Ideas
10 Ideas for Making a Neutral Bedroom Cosy
Neutral and white bedrooms are the most popular choice for people, and it’s easy to understand why. They evoke feelings of calmness and serenity and can make your bedroom feel more open and spacious. Plus, neutral bedrooms aren't just reserved for one interior design trend, need we say more? So, if light, bright bedroom décor and ideas are currently flooding your inspiration boards, then we have a few tips and tricks to help you create the cosiest bedroom space. Neutral and white palettes can often be portrayed as simple, plain, and even cold, but with the right touches, you can achieve a snug sanctuary.
To help, we’ve put together 10 ideas to create a cosy neutral bedroom that will enhance the serene and chic vibe.
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Image credit: Paradigm New | Hap & Co | Nira Creative
The Palette
The easiest way of creating a cosy, neutral bedroom is to focus on the undertones of your palette. Whites and neutrals with warm undertones will work to create a comfortable, inviting bedroom. So, the first step to achieving your dream bedroom is to ensure your largest surface areas are warm-toned. This enables you to start with a base that already feels cosy, making it that much easier to build from. Choosing these tones is pretty straightforward, but to get you started, we’ve popped down a few of our favourite warm-toned white swatches from Dulux.
1. Neutral Bedroom Furniture Ideas
Once you’ve got your base sorted, it's time to choose bedroom furniture that is both functional and aesthetic. As we mentioned earlier, neutral bedrooms aren’t just reserved for one interior design style, so the furniture you choose should be reflective of the overall design aesthetic you’re trying to achieve.
Our advice? Opt for bedroom furniture, in a material that complements your interior design style. For example, a coastal-style bedroom might feature more timber bedside tables and bench seats, whereas a contemporary-style bedroom might focus more on boucle bedheads. Both still work to achieve the same goal, a tranquil bedroom.
Tip: Leave the colour for later, as you don’t want your bedroom furniture to dominate the room, and risk impacting the serenity.
Looking for more bedroom inspiration? Discover 13 Minimalist Bedroom Designs That Are Stylish and Functional.
Image credit: Jessi Eve | Villa Styling
Image credit: Jessi Eve | Villa Styling
2. Layer Textures for Warmth Within Your Bedroom
In a neutral bedroom, textures play an important role in adding depth and warmth. Light toned bedrooms often rely heavily on this element to ensure the space feels cosy. Luckily, there’s so many ways to add layers to your bedroom. Maybe you pop an organically toned rug underneath your bed, with a few linen cushions and a comfortable bedspread. We recommend mixing and matching different tones for these extra layers. Try warm whites, beiges, greens, light browns or soft greys to really add that extra dimension to your bedroom.
Needing some extra tips on layers? We’ve got you covered with Balancing Layered Interiors.
Image credit: HAAUS. | Villa Styling
3. Soft Lighting for a Gentle Glow Within Your Bedroom
Lighting can dramatically alter the ambiance of a room, and we're not just talking about the aesthetics of your bedside table lamp. Even soft, warm light bulbs create a cosy atmosphere. We love dimmable lighting for that extra layer of functionality and style.
Image credit: Hennessy Building Projects | Kristian Van Der Beek
4. Add Natural Materials to Your Bedroom
There’s so many different ways to add natural materials to your bedroom, and not only will they work to visually create a cosy space, but their grounding elements can really change the atmosphere of your bedroom. So, whether is a timber bedside table, exposed wood beams or even quality cotton sheets, you’ll thank yourself for adding this element to your bedroom.
Mood board created by Flawless Interiors Melbourne on Style Sourcebook. View mood board here.
5. Introduce Greenery into Your Bedroom
Speaking of natural materials, plants are not only beneficial for your health but also add a splash of colour and life to a neutral room. Choose indoor plants that thrive in bedroom environments to inject vibrancy and a touch of nature into your cosy retreat.
Mood board created by The DIY Decorator on Style Sourcebook. View mood board here.
Mood board created by Hatti Interiors on Style Sourcebook. View mood board here.
6. Use Artwork to Enhance Your White Bedroom
Artwork can completely enhance and elevate your bedroom, making it feel more inviting. White walls can sometimes feel a little plain, so opting for artwork can add to both the aesthetics and atmosphere. We love textured pieces that will create another layer of depth in your bedroom, without overpowering your palette.
