of calm which isn’t ideal for a space where you want to relax and sleep. Unless you intentionally plan for this, you can easily end up having too much in your bedroom.

To do this consider things like having hidden storage so things can be put away and have just as much furniture as you need and nothing more. I’m a fan of multi-purpose furniture even in larger bedrooms because that means having fewer pieces that work harder. Try to keep countertops like bedside tables as clear as you can and similarly avoid filling up the walls too. One carefully chosen piece of art will be far more impactful than lots of pieces dotted around the room.

Embracing negative space not only allows for a much calmer feel in a bedroom and but it also means that chosen pieces have breathing room making them stand out even more.

4. add texture

Every room in a home needs texture but I think bedrooms need it most of all because texture brings warmth and comfort without the clutter. Layering different materials also brings visual interest and prevents the room from looking flat. In my experience, most bedrooms that look boring or look like they’re missing something are almost always lacking texture.

Adding texture is simply about mixing in a range of natural materials like wool, linen, seagrass, sheepskin, stone, wood and more. So pick your favourites and add it to your decor.

As I’m still at the planning stage of my bedroom refresh, I’m in the process of creating a moodboard which is the perfect place to play with textures and see which ones work for you and your space.

5. opt for muted colours

It’s no secret that colours affect our mood so it makes sense to opt for calming colours in a bedroom. Shades like warm white, beige, taupe and grey are the obvious ones as they are neutrals that are truly timeless. But soft blues, greens and blushes can be just as calming and therefore great for those who like a hint of colour in their space. Alternatively some dark shades like chocolate and deep olive green can add a lot of warmth and be just as calming as light shades.

Muted colours are easier on the eye and form the perfect backdrop for the rest of the decor. For an extra cocooning feeling consider keeping the walls, curtains and bedding in the same colour family. This is something I’m considering for my bedroom as it can really make the space feel cohesive and inviting.