Here are ways to make your bedroom a retreat that functions as an escape for relaxing activities for more than just sleeping.
I admit that we don’t watch a lot of television in our bedroom but recently Howard had sports on all day in our living/family. That got me thinking about making our bedroom a place where you could watch television and/or read. It’s a large room that needed to feel more like a cozy bedroom.
So, let’s explore seven decor ideas that will transform your bedroom into a peaceful haven, perfectly suited for relaxation and rejuvenation (and possibly a spot to watch some good ole rom-coms).
Pleasing Color Palette
Start by choosing a calming color palette for your bedroom. These colors create a serene backdrop that promotes a sense of peace and relaxation. The walls are painted Benjamin Moore Simply White and the trim is China White. The hand tufted wool rug is in colors we like.
Luxurious Bedding
Invest in high-quality, luxurious bedding to enhance the comfort and style of your bedroom. Opt for soft, breathable fabrics like Egyptian cotton or linen for sheets and duvet covers.
Our quilt and Euro shams are from Serena and Lily (sold out) and luxury the sheets and duvet cover and insert are from Quince. The striped cotton drapes are from Pottery Barn.
Personalized Art
Infuse your bedroom with personality with cherished memories and art pieces. Below are antique prints of Paris that I purchased there. We also have coordinating photo frames (mostly from Target) on the bedside dressers.
Natural Elements
Integrate natural elements into your bedroom design (like the rattan bench above) to bring a touch of the outdoors inside. Consider incorporating wooden furniture, potted plants, or nature-inspired artwork.
I couldn’t get a tree to live in this corner without a lot of sunlight. So, I purchased this good looking faux eucalyptus tree and added the handwoven basket and moss.
Soft Lighting
Lighting plays a crucial role in creating a cozy ambiance. Opt for soft, warm lighting instead of harsh overhead lights. Bedside table lamps contribute to a gentle atmosphere. Dimmable lights allow you to adjust the brightness according to your mood and preference.
Declutter and Simplify
A clutter-free environment contributes to a peaceful mind. Keep your bedroom organized by decluttering unnecessary items from your nightstands,
Comfortable Seating Area (ours is at the foot of the bed)
Create a cozy seating area in your bedroom for moments of relaxation. A comfortable chair or a plush chaise lounge can provide a quiet spot for reading, reflection, or simply enjoying a cup of tea. Enhance this area with soft cushions and a throw blanket for added comfort.
We switched the leather arm chairs from the living room to here and added coordinating pillows . This well-made round Four Hands ottoman from Perigold/Wayfair creates a nice seating area.
We also moved the antique bookcase and television to this angled wall (my daughter’s idea) and it makes more sense here aesthetically. Now, it feels more like a cozy haven.
You may also like Drift Away On A Hidden Coastal Porch Swing Bed. The entrance to the porch is here…
Transforming your primary bedroom into a retreat involves a combination of colors, layers of texture, personal touches and a seating area if you have the space.
You can make your bedroom a retreat that looks inviting for sleeping but also serves as a sanctuary to take it easy! This is my favorite room now.
Jane Collier says
Loved the Master bedroom.. especially beautiful rug.
Where did you get the tray on the ottoman?
Jane
Mary Ann Pickett says
It’s from Target a few years ago.
Elizabeth@pineconesandacorns says
Mary Ann, this is such a beautiful, serene bedroom. I love the colorful rug! And the cozy chairs.
Sheila says
Hello Mary Ann, As always another great blog sharing your suggestions and pictures for creating an inviting serene bedroom. I noticed that you don’t have a ceiling fan in your bedroom. We too live in Florida and have found that ceiling fans make a huge difference. I’d like to change out our current fans for something a little sleaker, and white in order so that they don’t stand out so much against our white ceilings. Our other requirements are quiet operation and no light fixture. Any suggestions for good brands.
Mary Ann Pickett says
We do have a ceiling fan! I will get the link,
Mary Ann Pickett says
https://rstyle.me/+3NQuRnbPapqu8mgcSyNEtA Here you go!
Lynn says
Beautiful room! Did I miss a source for the rug? I love the colors in it.
Mary Ann Pickett says
It used to be on Etsy, but I see the shop has closed.
linda Ebright says
love this beautiful rug, too! If you find source, please post later.
