How to Create a Cozy Bedroom
Our cozy bedroom ideas and styling tips for making this space your favorite in the house.
Cozy Your Way
A cozy bedroom is a space for grounding, rest, and relaxation—a peaceful escape that’s also an expression of your unique style. Creating a cozy environment is all about balancing the right elements so things feel layered but not cluttered. Curating a space that feels like a reflection of you starts with defining your style and choosing a color palette. If you’re unsure how to identify these pieces, we recommend collecting inspiration photos (we love a good Pinterest search) and taking note of any stand-out preferences or themes. Do you like layered patterns? Minimal details? A varied color palette? Take note of your preferences and keep them in mind when selecting the elements for your space.
Choosing Your Color Palette
For color, choose 3-5 colors—we recommend a warm palette for a cozy feel—and use the 60-30-10 rule.
The Foundation (60%)
This is the one or two colors (and their variants) that you’ll see the most of in your space, generally designated for the walls, area rug, and bedspread.
The Support (30%)
These elements provide contrast to the foundation and are generally designated for curtains, shams, and drapes.
The Accents (10%)
These are the finishing touches that accentuate the rest of your décor and include decorative pillows, decorative accessories, lighting, and artwork.
Use Your Palette As A Guide
When curating your elements, don’t worry about each of them matching exactly—complementary is the goal. If you’re unsure how to choose a color palette in the first place, look for a focal point that you love—like a rug, piece of bedding, or artwork—and use that as a jumping-off point. And, when in doubt, color drenching is a guaranteed way to make things feel cozy and elevated (more on that below).
Cozy, A-Z
Elements to Consider
When curating your space, consider incorporating the below elements (with our tips for making it extra inviting).
Paint or Wallpaper
If you’re painting, we recommend a warm color and painting the walls plus ceiling for an extra-cozy, cocooned feel. To go even cozier, consider wallpaper for a total transformation (you can skip the ceiling, though).
Window treatments
For a dramatic feel, go for the floor-to-ceiling look. Hang your curtains high, allowing for enough length to puddle on the floor a little bit (or let them hover just above it). For a layered look, consider a double curtain rod layered with drapery of different weights and textures (e.g. mixing a linen with a thicker weave).
Rug
For maximal coziness, we recommend a high-pile rug or one of our signature CloudPile™—and going big, to cover the majority of your space (or at least extend 12-18" beyond the sides of your bed). A couple of style tips: A vintage-inspired design adds softness and romance, while a solid rug grounds your space in a foundational color. For more rug guidance, check out our rug guide.
Bed
A layered bed is essential for a cozy space. We recommend a combination of duvet cover, quilt or coverlet, shams, and throw pillows to top it off. For a detailed guide on creating a cozy bed, see our bed styling guide.
Lighting
When it comes to creating a cozy atmosphere, think beyond the overhead light. The key is layered lighting that includes a mix of pendants, bedside lamps, sconces, and small accent lights. For a soft, organic look, opt for shades made from natural materials (like cotton or linen).
Accents
Finish the space with décor you love—and keep it simple. Display decorative accessories and keepsakes on furniture, like your nightstands or dresser, or shelving. Your bedroom is a great place to hang a favorite piece of art—above the bed if you need a focal point and your headboard allows for it—so you see it daily. For a final touch, add a potted plant or faux tree for a warm, organic feel.
Style Pointers
When in doubt, follow these quick pointers when styling your space.
Pattern Mixing
When pattern mixing, balance is the objective. Add a floral in with a plaid or stripe, pair up something small-scale with something large-scale, match up something romantic with something geometric, and keep the colors varied so things don’tfeel so matchy-matchy.
Color Drenching
To color drench, stick to one color and its close variations, and go for it. Wall color, rug, bedding—all of it.
Furniture
When choosing furniture, look for curved silhouettes and rounded edges. Incorporating these details will lend a soft feel, ultimately upping the cozy factor.
Whichever route you take, the cozy bedroom of your dreams is in reach—with some planning, a color palette, and some of our tips and tricks, you’ll be on your way in no time.