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The art of luxury living is simpler than it seems…yes, really!
While luxe interiors might fill your Instagram saved folder and Pinterest boards, finding ways to make your bedroom look expensive is more achievable than you might think.
From cleverly layered lighting to the art of perfectly dressed beds (hint: it’s all about the pillows), we’ve curated insider tips that’ll elevate your sleeping quarters from everyday to exceptional.
Whether you’re working with a modest budget or simply love the thrill of savvy decorating, these designer-approved tricks will help you craft a space that looks like it’s straight out of a home interior magazine.
The best part? Many of these transformative touches require nothing more than strategic styling and a discerning eye!
Let’s explore 22 game-changing ways to add a touch of opulence to your most personal space.
1. Style Your Nightstand
Your nightstand has all the quick go-to items you simply want to reach over and grab, like your phone charger or toiletry items.
To make it neater and less fussy, try moving these items elsewhere, like onto a dressing table, in a small storage basket, or utilising the drawers in the nightstand.
If you want to give your nightstand a curated gallery vibes, try a chic table lamp, a small vase with fresh blooms, and a beautiful coffee table book.
2. Update Your Bed Linen
Invest in crisp cotton sheets with a thread count between 300-600 (contrary to popular belief, higher isn’t always better).
Layer in hotel-style whites, muted, sophisticated tones, or even watercolour florals if the rest of the room is very neutral. The key is in the pressing – iron those pillowcases for that coveted boutique hotel finish.
3. Add A Statement Throw
Think of your throw as the finishing flourish that transforms a well-made bed into a masterpiece of layering.
While perfectly pressed sheets set the foundation, it’s the artful drape of a luxurious throw that elevates your bedroom from lovely to luxe.
The secret is all in the materiality – think sumptuous velvet for winter drama, lightweight cashmere for year-round elegance, or silk-blend throws that catch the light just so.
For that enviably effortless look, create intentional dimension by draping it at a slight angle, allowing it to cascade naturally over one corner.
4. Double Up On Pillows
Have you ever been to a fancy hotel and seen just two pillows on the bed? Of course not!
The magic number? Four sleeping pillows arranged against your headboard, plus 2-3 decorative cushions in varying sizes.
The key is to create depth without veering into overwhelming territory. Mix textures but keep colours coordinated for that pulled-together feel.
5. Limit The Colour Palette
While it’s tempting to incorporate multiple hues, luxury spaces understand the power of a carefully curated palette.
Stick to three complementary shades maximum, focusing on subtle tonal variations that create depth without chaos.
The most sophisticated schemes often play with different shades of the same colour – think warm ivory walls against creamy textiles and oatmeal accents, or layers of sophisticated taupe punctuated by soft mushroom and greige.
This intentional restraint creates a sense of calm while elevating every element in the room.
6. Layer The Lighting
A thoughtfully layered lighting scheme is the ambience architect of any expensive-looking bedroom.
Start with a statement ceiling fixture for overall illumination, then add warmth with wall-mounted sconces that cast a gentle glow perfect for evening wind-downs.
Complete the trinity with table lamps in varying heights – perhaps a structural piece on one nightstand balanced by something more organic on the other.
Want something really special? Installing dimmers for each light source lets you craft different moods throughout the day, from bright and energising to soft and intimate.
7. Keep The Floor Clutter-free
Nothing diminishes luxury faster than visible clutter! The secret to that coveted high-end look?
Everything needs a home, preferably hidden from view. Think tailored solutions: linen-wrapped under-bed storage for seasonal pieces, chic-lidded boxes on shelves for smaller items, and wardrobes with considered internal organisation (think drawer inserts and velvet-lined jewellery trays).
The goal is to create a space where only your carefully curated pieces remain on display, allowing statement furniture and thoughtful styling to take centre stage.
RELATED: 23 Brilliant Space-saving Tips & Tricks For A Small Bedroom
8. Install A Padded Headboard
Nothing transforms a bedroom quite like a statement headboard – it’s the equivalent of great bone structure for your space.
While a standard height might suffice, going dramatic with a 4-foot-plus design instantly creates that sought-after boutique hotel feel.
The material choice is crucial here: think richly textured bouclé for contemporary elegance, buttery soft velvet for timeless luxury, or natural linen for understated sophistication.
9. Create A Symmetrical Layout
There’s a reason the world’s most luxurious hotel suites embrace perfect symmetry – it’s a design principle that instantly reads as intentional and refined.
Start with matching bedside tables and lamps, then extend this mirrored approach throughout the space.
The key is to consider visual weight rather than identical pieces – perhaps balance a striking chair on one side with a elegant plant stand and trailing greenery on the other.
10 Create The Illusion Of More Space With A Mirror
Beyond its practical purpose, a statement mirror acts as both a light-enhancing tool and an artistic focal point.
Position yours opposite a window to maximise natural light, creating that sought-after bright, airy feel that’s synonymous with luxury spaces.
For maximum impact, consider an oversized floor mirror – preferably 6 feet or taller – casually leaned against the wall (but properly secured, naturally).
Choose a frame that echoes other metallic elements in your room, be it the warm brass of your light fixtures or the brushed nickel of your hardware.
11. Feature A Wall
Choose your feature wall strategically – behind the headboard is classic for good reason, creating a natural focal point that anchors your entire scheme.
Keep the rest of your walls neutral but complementary, allowing your feature wall to be the star without feeling disconnected from the space.
12. Add A Bolster
Meet the design detail that separates amateur from expert: the perfectly positioned bolster.
This elongated cushion acts as the finishing touch to a well-dressed bed, adding that subtle layer of sophistication that immediately elevates the entire room.
Opt for sumptuous textures like crushed velvet or natural linen that contrast beautifully with your bedding while staying within your chosen colour palette.
