What is ‘midimalism’ and how to incorporate it into your bedroom design

If you’ve never really resonated strongly with a particular design aesthetic, that might be about to change: meet midimalism. 

The ‘midimalism’ design trend is for those of us who feel they’re too messy to be a minimalist, but not quite eccentric enough to be a maximalist. Instead, a midimalist embraces the best parts of each concept to create a look that’s midway between the two. Hence the name, midi. 

In this article, we’ll delve further into exactly what we mean by midimalism, as well as our top tips on how to achieve the look in your own bedroom at home.  

Also referred to as ‘middle-malism,’ midimalism is a new design trend that’s right in the middle of minimalism and maximalism, incorporating elements of both for a balanced, harmonious look.  

You’re probably well-versed with the concepts of minimalism and maximalism by now. These two extremes are pretty much at opposite ends of the interior design spectrum. But now, have we finally got a solution for those who want an aesthetic that’s bang in the middle? We think so.  

Just as you’d expect, midimalism takes elements from each extreme end of the spectrum, such as the stripped-back, calming aesthetics of minimalism, and the bolder, colour and pattern choices from maximalism. The result? A harmonious design that’s not too busy – but certainly not bland.  

Now you’ve got the gist, let’s explore some easy ways to capture the essence of midimalism in your bedroom design.

1. Start with neutral walls, perfect for layering

Credit: @lorisarah_home

Let’s start with your foundations. Instead of going with a complete blank canvas and painting your bedroom walls white (something you’d definitely see in a minimalist’s bedroom), opt for a neutral shade instead. This simple switch can make all the difference. Colours such as cream, sand, butter yellow, mocha, beige, tan, and dusty rose all work really well as they instantly add some warmth and depth to your bedroom, without going too heavy on the pigment.  

 Plus, neutrals are extremely buildable, meaning you can easily layer up brighter or darker accent shades with your bedroom furniture, creating a cohesive colour palette.  

Midimalism is all about balance. If you’ve got a fairly neutral backdrop, you can afford to be bolder with your furniture. For instance, a luxurious statement bed like our Jay Velvet-Finish Ottoman Bed Frame in navy is an easy way to make a stylish centrepiece in your sleep space. The opulent velvet fabric adds plenty of texture to a room, whilst the deep navy shade keeps things grounded and classy.  

You could also consider other furniture pieces that have lots of character, such as an antique wooden wardrobe or a statement armchair for cosy, bedtime reading.  

3. Go bold with patterns, in small doses

Patterns are, without a doubt, a hallmark of maximalist design. However, when used in small doses, they can work wonderfully in slightly more muted bedrooms.  

If you’re keen to experiment with prints and patterns but you don’t know where to start, consider wallpapering just a single wall in your bedroom, such as behind the bed. Think simple patterns, such as small ditsy print florals or elegant pinstripes, to keep the look subtle.  

Or, if you’re nervous about committing to a particular pattern, why not go for some patterned bedding like the Foley bed is styled above? This way, you can switch up your bed sheets if you change your mind.   

4. Try colour drenching

An alternative way of experimenting with colour that fits into the ‘midimalism’ mould is colour drenching. This paint technique involves splashing the same shade all over a room – from the floorboards, right up to the ceiling, leaving now surface untouched.   

By drenching everything in the same colour, you create a cool, elevated aesthetic that’s confident but not too bold (depending on the colour you pick!). To keep things understated, make sure to decorate your colour-drenched bedroom with complementary furniture and textiles. This will extend the harmonious effect to the whole room.  

5. Harmonise your colours

A little splash of colour never hurt anyone. At least, that’s what a midimalist would say. If you’re looking to be a little braver with your accent colours, but you’re scared of getting it wrong; coordination key. For example, there’s a reason that green and pink work so well together, or why navy and orange are a match made in heaven. These shades are opposite each other on the colour wheel, so even though they clash, they still go together.  

If you’re interested in learning more about which colours coordinate well together, check out our handy colour wheel tool. Simply click on a colour you want to decorate with, and we’ll tell you which complementary shade works best.  

6. Add thoughtful touches

Unlike minimalism, where trinkets and clutter are strictly banned, midimalism allows for a little more wiggle room when it comes to decorating. But that’s not to say you can go overboard, otherwise you’ll be entering maximalist territory.  

To strike the right balance, think about carefully curated artwork and decor. Perhaps you invest in a big canvas or painting above the bed. Maybe you place some beautiful matching ceramics on your shelving. Whatever you choose, make sure your accessories are thoughtful and fit in with the vibe of the rest of your bedroom. 

After reading this guide, you might be wondering if you really are a midimalist, or if your heart calls for something more extreme. To help you figure it out, we’ve created some extra pointers…  

• Hate clutter? Love to have everything in its place? Do you go crazy for crisp white bed sheets? Are you a neutrals through-and-through kind of person? It sounds like the minimalism design trend is for you.  

• Perhaps you have a penchant for extravagance? Do you like a statement chair? Is dopamine decor your kind of thrill? If bright colours and even bolder patterns are your thing, the maximalist trend is the one for you.  

• Do you prefer your bedroom to have a homey, lived-in feel? Are you a fan of the unexpected red theory? You’re not afraid to splash some colour on the walls, but you don’t like things too OTT? It sounds like the bang-in-the-middle, midimalism trend is your calling.

Finally, a design trend that’s easy to replicate in every home. With midimalism, you really can have the best of both worlds.