Bedroom decor ideas to complete your room's interior

Bedroom decor ideas are less about the overall bedroom design and more about the finishing touches that a professional decorator, such as an interior designer, will use to turn a standard space into something more unique.

And although some of the more structural or fixed ideas will need to be considered at the start of your renovation, extension or self-build, others are easily implemented once you've decided on the overall look, colour palette or theme for your bedroom.

But with so many choices available, how do you decide which bedroom decor ideas are right for you?

Bedroom decor ideas should reflect your personal taste

When it comes to bedroom decor ideas, there isn't a finite list to choose from. Although your overall bedroom ideas will sometimes be guided by bedroom layout ideas, the finishing touches are the ones that speak your own personal design language.

So whether you're looking for inspiration for pattern combinations, headboards or feature walls, we've founded up bedroom decor ideas to help you add your own stamp to your sleeping spot.

We've even included some ideas for guest bedrooms and children's rooms – so if you're undertaking a self-build or renovating a house, sit back and relax while we share 13 bedroom decor ideas to complete your room's interior.

1. Hang a cluster of bedside lights

Bedroom lighting ideas can sometimes fall into a set pattern - ceiling light, bedside lights and task lights at dressing table or dressing areas. And while there's nothing wrong with this tried and tested formula, don't dismiss the opportunity to break the mould in your bedroom.

Instead of opting for standard bedside lights, pendant lighting can serve the same function.

“Multiple table or bedside lamps don’t have to match," say Niki Wright and Scarlett Hampton design duo and co-founders of lighting design studio lights&lamps, "two different styles can make for a much more interesting and effective lighting scheme."

This bedroom demonstrates the technique perfectly with a standard table lamp paired with three small hanging pendant lights. Even if you've already run your electrical wiring, you can still achieve a similar looking using rechargable lightbulbs instead of standard ones.

"Alternatively, if you have enough space, say Niki and Scarlett, "a pairing of a large and small lamp side by side isn’t something you see people doing that often, but it is a simple and very effective trick to adding a dramatic layering of lighting."

For a selection of small pendant lights available with a variety of shades, head to the small pendant lights section at Pooky.  If you're looking for rechargeable lightbulbs, try this Funlenry rechargable light bulb with remote and colour changing options from Amazon.

Niki Wright & Scarlett Hampton

Scarlett Hampton and Niki Wright boast over two decades of experience between them, designing, developing, and manufacturing best-selling products for the British high street. Combined they offer customisable designs artfully utilizing high-quality, organic materials of all colours, textures and finishes to suit an array of interior styles.

2. Add a painted trim to break up your wall colour

If during your renovations you've decided to keep a set of doors in place in case you ever choose to change your bedroom layout, you may have painted them the same colour as the walls to try and disguise them.

However, we much prefer this idea which makes a real feature of them instead of hiding them away. With wall panelling ideas still very much on trend, the panelled doors suddenly become a wall feature in their own right. Be proud of your ingenuity and make them stand out by painting the door frame in an even bolder shade.

3. Or, add a narrow shelf above your wall panelling as an extra display area

Instead of running your tongue and groove wall panelling from floor to ceiling, finish it slightly below the window height and top with a narrow shelf painted in the same colour.

Perfect for displaying hidden treasures, thereby freeing up space on more essential items such as bedside and dressing tables, it also lends itself well in this room which has a coastal vibe. 

Good use has also been made of the corner which could otherwise have no purpose. How? By the strategic use of a floor lamp and chair.

"Floor lamps can help fill a dead space," say Niki and Scarlett. "A statement lamp offers interest by day and will illuminate and expand the corners of your room by night. Drawing the eye to the furthest boundaries of your room also makes your interior feel larger and maximises the space you have available.”

For a range of stylish floor lamps to suit most bedroom decor ideas, check out the floor lamps at Lights&Lamps.

4. Position your bed in an arched shape recess

Another structural way of creating interest in your bedroom decor ideas is to either turn previous openings into clever recesses, or even add them during the construction phase. 

If you've established whether your internal walls need to be stud or solid, and you can benefit from the the non-load bearing nature of a stud wall, adding a curved archway in which to nestle your bed could add extra character to your bedroom. 

Although it will mean losing a little overall floor space, visually, the recess naturally tricks your eye into feeling the room is larger than it is so the pay-off may well be worth it.

