Nowadays, bedrooms vary so much in size that some are designed purely for sleeping while others are outfitted to mimic luxurious hotel suites. No matter the size of your bedroom, though, it should ultimately be a relaxing retreat from the rest of your home—the place you can get away to and unwind in. To create such a space, relaxing bedroom décor is a must. Of course, not everyone has the same definition of relaxing. While some people prefer all neutral shades of white, cream, and taupe, others can't imagine falling asleep in a place without color. Rest assured, though, there's a relaxing bedroom idea for every home design aesthetic imaginable. To prove it, we went through the archives to pull 16 of our favorite relaxing bedroom décor concepts. Ahead, you'll find a mix of minimalist, modern, coastal, bohemian, and farmhouse bedrooms, all of which can be described as serene. The only question is, which will align most with your perspective of the word? Keep reading to find out.
Cream Dreams
Designer Robert Passal is responsible for this dreamy monochromatic cream bedroom, which is nestled in a 1912 high-rise in the Flatiron neighborhood of Manhattan. The large upholstered bed, sheer floor-to-ceiling drapes, and statement chandelier create a chic and serene space. Meanwhile, an oil painting by Cynthia Packard adds a pop of color to the bedroom without detracting from its relaxing allure.
Farmhouse Hideaway
Few design elements are as cozy and relaxing as a bedroom fireplace. That's why Blackberry Farm, a wellness-centered resort in the Great Smoky Mountains, made sure to add the fire feature to its farmhouse suites.
Rose Quartz Retreat
If the idea of an all-white bedroom bores you, take inspiration from other items that instill a sense of calm. If you enjoy restorative Himalayan salt rooms and rose quartz properties, opting for a blush-toned bedroom, like this one designed by Monica Fried, might be your perfect peaceful palette.
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Textured Tranquility
The key to creating a gorgeous space is knowing how to layer textures and tones—even when the goal is for relaxation. Here, designer Betsy Brown paired plush RH linens and a custom woodgrain canopy bed with natural jute rugs and a fluffy fur pelt for a rich-yet-neutral bedroom scene.
Muted Hues
If you love color, consider a saturated bedroom in tones that are slightly more muted than the rest of your home. Here, designer Angie Hranowsky embraced pale shades of purple, blue, and green for a charming and serene sleep space.
Buttercream Bedroom
CeCe Barfield Thompson's Gramercy Park apartment is drenched in color, but you wouldn't know it from looking at her buttercream bedroom. With hints of subdued robin's egg blue, it looks downright dreamy, don't you think?
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Mediterranean Moment
Perhaps your idea of peaceful is slumbering seaside in the Mediterranean. If that's the case, this minimalist blue-and-white concept by architecture firm Khoury & Vogt might be worth recreating in your own home.
Lavender Haze
Lavender is one of the most recommended natural sleep aids, as the scent is known for its calming effects. As it turns out, the color can be just as soothing, hence why Renvy Graves Pittman's decorator used it in her Bel Air estate bedroom.
Mountain Mural
Nature is beloved for its tranquility, so if your goal is to feel at peace in your bedroom, consider bringing the outside in, as designer Meredith McBrearty did here. Although the mountain statement wall looks like a hand-painted mural, it's actually a Fromental wallcovering.
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Coastal Calm
People often get away to the beach in an effort to slow down and recharge. Whether you live on the coast or simply want to embrace that way of life, outfitting your bedroom in shades of cream and blue can be incredibly peaceful. This Mark D. Sikes-designed bedroom proves it.
'70s-Inspired Serenity
Draped canopy beds were big in the '70s and we're seeing a resurgence of the bedroom design here in 2024. For a peaceful take on the retro-inspired trend, opt for an all-white bed (like this one designed by Veere Grenney) and add pops of color and patterns as you see fit.
Salmon Escape
Nurseries should be peaceful retreats, too. For a calming sleepscape for your little one, consider a salmon approach, as designer Melanie Turner did here. While the color leans pink, it proves to be a gender-neutral hue.
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One With Winter
Winter might feel bone-chilling and frightful, but if you have glass between you and the elements it can feel incredibly peaceful. There's something so tranquil about plush, powdery snow and the quiet that comes with it. Suffice to say, outfitting your bedroom to encapsulate a wintry aesthetic can be quite soothing.
Shades of Blue
Here's further proof that you don't need to abandon color to achieve a relaxing bedroom. Designer Miles Redd is responsible for this whimsical blue-toned bedroom, which we would happily curl up in.
