Our Favorite Real-Life Bedrooms

Soft aqua walls and accessories are a breath of fresh air in this bedroom. Accents of warm beige and pumpkin orange help break up the tone-on-tone blue color scheme.

What we love: From the weathered wood bed frame to the vintage chair and mismatched wall art, every item in this bedroom tells a story. The eclectic blend of furnishings gives the bedroom a welcoming vibe.

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An upholstered headboard steals the show in this bedroom. The swirly design of the fabric echoes the look of the carved motif featured on the small dressers that flank both sides of the bed.

What we love: In addition to the upholstered headboard, cushy bed linens and cozy seat cushions ensure this bedroom is chalk full of places to perch.

Decked-out with natural textures and accented with splashes of bold, leafy green, this bedroom looks warm and inviting. The upholstered bed frame features a playful ikat pattern, which looks right on trend when paired with the statement-making sunburst mirror above.

What we love: The interplay of various woven textures gives the bedroom a rustic and refined character. From the burlap curtains to the sisal area rug, every inch of the room is drenched with personality.

Start your bedroom decorating with the right furniture arrangement. See how to place your furniture for the optimal use of space.

Modern style doesn't have to come at the cost of comfort. This sunny bedroom is outfitted with plenty of contemporary pieces, such as the bed frame and Lucite vanity table. But the funky red-and-white patterned throw and shams ensure the space is warm and inviting.

What we love: The warm wood flooring and ceiling help mitigate the potentially stark look of the clean-lined furniture. Creamy off-white walls also help give the room a welcoming vibe.

Slate blue-gray and golden yellow mingles with softer whites and grays to look right on trend. Although many people shy away from going dark in a small space, this bedroom proves it can look just right. The white-painted ceiling, trim, and bed frame help mellow the potentially overwhelming look of the rich navy walls.

What we love: Textures and patterns reign supreme in this bedroom. The metallic yellow throw pillows on the bed lend contrast to the dark wall color. The ikat-pattern benches at the foot of the bed convey personality and style.

Weathered wood finishes and rough, natural textures add character to this neutral bedroom. The whitewash bed frame and wicker chair echo the color of the sculptural mirror frame, lampshades, and window shades.

What we love: Along with the weathered wood textures throughout the room, the beaded-board wall panels give this bedroom a relaxing, beach cottage vibe. The eclectic blend of furnishings also contributes to the casual aesthetic.

A neutral palette and casual furnishings give this bedroom a welcoming and homey feel. The mismatched nightstands complement each other thanks to their size and wood finish. The throws on the bed were made from old feed sacks, which further emphasize the eclectic and relaxing aesthetic of the bedroom.

What we love: A large painting hung above the bed is an alternative to a standard headboard. Colors featured in the painting find their way into accessories scattered throughout the room.

In the market for a stylish new neutral? Give gray a try. In this bedroom, cool gray walls and a gray-painted ceiling create a soothing and tranquil environment. Accessories in shades of creamy white and dark wood tones on the furniture lend contrast.

What we love: The symmetrical arrangement of furnishings looks classic and elegant. The statement-making headboard draws the eye forward.

Wood paneled walls were a staple of decorating years gone by. But this retro-style bedroom proves that they can look right at home in this century, too. A fluffy shag rug adds warmth and texture underfoot.

What we love: The tribal-print bedding and sculptural wall medallion are a stylish contrast to the retro look of the wall covering.

A curvy headboard and bed frame function as works of art in this bedroom. Both pieces are upholstered and backed with padding, which makes the bed look even more comfy and cozy.

What we love: Although the bedroom features an exclusively neutral color scheme, a blend of textures ensures it looks anything but one-note. The beaded-board wall paneling contrasts the sleek tile floor which in turn gets a bit of warmth from the area rug beneath the bed.

Cool blue walls wash this master bedroom with welcoming energy. The pattern featured on the upholstered headboard echoes the motif of the bedside dressers and mirrors above. Floral pattern curtains infuse the room with another layer of texture.

What we love: A collection of small art prints above the headboard emphasizes the relaxed and welcoming energy of the entire bedroom. 

Like a day at the beach, this bedroom offers a relaxed vibe. A woven hemp bed frame plays nicely with unfinished wood ceiling beams and a collection of weathered furnishings. Every piece throughout the room remains fairly neutral, which allows the textures to shine.

What we love: The quirky art piece hung above the headboard looks right at home amongst the eclectic furnishings. The piece also adds another layer of texture and dimension.

A canvas of soft white is a flattering and soothing backdrop for a palette of rich colors. Carefully placed pops of color, such as on the oceanic painting and the purple Euro shams, invigorate without overstimulating.

What we love: Striking a mix between neutral and color saturated, this bedroom captures the serenity of the former, with the pizzazz of the latter.

Billowy white bed linens and a handful of ultrafeminine accessories make this bedroom a serene and soothing escape. A collection of vintage-style furnishings create a relaxed and welcoming environment.

