Creating A Cosy Bedroom: 10 Steps To a Warm and Inviting Space

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A warm and inviting bedroom is essential for a good night’s sleep on a cold Winter’s night. Your bedroom should be a sanctuary, a place where you can relax, unwind, and recharge after a long day. But how do you create a cosy bedroom?

But with so many different design options available, it can be challenging to know where to start. That’s why I’ve put together this guide to help you to create a snugly boudoir. Some of these changes are actually quite simple and you could potentially shop your existing belongings to use for your new cosy bedroom.

1. Keep Your Colour Palette Neutral

A soothing and calm atmosphere is best for the room where you sleep. Neutral colours are a great base for a warm and inviting space. They provide a blank canvas that you can accessorise with touches of colour. Pick a neutral palette for a versatile and timeless cosy bedroom. Colours like white, beige, grey, charcoal, muted greens and soft pastels.

Pick your main neutral base colour and use it for 60% of the room’s colouring. Use slight variations of this colour (colour values), either tinted down or toned up, within the same 60%. Everything doesn’t have to, and shouldn’t, match exactly. Colour-drenching a bedroom is a great option. Colour-drenching involves covering the walls and ceiling and trim all in the same paint colour. When it’s a darker colour it creates a cosy cave for you to retreat to. A smaller room like a bedroom colour-drenched in a darker colour tricks your eyes into thinking the space is larger than it really is.

Your secondary colour should complement the main neutral for about 30% of the room. Your boldest accent colour should only appear in about 10% (decor), and even then pick a muted tone.

2. Create a Focal Point

Creating a focal point in a cosy bedroom can draw the eye and set the tone for the entire space. A focal point could be a statement piece of furniture, a gallery wall, or an oversized piece of art. To keep your bedroom a calm space, it’s best to have only one main focal point. Less visual noise for more calm.

It’s important to consider the room’s style. How will the focal point complement the other elements in the space? The goal is to create a cohesive harmonious and inviting atmosphere.

Some focal point ideas:

• A statement headboard: a distinctive shape, bold colour, or intricate pattern
• An accent wall: A bold wall colour or patterned wallpaper behind the bed is a simple and  effective option.
• A four-poster bed: This type of bed adds height and drama, and is quite romantic swathed in drapery.
• Artwork: Add a large painting or photograph above the bed or on a prominent wall. Or do a gallery arrangement of smaller pieces in coordinating frames above a dresser.
• Statement lighting: Draw the eyes up with a large elegant chandelier, or create balance with pendants on either side of the bed
• A large mirror: Prop an ‘oversized’ floor-length mirror in a corner, or hang a decorative mirror above a dresser. Don’t place the mirror where it can reflect the bed (see Feng Shui section below).
• Window treatments: Dramatic floor-to-ceiling curtains in a bold colour or luxurious fabric. Or plantation shutters on your windows.
• Your view: Got an amazing view out your bedroom window? Frame it with simple curtains and let the view provide all the beauty.
• Area rug: Put down a large statement rug in a bold pattern or vibrant colours for a great visual anchor.
• Greenery/Plants: Add a single tall and sculptural indoor plant like a Fiddle-leaf Fig.

3. Biophilic Elements

Biophilia is an inherent human affinity for the natural world. We seek connections with nature for comfort and restoration.  

Create a warm and inviting atmosphere in your boudoir. Optimise the use of natural light, natural textures, plants, welcoming scents, and organic shapes & forms. With these combined elements, you are sure to enjoy a serene and rejuvenating space.

NATURAL LIGHT: Lighting is an essential biophilic element. Sunlight rules our circadian rhythms. Allow warm rays to filter into your room through sheer voile curtains during the day. And when bedtime comes turn overhead lights off in favour of ambient bedside lamps. This will allow your body to relax for sleep. Remember to only use warm white light bulbs in bedrooms – cool white is for kitchens.

NATURAL TEXTURES: Organic materials such as wood, wool, clay, and jute, enhance the connection to nature. They provide sensory experiences and bring a sense of warmth and authenticity. Natural textures make indoor spaces feel more organic and inviting. More about textures in the next section.

PLANTS: Houseplants can tick a lot of boxes for biophilic elements. They have the colours and shapes down, and pleasant scents. Some have lovely soft leaves. They look beautiful, but they also help to purify the air.

NATURE SCENTS: The scent of a room can make a big difference in how inviting and cosy it feels. Add a diffuser with essential oils or burn a scented candle. A subtle hint of vanilla or sandalwood can be particularly warming and soothing. Pine and cedar scents give you that forest vibe.

NATURE VIEWS: Emphasise a view of Nature, especially if you have a beautiful garden. If not, the view of nature can absolutely be artwork, like a landscape painting or blown-up photo print. Biophilia can be ‘tricked’ by such imagery if your actual window looks out on a parking lot.