5. Partner stripes with scallops on upcycled furniture

Struggling to find the perfect piece of furniture or reaching the end of your budget so have less scope for extravagant bedroom decor ideas? Upcycling existing furniture or transforming a charity shop find into something unique to you can be a great way of making your own mark on your home.

And no-one does this better than Annie Sloan who has transformed this small chest of drawers into a one-off bedside table. Using a scalloped pattern to contrast with the striped walls is a simple way of stepping out of the matching zone.

Painting the the bed trim in the same green as the chest of drawers and painting a similar pattern onto a white lampshade cleverly provides a point of connection, and thus purpose to the scheme.

Try this Annie Sloan paint in Olive and Emperor's Silk, both available from Designer Paint and get crafting.

6. Have fun with the bed design in a children's bedroom

If you can't have some fun with children's bedroom ideas then when can you? Who wouldn't have enjoyed sleeping in a bed purporting to be something else when younger. 

The mock house bed frame in this instance is also an extremely practical option for younger children who may have recently moved from a cot into a bed. Low to the ground, the design is safe and practical. 

Adding wall panelling painted in a different shade is also a neat way of defining the space and adds a harder wearing element to the wall that is most likely to get marked. Unsure which paint to use? Read our guide to the types of paint to pick the most practical option.

7. Mark out a cosy nook using a colour blocking technique

Clever use of paint features again in our next bedroom decor idea, simply because it's something you could add to any space – even months after you've finished your building or renovation works.

This design is created from a technique known as colour blocking. Anna Hill, managing director and colour consultant for Fenwick & Tilbrook explains how it works.

Colour blocking is an easy and effective way to personalise a space. It can break up monotony and creates a dynamic focal point in a room, allowing you to showcase your unique style through bold colour choices or more subtle accents. 

"It can also help to to define a zone within a larger space or highlight architectural features," explains Anna. "Choose two to three colours that complement each other, using harmonious tones (those that sit alongside each other on the colour wheel) or complementary colours (opposites on the colour wheel) for a more dynamic look.

"You should then clean the walls, ensuring they are free from grease and dust, and use a good quality decorators tape if your design is more angular or geometric. For a mural-style colour blocking, freehand designs can be lightly sketched out with a pencil to guide you. 

"Apply your first colour, letting it dry before moving onto the next one and use high-quality paints, rollers and brushes for an even appearance," says Anna. Be sure to carefully remove the tape once the paint is touch dry to reveal your masterpiece. Don't be afraid to experiment - colour blocking is all about expressing your own personal style so be sure to have fun with it!"

Anna Hill

Anna heads up the family business having earned her stripes understanding the value of colour while working for almost 12 years in corporate merchandising. Offering a range of premium, pigment-rich paints, Fenwick & Tilbrook's extensive palette of colours is available in six finishes, and is made-to-order using only the highest quality ingredients.

8. Use alternative storage solutions

If you're tight on space in guest bedroom ideas, especially in cases where the room has to double up as an office as well as somewhere for visitors to rest their heads, standard bedroom storage solutions such as wardrobes may simply be too cumbersome.

Instead, look to more slimline options such as ladders that can lean against a wall and provide enough hanging racks for an overnight or weekend stay. This also ensures nothing blocks the light or ventilation from your window, making desk work a breeze.

Keen to show off your large window size and don't have anyone overlooking the room? Instead of hanging curtains or blinds, take a modern approach to net curtains and instead fit  window film instead with a pretty lace pattern.

For an alternative to a leaning ladder, this Cara 5 Shelf Ladder Bookcase from John Lewis will still take up less space than a wardrobe but offers some additional storage opportunities than a lean-to version.

9. Run your headboard the length of the wall - even in shared spaces

Shared children's bedroom ideas can sometimes seem challenging and expensive when it feels like you need to double up on every purchase. Instead, teach the value of sharing from an early age with furniture that meets the need of two.

Headboards are one of the most popular bedroom decor ideas and we love how this striped one runs the full width of the two single beds. The simple padded solution is neat, practical and comfortable.

Add a splash of colour with a larger locker style bedside table such as this Lowdown locker in Mustard from Mustard Made and it's the perfect spot for storing toys, books and bedtime comforters.

10. Paint a faux bed canopy using a chequered pattern

Fed up of your plain ceiling but don't want to paint it all? Take inspiration from this idea from Yes Colours and paint a faux bed canopy - with a twist. 

