A bedroom is not a calming sleep retreat without a cozy bed and not much of a private den without at least a few pieces of essential furniture—particularly a pretty dresser, wardrobe, and at least one nightstand. But even with all of the essentials in place, your bedroom might still be lacking that serene vibe. That’s because, for the most part, it’s the accessories and accents that transform a functional but plain room into a personal sanctuary of calm and comfort. And certain accessories are so versatile and work so well, you can give your space a whole new look and vibe just by outfitting them to the mix.
Here are the top 10 accessories that every bedroom needs (to turn it into a cozy haven).
1. Bed Runners
Originally, made to keep the quilt, bedspread, or duvets clean, bed runners also add a spark of colour, texture, and character to the bedroom decor.
If you are an out-and-out lover of all things neutral, then you can still infuse style and personality in your bedroom by layering various textures and tones. For example- a crisp white linen bed can be dressed with a chunky knitted bed runner and subtly patterned cushions for the ultimate relaxing spot. Or, go for a flamboyant runner to create a colourful contrast in your retreat.
If you are in the mood for something sophisticated and fancy? Dress your bed with a lavish cashmere runner—the perfect accessory for that quick makeover on romantic nights!
2. Toss Pillows
Here’s another effortless way to add shots of colour, pattern, and texture to your bedroom— place a few toss pillows to your bed, and instantly transform your space.
The trick to getting this right is to choose colours or patterns that contrast with your bedding while in harmony with the other accessories and accents in the room. Don’t use tons of them, instead use two or three pillows and arrange them vertically against the headboard.
3. Shams
These decorative pieces might seem unnecessary from a purely functional perspective, but a pair of shams perched at the top of the bed adds a casual elegance to your room.
If you want to go all out, you will need four pillow shams—two bigger European shams placed against the headboard with two standard shams in the front. Depending on your mood or style, you can use the shams for contrast or match them to your bedding or comforter.
4. Sheer Curtains
Hanging sheer curtains makes sure that harsh sunlight never takes away the coziness of your bedroom. These are also perfect for creating an airy, romantic space for intimate nights!
Sheers look their best when they are long, so if you are unsure of the length, always go long instead of short. (Let the fabric pool on the ground slightly for a more flowy look.)
5. Layering Lighting
Lighting is often forgotten when it comes to decorating the bedroom — that’s a shame because good lighting is a crucial element of design in every room. Don’t merely set a bedside lamp and call it done, use various combinations of light such as floor lamp, ceiling fixtures, wall sconces, and mood lighting to create a functional and appealing lighting plan for your personal space.
You can hang a flush-mount ceiling fixture or sputnik crystal chandelier, a whimsical bedside lamp, a tall floor lamp with a sleek design—whatever be your bedroom’s decor style, you can always find the lamp or fixture to complement it.
6. Oversized Artwork
Give your bedroom panache with something really big and striking on the wall over your bed. While a group of smaller artworks might be attractive, it does not make an impact as a single, grand accent piece.
When exploring your options, don’t limit yourself to framed paintings or prints only. Get creative and consider other choices such as tapestries, shiny quilts, ornate mirrors, architectural trim, funky wall decals, framed maps, metallic/ knitted wall hangings, or enlarged black & white photographs.
7. Sumptuous Finishes
You spend most of your time in the bedroom — so there is no other room in the home where you will appreciate lush, opulent textiles, linens, and finishes. Don’t just invest in buying sumptuous sheets and blankets, also dress your pretty dresser, small coffee table, and chair with elegant fabrics and drapes.
You can also spice up your space with plush finishes without spending a bundle, just by getting a little creative. For example, drape quilted table runners over an upholstered headboard for a new look. Or, use table runners in fun prints to add warmth and colour to a neutral chair by draping it over the chair after folding it lengthwise and tucking it under the cushion.
8. Rugs
Even if your bedroom is well-carpeted, don’t rule out incorporating area rugs. These rugs add another layer of cozy texture to the room as well as colour, style, and pattern.
You can either use the rug under the bed (be careful about the sizing) or place a smaller rug at the foot of the bed or along the side of the mattress. Whatever style you go for, make sure to choose a rug of proper dimensions preferably one that fills the space to the nearest wall.
9. Houseplants
Every bedroom needs a few houseplants, they not only help purify the air but also add a touch of living colour, lift your mood, and give a serene feel to the entire space.
If you are not very fond of green elements, go for these low maintenance (yet stylish and cozy) options such as Chinese evergreen, succulents, dracaena, or pothos.
10. Something Close To Heart
You can add on to the sanctuary-like feeling by incorporating one or two personally meaningful items to space. These might be as simple as framed photos of your loved ones or favourite places, or something you made, collected, or were given that inspire you or has special meaning in your life.
The bedroom is the most personal space in a home, style it the way you love!
