Home 50 Main Bedroom Decorating Ideas for a Tranquil Retreat By Southern Living Editors Southern Living Editors Since 1966, the editors of Southern Living have been carrying out the mission of the brand: to bring enjoyment, fulfillment, and inspiration to our readers by celebrating life in the South. We inspire creativity in their homes, their kitchens, their gardens, and their personal style. We are a friend they can trust, a guide to the seasons, a helping hand during the holidays, and a relentless champion of the Southern way of life. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on June 27, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Photo: Laurey W. Glenn Sweet dreams are guaranteed when you have a beautiful place to rest your head. Even the most subtle change—from toning down your color palette with calming spa-like colors or adding ultra plush accents like a down duvet and throw pillows—can infuse serenity into your space. If you're ready for a complete overhaul, we can help you there too. Some transformative ideas include custom statement headboards, installing wall-to-wall seagrass rugs, or even outfitting the entire space with luxe details like oversized light fixtures and antique accent furniture. When ready for a redo, we've furnished you with bedroom decorating ideas to help you create a tranquil retreat. Get decorating and design ideas from some of our best bedrooms. 01 of 50 Layer Coastal Decor Laurey W. Glenn Mixed materials like the down-filled duvet, grass cloth wallcovering, bamboo bench, and wool Berber carpet add warmth. This sleepy space gets a gentle wake-up from the quiet splashes of celadon green on the bed linens, pillows, and bench cushions. Combining soothing colors with a pop of color creates character without overwhelming the room. 02 of 50 Serene Retreat Photo: Laurey W. Glenn Serene neutrals and solid fabrics create a peaceful retreat. Tactile velvets, linens, and bits of fur add the necessary plushness to this bedroom. Adding monogrammed shams brings a sense of Southern charm to this luxe room. 03 of 50 Wood Wall Treatments Julie Soefer Photography Large expanses of wall space can be hard to decorate. Sometimes it's best to let the shiplap walls speak for themselves. Painting wood walls a simple, clean color automatically increases the serenity of the space. 04 of 50 Antique Furnishing Styles William Means Real Estate/Keen Eye Marketing Pair modern fabrics with antique-style furnishings. This room uses an open-back rolled-arm sofa lounge at the foot of the bed and a set of traditional slip-covered chairs to set the scene. Coordinating pale pinks complement the blue wallpaper, which makes the bed skirt. 05 of 50 Open-Air Loft Photo: Ralph Anderson Designer Matthew Bees mounted an Asian-inspired screen from the ceiling in this loft bedroom to create the illusion of a wall. The open-airy feeling of the loft maintains when using a screen to create privacy while also keeping the natural light. Touches of teal and a mix of textures make an inviting space. 06 of 50 Modern Drama Photo: Helen Norman This homeowner used black for various fabrics and wall decor to add a spark of drama, including on the frames and plates. Bold chevron stripes on the pillows and a classic duvet pattern bring contemporary elements to the mix. Soothing seafoam green paint on the shiplap wall behind the white headboard blends the color palette. 07 of 50 Construct a Built-In Marta Xochilt Perez; Styling: Page Mullins Take advantage of your room's architectural elements, especially if that includes a charming built-in to display your favorite things. If renovations or new construction are options, try implementing built-ins to your bedroom. This space-saving option not only adds character but also provides the perfect place to showcase florals and books and even add extra storage. 08 of 50 Handsome Main Bedroom Photo: Laurey W. Glenn In this bedroom, the homeowner was going for a gentleman-architect vibe with wool blackout curtains, cream walls, a tufted headboard, and a collection of sketches he did while traveling through Italy. Adding antiques to the space continued this old-world aesthetic. Allowing the artwork to be the star of your main bedroom can set the stage for a relaxing retreat. 09 of 50 Pretty Floral Bedroom Photo: Hector Sanchez The hand-painted floral wallcovering was the starting point behind every other color choice in this bedroom. The flourishing wallpaper makes a statement as the room's main focal point. The apple green rug, pair of chartreuse gourd lamps, hot pink velvet upholstered bed, and patterned linens are from the homeowner's store, Biscuit Home. 10 of 50 Antique Elegance Photo: Tria Giovan, Styling: Olga Naiman This welcome getaway feels conveniently detached with its soothing, cream-colored walls and mixture of antique and reproduction furniture. The room contains personal comforts, including an abundance of oversized pillows. Adding custom elements, from the hard pine floors to the antique secretary table, creates a collection of unique furnishings. 