Bedroom Projects

Your bedroom should be a sanctuary. Create a restful retreat that promotes better sleep and starts each day right with our step-by-step guide.

24 detailed steps
1-2 weekend project
$300-$2,000 budget

Design for Better Sleep

Science-backed tips for a sleep-optimized bedroom

Keep It Cool

Optimal bedroom temperature is 65-68°F (18-20°C)

Block the Light

Blackout curtains or shades dramatically improve sleep quality

Reduce Noise

White noise machine or thick curtains help muffle sounds

Choose Calming Colors

Blues, greens, and soft neutrals promote relaxation

Banish Screens

Keep TVs and work devices out of the bedroom

Invest in Bedding

You spend 1/3 of your life in bed - quality matters

Quick Wins

Small changes that make a big difference

Make Your Bed Daily

High impact

Starts and ends your day with accomplishment

2 minutesFree

Swap to Warm Bulbs

High impact

2700K bulbs create a cozy, sleep-friendly glow

15 minutes$15-30

Declutter Nightstands

Medium impact

Keep only essentials within reach

15 minutesFree

Add a Plant

Medium impact

Snake plants and pothos thrive in low light

15 minutes$15-40

Upgrade Your Pillows

High impact

Replace pillows every 1-2 years for hygiene and support

Shopping trip$50-150

Create a Charging Station

Medium impact

Keep devices organized and out of sight

30 minutes$20-50

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about bedroom design

What's the best paint color for a bedroom?

Cool, muted colors promote rest: soft blues, sage greens, warm grays, and lavenders. Avoid bright, energizing colors like red or orange. If you love bold colors, use them in accents rather than on walls. Benjamin Moore's 'Quiet Moments' and Sherwin-Williams' 'Sea Salt' are perennial favorites.

How often should I replace my mattress?

Most mattresses last 7-10 years, but this varies by type and quality. Signs you need a new one: waking with aches, visible sagging, sleeping better in hotels, or your mattress is over 8 years old. A good mattress is one of the best investments in your health.

What thread count sheets should I buy?

Thread count isn't everything - material matters more. For cotton, 300-600 thread count is the sweet spot. Higher counts often use thinner threads that wear faster. Consider percale (crisp, cool) vs. sateen (silky, warmer). Linen is naturally temperature-regulating but has lower thread counts.

How do I make a small bedroom feel bigger?

Use light colors on walls, hang curtains high and wide, choose furniture with exposed legs, use mirrors strategically, keep clutter minimal, use vertical space for storage, and ensure good lighting. A platform bed without a footboard also opens up visual space.

Should I have a TV in the bedroom?

Sleep experts recommend against it - the blue light and mental stimulation interfere with sleep. If you must have one, use a timer, enable night mode, and stop watching at least 30 minutes before sleep. Consider a projector setup that disappears when not in use.

How many pillows should be on a bed?

For sleeping: 1-2 per person based on preference. For styling: a king bed looks good with 2 Euro shams, 2 king pillows, and 2-3 decorative pillows. Queen beds: 2 standard pillows plus 2-3 decorative. Remove decorative pillows to a bench or chair at night.

Ready to Transform Your Bedroom?

Follow our 24-step guide to create a restful retreat you'll love.