Twenty-six and half years. That is how much time you will spend in your bed in your lifetime. That’s insane! But it’s true! If you are a woman in the United States, and you live an average lifespan, which as of 2022 was 80.2 years, you will spend one-third of that sleeping, which is 26.5 years! So if we are going to spend that much of our precious and finite time residing in this mortal coil in our beds and bedrooms, shouldn’t they be one of our favorite, if not our favorite places? If your bedroom is not currently meeting that lofty goal, read on for 15 stunning bedroom refresh ideas that are sure to inspire and ideas to get the look on any budget.
As an Amazon Associate, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) for qualifying purchases on items purchased through the links in this post.
Why You Should Refresh Your Bedroom: Reset & Rest
As a stepmom to three young kids, our bedroom is often the only quiet and peaceful place in the house. I love that chaos that is life with 3 kids and 3 dogs-most of the time. But I look forward to that time of night after the kids go to bed and I get to head to our room to reset and recharge before resting.
I don’t mess around with sleep. I need at least 8 hours to even function and I love my nightly routine of shower + skincare, setting my curls (I love an overnight curl), checking in with my husband, and reading. This whole routine feels refreshing because I make keeping our bedroom clean a priority. Every Sunday I wash our bedding, dust, vacuum, and clean our bathroom.
As much as I love our bedroom, I haven’t had much time to style it since we moved in a few months ago, so it’s a little plain. I know exactly what I want to do and just need to find the time and budget to do it. But that’s a story (or blog post) for another time.
What’s Involved In a Bedroom Refresh? Cost & Time
Your approach will be dictated by your budget and your time. So I’ll break down three ways to refresh your bedroom on any budget. You really can make big changes with or without spending any money!
Free Bedroom Refresh! Cleaning and Reorganizing
Let’s start with the basics – sometimes, a simple cleaning and reorganization can work wonders in reviving your bedroom. Begin by decluttering and removing any items you no longer need or use. Go through your closet, nightstands, and other storage areas, and be ruthless about what stays and what goes. Donate or recycle anything you don’t plan on keeping.
Once you’ve decluttered, it’s time to give your bedroom a deep clean. Wash your bedding, vacuum the floors, and wipe down surfaces to remove any dust or grime. Pay extra attention to areas like baseboards, light fixtures, and windows – a sparkling clean space can instantly lift your mood and create a sense of calm.
Don’t forget your pillows! When was the last time you washed those?
Read the care instructions first, but most pillows are machine washable and can and should be washed every 3-6 months.
Simply cleaning and decluttering your bedroom can have a massive impact on your mood and your sleeping habits! Read this article to see how a clean room, and other good sleep habits, affect how we sleep!
Closet Decluttering: Borrowing From Minimalism
Take a good look at your storage and organization. Are your clothes and belongings easy to access, or is your space feeling cluttered and overwhelming? If not, get creative and find some new storage solutions. Look around your home for unused or underutilized bins and storage containers. Can you declutter elsewhere in your home and use these items under your bed or in your drawers or closet to keep the clutter out of sight?
One powerful way to visually declutter your bedroom and your closet is by creating a seasonal capsule wardrobe system. If you haven’t already heard of it, the concept of a capsule wardrobe comes from the minimalist movement. Essentially, it involves only hanging/ displaying clothes that you currently wear. I.e, seasonally appropriate clothing, that you love, fits you well, and you feel good in. The rest of your clothing can be put away later.
This reduces visual clutter and can also help reduce decision fatigue when getting dressed. If every piece hung in your closet is weather appropriate and something you love, it will be a little easier to get dressed in the morning.
Change or Add New Decor
I don’t mean new new. This can still be done for free!
Shop your home for decor and art. Hang any artwork or photos you’ve been meaning to display. Move things around to freshen up the space. Swapping items from room to room can give new life to a space to without spending a dime. You can of course just rearrange items within the room for a fresh look too.
Or, you can create your own art with things things you already have on hand!
Finally, don’t forget about the little touches that can make a big difference. Fluff your pillows, arrange your bedside essentials, and make the room smell fresh. Open a window, light a candle, use essential oils, or a linen spray to freshen the air. These small gestures can breathe new life into your space and make it feel truly refreshed.
But, if you feel it’s time to update your space, you can do that with a just few simple touches.
Budget Bedroom Refresh: Replacing a Few Key Elements for Big Impact
If you’re working with a limited budget, there are still plenty of ways to give your bedroom a stylish update. One of the easiest and most impactful changes you can make is to swap out curtains, duvet cover, or throw blankets and pillows, art, and decor.
Curtains
Curtains, along with the bed, are usually a focal points in bedrooms. They are relatively inexpensive and can be changed seasonally if you like. When it comes to curtains, there are so many styles, colors, patterns, and fabrics to consider. I am pretty pragmatic, so my advice is to start by figuring out how much light filtration you need in your curtains.
Curtains are available in a variety of light filtering or blocking varieties, usually indicated by a percentage.
Do you need complete darkness to sleep? Then you might want blackout curtains like these that I have in our bedroom.
Or do you like waking up with the morning sun? If so, look for lightweight, flowing fabrics that will let in that morning sun and can help brighten up your space. Sheer curtains or panels in soft, neutral tones like beige, ivory, or sage green can instantly elevate the look and feel of your room. Not only do they diffuse natural light beautifully, but they also add a touch of effortless elegance.
I wanted our bedroom curtains to look light, but also still able to block out most of the light. After much trial and error (I ordered three separate panels from different brands to find the right fit for our room), these work beautifully in our room. I also find them to be the perfect warm beige tone and love the linen look. My sister-in-law recommended these curtains rods which are so cute, but if were to buy now, I would probably go for this look.
Try New Colors and Styles to Refresh Your Bedroom
I absolutely love the lengthening effect of hanging curtain rods above the window frame and there is something visually satisfying about the neatness of the curtains hung on clips. I bought curtains from the brand in our guest room and in same the color, but with grommets instead of clips. In the past, I have always been a curtains with grommets person, but I love this new new trend. Next time I update our curtains, I’ll go for these instead.
In case you aren’t sure what style you like, I found his image shows four options for curtains. Decide which style works best for you.
Update Your Bedding for Quick Bedroom Refresh
Your bed probably takes up most of the room, so upgrading your bedding is another budget-friendly way to transform your bedroom. A new duvet cover or comforter set can instantly refresh the entire space. Keep an eye out for high-quality, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen, and consider investing in a set that features a mix of complementary colors and patterns. Don’t forget to pair your new bedding with fresh, crisp clean sheets for ultimate comfort!
To be honest, I never cared all that much about sheet quality, so long as they were clean, but my husband loves 100% cotton sheets and now I am spoiled. I balked at the price point at first, but after sleeping on them for years and learning a little more about environmental aspect, I now think they are a great investment. Cotton is more sustainable than microfiber and it just feels better! Not to mention, there are emerging concerns regarding the presence of micro plastics in our bedding and clothing. So if you can, invest in a set of 100% organic cotton sheets. Remember, it’s a third of your life we’re talking about here. Plus cotton sheets wash well and will last a long time. They’ll even get better as you wash them, unlike a lot of microfiber sheets that pill after washing.
Decor or Art To Change the Vibe In Bedroom Refresh
This doesn’t have to be expensive if you shop at the right places. You can update the look of your bedroom by adding a few new decor items like a lamp, candle, vase with florals to your dresser. These are great items to thrift. Most of my home decor is thrifted. Everything from vases, frames, art, to plants stands.
Don’t forget about the walls – artwork and wall decor can truly transform the vibe of your bedroom. Hang prints, photos, or paintings to add personality and visual interest. Mix and match different frame styles and sizes for a curated, gallery-inspired feel.
Splurge Bedroom Refresh: Total Overall
If you have a little more room in your budget, consider taking on a more extensive bedroom refresh. This could involve anything from a fresh coat of paint to brand-new furniture and lighting.
Let’s start with the walls. A new paint color can instantly transform the entire ambiance of your bedroom. Opt for soothing, nature-inspired hues like soft blues, greens, or even warm neutrals to create a calming, spa-like vibe. Or maybe you want a moodier, more romantic feel to your room. If so, you can experiment with an accent wall or wall paper. Or the bold trend of color drenching- Painting the walls, baseboard, trim, and ceilings one color.