11 of 50 Classic Blue and Yellow Photo: Laurey W. Glenn A classic palette of blue and yellow gives a punchy modern update to this bedroom makeover. It radiates a sunny disposition stemming from the canary yellow headboard. Various prints and patterns keep your eye moving in this room, filled with fresh ideas for budget decor. 12 of 50 Inspiration from Patterns Photography Van Chaplin, Charles Walton IV / Styling Buffy Hargett The pattern on the upholstered headboard inspired the color scheme in this room. Punctuated with highlights of deep red, the homeowner opted for a more serene space with its muted color palette. Installing a unique chandelier lends an air of casual elegance to the area. 13 of 50 Cottage White Colleen Duffley The lilac accents in this primarily white room, keeping with the calming color scheme, are displayed through florals on the bedside table, a throw on the edge of the bed, and tucked at the bottom of the window drapes. White seashell bouquets, used as wall decor, add coastal character to the room without being distracting. Subtle purple hues in the wood tone of the bedside table add cohesiveness to this pretty palette. 14 of 50 Neutral Retreat Laurey W. Glenn In the bedroom, a monochromatic tan color theme adds warmth through textures. A crushed velvet armchair, coordinating with the bedding, sits at the bottom of the bed, creating a resting space. Windows flanking the bed and the set of double doors bring light into this subtly-toned room. 15 of 50 Crisp and Clean Photography Laurey W. Glenn / Styling Leigh Anne Montgomery Keeping the basics white gives a clean, versatile look. Hanging a mirror above the headboard reflects light and creates a focal point. The ombre drapes, armchair, and throw pillows add interest to an otherwise neutral space. 16 of 50 Use a Wood Bench Courtesy of Ruggable Positioned on top of a statement area rug, a wood bench at the foot of a bench adds a rustic charm to the space. This addition adds function and style and is perfect for sitting while you put on your shoes or even a place to store your extra pillows and blankets while you sleep. A darker wood stain on the bench than the flooring allows the statement piece to stand out. 17 of 50 Tropical Getaway Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller A serene color scheme of yellow-gold and beiges sets a relaxing mood in this island-inspired bedroom. The canopy bed is the main attraction in this room. Matching throw pillows and wallpaper tie it all together. 18 of 50 Casual Coastal Bedroom Photo: Lucas Allen, Styling: Elizabeth Demos These homeowners collected antiques from Kansas City and combined them with painted pieces, flea market finds, and antique reproductions for a casual beach look. The one-of-a-kind bedroom repurposes salvaged items into new decor. The burlap pendant light makes an eye-catching focal point. 19 of 50 Rustic Retreat Laurey W. Glenn Light-drenched window nooks, exposed timber beams, and mountain cabin-inspired furniture make this bedroom a retreat. Antique prints of regional wildlife and floral-themed drapery also reference the home's forested location. Keeping a more muted, desaturated color palette helps this room blend into its surroundings. 20 of 50 Try Green Living Laurey W. Glenn / Styling Scott Martin This room, with its traditional mixed furnishings and contemporary details, takes inspiration from a Japanese garden. The furniture comes from several sources. Some pieces are antique, vintage, or made from reclaimed wood. Still, most are from nearby furniture companies committed to manufacturing in environmentally sensitive ways. For flooring, fast-growing yet durable bamboo wood keeps the room from looking too contemporary with a dark stain. 21 of 50 Flea Market Fabulous Bedroom Photo: Miki Duisterhof See how Eddie Ross used flea market finds to transform this room into a light-filled, colorful retreat. Coordinating drapery and bed skirt adorn the custom-created canopy rails of the four-poster bed. Abstract artwork over the bed links the red accents, benches, pillows, and window drapes to the room. 22 of 50 Geometric Greyness Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Shannon Gini This bed's solid structural lines complement the faded damask-style rug. Bed linens and drapes take a softer approach to styling than the bed frame. The overall simplicity of the space gives a calming effect. 23 of 50 Stylishly Simplified Photo: Charles Walton IV Stylishly simplified, the bedroom is as easy on the eyes. A modern four-poster bed bridges the past with the present and gives the otherwise contemporary space a dash of Southern romanticism. Highlighting the bed are navy pillows, a silk quilt duvet in a soft shade of gray, and an antique needlepoint navy lumbar pillow. A fresh coat of white paint freshens the room without making it too bright. Contemporary patterned fabric panels draw the eye to the windows and the view beyond. 