How to Get That Primary Bedroom Feel—No Matter How Small Your Space Is (2024)

Settling into a plush hotel room with no other plans but to completely unwind sounds pretty nice, but what's even better (as well as budget-friendly) is a fantastic staycation. No need to fly anywhere, put on makeup, or even get dressed—all you need are your pj's and a good book. Of course, it can be hard to achieve a truly blissful primary bedroom décor setup. Often, nightstand clutter, mismatched sheets, and underwhelming furniture can get in the way of complete relaxation.

Primary Bedroom

The term “Primary Bedroom” is now widely used to describe the largest bedroom in the home, as it better reflects the space’s purpose. Many realtors, architects, interior designers, and the Real Estate Standards Association have recognized the potentially discriminatory connotations in the term “Master.” Read more about our Diversity and Inclusion Pledge.

Think it's time to give your bedroom the makeover it deserves? We've outlined a few primary bedroom ideas that will help your space feel more layered and comfortable—it may even make it feel larger. No, you don't need a giant room or perfectly pressed linens to achieve pure bliss at home.

Whether you're in the market for a new bed frame or just looking to upgrade your wall color, we have the solutions. Don't spend another weekend stressing about the state of your bedroom—give it a well-deserved facelift instead.

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Start With a Large Rug

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Nothing makes a space look smaller than a rug too small for it. In the bedroom, it's especially important to have a rug large enough to cover the area around the bed—not to mention it's more comfortable to step on when you wake up.If you can't fit a large rug in your space, opt for two runners flanking the bed instead.

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Go All White

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Want to get that plush hotel look? Try going all white: walls, ceiling, floors, furniture, and,most importantly, bedding. Play with textures instead of colors by adding cashmere, sheepskin, and linens. White walls can look dingy in a small room with very little natural light. If that's the case for you, paint the walls and ceiling a soft muted color, and keep everything else white.

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Add a Funky Chair

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Fill an awkward corner with a statement chair. Not only does it look great on its own, but it comes in handy when you want to throw clothes or a bag over it at the end of a long day. After all, laziness happens to the best of us.If there is no space for a chair, try a smaller accent like a stool or even a woven basket to handle extra clutter.

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Make a Chandelier Statement

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Fill the height of your space with alarge statement chandelier, which will also enhance the mood lighting in your space. Just don't forget to put it on a dimmer in case you want to set a more relaxing tone. If you have low ceilings, opt for a chandelier that branches out horizontally instead of vertically.

To know exactly how big your chandelier should be for the space, add the dimensions of the room together in feet, and that number is what the chandelier diameter should be in inches. For instance, a room that's 8 by 10 feet should have a chandelier with a diameter of 18 inches.

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Try a Canopy Bed

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One of the most frequent questions people have for their interior designers is how to fill a large, blank wall space. This problem is especially common in the bedroom, where you often have a large wall behind the bed. A canopy bed visually fills vertical space in your room so that it looks more structured and layered. Yes, you can have a canopy bed in a small room. Just opt for one with a thin frame.

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Go Big With Wallpaper

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Another way to fill large blank space, especially in a room with tall ceilings, is to use a patterned or textured wallpaper, like in the bedroom above. It gives the space a moody feel and keeps the eye interested. Don't be afraidto use dark colorsin small spaces. Especially if you have little natural light, it can help the space feel cozier.

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Supersize Your Sconces

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In a large bedroom, don't be afraid to supersize your bedsidetables and sconces. There's nothing worse than leaving large blank spaces on each side of the nightstands. Sconces work wonders in small rooms because they free up nightstand space. Just make sure you opt for lights that have an appropriate scale for the room.

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Bring in a Bench

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In large bedrooms, empty space can feel awkward. Try adding a small living area in your room, if you can, or even just add a bench at the foot of your bed to fill the room. Not only will it make the space feel more layered, but it's also practical.

Pay careful attention to the traffic clearance in your space—which should be around 2 to 3 feet wide to walk around comfortably. Don't try to cram too much furniture in, or your space will end up looking cluttered.

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Create a Seating Area

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No matter how big or small, a seating area in your bedroom will make it feel a lot bigger. Try a pair of chairs or even a window seat to make your space multipurpose. A double-duty space will always get more use and feel a whole lot bigger. Pay attention to thescale of the seatingyou chose. If your space is small, opt for more petite lounge chairs or build-in a seating space that doubles as storage like a window bench.

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Fake a Big Space

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A largefloor mirrorwill trick the eye into feeling like the room is much bigger and brighter than it actually is. By leaning a mirror against an empty wall, you'll instantly add a feeling of expansiveness into your space. Just make sure to reflect on something you love to look at.

If leaning a mirror against a wall feels too cramped, hang it directly on the wall for a similar effect. Just make sure to use the proper wall anchors, as floor mirrors can get heavy.

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Frame Your Bed With Curtains

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We love the idea of a canopy bed, but if you don't want to update your bed frame, try faking the look by hanging floor-grazing curtains from the ceiling like in the California bedroom above. This will actually make your bed feel like its own little sanctuary, leaving the rest of the space for other uses.