What we love: Although white often gets a bad name for looking stark and cold, this bedroom proves that the right accessories make all the difference.

A sleek modern bed frame and an airy bedside table make the most of this small master bedroom without weighing down the space. A complementary color palette of aqua blue and fiery orange keeps the decor simple, while various fabrics and patterns add punch.

What we love: The bed's placement in front of the window maximizes limited square footage. Don't be afraid to place your bed in front of a window, especially if it will create more room for other essentials, such as dressers or armoires.

A handsome, richly stained bed frame with a classic silhouette is the dominate figure in this bedroom, but playful patterns, an infusion of electric blue, and glam silhouettes introduce vitality and spark.

What we love: Hybrid style that's not afraid to be bold. Modern furniture, such as the X-base ottomans placed at the foot of an antique-inspired bed, demure floral wallpaper as a background for funky textiles, and soft neutrals teamed with zingy indigo all make for unique style pairings.

A simple four-poster draws the eye up, up, and away in this dreamy bedroom. The shimmering chandelier in the center of the room also grabs attention and reflects light streaming in from the windows.

What we love: The room's tone-on-tone color scheme looks anything but dull thanks to a mixture of textures and subtle patterns. Accents of creamy white provide contrast and help the space feel more light and airy.

Soft peach walls and green accessories pop against a crisp white headboard and bedding in this cheery master bedroom. The graphic-print throw pillows and wall art above the headboard create a unique style contrast with the simple headboard and sleek, modern side table.

What we love: White bedding creates a clean and neutral backdrop for patterned accent pillows. Mixing prints with solids, such as the chartreuse throw, creates balance.

A clean, all-white color scheme gives this bedroom soothing energy. A symmetrical arrangement of accessories on either side of the bed also creates a relaxing environment and conveys traditional style.

What we love: Coating the walls with white paint helped the bedroom look larger. The decorative mirror hung above the bed and the mirrored nightstand reflect light streaming in from the windows, which also makes the room feel more open and airy.

With such rich details and elegant finishes, the narrowness of this beautiful bedroom becomes an afterthought. Ample window treatments, a flowing bed skirt, and gilded finishes all give the room presence, beyond its diminutive size.

What we love: Purple. While purple is regal, an orchid shade is both grand and suited for a small space. The soft hue introduces color without becoming an overwhelming feature.

This monochromatic bedroom is anything but boring. An accent wall of patterned yellow wallpaper and a trio of sunburst mirror frames draw attention to the cozy bed, while a retro-inspired rug adds a touch of contrast underfoot.

What we love: Monochromatic color schemes are unified and soothing, a perfect match for bedrooms. This bedroom avoids looking one-note with a collection of complementary patterns and soothing textures.

Splashes of bright pink create a decidedly feminine vibe in this master bedroom. A group of four floral prints provide a bold focal point and contribute to the infusion of magenta throughout the space. A built-in dresser transforms a potentially unused corner into a convenient vanity area.

What we love: Groups of wall art, such as the four prints above the headboard and the stacked mirrors in the built-in vanity area, are a clever solution for filling bare walls. Hung together, the pieces read as one cohesive unit.

Lime green walls and a bold blue bed frame create a fresh vibe in this bedroom. A large-scale paisley quilt and a wicker bedside table inject a fun cottage vibe that's echoed by a series of whimsical bird prints hung above the headboard.

What we love: A fresh coat of paint spruces up a tired old bed frame. Take a cue from this transformation for a simple update that will make a big impact for little money.

Convenient built-ins made arranging this bedroom a snap. The stylish tufted headboard tucks snugly into a small alcove set off as the room's focal point with crisp white trim and cheery blue beaded-board panels. Nearby, shelving offers storage and display space for chic flea market accessories and books.

What we love: A soothing mix of blues creates a dreamy space. To create a similar look, find a paint chip strip in a tone you love and experiment with the various shades on the card. Use the darkest color for accents, match the lightest color to trim and furniture, and use a color in the middle for walls.

Neutral walls lend the perfect backdrop for dramatic furniture pieces. In this bedroom, the oversize headboard doubles as furniture and a stunning focal point. Suzani-pattern throw pillows add a splash of character to break up the neutral bed linens.

What we love: A Lucite console table placed at the foot of the bed creates a convenient place to store books and magazines without drawing attention away from the dramatic headboard.

A symphony of playful patterns establishes an undeniable feminine vibe in this pretty bedroom. Graphic floral-print wallpaper inspired the whimsical bed linens and decorative pillows. Vintage furniture pieces with exposed legs keep the room feeling light and airy.

What we love: Draperies hung above the window emphasize the height of this bedroom and break up the potentially overwhelming wall of bold floral wallpaper.

Retro motifs meet classic design in this unique master bedroom. An elegant chandelier and vintage-style furnishings are sharply contrasted by a bold geometric-print headboard and retro-inspired floral draperies.