For maximum impact, place the bolster front and center of your pillow arrangement – the key is to let it take center stage, allowing it to anchor your entire pillow composition while maintaining that effortless elegance hotels do so well.
13. Update Window Treatments
Layer your window treatments like a true design insider – it’s all about combining function with undeniable style. While traditional curtains remain a classic choice, modern shutter blinds offer that perfectly tailored look that’s currently dominating designer portfolios.
For a more contemporary approach, consider Roman blinds with textured linen ensuring they’re made to measure (nothing betrays budget choices quite like ill-fitting window treatments) or sleek wooden Venetian blinds in rich walnut or pale oak tones.
The trick?
Choose slats in a width that complements your room’s proportions – larger rooms can handle wider slats (think 50mm or above) for that architectural feel, while narrower slats offer a more refined look in smaller spaces.
14. Display Wall Art
Transform your walls from blank canvas to a curated gallery with art that resonates.
While personal taste is paramount, the true sophistication lies in mastering scale and placement. That oversized abstract piece you’re hesitating about? It’s probably exactly what your room needs.
Interior designers swear by the 2/3 rule – your art should take up about two-thirds of the wall space above furniture for maximum impact.
15. Upgrade Your Bedside Lamp
Forget standard-issue table lamps – think sculptural bases in timeless materials like veined marble, artisanal ceramic, or mouth-blown glass. The shade is equally important; opt for tailored designs in natural linens or silk-effect fabrics that diffuse light beautifully.
As for placement, the perfect height sits just above shoulder level when you’re propped up in bed – ideal for evening reading without casting unflattering shadows.
Pro tip: consider pairs with subtle variations in the same material for an elevated, collected-over-time feel that adds instant gravitas to your space.
16. Add Some Greenery
Nothing breathes life into a space quite like thoughtfully chosen botanicals.
While the ever-popular fiddle leaf fig makes a dramatic statement, don’t overlook the quiet luxury of trailing jade pothos or the architectural elegance of a snake plant.
Place them asymmetrically: perhaps one statement plant gracefully anchoring a corner, balanced by smaller specimens at varying heights.
And for those less green-fingered? High-quality faux plants have come into their own – just be sure to dust those leaves regularly for that genuine luxe look.
RELATED: 12 Best Plants For Your Bedroom
17. Lay A Rug
A well-chosen rug anchors your entire bedroom scheme, creating that effortless luxe look favoured by top interior designers.
The golden rule? Size matters.
Opt for a generously proportioned piece that extends at least 18 inches beyond each side of the bed – anything smaller can look like an afterthought.
While rich jewel tones and intricate patterns have their place, there’s something undeniably chic about pale, tonal designs.
Think soft oatmeals, gentle greys, or barely-there blush tones – these lighter shades not only create the illusion of more space but also introduce that calm, gallery-like aesthetic that defines contemporary luxury.
18. Hang A Stylish Light Fixture
Consider this your room’s crowning glory – the piece that draws the eye upward and sets the tone for the entire space.
Whether you’re drawn to the drama of a modern sputnik chandelier or the understated elegance of a minimal pendant, selecting the right size is crucial for achieving that perfectly polished look.
Here’s an insider tip that top designers swear by: add your room’s length and width in feet, then convert that number to inches for your ideal fixture diameter.
For instance, in a 12×14 bedroom, you’d want to look for a light around 26 inches wide for a perfectly proportioned statement piece.
19. Include A Seating Area
If space permits, carve out a seating area that transforms your bedroom into a true sanctuary.
A beautifully proportioned accent chair or elegant loveseat beneath a window creates that coveted boutique hotel atmosphere – think sophisticated shapes in luxe materials like bouclé or velvet.
This thoughtful addition not only elevates the room’s functionality but also provides that perfect perch for morning coffee or evening unwinding.
20. Upgrade Your Furniture
When it comes to bedroom furniture, skip the matching suite (which reads more showroom than showstopping) in favour of thoughtfully curated pieces that share a dialogue without being identical twins.
Think a striking oak dresser paired with sleek black lacquered nightstands, or mix materials like brass, wood, and marble for added dimension.
Don’t overlook the transformative power of hardware – swapping standard pulls for something more considered (perhaps aged brass or matte black) can elevate even the most modest piece.
For those working with a savvy budget, high-quality veneers can deliver that coveted solid wood aesthetic without the heavy price tag.
21. Fake Architectural Features
Beyond its aesthetic allure, wood panelling brings timeless character to any bedroom – but achieving this coveted look doesn’t require a complete architectural overhaul or a designer budget.
While solid wood installations make a stunning investment, there are several clever alternatives that deliver equally impressive results.
Consider PVC or MDF panels that perfectly mimic natural wood grain, offering not just visual impact but practical benefits too – they’re excellent for concealing uneven walls and even providing additional insulation.
For those seeking a more streamlined approach, today’s market offers remarkably realistic wood-effect wallpapers that capture every nuance of natural timber. The latest designs feature sophisticated textures and patterns that could fool even the most discerning eye.
22. Incorporate An End Of Bed Bench
Nothing quite finishes a bedroom like a beautifully proportioned bench at the foot of the bed. More than just decorative, it’s that perfect perch for laying out tomorrow’s outfit or sitting to slip on shoes.
The key lies in the proportions – opt for a piece that spans roughly two-thirds of your bed width, and ensure it sits just shy of your mattress height for visual balance.
While upholstered options in luxe velvet or textured bouclé create a sense of cohesion with your headboard, don’t discount alternatives like a slim-lined vintage find or a contemporary piece in warm wood tones.
The beauty is in its practicality-meets-polish appeal – just resist the temptation to let it become a dumping ground for clothes.
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