Simple Ways to Give Your Bedroom a Speedy Refresh
No time for a full refurb? Check out these ideas for a bedroom quick-change
Susannah Hutchison
12 November 2018
Houzz Contributor
From tempting new bed linen to a perfectly pitched painted wall, there are lots of quick and easy ways to perk up a tired bedroom, as the following schemes demonstrate.
Wow with wallpaper
For a modern take on the feature wall, go for a sophisticated two-tone print in a classic colourway, like this navy and off-white pattern.
Easy to achieve in a weekend, a striking design like this can change the whole look of the room. Or if wallpaper isn’t your thing, use a richly pigmented matt paint instead for an instant change of atmosphere.
For a modern take on the feature wall, go for a sophisticated two-tone print in a classic colourway, like this navy and off-white pattern.
Easy to achieve in a weekend, a striking design like this can change the whole look of the room. Or if wallpaper isn’t your thing, use a richly pigmented matt paint instead for an instant change of atmosphere.
Throw in some colour
You can change the whole colour scheme of your bedroom simply by adding colourful textiles. Bored of your bedding? Ta-da! Cover it up with a perky new throw or eiderdown.
Choose a throw that’s big enough to cover the whole bed for an opulent feel. This also ensures there’ll be no trace of the duvet cover peeping out.
Matching cushions, like the plush pink velvet ones here, help to give a more ‘finished’ look.
Need some expert styling help? Search for interior stylists in your area.
You can change the whole colour scheme of your bedroom simply by adding colourful textiles. Bored of your bedding? Ta-da! Cover it up with a perky new throw or eiderdown.
Choose a throw that’s big enough to cover the whole bed for an opulent feel. This also ensures there’ll be no trace of the duvet cover peeping out.
Matching cushions, like the plush pink velvet ones here, help to give a more ‘finished’ look.
Need some expert styling help? Search for interior stylists in your area.
Strip it back
Of course, a quick change doesn’t have to involve an injection of colour or pattern. Instead, how about going down a gear and switching to neutral?
In this serene sleepspace, soft creams mingle with off-whites and a hint of taupe. A pretty white eiderdown can cover any existing coloured bedding, while a wood or metal bed frame and bedroom furniture can be painted white.
Then have a purge of pictures and accessories, leaving only those in Zen-like neutral tones. And relax…
Of course, a quick change doesn’t have to involve an injection of colour or pattern. Instead, how about going down a gear and switching to neutral?
In this serene sleepspace, soft creams mingle with off-whites and a hint of taupe. A pretty white eiderdown can cover any existing coloured bedding, while a wood or metal bed frame and bedroom furniture can be painted white.
Then have a purge of pictures and accessories, leaving only those in Zen-like neutral tones. And relax…
Change the light
Lighting can make a huge difference to a room, and the design of the shade can alter the look of a space.
A new lampshade, either hanging from the ceiling like the one here, or on a bedside lamp, is a simple but effective way to update a bedroom.
Switch a chandelier for rattan, or a plain drum for coloured glass, then add a throw and cushions that complement the new shade.
Find lampshades in the Houzz Shop.
Lighting can make a huge difference to a room, and the design of the shade can alter the look of a space.
A new lampshade, either hanging from the ceiling like the one here, or on a bedside lamp, is a simple but effective way to update a bedroom.
Switch a chandelier for rattan, or a plain drum for coloured glass, then add a throw and cushions that complement the new shade.
Find lampshades in the Houzz Shop.
Curate a display
If the overall feeling in your bedroom is a little staid, try adding some interest with a coordinating collection hung behind the bed.
Stick to a colour theme to stop the display looking too disjointed, but don’t feel you can only put up pictures. Interesting items including a sunburst mirror mix beautifully with artworks on this wall, adding depth to the otherwise pared-back space.
If the overall feeling in your bedroom is a little staid, try adding some interest with a coordinating collection hung behind the bed.
Stick to a colour theme to stop the display looking too disjointed, but don’t feel you can only put up pictures. Interesting items including a sunburst mirror mix beautifully with artworks on this wall, adding depth to the otherwise pared-back space.
Mix up furniture
A bedroom refresh doesn’t have to involve buying new things – instead, think creatively and borrow furniture from other rooms to mix things up.
An easy chair in the corner, a coffee table at the end of the bed – even a simple oversized lamp. Look at what you’ve got at home with fresh eyes and have a fun afternoon swapping things around and experimenting.
Small bedroom? Kit it out with space-saving furniture
A bedroom refresh doesn’t have to involve buying new things – instead, think creatively and borrow furniture from other rooms to mix things up.
An easy chair in the corner, a coffee table at the end of the bed – even a simple oversized lamp. Look at what you’ve got at home with fresh eyes and have a fun afternoon swapping things around and experimenting.
Small bedroom? Kit it out with space-saving furniture
Go halves
Here’s an eye-catching way to alter the feel of a room. This halfway paint job is like a contemporary take on the traditional dado rail, with different colours top and bottom.
The really clever bit, though, is extending the colour onto the door, as it adds an unexpected edge to the whole room.
Here’s an eye-catching way to alter the feel of a room. This halfway paint job is like a contemporary take on the traditional dado rail, with different colours top and bottom.
The really clever bit, though, is extending the colour onto the door, as it adds an unexpected edge to the whole room.
See the big picture
This is a great example of how a plain white space can be transformed by the addition of some artwork. It doesn’t have to be expensive – a print, enlarged photo, or even a framed piece of fabric, can all add depth and interest to a room.
Subtly mirroring the style of the picture with the choice of cushions adds another layer of detail to this space.
Tell us…
What quick-fix ideas have you used in a bedroom? Share your ideas in the Comments section.
This is a great example of how a plain white space can be transformed by the addition of some artwork. It doesn’t have to be expensive – a print, enlarged photo, or even a framed piece of fabric, can all add depth and interest to a room.
Subtly mirroring the style of the picture with the choice of cushions adds another layer of detail to this space.
Tell us…
What quick-fix ideas have you used in a bedroom? Share your ideas in the Comments section.
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Wow Claire. Admire your taste. Having seen many of your previous 'comments', your home is stunning. I too love that green bedroom! And Wow to you too Lomuarredi. Some inspiring ideas in this post, Susannah, many of which I wouldn't have thought of...
Really liked the ideas. Looks colourful and pleasant!