Biophilic interior design has wonderful benefits. Using a Nature-inspired colour palette and decorating with plants improves mental health. And physical health is improved by better air quality and lowered stress levels. Biophilic interiors have also been linked with improved cognitive function. The natural elements increase happiness, boost creativity and give us energy. Biophilic elements are a must for creating a cosy bedroom.

4. Add Layers Of Texture

Textures add depth and interest to a room. They create visual interest and can make a room feel more inviting. Add layers of the right textures to make your space more inviting and enhance the ambience of your cosy bedroom.

When selecting textures, consider the aesthetic you want to achieve in your bedroom. Mix and match a variety of textures to create a layered and visually appealing space.

FABRIC: Mix up the fabric textures of your bedding. Pair soft linen or flannel sheets with a 400-thread-count cotton duvet cover. Add a plush microfibre fleece blanket or luxurious velvet quilt. Top the bedding with a chunky crochet or cable-knit wool blanket. Add soft corduroy, silk or velvet throw cushions, and a fluffy deep-pile rug for your toes. And don’t forget the curtains  – that’s a whole swath of vertical space where you can introduce another texture.

NATURAL WOOD: Wood can create a warm, inviting, and timeless space. Wood is sophisticated and comforting. It’s a durable material that adds warmth and an organic feel. There are so many ways to add natural wood to your bedroom. Structurally, you may have wood flooring, ceiling beams, wall panels, or veneer cupboards. No structural wood features in the bones of the room? You can bring natural wood into your bedroom with your furniture and decor. Decor options can include picture frames, a wooden-based lamp, or wooden hooks. Select and combine different wood elements to achieve a cohesive and cosy design. Your bedroom will most definitely feel both natural and elegant.

LEATHER: Leather provides a sleek, elegant aesthetic, ideal for headboards or chairs. Leather softens with age and develops unique patinas. It’s a durable material that elevates any space.

METAL: This cold and hard material is often unavoidable in any room. Keep the warm and cosy vibes by using warm-toned metals for your bedroom. Stick to gold, brass, copper, bronze, and rose gold. A dark brown or black metallic also works. Avoid stainless steel, chrome and silver.

BAMBOO/CANE/WICKER: These textures add a natural, organic feel that enhances warmth and relaxation. These versatile materials are both sustainable and timeless. They blend well with various decor styles while creating a cozy and sophisticated ambiance.

5. Keep Your Cosy Bedroom Organised

Clutter can make a room feel cold and uninviting. Make sure to keep your bedroom organized and tidy to create a warm and inviting space. Create an organisation system and routine.

Some organisation hacks for the bedroom:

• If you’re prone to using ‘the chair’ method for lightly worn clothing, try putting hooks up on a wall for these items.
• Speaking of hooks. If you have dressing gowns and/or cross-body bags with long straps, get those up on wall hooks as well.
• Corral trinkets and perfume bottles on a dish or small tray. Trick your eye into seeing one larger item instead of a scatter of many smaller things lying around.
• Keep as few items on your bedside pedestal surface as possible. Only what you need while in bed: a glass of water, the one book you’re reading, and a lamp if it’s not wall-mounted. If you take any medication at bedtime and must have it on the table, try to find a cute box for them to live in.
• Maximise your bedroom storage solutions. Got a sofa at the bottom of your bed? Remove that energy-flow-blocker from your bedroom and use a backless storage ottoman instead. Choose bedside pedestals with drawers so that you have a place for personal items. Check that you are using your clothing cupboard spaces efficiently. Can you move anything around to create a more effective storage layout?

6. Allergy-proof Your Cosy Bedroom

Another thing to consider for a peaceful sleep is allergies. If you have a dust-mite allergy like me, you’ll need to avoid feather bedding, wool blankets, and wool carpets. Choose hypo-allergenic options and invest in dust-mite-proof mattress and pillow covers. Make sure to dust surfaces with a damp microfibre cloth regularly. And the Mayo Clinic advises to wash your pillowcases and sheets weekly. Choose a machine washable rug that’s easy to clean.

If you suffer from Hay-fever like my son, you will need to keep flowering plants and cut flowers out of your bedroom. Your whole home, really. Even though you cannot see it, pollen gets everywhere. I even close our bedroom windows when the lawn mower is going, as grass-seed pollen is a major culprit.

Clean the air in your bedroom by adding a plug-in air-purifier or air-purifying plants like a Snake Plant. And keep your bedroom uncluttered for less surfaces to attract dust and pollen.

7. Optimise Bedroom Comfort

Comfort comes from a combination of the following items in your bedroom:

MATTRESS: Invest in a comfortable and supportive mattress. You will be spending about a third of your life lying down on it. A good night’s rest on a heavenly mattress will help all your days start right.