While a statement canopy bed might feel counter-intuitive in a small space, it can actually help mentally divide your bedroom's areas and help you sleep more soundly. Just pull the curtain and the clutter is gone.

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Create Continuity With Fabric

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Using the power of repetition is a great way to make your space feel larger and more coherent. In the bedroom above, the walls, floors, and evencurtainsare all in the same shade of gray, giving the space a feeling of expansiveness. By contrast, a few repetitive black velvet accents create continuity.

To make a small dark room appear larger, lay the largest and lightest rug you can find—a light gray is ideal. Then paint the walls (and maybe even the ceiling) in the same hue to disguise the lines that define the room.

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Incorporate Blush Tones

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It's our personal belief that blush is a neutral color. Plus, if you can incorporate a few different shades of the relaxing hue, it won't look overly feminine. This House of Harvee-designed primary bedroom is a perfect example of the right way to use this soothing shade without going overboard.

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Get Inspired by the Past

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This bedroom definitely feels contemporary—what with the bright white walls and Pixar-like table lamp—but the nightstand is perfectlymid-century modern. The super-popular design movement undeniably inspires the shape, proportion, and material, and we're into it. Mixing pieces from different eras is always a good idea.

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Level Up Your Pillow Game

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There is no such thing as too many pillows. Yes, having a few may add a couple of minutes to your morning when you make the bed, but that's okay. After all, what feels more warm and welcoming than a bevy of plush throws?

Make sure your pillows boast different colors and patterns to give the bed some dimension.

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Don't Re-Wire Your Space

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If you like the idea of using sconces rather than bedside tables, we're with you. However, if your wall isn't exactly set up for wall lights, don't fret! These days, there are so many plug-in alternatives that prioritize function as much as they do form.

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Go Dramatic

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Nothing is more dramatic than a dark element in a light space. Case in point: This heather gray bedroom with pops of bright white and a jet-black bed and nightstand. Plus, the dark bed frame doesn't detract from the room's inviting and warm feel. In fact, it almost gives it a lived-in look.

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Let Your High Ceilings Speak for Themselves

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In a space with high ceilings, trying to fill up that immense wall space can feel like an obvious move. However, if you're blessed with tall walls, consider leaving them more or less empty. Sure, you can add a few sconces and a small piece of art, but there's something really cool and industrial about super-tall ceilings that make a space feel ultra-contemporary.

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Bring the Outdoors In

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In this lake house, designer Erin Williams was inspired by the soothing shades just outside. She brought the natural tones indoors by way of the lake-blue bedding and organic wood headboard. Plus, matching your interiors to the views makes the space look that much more cohesive.

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Layer Patterns

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There's no rule that states you have to match all of the patterns in your space. As long as one pattern doesn't take over the space (which may make any additional patterns feel random or forced), feel free to mix as many patterns as you want. In this dreamy bedroom, the floral curtains and abstract rug look perfect together.

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Opt for a Statement Ceiling

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Statement ceilings are perhaps the easiest way to add a cool and unexpected element to your space. Whether you decide to cover it in wallpaper or paint it, you can't go wrong.

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Decorate With Plants

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Whether they're big or small, plants instantly make a space feel more welcoming. There's something soothing about them, which is probably why most spas feature plants, now that we think about it. Not to mention, plants add some bold and natural color.

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Get Creative

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They may be small, but these unique rope sconces up the cool factor in a big way. In this bedroom designed by Pure Salt Interiors, the neutral and calm design only enhances the look of the lighting.

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Don't Be Afraid of Color

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Generally, we'd never think to pair a fiery orange-red with a majestic teal-and-gold patterned wallpaper, but in this Dazey Den bedroom, it totally works. It may take a few tries to get these non-traditional color pairings just right, but when you finally discover the right combination, you'll be so glad you decided to experiment with color.

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Use Your Space

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If you have a large bedroom, take advantage and incorporate some elements you'd always wished you had in your sleeping quarters. For instance, a cozy lounge, vintage furniture, and bookshelves are a great place to start.

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Make a Reading Nook

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Sometimes, it's more appealing to flip through the pages of your favorite novel in a cozy armchair rather than in bed. If that's the case for you, look for an armchair that's as comfy as it is stylish and stick it in just about any corner where there's room.

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Divide Your Space

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If you live in a studio apartment and don't love the idea of being able to see (or maybe even touch) your oven from your bed, get creative and cordoned off your bed from the rest of the apartment. Floor-length curtains are a great option that requires minimal effort.

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Opt for Large-Scale Decor

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Even if your space isn't enormous, there may be enough room to feature one big piece, like an oversizedmirror. Large-scale pieces add a sense of regality and stateliness to a space that smaller pieces can't.

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Get Blackout Drapery

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Sometimes the layout of your bedroom gives you no other option than to place your bed right in front of the window. Opting for blackout shades or curtains (any sort of window treatment will work) is always a good move—especially when you want to sleep in.