24 of 50 Sustainable Space Photo: Laurey W. Glenn Green design doesn't have to mean mod and sleek. Start by using low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint on the walls. The four-poster bed, crafted from rattan, is more sustainable because it is a fast-growing wood. It can be grown in natural forests without disturbing the existing structure and balance. Items such as these are suitable for your home's environmental footprint. 25 of 50 Classic Elegance Hector Manuel Sanchez A four-poster bed has a timeless look. Using a classic color palette like blue and white will hold up well as time passes. Modern accents, like an eclectic lamp, can add new life to a room while retaining the traditional elements. 26 of 50 Fresh Green Photo: Laurey W. Glenn Different shades of green make crisp white bedding and accessories pop. A luxurious area rug and wood flooring ground the space with exaggerated textures. Matching drapes and throw pillows also easily add cohesion to a room. 27 of 50 Relaxing Tones Atlantic Archives, Inc./Richard Leo Johnson Calm, restful colors and piles of pillows invite you to relax after a busy day. The overhead artwork, a soothing sky, sets the tone for the barely-there blue paint on the walls. Surrounded by windows, this room is bright from natural light as it is from its decor. 28 of 50 Grand Getaway Robbie Caponetto; Styling: Kendra Surface This bedroom displays a more-is-more approach. The abundance of textures and patterns keep your eyes busy, so the crisp white bedding gives you a place to rest (literally and figuratively). Accents such as the mesh and tassel canopy cover give the room even more grandeur. 29 of 50 Relax and Reflect Captured Moments By Buddy Mountcastle This tranquil space feels larger and lighter thanks to the oversized, standing mirror. Adding a soothing quality to the room, the matching grey-beige drapery and bedding complement one another. The minimalistic space provides a clutter-free retreat. 30 of 50 Cottage Romance Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Elly Poston Cooper Stage drama in the bedroom with fancy-feeling details, like a thick duvet at the foot of the bed or window treatments that frame your windows like an opera curtain. Unique decor, like the candelabra and vintage laundry rack, set this room apart from others. A well-positioned painting can add just the right amount of color. 31 of 50 Add Soft Textures VSI Group/Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty The soft, inviting textures in this room create a cozy escape. From the tufted upholstered bench to the flowing floor-to-ceiling drapes bordering the windows, this bedroom has textures on every inch of its decor. Beach-inspired colors tie the space's palette of pale blues, creams, and brown highlights. 32 of 50 Accentuate Spring Colors Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Kathleen Varner For a cheery bedroom, try using spring-inspired colors. Pairing sunny yellow with radiant purple and tieing it together with grassy green combines to create a perfect palette. The additional blue-green headboard and bedding trim anchor the space as a calming space. 33 of 50 Cosmopolitan Decor Sean Shanahan The exposed bricks and vintage-inspired painting establish an old-world charm quality to this room. Adding vintage suitcases enriches this thematic decor. Using primarily shades of black and white helps keep this space's sophisticated tone. 34 of 50 Paint it Black Marta Xochilt Perez; Styling: Page Mullins For a true nighttime escape, paint your walls black. This moody paint color option forms a dramatic atmosphere where every additional aspect feeds off its energy. Keep bedding and flooring neutral to allow the walls to be the focal point. 35 of 50 Paint the Trim Marta Xochilt Perez; Styling: Page Mullins Sometimes the best way to dress up your bedroom is not to paint the walls but the trim. Using a soft shade to highlight a tray ceiling or set of windows draws your eye up and out, increasing your perception of the room's size. Detailing a bedroom this way allows for neutral or white bedding colors as the pop of wall color adds contrast. 36 of 50 Choose a Floral Headboard Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Lizzie Cullen Cox Choosing a floral or pattern fabric for your headboard creates an eye-catching focal point. Decorate your existing headboard or DIY a fabric sleeve to cover wood or metal posts. Find a material you love, which can be the basis for the rest of the bedroom's decor. 