Primary Bedroom Decor Ideas for a Dreamy Retreat
Looking for the best primary bedroom decor ideas to create a dreamy,
relaxing retreat? Discover expert tips on color palettes, textures,
lighting, and more.
Sadly, our main bedroom wasn't quite feeling that way. We had renovated the
room in 2018 but now the walls were feeling too creamy and we had grown tired
of the trendy wallpaper accent wall.
So I pulled out my paint chips, picked a few key pieces from
Wayfair Canada, and put
together a design for a calm, dreamy retreat that is all about blending
functionality, comfort, and beautiful design details that felt more like
us.
Primary Bedroom Decor
Here are my favourite primary bedroom design ideas. Whether you're working
with a small primary bedroom or curating a spacious primary suite with vaulted
ceilings and lots of windows, these ideas will help you transform your master
bedroom into the tranquil retreat you deserve.
Note: Affiliate links have been used in this post for shopping
convenience.
1. Start With a Soft, Calm Paint Color
The paint color you choose plays a crucial role in how your room feels. Some
people want cocoon-like, cozy bedrooms that feel like a warm hug. Others want
a serene space that instantly relaxes and creates a backdrop for sweet dreams.
The first thing you'll want to identify is the mood you want to create and all
of the other design decisions will flow from that.
Over the years, I've learned that we're not the type to decorate with bold or
bright colors so our main bedroom had to be an oasis of calm. I gravitate
towards cool pale neutrals and light pastel shades like soft grays or a dreamy
soft pink. These neutral colors have a similar effect to white space—they
visually expand the square footage and give your room an airy feel.
Picking a paint for our bedroom in particular though was challenging, as the
main wall curves into the ceiling and there is no obvious place to stop and
start ceiling paint. Our solution was to find a colour we could use on every
surface.
I settled on Palest Pistachio 2122-60 by Benjamin Moore. As the name implies,
it's a bright off-white, with a barely-there hint of pale blue-green. We
"color drenched" the room in this hue, using the Ulti-Matte Sheen on the
walls, ceiling, and trim. Using a single paint color makes the 12'x10' room
feel much more expansive and bright.
Pro tip: Consider any architectural features you want to enhance or
hide with your paint. Do you want to draw the eye upwards with ceiling beams
and a boldly painted vaulted ceiling? If you want an accent wall, instead of
high contrast combinations, consider wood paneling or a deeper tone of your
main color for visual interest without overwhelming the space.
2. Choose Coordinated Bedding with Throw Pillows That Pop
Bedding is where color scheme and texture meet. It often makes the biggest
statement in the room so I tend to choose this item first.
Wayfair Canada has a vast selection of pretty bedding (like the new
ruffled pink quilt we put
in my daughter's room) so I knew I could find just what I needed on their
site. They've made shopping for home decor and furniture even better,
identifying fast shipping products and products that directly
Ship from Canada.
When I saw this
Bramble Floral Green Standard Cotton Reversible Duvet Cover Set, I knew I found the piece that would anchor our whole bedroom design scheme.
The vibrant colors and bold pattern mix of florals and plaids stands out
against our upholstered bed and the pale walls. And I loved that the set was
reversible and came with an entire set of pillow covers - two standard shams,
two Euro shams, and two decorative accent pillows - perfect for a queen
bed.
I've always had trouble mixing and matching bed linens but this coordinated
set is an effortless way to pull together a cohesive look! I paired the
vibrant duvet with simple pale gray sheets. It's a fresh and elegant style
that really catches your eye as you walk into the room.
SHOP BEDDING & ACCESSORIES:
3. Let There Be Light
If you want a versatile and relaxing bedroom, lighting design is your secret
weapon. Use different light sources to set the mood—wall-mounted lights
or sconces for reading, soft table lamps on your bedside table, and maybe even
a dimmable overhead fixture for those lazy mornings.
It may be unconventional, but we chose to place our bed in front of the
largest window. As a result, I had to get creative with our light sources and
use another design trick interior designers love: mirrors!
Mirrors are another sure way to amplify light in small bedrooms. We had this
full-length mirror casually sitting on the floor but I decided to move it and
place it across from the window to take advantage of natural light. Hanging it
on the wall also keeps the floor free and makes our small bedroom feel much
larger.
I loved the
gold mirror we placed in
our entry so much that I bought another to hang above my makeup vanity. The
brushed gold finish echoes the gold legs of the vanity and the ceiling pendent
and adds another layer of shine.
4. Add a Statement Art Piece or Gallery Wall
Art is where your modern bedroom style can truly shine, and I could not be more
in love with the art I've used in this room.