What we love: This bedroom is clothed in a mostly blue color palette, and a monochromatic color scheme signifies simplicity. But in this space, just a few applications of yellow, on the draperies and headboard, make a statement without disrupting the room's cool vibe.

Warm beige walls and a fabric-covered headboard offer a neutral backdrop for a mix of playful patterned accessories in this chic bedroom. The bedding and draperies, in a palette of salmon and off-white, add contrast to prevent the neutral walls and furniture from looking plain. A bold-pattern duvet and shams jazz up the traditional-style bed, while dotted draperies and a modern floral window shade make the small windows seem larger.

What we love: The mastery of pattern mixing is achieved by sticking to a single color palette and complementary motifs.

Traditional-style furniture mixes with eclectic accessories in this bright bedroom. A sunburst mirror hangs above the charming four-poster, creating a stunning focal point that echoes lines featured in the printed pillow shams. A skirted nightstand lends a tailored look and ties in with the window draperies and the stunning turquoise hue of the ceiling. Draperies hung several inches above the window trim draw the eye upward to further call attention to the room’s soaring height.

What we love: High ceilings offer endless decorating opportunities. In this bedroom, the ceiling is painted an eye-catching turquoise hue, which calls attention to the vaulted ceilings.

A crisp white floating shelf hung above this low-profile headboard offers display space for colorful artwork and small accessories. The shelf is narrow, as to not extend over the bed and create a potential head-bumping hazard. To echo the floating headboard display, a similar shelf has been repurposed for use as a small nightstand, providing storage space for a reading lamp and small decor items.

What we love: Splashes of color and texture throughout this room keep neutral walls from looking stark. The muted cornflower blue throw and decorative pillows draw upon colors found in the headboard display and other accessories throughout the room.

Feminine touches abound in this bedroom, from the soft paisley bedspread to the floral-pattern throw pillows. The weathered surface of the classic bed frame creates a cozy cottage vibe that is echoed by dainty accessories throughout the room.

What we love: A curtain rod hung across the walls gives the illusion that this is a bank of windows, rather than just one. The soft blue draperies flanking the headboard and window create a stunning focal point in this sunny bedroom.

With plenty of textures and natural light, this cozy bedroom implies a "by-the-sea" locale, but the look can be achieved anywhere. Soft blue walls and bedding are complemented by warm off-white trim and furniture, recalling the colors of sand, surf, and sun. A woven window shade incorporates natural texture commonly found during a trip to the beach.

What we love: This cozy bedroom creates the perfect oceanside vibe without going overboard. Subtle accents such as starfish, seashells, and wicker convey a beachy style without being too theme-driven.

Like an artist's canvas waiting to be painted, the white walls in this bedroom extended an invitation to play with color. Pale green-and-lavender bed linens and orange geometric accent pillows answer the call. Metallic footstools and a seashell chandelier add formal touches that are balanced by textural bamboo blinds.

What we love: A mix of natural textures—glass, metal, wood, and shell—imbues this bedroom with a soothing, organic quality.

Crisp white walls and trim and hotel-chic bedding serve as striking counterpoints to this bedroom's chocolate brown wall. A geometric pattern ties the two main colors together, while yellow photo mats and throw pillows introduce playful splashes of color. Two X-benches round out the foot of the bed, adding a modern punctuation point and portable seating.

What we love: Painting a single wall a dark color creates the illusion of depth in this small bedroom, and it provides a drama-worthy backdrop for the pattern-rich headboard.

Hung in grid fashion above a low-profile headboard, framed black-and-white photography prints put a modern spin on this bedroom. A trio of accent pillows and a subtle geometric design on the white quilt echo the mood.

What we love: Painted a creamy shade of white, salvaged pine boards introduce instant age to this bedroom, providing a comforting juxtaposition to the modern bedding and artwork.

Recalling the crest of a wave, the shapely headboard in this bedroom helps linens in dusty blue and beige to soar. A sea motif carried out in some of the accent pillows gives life to the subtle sun-and-surf theme. But a more traditional toilelike pattern on the comforter and shams give the beach theme a personalized twist.

What we love: Colors softened with gray are easy to live with. The muted hues used in this bedroom mix well, setting a calm mood that encourages lingering.

Keeping with the character of a condo in a former warehouse, this bedroom is simple and sophisticated. A modern four-poster becomes architecture, while tactile bedding and contemporary artwork take off the hard edge.

What we love: The worn patina of the brick walls and wood floors tells of the building's history while contrasting beautifully with the contemporary furnishings.

With an upholstered headboard and side rails, there's no need to fuss with a bed skirt. The streamlined look provides the perfect foundation for a mix of textured linens in this bedroom. A long and lean piece of neat art echoes the straight lines of the bed.

What we love: As private sanctuaries, bedrooms are terrific places to let loose with color. This duvet's playful pattern and bold turquoise hue feel as fresh as a summer breeze.