Refresh Your Bedroom for 2024

Even more than your home itself, your bedroom is your personal refuge. No matter what stresses, deadlines, or general aggravations the world throws at you, retiring to this space grants you an escape where all your obligations slip away. So, naturally, it should be the most comfortable and intentionally curated room of your home.

This year, surprising decorative elements are expected to either make a comeback or cause fresh waves in the design sphere. Practical and attractive, each means to seamlessly blend irresistible comfort with soothing visual appeal. To keep your bedroom up to date with a new year of style and enjoy the finest luxury every day, embrace the following trends.

Trick the eye with layers

Cool or even frigid winter weather may be in full swing, but resist the urge to arrange a bulky, overly dressed bed. Instead, adorn it with two to three layers of warm, cozy fabric—such as a fitted sheet, top sheet, and quilt—for a well-tailored appearance that doesn’t sacrifice comfort.

To help achieve this effect, limit your bedding to a unified color scheme or pattern so all your linens and pillows blend into what looks like a singular, sculpted object. Sets like these shams and compatible duvet cover by CB2 create a simple, pared-down look, while this warm waffle-weave one from AllModern sticks to a single smart and stylish neutral color. Such snug sets accommodate cold sleepers without overwhelming their mattresses with bulk.

If you’re interested in updating your bed itself, select one with prominent side rails to conceal the edges of your mattress where you neatly tuck in your linens. You can also opt for a piece with a sleek frame and a headboard that sits flush with the wall. (Check out this streamlined bed by Article for inspiration.) Select a low-profile bed, and you’ll achieve a breezy look that feels refined and elegant.

Use fabrics sparingly

Apply the principle of neat, restrained fabrics throughout the rest of your bedroom. Try to limit your window dressings to a single layer, though don’t be afraid to get creative. For instance, you could hang long drapes or sheer curtains with a few inches of extra slack that gathers on the floor for romantic appeal and a leisurely appearance you’ll adore. If your aim is to block obtrusive sunlight or improve privacy while preserving your views, consider having your windows tinted so they can remain exposed whenever possible, installing thin drapes or solar shades to frame them handsomely.

Meanwhile, keep extra throws and blankets put away rather than cast over the arms of chairs, settees, or benches. Of course, you may be concerned that scaling back your fabrics will make your room feel less cozy; in that case, lay a medium-pile rug with a simple geometric pattern for added softness without visual clutter.

Welcome dark and alluring shades

This year, fashion a captivating bedroom design with a bolder, more mature palette. Sophisticated colors like plum, sienna, merlot, and stone gray have become popular options for bedrooms going into 2024, eclipsing the breezy and wholesome appearance of previous frenzies such as the all-white or nautical-hued Cape Cod bedroom.

While this may feel like a jarring change if you’re accustomed to light, sunny bedroom tones, opting for dark and intense colors will create a sense of privacy, making your bedroom feel like a haven from the overstimulating sunlight outside. If you’re worried about committing to dark paint or furniture, there’s a low-risk alternative: pepper deep shades into the room with new linens and accent decor. Then incorporate various lighting sources such as table lamps and bedside sconces to craft a warm vibe after sunset.

Revive old classics

Old-fashioned furniture tends to be more intricately detailed than newer pieces, which makes it the ideal complement to the restrained look of contemporary bedroom decor. Did you inherit a vintage chest? Dust it off and shuffle it out of storage so it can regain life in your bedroom. Or make a dedicated trip to your local antique store to find the perfect fit. Mind your color scheme, though, to ensure these furnishings feel cohesive with your bedroom’s other features—a tight color palette can unite contrasting pieces, even if they’re from very different time periods.

As you hunt for well-worn classics to spotlight, pass over excessively adorned pieces (a Louis XIV–style armoire, for example) and instead select timeless options such as a 1960s vintage dresser or rustic chest. The right one should add warm, authentic character to the room without stealing too much attention.

Add something unexpected

Bedroom furniture tends to be consistent across most homes: a bed, two nightstands, and a dresser. However, these usual ingredients can make your room feel ordinary. To subvert expectations, work an unexpected feature into your bedroom decor.

For fun and whimsy, place a bold, contemporary art piece above your bed, or hang a crafty light fixture like this chandelier by West Elm from the ceiling to make an eye-popping statement. A well-sculpted piece of furniture like this carved patterned nightstand by West Elm, meanwhile, satisfies the practical benefits of a bedside table in a mold-breaking silhouette.

Your bedroom should be a comfortable sanctuary, but it should also feature invigorating elements that you’ll love to wake up to. As you refresh your design this year, don’t be afraid to experiment with bold elements that make the space feel truly special.