37 of 50 Add a Daybed Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Matthew Gleason Add an extra place to rest your head for the ultimate relaxation oasis. A daybed is a great way to fill an awkward space in your room and can be a place to add pops of color with bedding, pillows, or a throw blanket. Use it for reading, dressing, or simply as a decorative furnishing. 38 of 50 Try Warm Colors Photo: Helen Norman; Stylist: Liz Levin Bedrooms don't always need to be blue or neutral colors. Try adding a bright, warm color palette for a unique space that fits your energy. Vibrant red or orange colors can be the thing you need to help you wake up in a cheerful mood every day. 39 of 50 Incorporate Unique Tables Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Page Mullins Rethink your bedsite table. Repurposing old furniture or discovering an eclectic flea market find can add personality to your room. Antique furnishings become statement pieces when used for something other than their intended purpose. 40 of 50 Highlight the Lighting Laurey Glenn Brighten your bedroom with a unique light fixture. Show your bedroom in a whole new light by transforming the overhead lighting into a piece of art instead of only a functional accessory. Sconces or bedside tables also are opportunities to exchange plain lighting for something more ornamental. 41 of 50 Let in the Light Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller The three windows over the bed allow for light to fill this space. Natural light extends from the cream-trimmed windows into this room, brightening dark wood floors. In this bright bedroom, wood furnishings contrast the white bedding and pale-blue painted walls. 42 of 50 Emphasize the Mirrors Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Elly Poston Cooper Instead of a traditional headboard, try using a mirror. A distinctive mirror makes a room more visually attractive while providing some function. An overhead mirror is an excellent opportunity to incorporate vintage or antique items you usually wouldn't use as decor because it can stand on its own as the focal point. 43 of 50 Go for Oversized Art Jean Liu A floor-to-ceiling art print draws your attention. Positioned on a neutrally painted wall, a colorful painting or abstract piece of art can enhance a room's decorative qualities. Use this statement piece as a jumping-off point to introduce color into other furnishings such as throw pillows or an area rug. 44 of 50 Paint the Ceiling Courtesy of Behr Consider decorating from the top down when looking to freshen up a bedroom. Look at the ceiling to determine if you can produce the atmosphere you wish to achieve by adding a coat of paint. Coordinating the ceiling color with the beadboard and doors adds cohesion to this dramatic decor. 45 of 50 Look to Nature Robbie Caponetto; Styling: Kendra Surface Drawing inspiration from the outdoors is a way to construct a cohesive color palette that works. Nature has a way of supplying soothing scenery, so incorporating this into your bedroom can offer the same effect. Using wood or muted forest shades can be monotonous, so add vibrant colors to highlight specific decor. 46 of 50 Design from Top Down Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Kiera Coffee The large framed pictures creating a gallery over the bed draw your attention upwards. In addition to this display, the overhead light adds one of the only pops of color with green on the shade's interior. The bedding complements this green while the furnishings remain neutral. 47 of 50 Add Extra Seating Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Lizzie Cullen Cox The bed is the lead furnishing in this room, but a unique seating option makes the space feel more inviting. Look for an accent chair or bench to add character to an otherwise blank space. The weathered texture on this bench contrasts the soft, delicate fabrics surrounding the bed. 48 of 50 Create a Reading Nook Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Lizzie Cullen Cox Build yourself the perfect escape by creating a reading nook in your bedroom. The sconce and drapery allow you to stay up late reading your favorite book without disturbing anyone else in the room. This cozy space is excellent for relaxing or storing things behind the drawn curtain. 49 of 50 Highlight the Views Secret Bay, Dominica There is no need for additional decor when you have a view from your room. Center your bed to overlook the exterior wonders that reside outside your home. If you do not have this expansive view, consider creating it with a floor-to-ceiling mural of your favorite place. 50 of 50 Monochromatic Neutrals Photo: Laurey Glenn; Stylist: Heather Chadduck Hillegas Find various shades of the same neutral to create a monochromatic space. A blush-grey bedroom can incorporate hues ranging from cream to barely-there pink but still look like a cohesive space because of the closely related pigments. The pink florals on the bedside table nicely complement the decor. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit