Key Points
- Use warm lighting and soft colors for a calming look.
- Declutter and organize your space and add cozy textures like linen and rugs.
- Upgrade your bedding and other linens and add comfy seating if space allows.
If your primary bedroom isn’t making you feel super relaxed, it’s worth taking the time to make some tweaks to the space. After all, it’s important that you can actually look forward to retreating there to unwind at the end of a busy day.
Here, three interior designers offer six valuable tips for how to create a relaxing bedroom, no matter how many square feet you’re working with in your space. Even if you can only implement a couple of these suggestions, they will go a long way in helping your space feel more serene.
Meet the Expert
- Jennifer Jones is the founder of Niche Interiors.
- Christine Jahan is the founder of Christine Jahan Designs.
- Janelle Patton is the founder of Lark Interiors.
Put Thought Into Your Lighting Scheme
The right lighting scheme can make or break the mood of a room, and this is especially essential when it comes to your sleep space.
„Getting the lighting right in your bedroom is the number one priority when creating a relaxing retreat,“ Jennifer Jones, the founder of Niche Interiors, says.
She recommends placing warm bulbs in any table and floor lamps in the space (if they’re on a dimmer, even better) and relies on Phillips Hue LED bulbs often, noting that there are options of this style available for nearly any type of lamp that you may own.
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Opt for Soft Colors

If it’s a relaxing feel that you seek, don’t use your bedroom as an opportunity to go wild with bold hues. Christine Jahan, the founder of Christine Jahan Designs, recommends sticking to soft, muted tones. Some of her top picks include dusty blues, warm grays, or sage greens. These colors all pair nicely with whites, beiges, and soft browns, too.
And be extra thoughtful when it comes to designing your sleeping nook in particular.
„Anything too high-contrast or saturated near the bed tends to keep your brain subtly alert,“ Jahan says.
Hide Visible Clutter
Streamline your space and you’ll be amazed at how much more relaxing it will feel.
„Clutter can be just as stimulating as a bright color palette,“ Jahan explains.
Jones agrees and explains how clutter can act like a huge roadblock to achieving a chill look. She recommends that people make use of their closed storage, including dressers and nightstands, to tuck away anything that isn’t essential.
Of course, you can also utilize other areas of the room, like the space under your bed, to conceal things like off-season clothing, extra decor, and the like. This is particularly beneficial if your bedroom is on the smaller end and you have limited closet or furniture space.
Weave in Texture

Design by Lark Interiors / Photo by Stacy Zarin Goldberg
Say yes to plenty of texture in the bedroom. Jahan is a proponent of strategically mixing in all kinds of different textiles.
„Natural fabrics like linen or organic cotton, combined with layered rugs and curtains, create a tactile calm,“ she says.
Choose the Right Linens
Make your bedroom feel like a luxurious hotel by selecting the nicest linens you can afford. Janelle Patton, the founder of Lark Interiors, notes that picking out great bedding, towels, and window treatments will work wonders. And speaking of window coverings, the more, the merrier.
Patton suggests hanging two layers to achieve a blackout effect that will really make you feel like you’re staying at a high-end property.
Make Room to Sit

Design by Lark Interiors / Photo by Stacy Zarin Goldberg
It’s nice when you can spend time in your bedroom without having to sit directly on your bed, whether you’re checking emails, reading a book, or calling a friend on the phone. Patton, therefore, advises weaving cozy seating into any sleep space if there is room to do so.
„Maybe a chaise by the window—a perfect spot to curl up with a book or enjoy your morning coffee,“ she says.
Other ideas she offers include placing a bench or set of chairs at the end of the bed.