Whatever you chose, once you’ve updated your walls, it’s time to turn your attention to the furniture. If your existing pieces are looking a bit tired or outdated, consider investing in a new bed frame, dresser, or nightstands. Look for pieces that not only fit your style but also offer ample storage and functionality. Opt for clean lines, natural materials, and a neutral palette to create a timeless, elevated look.
Lighting is another key element in a bedroom refresh. Replace any outdated or harsh overhead lighting with dimmable, warm-toned fixtures. Consider adding a statement chandelier or pendant light to serve as the room’s focal point. Complement the overhead lighting with stylish table lamps and wall sconces for a cozy, layered look.
Finally, finish off your bedroom refresh with a new area rug. Look for plush, high-quality options that not only feel luxurious underfoot but also tie the entire space together. Opt for a larger rug that extends beyond the foot of your bed to create a cozy, grounded feel.
Rugs: Could be Budget or Splurge
Rugs vary wildly in price and quality. In our home, we have several Ruggables and several from Loloi we love. Ruggables are soft and washable, but have a pretty high price point if you need the rug to be 8×10 or larger. My favorite rug in our home is the Ruggable Morris & Co Pimpernel Vintage Stone rug. We bought it for our living room but it sadly ended up being too small for our couch. I loved it too much to send it back, so for now it is in my office/ art room/ our guest room.
Loloi rugs are machine printed but are still soft and seem high quality for the price. We’ve had the Loloi Layla Collection in Antique/ Moss in our living room for 9 months and it still looks great. And we have 3 kids and 3 dogs so it has been put to the test! I bought a similar one from Loloi for my husband’s work-from-home office.
Whatever your preferences, adding a new area rug can work wonders in a bedroom refresh. Look for plush, low-pile rugs that feel cozy underfoot and help define the space. And find one that works for your style and budget. Just be sure to measure your space carefully to ensure the rug fits seamlessly.
Time To Decide the Vibe for Your Bedroom Refresh
Now that you’ve considered your budget and how much time you can/ want to devote to this, you might need style inspiration. Below are 15 gorgeous bedrooms designs to inspire your bedroom refresh!
If you are not quite sure what your home decor style is, this post on how to find your interior style might help you narrow it down!
Cozy Feminine & Floral Cottage
Ugh I love this. I would give anything to live in a cottage in a valley in the middle of nowhere. But unfortunatly thats not feasible right now, so instead I’ll just have to gather inspiration from this for my current bedroom.
To create this vibe you could swap your duvet for a linen one like this one from Quince. Change the art by either buying peices that fit this style or making them your own. I love to thrift botanical books to find, cut out, and frame prints I love. You could also add fresh or faux florals in a simple vase or light airy curtains.
Shop the look
Organic Modern Earth Tones
For this look, the right white paint will make a world of difference! If you want this earthy, warm, relaxed feeling, you need white paint that communicates those feelings. This post below can help you pick the right white for your space and discusses the key elements of Organic Modern design, like in the photo above. If you like the look of that room, this article will help you achieve that aesthetic.
Cool Tones Coastal Blue
There is something so calming about Coastal Design. While it’s not a style I’d implement in my landlocked home, I absolutely appreciate the style. You don’t have to live on the coast to bring this look in your home. Aim for light and airy, natural linens for your bedding and curtains. Rugs in natural materials like jute. Try light-colored wood species like maple and pecan for a laidback beach vibe. Finally, incorporate shades of blue, beige, and cream to replicate the colors of the coastline.
Note: To make the look sophisticated, but relaxed make sure to keep the colors muted and use various shades of each color.
Green and Orange Japandi Haven
I can’t say that green and orange are a color combination I would have thought would work, but it clearly does! The slightly desaturated tones of both hues mixed with bright linens and lots of woodwork are gorgeous! So play around, test color combinations, and find the palette that works for your bedroom.