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Choose a Non-Traditional Headboard

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There are almost limitless options when it comes toheadboards, so make sure you get something you absolutely love. Our favorite? Non-traditional ones that make a serious design statement in just about any space.

Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts

Introduction

As an expert and enthusiast, I have been trained on a vast amount of data and have acquired knowledge on a wide range of topics. I can provide information and insights on various subjects, including interior design, home decor, and bedroom makeovers. My ability to generate human-like text and provide accurate responses allows me to assist with questions and provide suggestions related to these topics.

Concepts in the Article

This article discusses primary bedroom ideas and offers tips and suggestions for creating a comfortable and visually appealing bedroom space. Some of the concepts mentioned in the article include:

  1. Primary Bedroom: The term "Primary Bedroom" is used to describe the largest bedroom in a home. The article mentions that this term is now widely used in place of "Master Bedroom" due to potential discriminatory connotations associated with the latter term.

  2. Layered and Comfortable Space: The article suggests that creating a layered and comfortable space is essential for achieving a blissful primary bedroom decor setup. It advises against nightstand clutter, mismatched sheets, and underwhelming furniture that can hinder relaxation.

  3. Large Rug: The article recommends starting with a large rug in the bedroom to make the space look larger and more comfortable. It suggests that the rug should be big enough to cover the area around the bed.

  4. All-White Decor: Going all white with the walls, ceiling, floors, furniture, and bedding is suggested to achieve a plush hotel look. The article suggests playing with textures instead of colors to add visual interest.

  5. Funky Chair: Adding a statement chair in an awkward corner of the bedroom is recommended. It not only looks great but also provides a practical space for throwing clothes or bags at the end of the day.

  6. Statement Chandelier: Filling the height of the bedroom space with a large statement chandelier is suggested to enhance mood lighting. It's advised to put the chandelier on a dimmer for setting a relaxing tone.

  7. Canopy Bed: Using a canopy bed can visually fill vertical space in a bedroom, making it look more structured and layered. The article mentions that even small rooms can accommodate canopy beds with thin frames.

  8. Wallpaper: Using patterned or textured wallpaper is recommended to fill large blank spaces, especially in rooms with tall ceilings. Dark colors can be used in small spaces to create a cozy atmosphere.

  9. Seating Area: Creating a seating area in the bedroom, such as a pair of chairs or a window seat, can make the space feel larger and more multipurpose.

  10. Mirrors: Using large floor mirrors or hanging mirrors on the wall can create an illusion of a bigger and brighter room.

  11. Curtains: Hanging floor-grazing curtains from the ceiling can create a canopy effect and visually separate the bed from the rest of the space.

  12. Continuity with Fabric: Using the same shade of fabric for walls, floors, and curtains can create a feeling of expansiveness. Repetitive black accents can create continuity in the design.

  13. Blush Tones: Incorporating blush tones in the decor is suggested as a soothing and neutral color choice that can be used without appearing overly feminine.

  14. Mixing Eras: Mixing furniture and design elements from different eras can create an interesting and eclectic look in the bedroom.

  15. Pillow Game: Using a variety of pillows with different colors and patterns can add dimension and warmth to the bed.

  16. Sconces: Using sconces instead of bedside tables can save space and add functional lighting. Plug-in alternatives are available for spaces without built-in wall lights.

  17. Dramatic Elements: Adding a dark element in a light space can create a dramatic and lived-in look.

  18. High Ceilings: Leaving the walls with high ceilings empty can create a contemporary and industrial feel.

  19. Bringing the Outdoors In: Incorporating natural tones and elements in the bedroom can create a soothing and cohesive look.

  20. Layering Patterns: Mixing different patterns in the decor is encouraged as long as one pattern doesn't overpower the space.

  21. Statement Ceiling: Adding wallpaper or paint to the ceiling can create a cool and unexpected element in the room.

  22. Decorating with Plants: Adding plants to the bedroom can make the space feel more welcoming and add natural color.

  23. Unique Lighting: Using unique and creative lighting fixtures, such as rope sconces, can enhance the overall design of the room.

  24. Experimenting with Color: Trying non-traditional color pairings can create a unique and visually appealing bedroom design.

  25. Utilizing Space: Taking advantage of the size of the bedroom by incorporating elements like a cozy lounge, vintage furniture, or bookshelves.

  26. Reading Nook: Creating a cozy reading nook with a comfortable armchair can provide an alternative space for leisure activities.

  27. Dividing the Space: Using floor-length curtains to divide the bedroom from the rest of the apartment in a studio apartment setting.

  28. Large-Scale Decor: Incorporating one large-scale decor piece, such as an oversized mirror, can add a sense of grandeur to the room.

  29. Blackout Drapery: Using blackout shades or curtains can be useful when the bed is placed in front of a window to ensure a good night's sleep.

  30. Non-Traditional Headboard: Opting for a unique and non-traditional headboard can make a design statement in the bedroom.

These are the key concepts discussed in the article regarding primary bedroom ideas and decor suggestions.

How to Get That Primary Bedroom Feel—No Matter How Small Your Space Is (2024)

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