Image credit: Paradigm New | Hap & Co | Nira Creative
7. Play with Patterns
Patterns are perfect for adding a little something extra while keeping the base of your bedroom neutral. You can introduce patterns through bed linen, rugs, or wallpaper, the options are endless. Subtle patterns in soft colours or monochrome can add interest and warmth to the room without detracting from the serene and cohesive look.
Pattern play can definitely be tricky, but we’ve got a solution for you. Discover How to Embrace Patterns In Your Home.
Mood board created by Hardware Concepts on Style Sourcebook. View mood board here.
8. Create a Reading Nook
If you have enough space in your bedroom, why not create a reading nook? This can look like anything from a cosy corner with a comfortable chair, a small side table, and a chic lamp, to an inbuilt bench seat with plenty of cushions and throws. This not only adds functionality to your bedroom but also invites you to relax and unwind in the comfort of your sanctuary.
Image credit: Kat Fola Design | Jack Gibson
9. Incorporate Cosy Window Treatments
Window coverings are perfect for creating a cosy space, while also remaining functional. Soft sheers can transform a cold, white room into a serene bedroom, paired with blinds or blackout curtains and you’ve got the recipe for the best sleep. Window treatments add texture, depth, and warmth to any space, but especially in your bedroom. We recommend choosing a colour or tone that complements your wall colour, the more similar, the better. This will allow the space to remain cohesive and work towards your goal of a serene bedroom.
Image credit: Lumière Collective | Nat Spada
10. Personalise Your Bedroom
For the ultimate cosy feeling, add pieces you love and that evoke feelings of warmth and comfort. Include photos, keepsakes, your favourite book and any other items that bring you joy. This will add a special layer of comfort to your bedroom.
Image credit: @amastudiointeriors
Image credit: @amastudiointeriors
A neutral bedroom offers a timeless backdrop that can be easily warmed up with the right elements. By incorporating textures, soft lighting, warm tones, and personal touches, you can create a cosy sanctuary that's as inviting as it is stylish. Whether you prefer a minimalist approach or a more layered look, these ideas can help you craft a neutral bedroom that exudes warmth and character.
If you’re ready to create your dream bedroom, start by using our mood board tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I decorate my bedroom nicely?
We recommend starting by choosing an interior design style that reflects your lifestyle and personal taste. From there you can build and add different elements. It’s also good to invest in quality products, such as bedding, to create a cosy and comfortable space. Don’t forget to incorporate a mix of lighting, such as overhead lights, bedside table lamps and accent lighting for a warm ambiance.
To personalise your space even further, add artwork and décor for aesthetics and storage for functionality. Each aspect you choose will play a role in bringing your room together nicely.
How can I make my bedroom feel cosy?
Essentially, our top tips for making your bedroom cosy are:
Layer different textures through cushions, throws, curtains and rugs. These pieces will add depth and warmth to your bedroom. Don’t forget to mix materials for an extra layer.
Incorporate soft, warm lighting for a relaxing ambiance.
Opt for soft, quality bedding and consider a plush mattress topper.
Add personal items, such as books, candles and photos, which evoke feelings of comfort and happiness.
Consider using warm, soft colours in your décor to enhance the sense of cosiness, such as white and neutral tones.
How do I design my bedroom layout?
Start by placing the bed in a position that feels most comfortable and functional, ideally with a clear view of the door but not directly in line with it. There should be enough space to move around, especially near the bed and the closet. Place your bedside table close to your bedhead for convenience and added storage. Try not to over clutter your bedroom, as this can take away from the serene feeling. Add only essentials that work the enhance your space.
We also recommend considering windows and doors when planning your layout, you don’t want to block the natural light coming in.
The key point is to think about the flow of your room, such as ensuring there's a clear path to the door and between furniture pieces.
How can I make my white bedroom look good?
We recommend choosing a palette and pieces that work cohesively together to ensure your space flows and feels relaxing. Play with textures to add depth and interest without needing to introduce bold colours. We love using different shades of white and neutrals to create a layered, monochromatic look as well.
If you are looking to bring a bit of colour into your white bedroom, consider doing this with cushions, artwork and rugs. This will subtly add a pop of boldness, without overwhelming the space.
Incorporate natural materials like wood or stone to add warmth and contrast.
Ensure your bedroom is well-lit with a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting to enhance the white décor and make the space feel inviting.
