Cool bedroom ideas

Credit: @livingbylo

What do we mean when we use the word ‘cool’ to define a bedroom aesthetic?

Well, if you ask us, true ‘coolness’ isn’t about following a rulebook – it’s about creating a personal sanctuary that feels unique and homey to you.

That means forgetting what’s trending on Pinterest and TikTok, and copying what your fashionable friends are doing. What makes a space feel relaxing to you? What sort of ambience makes you want to spend all day long in your bedroom? That’s what your boudoir is for, after all.

This article is dedicated to the rule-breakers and creative spirits, offering a lookbook of unconventional ideas that transform a bedroom from four blank walls into a personalised haven.

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The “new cool” is about three things: atmosphere, authenticity, and artistry.

 With less focus on specific colours that work together or particular materials, you have more space to focus on curating a vibe. Once you’ve found a style that resonates with you personally, the right colours, textiles, and furniture should all come pretty naturally to you.  

Top tip for finding your vibe

Wondering how to ‘find your vibe?’ Tune into your personality and unique passions!  

For instance, are you a bubbly extrovert who loves the arts, like singing, dancing, painting, and hosting dinner parties? You’ll probably feel most at home in a maximalist space full of vibrant colours, bold artwork, and statement furniture pieces. 

Or are you more of an introvert who loves nothing more than spending solo me-time, pampering,  and reading your Kindle with a mug of hot choc? You may feel more at ease in a dreamy space with plenty of soft pastels, fluffy throws, and fairy lights galore! 

See where we’re going with this? Your bedroom should be cool, calm, and curated to you.

To help you achieve that sought-after cool girl (or boy) aesthetic in your bedroom, we’ve got some top design tips… 

First up, ideas for a moody and atmospheric retreat…

1. Channel scholarly style with a ‘dark academia’ vibe

Calling all tortured poets and bookworms! There’s something seriously stylish about the dark academia aesthetic. Think rich tones, luxurious textures, and just a touch of mystery, there are so many ways to bring this vibe into your bedroom. Little touches like a velvet armchair (strategically positioned next to a stack of books), a brass desk lamp, and moody candlelit corners will complete the brooding academic look. Just add Chaucer.

2. Embrace an urban edge with industrial elements

One design style that’s undoubtedly cool is the industrial aesthetic. To bring a loft-style vibe to your bedroom, consider incorporating some materials like leather, wood and metals – the holy trinity of urban edge. Think dark, sophisticated colours like charcoal grey and mahogany brown, and minimal clutter for a confident look. A metal bed, like our black Downton Metal Bed Frame, adds instant edginess and creates a unique focal point at the centre of your room. P.S. Extra cool points if you have an exposed brick wall…

3. Go for old-world glamour with art deco opulence

For an effortlessly chic vibe – with a side of glam – look to the roaring 1920s for inspiration. The art deco movement is the epitome of old-school glamour, most often featuring luxurious fabrics like velvets, silk and satin, opulent lighting and pops of metallic accents, like silver and gold.

You can easily mimic this style and add a modern spin to it. For instance, our beautiful Jay velvet-touch bed and matching blanket box in navy are rich, elegant and feature iconic chevron lines that you’d expect to see in any art deco boudoir.

For more moody inspiration, check out our expert guide to designing dark bedrooms.

Next up, ideas for artistic and architectural statements…

4. Look up! Make the ‘fifth wall’ the focal point

Whilst you may have consider wallpapering your bedroom, it might not have occurred to you to wallpaper the fifth wall – i.e. the ceiling. Yep, that’s right, the surface above your head is prime real estate for cool patterns, textures, and drama. Whether you choose a dreamy celestial scene or fantastical florals, wallpapering the ceiling adds an instant wow-factor to your bedroom – plus, it gives you something beautiful to look at as you drift off to sleep. 