PILLOW: There is nothing worse than waking up with your neck in spasms thanks to a terrible pillow. Ruins my day every time. Consider the position you sleep in (side, back, or stomach) to determine what kind of pillow would be best to support your neck.

BEDDING: Back to the fabric texture… If you can, try to find and invest in a set of linen bed-sheets and pillowcases. The lived-in look of linen bring instant cosy vibes to any bedroom. It’s the most breathable fabric. Linen retains warmth on cold Winter nights, but it also keeps you cool in Summer.

TEMPERATURE CONTROL: What’s more cosy than a little heat for your bedroom? So pile on extra blankets or put on a heater for an hour before bedtime to warm up the room. You’ll definitely need something to break the Winter chills. Please don’t fall asleep with your heater or electric blanket on though – you’ll either feel terribly drained in the morning or something’s going to catch fire in the middle of the night. use your heating method responsibly.

RUG: When you get out of bed on a frosty Winter morning, would you be happier putting your feet down on a cold hard floor, or a soft rug? A rug adds an instant layer of comfort to a bedroom. Make sure your rug is large enough to give you at least 600mm on either side of the bed. I’m not sure what’s happening with the rug in the image below…

8. Personalise Your Space

Whether you are a couple or a single person using a bedroom, this is your most personal space. The décor of the room should reflect your personal style and taste. Incorporate items that are meaningful to you, such as a favourite artwork or a family heirloom. Use your favourite colour as the accent colour.

A couple’s bedroom should have a balance of masculine and feminine elements. A balanced space is harmonious and inviting. It appeals to diverse tastes and fosters comfort for all occupants. A subtle blend of masculine and feminine introduces visual interest and balance through contrast. The textures, colours, and styles combine strength and structure with warmth and softness. Pair a solid straight-lined wood bed frame with plush bedding and soft throw pillows. If you’re going for dark and moody charcoal walls, add a floral painting and a cream-coloured rug. Blend masculine and feminine design elements for a timeless and inviting sanctuary.

A single adult or teen has free range with adding personality. Add inspirational artwork and cherished mementos. Showcase your collections in a subtle way that’s easy to clean. No need to scatter posters all over your walls a la 80’s/90’s – frame one or two really good ones for a classier touch. Personalising your bedroom will help to make it feel like your own personal cocoon.

9. Remove Distractions

Eliminate electronic items that distract from rest and connection. If your phone has to be in your room, try to keep it as far away from your bedside as possible. Place it on a dresser to dissuade from temptation to scroll Shorts and Reels before you sleep. Blue light from screens is not great for your circadian rhythms. You should stop looking at screens at least an hour before you sleep. Turn off overhead lights and use only ambient lighting for bedtime routines. Prepare your body and mind for restful sleep by eliminating tech from your sleep space.

Clutter is a distraction at bedtime too. It’s not romantic and you’ll be too busy thinking about the items you’ve left out before you drift off to sleep. Use your organisation system that was mentioned in number 5. Keep your room clutter-free for a peaceful night’s rest.

10. Feng Shui (Balance) For A Cosy Bedroom

There are a few simple Feng Shui rules I like to remember for bedrooms. They are practical and enhance the cosy atmosphere of a bedroom. They also support your well-being by encouraging the flow of good energy (Chi).

• Bed Placement: Your bed should be in the ‘command’ position. Diagonally across from the door but not directly in line with it. Avoid placing the head of your bed across a corner or in front of a window (unless the sill is well above your headboard).
• Mirrors: Should not reflect the bed as they disrupt the harmonious flow of energy. Mirrors can create all sorts of illusions in low light and can mess with your head at 2 am.
• Symmetry: Balance the placement of furniture and décor. Symmetrical balance promotes harmonious relationships.
• Corners: Sharp corners give off bad Chi. When you lay your head on your pillow there should be no furniture corner ‘arrows’ pointing at your head at that level. Bedside pedestals should be the same height (or less), as the top of the mattress. Or use furniture with round edges.
• Imagery: The artwork you choose to hang up in your room affects Chi as well. Make sure it is peaceful and balanced. If the room is for a couple, put up a photo or artwork of a loving couple to promote harmony in your relationship.

Creating a cosy bedroom is essential for a good night’s sleep and a happy home. With planning and attention to detail, you can create a stylish and comfortable space.

Home renovation and interior design is a process that can take time. Be patient and enjoy the process. I am available and happy to assist you in your design journey if you’d like some design help.

And now I feel like crawling into my warm cosy bed to read my book on this rainy Sunday afternoon in the Cape. I wonder if my husband will let me colour-drench our bedroom walls and ceiling…

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