Mary Ann Pickett says
Here is the rug: https://therugdecor.com/products/antique-5×8-6×9-8×10-9×12-10×14-and-12×15-hand-knotted-moss-and-blue-traditional-persian-vintage-oushak-wool-rug-trdcp679?sca_ref=5345118.UeVYSe6kB6
Mary Ann Pickett says
Here you go: https://therugdecor.com/products/antique-5×8-6×9-8×10-9×12-10×14-and-12×15-hand-knotted-moss-and-blue-traditional-persian-vintage-oushak-wool-rug-trdcp679?sca_ref=5345118.UeVYSe6kB6
Carol S. says
Mary Ann, first off kudos for you to being a blogger that replies to her readers questions! Plus, for your impeccable taste. I’m on the hunt for a new quilt and your room gives me great inspiration. I read comments talking about using headphones with tv and just looked it up, looks relatively simple in settings on my Amazon fire stick. Car racing over here too, but the worst is this show Gold Rush where they bleep any cursing and there is nonstop shrill beeps in that show. Headphones!
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks, Carol!!
Cyndie says
Love the “hotel” feel! Gotta ask about the rug-those are my colors-can you provide the source, please?
Mary Ann Pickett says
It used to be on Etsy, but I see the shop has closed.
Mary Ann Pickett says
Here you go: https://therugdecor.com/products/antique-5×8-6×9-8×10-9×12-10×14-and-12×15-hand-knotted-moss-and-blue-traditional-persian-vintage-oushak-wool-rug-trdcp679?sca_ref=5345118.UeVYSe6kB6
Katherine says
Hi Mary Ann,
The bedroom is very pretty, cozy, and peaceful looking. When you have a large bedroom it’s not always easy to create warmth. You achieved that
so well.
I appreciate and understand how important it is for you both to have your own space. I’m with you about the sound of car racing. It revs you up. You have a great feel for creating a comfortable and welcoming environment. What would we do if our husbands refused to use earphones? 🤷♀️
Linda Salazar says
Love that rug…looking for a new one for one of our spare bedrooms in similar colors. A little bored with the sisal one we have and would like something softer. You are so lucky to have such a large bedroom and enough room for a seating area! Our primary is in neutral colors with the exception of some art and a few decor pieces.
Linda
Mary Ann Pickett says
Here you go: https://therugdecor.com/products/antique-5×8-6×9-8×10-9×12-10×14-and-12×15-hand-knotted-moss-and-blue-traditional-persian-vintage-oushak-wool-rug-trdcp679?sca_ref=5345118.UeVYSe6kB6
Linda Salazar says
Thank you!
Carmie says
Lovely, relaxing room. Love that you used some color. Some of the monotone rooms get very boring. This room shows your personality, as does all of your house. It is decorated but never overdone!
Have always had a tv in the bedroom and a seating area. My room is a nice size but not as large as yours. Would love to see an outline of the shape and dimensions.
Thank you for your lovely blog.
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thank you, Carmie! I would have to draw the floor plan…so I will get to that eventually. It’s basically a large square with one corner of the square at an angle for the hallway on the other side.
Carmelee Thorpe says
Thank you.
Joanna says
I do have a comfy slipper chair in my bedroom for occasional reading when I want to escape sports or car racing. I’ve always resisted a tv in our bedroom as I know it would be on every night and even if he listens through headphones the light would bother me. I try to keep our bedroom as a sanctuary for sleeping,
Love your carpet! It would be perfect in one of my guest room where I have color. My bedroom is all neutrals – white, cream & beige.
Mary Ann Pickett says
Ha! Howard has to stay downstairs if he wants to watch tv at night…the light would keep me up too. Our bedroom in SF was neutral, which I loved, but this was an opportunity to change it up.
I really hate the sound of car racing! He’ll be able to watch that outside when it starts.
Patricia says
Lovely bedroom and the large size allows a sitting area to create a comfortable retreat. I think, as wives, we need our own cozy space. You are so good at decorating. Thank you for the visuals which help all your viewers with our own homes.
Mary Ann Pickett says
Yes, Patricia…I tried to make a “man cave: for Howard on the back porch (he loves it) to watch sports…but it can get too cold out there. But now I have a place to go!
Olivia says
What a beautiful bedroom! We are about to redo our master and I will be keeping this post as a reference. Where are your nightstands from? Do you have a recommendations for coordinating or a matching dresser? We need a long dresser on our wall opposite our bed.
Mary Ann Pickett says
Those nightstand/dressers were from GJ Styles and they don’t make them anymore. I think Pottery Barn is a good place to start looking. That’s where we bought out guest room bed that is well-made.
Marie says
Mary Ann – Your bedroom is so cozy and inviting. I love the soothing colors! And you must really enjoy the lovely seating area. We have plans to renovate our master bath/bedroom this year. This article is a keeper for reference.
We’re about to reno a guest bath. I loved the Visual Comfort sconces in your guest bath you featured not long ago. I would like to use them in this project but concerned about the amount of light they put out. Do you have additional lighting in that room or do you find these to be sufficient?
Mary Ann Pickett says
If you mean the Visual Comfort Katie sconce in our powder room? There is additional lighting from one recessed light.