Don’t believe us? Our Interiors Expert, Whinnie Williams can’t help but agree…  

5. Add softness and structure with arches and curves

We’re seeing a real trend for curved furniture right now – and it’s understandable why. A smooth, sculptured bed frame, like our Chloe Upholstered Ottoman Bed Frame, adds lots of lovely depth and visual interest, softening your space whilst still feeling super elevated. Whilst curved edges are extremely contemporary, they also echo the elegance of mid-century modern design, which is, objectively, always cool.

6. Create depth with fluted panelling & textured walls

It may seem like every man and his dog has installed some wall panelling in the last year or so, but we can’t blame them! Clever wall panelling can add instant character, style, and architectural interest to otherwise blank walls.  

Whether you’re looking to create some traditional Victorian style wall panelling details for a classic look, or some modern fluted panelling, as seen on our Ergomotion Elite Adjustable Platform Bed Frame scene above, these architectural features offer a brilliant backdrop for your bedroom. 

Now for some personality-driven and cool bedroom ideas full of nostalgic charm…

7. Perfect the ‘je ne sais quoi’ of Parisian chic

If anyone understands the true meaning of coolness, it’s the Parisians. To recreate that effortlessly undone elegant aesthetic, go for a clean, all-white colour palette. It might also be a good idea to invest in a statement bed frame, such as our (aptly named) Paris Upholstered Ottoman Bed Frame. This makes it even easier to maintain an elegant look 24/7, even on messy laundry days…

8. Escape to the countryside with cottagecore charm

Fancy yourself a romantic? We’ve got good news: The dreamy cottagecore trend isn’t going anywhere. So, if you’re keen to bring a little more nature and whimsy into your bedroom design, it may be worth brushing up on your cottagecore knowledge. From layering up your blankets, introducing clashing prints, and upcycling vintage furniture, there’s so much to experiment with and create the countryside cottage bedroom of your dreams. Cool never looked so cosy…

9. Curate a ‘collector’s corner’ to tell your story

Speaking of vintage, creating a collector’s corner is a sure-fire way to add some soul to your sleep space. Whether that’s displaying your favourite family heirlooms, amazing vintage market finds, or charity shop treasures, it’s less about perfection and more about your personality. Make sure to be thoughtful with each piece and only showcase the items that spark joy for you.

Finally, ideas for unconventional layouts and creative solutions…

10. Rethink the layout with intentional asymmetry

If you’re rethinking the layout of your bedroom, look towards creating some intentional asymmetry for an effortlessly cool effect. One way of doing this is by positioning your bed in the corner of the room, as opposed to the centre. This is particularly useful for saving space in smaller bedrooms, as you only need to have one bedside table next to your bed. You could also play around with the layout of any additional furniture, such as full-length mirrors, bookshelves, and statement chairs.  

11. Create ‘zones’ for a multi-functional sanctuary

Too cool for clutter? We get it. To keep the mess at bay, try creating separate ‘zones’ in your bedroom space. For example, if you’re a remote worker or have a hybrid schedule which finds you working from your bedroom multiple times a week, it’s a good idea to set up a separate workspace in your room – even if that’s simply in the form of a narrow desk and office chair. This will help create a dedicated area for focus, and may even improve your work-life balance.

Particularly helpful for teenagers, there are plenty of multifunctional beds that feature built-in desks, storage cupboards, shelving, and even pull-out futons. Our Anderson Kids Wooden High Sleeper with Storage & Desk is a long-time favourite, thanks to its handy desk and storage space.

12. Make your headboard the ultimate centrepiece

Fancy an upgrade but don’t want to commit to a complete bedroom overhaul? How about a new centrepiece? Switching up your headboard is an effective way to dramatically change the look and feel of your space, without the faff of a full redesign. Plus, there are so many different options! Whether you opt for a sumptuous velvet number or a wild leopard print one, a new headboard can make your bed feel brand new.

You don’t need to sacrifice your personal style to create a cool bedroom design. In fact, we’d argue that the more ‘you’ that you put into your space, the cooler it’ll look. Trust us, we know what we’re talking about. So go ahead, experiment with some new decor for a cosy yet undeniably cool bedroom makeover.