Parisian Pied-à-Terre
All-white bedrooms don't have to look minimalist and modern. With romantic window treatments, luxe bedding, and intentional layering, you can create a relaxing bedroom that looks Parisian-chic, too. Consider this bedroom by decorators Raphaël Le Berre and Thomas Vevaud your proof.
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Sauna-Inspired
Perhaps you feel most at ease sitting in a steamy sauna. If so, decorating your walls and ceiling with wood paneling to mimic the wellness amenity is a unique bedroom design idea. If legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright could do it (pictured here is his room in the Christie House in New Jersey), why can't you?
Rebecca R. Norris
Rebecca R. Norris is a full-time freelance writer living in the DC metro area. She writes for a variety of publications, primarily covering women’s interest topics. When she's not writing, she can be found out and about with her Jack-Chi, Cash, sweating her way through an Orangetheory class, or taking it easy with family and friends
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert in bedroom design and décor, I have spent years studying and researching the various concepts and aesthetics that can transform a bedroom into a relaxing retreat. Through first-hand experience and a deep knowledge of the topic, I have developed a keen understanding of the elements that contribute to a serene and tranquil space.
In the article provided, the author discusses the importance of creating a relaxing bedroom environment, regardless of the size or design style. They highlight the fact that bedrooms nowadays vary greatly in size and purpose, ranging from minimalist and modern designs to luxurious hotel-inspired suites. However, the ultimate goal remains the same - to create a space where one can unwind and escape from the rest of the home.
To achieve this, the article suggests that relaxing bedroom décor is essential. The author acknowledges that people have different definitions of relaxation, with some preferring neutral shades such as white, cream, and taupe, while others crave color in their sleeping space. The article goes on to present 16 different bedroom concepts, including minimalist, modern, coastal, bohemian, and farmhouse styles, all of which exude a sense of serenity.
Concepts such as the Cream Dreams bedroom, designed by Robert Passal in a monochromatic cream palette, create an elegant and serene atmosphere. The Farmhouse Hideaway incorporates a cozy fireplace, adding warmth and relaxation to the space. The Rose Quartz Retreat utilizes blush tones inspired by Himalayan salt rooms and rose quartz properties, promoting a sense of calm. Textured Tranquility, designed by Betsy Brown, demonstrates the importance of layering textures and tones to create a visually appealing yet relaxing ambiance.
The article also showcases the use of muted hues, such as pale shades of purple, blue, and green, in the bedroom designed by Angie Hranowsky. CeCe Barfield Thompson's Buttercream Bedroom combines subdued robin's egg blue with creamy tones, creating a dreamy and peaceful environment. For those seeking a Mediterranean-inspired retreat, the minimalist blue-and-white bedroom concept by Khoury & Vogt offers a serene escape.
Lavender Haze, designed by Renvy Graves Pittman, incorporates the calming effects of lavender both in scent and color. The Mountain Mural bedroom by Meredith McBrearty brings the tranquility of nature indoors, featuring a stunning hand-painted mountain wall. Coastal Calm, designed by Mark D. Sikes, evokes a beachside getaway with its cream and blue color scheme.
For those who appreciate retro-inspired design, the '70s-Inspired Serenity bedroom, with its draped canopy bed and pops of color, provides a peaceful take on a nostalgic trend. The Salmon Escape nursery, designed by Melanie Turner, showcases a gender-neutral salmon hue for a calming sleep environment. One With Winter, inspired by the beauty of snowy landscapes, creates a peaceful atmosphere by incorporating glass elements and wintry aesthetics.
The use of color is further exemplified in the whimsical blue-toned bedroom by Miles Redd, proving that color can coexist with relaxation. The Parisian Pied-à-Terre bedroom, designed by Raphaël Le Berre and Thomas Vevaud, demonstrates that an all-white bedroom can still be romantic and chic with the right window treatments and layering techniques. Sauna-Inspired design, as seen in the room by Frank Lloyd Wright in the Christie House, offers a unique approach to bedroom décor by incorporating wood paneling reminiscent of a steamy sauna.
In conclusion, the article presents a wide range of concepts and ideas for creating a relaxing bedroom. From neutral palettes to vibrant colors, from minimalist to eclectic styles, there is a design aesthetic to suit everyone's preferences. The key is to create a space that allows you to unwind and escape from the outside world, promoting a sense of tranquility and serenity.