This
Vintage Pine Tree Landscape Artwork
is a statement piece. The large scale and warm tones against the cool wall
colour really draw your eye. I had a very hard time choosing this piece as
there were so many great options (like
this one,
this one,
this one, and
this one) but this one
reminded me of our recent
trip to Japan
so it felt right.
Prefer something more curated? Create a gallery wall featuring
seascape art prints,
vintage art, or even travel memories. It’s a personal touch that brings depth
to your primary bedroom decor and really pulls your color palette
together.
5. Incorporate Natural Materials and Rich Texture
Texture adds that elevated, can’t-stop-touching-it room feel. An accent piece like the Julian Velvet Dining Chair
(available in 7 colours with 1-day delivery!) brings a bit of luxury and makes
me feel glamorous every time I sit at my makeup vanity. The white quilted
throw pillow cover was included with the
duvet set and works
perfectly here for a bit of back support.
Accessories like chunky knit blankets, woven curtains, natural elements like a
jute basket or linen bedding can ground the room and add an organic, lived-in
vibe. Different materials add visual interest and make the space feel equal
parts cozy and luxe.
6. Create a Seating Area or Foot-of-the-Bed Moment
If you have enough space, carve out a sitting area with an accent chair, slim
bench, or even a vintage trunk at the foot of the bed.
Choose pieces with built-in storage like a storage ottoman with a lid to
maximize your space. These accent pieces can make your bedroom feel more like
a spacious primary suite and less like a place you rush through on your way to
the shower. In small primary bedrooms, even a cozy pouf or petite chair by the
side of the bed gives you that extra comfort moment.
7. Use Curtains Strategically for Privacy and Style
Don't underestimate the power of bedroom curtain ideas. I debated changing out
these custom curtains we had made years ago as I was tired of the look, but
surprisingly, once the wall colour was changed, they felt brand new!
Choose sheer curtains in light tones to let in daylight while maintaining
privacy, or opt for blackout drapes for the ultimate mix of function and
aesthetic. Whatever your personal preference, hang your curtains as close to
the ceiling as possible to elongate the space.
8. Make the Bed the Star
A cozy bed and mattress
isn’t just about comfort—it’s your emotional recharge zone. Invest in a
quality mattress and build around it with a bed frame and nightstands that
reflect your design style—whether that’s clean lines, a
dramatic statement headboard, or a low, modern silhouette.
If you’re limited on square footage, explore a storage bed and look for
nightstands with drawers or use decorative boxes to keep essentials out of
sight. Let the bed be the focal point of the room, and everything else will
fall into perfect harmony.
SHOP FURNITURE & RUGS:
9. Include a TV for Relaxing Nights In
Controversial but real: sometimes you just want to binge Netflix in bed. Mount
a sleek TV on the wall or nestle it in a built-in media cabinet for a seamless
look.
Just be mindful of the bedroom layout so the TV doesn’t dominate your
aesthetic. We've toned down the hard lines by placing the tv over a
cottage-style dresser and adding books, interesting objects, and faux flowers.
The goal? Functional and beautiful.
10. Layer a Soft, Large Area Rug for Warmth and Quiet
There’s something luxurious about stepping out of bed onto a plush rug. Choose
a large area rug that
extends beyond the sides and foot of the bed—this anchors the space and
enhances your bedroom layout.
I love how this
Amber Lewis x Loloi Zuma Blue rug
feels both timeless and modern. It incorporates the colours found throughout
the room and adds a softness to the main bedroom. If you'd prefer a calmer
look, choose area rugs with subtle colour or gentle patterns.
Sometimes to get a fresh look in your primary bedroom, what you need isn’t a
full makeover—it’s a few quick changes . Swap out art, add a new throw pillow,
re-style your nightstand, or bring in a new accent chair to shift the
energy.
Design your room with intention and embrace a cozy, clean, and elevated
primary bedroom decor strategy that makes you feel calm, grounded, and a
little bit pampered. From the right color scheme to adding natural materials
and choosing the best bedroom decor ideas that reflect your style, this space
is yours to create.
And if you're feeling overwhelmed, know this: you don’t need to do it all at
once. Your design process can start with just the paint color. Add a few throw
pillows. Light a candle. Layer by layer, you can create a beautiful view and
comforting bedroom retreat.
This post is sponsored by Wayfair Canada. All opinions are my own, and I
only recommend products that I personally use or would bring into my own
home. This post contains paid links. Thank you for supporting the brands that make it possible for us to
share our decor and renovation ideas with you!
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