Instead of opting to replicate swathes of material or traditional curtains, the designer in this great example of modern bedroom ideas, uses a simple chequerboard pattern, which rises in columns either side of the bed and then progresses into a large rectangle, stretching the length of the bed.

It's another great example of bedroom decor ideas that can be added once you've settled into your new space and figured out just what's missing from your designs.

11. Adapt a colour trend to suit your bedroom

If you like to change your bedroom decor ideas to follow fashion, you may have noticed that more earthy shades of brown and rust seem to be having a moment.

It's not always the easiest colour to work with, but don't dimiss it too soon, there are ways of making it work.

“Brown colour palettes have indeed been a prominent trend in the interiors world recently, with more and more people looking to incorporate earthy warm tones into the home," agrees Georgia Metcalfe, founder and creative director of French Bedroom.

"Rattan works particularly well for this trend, as this material is unique and distinctive in its colour and texture. When used in the bedroom, the neutral hues will beautifully elevate the space, pairing effortlessly with floral or botanical printed bed linen for a fun and whimsical bohemian appeal."

In fact if you're considering green bedroom ideas, brown is a shade that works well. With both drawing inspiration from nature, add pretty wall hangings and patterned wallpaper to create a scheme that's far from dull.

Georgia Metcalfe

Georgia was inspired from an early age by the green countryside, rolling hills and gorgeous cottages, all of which left her with a love of the style.  An life-long interest in architecture and design eventually led to her leaving a career in PR interior design to set up her own company selling romantically styled French beds and furniture.

12. Colour drench your bedroom, ceiling and all

If you're seeking bedroom decor ideas that will wow, there's nothing like a large dose of colour drenching in a rich, jewel-coloured shade to make people stand up and take notice.

Granted it's not a new idea, but sometimes when it's done as well as this one where the colour seeps across the walls, ceiling, window recess, curtains and other soft furnishings it's worth taking note of so you too can follow suit.

Feel a full colour drench might be too much, but love the thought of including a jewel like colour palette? Anna Hill shares another technique which may work if you want to combine two colours instead.

"The two-tone approach utilises two distinct colours split horizontally on a wall to create a visually dynamic and versatile design," explains Anna. "Bringing a sense of balance and harmony into a space, it can really add visual interest and depth while the horizontal division can alter the proportions of a room - making it feel taller or cosier depending on the colours chosen and their placement.

"Placing a neutral colour at the top of the wall and pairing it with a bolder colour at the bottom is a really effective way to add colour without going too bold whilst making the room feel taller," says Anna. "By opting for a darker colour at the top and a contrasting shade at the bottom, you can create a much cosier and intimate feeling. Be sure to use a really good decorators tape for a clean line, and allow one colour to fully dry before painting the next."

Be sure to follow advice on painting wood before tackling areas such as skirting boards and shutters.

13. Complete your scheme with a chandelier and ceiling rose for an added touch of grandeur

If you're at the stage of carefully planning your master bedroom ideas and just know that a ceiling light has to make it onto your list, we say don't just stop at any old ceiling light. 

Instead opt for a stand-out chandelier and complete the look with the addition of a ceiling rose. But, instead of trying to match an ornate rose with a detailed chandelier, opt instead for a simpler rose and go to town with your chandelier.

It's the perfect finishing touch to an otherwise simple scheme with slatted shutters, wooden floors and a striking painted feature wall.

Still seeking bedroom decor ideas that combine old and new? There's a current trend that may well suit your needs - Regency-core.

“Regency-core is huge right now and only continues to grow," says Georgia Metcalfe. "We eagerly await the release of the third season, and seeing how customers pay homage to Regency designs, styling their homes with elevated pieces of furniture to emulate the iconic Bridgerton interior aesthetic of hand-carved and gold decorative interiors.

“While Bridgerton undoubtably plays a role in the popularity of regency-core," she adds, "it can also serve as a form of escapism from the sometimes overwhelming modern world and can emulate the feelings evoked when you step into a classic awe-inspiring British stately building – within the comfort of your own home.”

Or, if you fancy trying out some new bedroom wallpaper ideas but have run out of bedrooms to experiment in, follow expert advice on ways to add an extra bedroom without extending and you may find yourself ready to embark on a new decorating adventure.