Neutral, Clean Transitional
Quite the contrast from the last one, but still so pretty! If you want this look go for a neutral rug with an abstract pattern, layered white bedding, and dark wood furniture. Personalize the space with artwork or a plant for more color. Or opt for a simple olive branch floral as in the photo.
Shop the look
Tone on Tone Deep Red Retreat
This is a bold example of the color drenching trend I mentioned above plus some gorgeous millwork. Adding picture frame molding instantly adds drama, sophistication, and interest to any room.
This is also a perfect example of well-done and interesting monochromatic room. Using shades of burgundy and different fabrics and textures gives this room a rich and layered look, that is equally bold and soothing.
Rust and Rustic
To achieve this homey and lived-in look, you might consider adding wood paneling to the walls before painting. Check out antique and thrift store to find interesting frames, vases, and maybe a vintage night stand. Layered bedding in shades or white, cream, and rust will help recreate this look. Add and interesting throw pillow and rug to make the room more visually complex and imbue some personality.
Shop the look
Light and White Academia
This style is charming. I love the tiny details in everything from the headboard to the bedside table decor. Try a gallery wall in eclectic frames and vintage prints to recreate this vibe.
Bold and Dark Rustic Boho
Some people like a bedroom that feels like and airy, while other’s prefer a moody, dark space to rest their heads. Even with the dark wall, this room feels like a balanced because of amount of natural light and light colored bedding and bright rug.
Moody Green Color Drench
Another gorgeous example of a color drenched room with millwork. Green is my favorite color and there is something about this room that emanates artistry, luxury and style. This room reminds of the rooms at the Sohotel in New York City, where we we stayed while seeing a concert at the legendary Bowery Ballroom.
Shop the look
Earthy Orange Boho
Rust, like most earth tones, has long been a favorite color in interior design. To create this vibe you find a simple color palette of 2-3 earth tones and then select one brighter hue to serve as an accent. In this room, the main colors are white, rust, and wood tones with blue as the accent color in the throw pillow and rug.
Ultra Cozy All White and Wicker Boho
An all white and cream room like this is the quintessential feminine boho vibe. Though boho is not currently center stage in interior design, there is so much of it that is relatively timeless.
Gorgeous Gothic
Loving the black and deep greens in this. We are currently seeing a an increase in the popularity of gothic home decor. To get this look, get a vintage rug with desaturated, moody tones, dark eclectic art, black sheets. And finish with a variety of throw pillows in various patterns in colors that relate to the rug.
Dark Maximalist
If you really want to lean into the dark moody vibe, try the color drenching trend with deep blue or green, or even black paint. Then use shades of that tone for the bedding and furniture.
Bright Mid Century Modern
This room feels like living in a Wes Anderson movie. This is classic sage green and blush color palette is gorgeous and something you could easily recreate in your space.
Shop the look
Cute and Coral Modern Bright
In this bedroom, the walls, furniture, and rug are neutral and versatile. The main point of interest in this room is the beautiful quilt with the complimentary throw pillows. This is a great way to achieve some visual interest with a small investment and without committing to a color palette, in case you are someone who likes to switch things up.
Broadly, this is how I like to decorate my home- I keep the big and more expensive/difficult-to-change things like large furniture items and wall colors pretty minimal and timeless (as timeless as can be in a realm where tastes and designs change every few years). I like to change the color palette and style by changing artwork, decor, and textiles throughout the year.
On Your Way to Refreshed
There we have it! Now you have your budget, your timeframe, and 15 gorgeous ideas to inspire you- you are ready to tackle your bedroom refresh. I hope these ideas help you to transform your bedroom into a space you absolutely love. Whether you’re working with a tight budget or have the opportunity to splurge, there are plenty of ways to breathe new life into your bedroom and unlock a whole new level of relaxation and style.
A bedroom refresh is all about finding the right balance between functionality and style. By investing in key elements, you can create a truly stunning, rejuvenating oasis that reflects your unique personality and helps you unwind in comfort. Small changes can make a big impact, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations until you find the perfect look that suits your style and budget.
You’re going to spend a third of your life in your bedroom, so make it a place you love! Sweet dreams await!
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) for qualifying purchases on items purchased through the links in this post.
