Timeless Tips for a Bedroom Refresh- Without Renovating
Over the summer, I decided our primary bedroom was in need of a little refresh. We honestly have not given the room much thought since moving into our home back in 2018. Aside from our custom bed, we threw together mismatched and thrifted furniture to create a functional (but far from beautiful) space. The bedroom always felt like an afterthought, and for being a space we spend a lot of time in… I thought this room deserved better. Click through for the design progression, timeless tips for a bedroom refresh, and to see how it’s looking today!
Aside from swapping the ceiling fan, installing linen drapery panels in place of plantation shutters, and replacing the carpet (pictured above)– this room creeped lower and lower on our renovation list. It’s not the worst bedroom in our house, it’s functional, and we turned our attention to more pressing projects- like the entryway. Someday, we’ll fully renovate our primary suite… a proper, full-scale renovation complete with millwork, paint, new fixtures, a walk-in closet overhaul, a totally renovated new bathroom, plus a balcony rebuild, but for the time being- a refresh is exactly what we needed!
Ready to see the updates? It’s pretty incredible what subtle well-planned switches can do for a room…
Since we will be renovating in the future, I wanted to be smart about this refresh. I don’t love to do or buy things twice. I’d rather invest in classic and quality items for the long haul. My goal was to make our primary bedroom feel more cohesive by swapping mismatched vintage furniture for new nightstands that better fit the floor plan, that we’ll carry into the newly renovated space someday. Quality furniture and simple, intentional styling can really elevate a space without having to rip down walls to the studs.
The bedroom was also very sparse and lacking personality, so installing artwork & mirrors, lighting, and investing in luxe bedding went a long way in making the space feel much better. These are all things we can use now and again, as the room progresses and evolves. I went for an end of summer look that will also easily translate to fall- keeping things classic, neutral, and timeless.
My two favorite upgrades are our new bedside tables from Ballard (you know I love a demilune!) paired with the adjustable wall sconces. Both are really well made, have thoughtful details with really nice finishes, and will withstand the test of time. Let me show you my side of the bed first…
I styled my bedside table with some basics- and I even brought out a photo of Emmett & I… which I never do. Story for another day, but our wedding photographer ghosted us, so the only photos we have from our wedding were taken on our parent’s flip phones (yes- we’re that old). Anyway, I think the bedroom is the perfect place to insert special photos, if you’re going to do so. These pretty Italian frames I’ve been hanging onto for years were begging to be used.
The demilune bedside tables have so much closed storage (more than I really need), but I added some baskets to the inner shelves for optimal organization. I keep books inside, cords & chargers, and tech- like my headphones and bluetooth speaker. Of course I also keep a wireless charger on top of my nightstand for easy access. Let me show you a trick…
I like to keep my wireless phone charger atop a marble coaster so it looks more stylized. They just rest on top of each other and are easy to separate if I want to use the coaster for a bottle of water. I just think it looks nicer and elevated! I toss my phone on top every night for easy charging and call it a day…
Also on “my side” of the bedroom, I added one of my animal print chairs I restored a few years back. I get ready for the day in our primary suite, and I thought a chair might be helpful for that… plus it’s an extra surface to drop items. This also felt like the perfect vignette to add artwork and install an additional layered light source. How pretty are these dimensional intaglios?
Moving along to bedding updates… I love a layered bed! If you missed my go-to formula for styling a bed, check it out! As we head into a new season, it’s still very hot here. White is always my preferred classic color any time of year, as I can easily update the look for each season with blankets, coverlets, and pillows. I currently have medium weight bedding styled here, so it’s perfect for this time of year: crisp sheets with a contrasting edge, a medium weight quilt, and a timeless matélasse felt like the winning combination for the end of August.
I also decided to layer a geometric area rug over our wool carpet. This was purely for aesthetic purposes- I envisioned a graphic moment to anchor the space. This high traffic area in the bedroom lends itself to a durable sisal woven rug.
Normally I don’t keep anything on our bench at the foot of the bed (because Crosby sleeps there), but for the sake of styling my ideal bedroom- I’d typically insert a tray here to corral items. Breakfast in bed, anyone? That would also work!
Across from the bed and the bench, we also have a vintage enamel writing desk that sits beneath our Frame TV.
Occasionally, I’ll sit here to journal or read, but for the most part- it provides a good aesthetic anchor to our decently large television. It also makes for a fun surface to style, display momentos, and enjoy favorite candles.
Someday, we may replace this vintage writing desk with something larger or more substantial- perhaps another desk or a dresser for additional clothing or linen storage, but for now- this works well for us.
For us, these small updates made the room feel totally new– and I didn’t so much as lift a paintbrush. Home takes time, it’s normal and wonderful when spaces evolve with us, isn’t it? Of course it also feels good to make impactful changes and investments you know will last longterm. While photos probably don’t do our bedroom justice, the feeling I get when walking into this space just feels different… welcoming, inviting, happier, and more personal. I’m glad we set aside some time for this one.
Here are some quick and easy tips for refreshing your own bedroom…
Easy Tips for Refreshing a Bedroom
- Replace Textiles… swap rugs or carpet, window treatments, and bedding.
- Swap Light Fixtures… consider bedside sconces, lamps, and replace dated hardwired fixtures for updated options.
- Invest in Quality Cohesive Furniture… in a space like a bedroom, symmetry works to your advantage. Invest in matching or similarly sized bedside tables or nightstands.
- Focus on the Bed Itself… the primary purpose of a bedroom is sleep- purchase a quality mattress with nice bedding for optimal sleep and a luxe retreat feel. Layer your bedding for a designer look!
- Add Interest & Personal Touches… install artwork or photos, while bringing in meaningful touches. A bedroom should feel like your private and personal space.
- Consider Function… is your space large enough for a writing desk, clothing storage, or would a chair be helpful? Consider how the room functions and add items accordingly.
- Style Your Bedside Tables for the Everyday… what items make sense to keep on your nightstand? The book you’re reading, eyeglasses, a coaster for a water bottle, perhaps a wireless phone charger? Florals or a candle for a serotonin boost? Style with practicality in mind!
- Take Time to Make the Bed… no matter how beautifully your bedroom is designed, making your bed and keeping the space tidy will always make for a more appealing space.
As we’re gearing up for a new season ahead, this is the perfect time to level up whatever space in your home has been on your list… or maybe even an area you haven’t put much thought into. It doesn’t have to be a full scale renovation- even swapping or repurposing one or two things, just changing things around in some way will feel good & impactful. I love a seasonal reset! It’s an instant mood booster.
I also want to make sure you have all the sources for this space, as I’ve had some requests for links. Continue on for everything in our primary bedroom, and please let me know if you’re curious about anything specific…
Shop my finds by clicking directly on each item below… they’re all are clickable!
intaglio art // picture light // stoneware tray // rustic planter // handle vase // ceiling fan // woven shade // linen drapery panels // marble coasters // rose arrangement // glass jar candle // burl frame // marble mini tray // wall mirror // sconce // leather bed // sheet set // matelasse // marble bowl // woven tray // lola james harper candle // vintage candleholders // demilune bedside table // bench // lumbar pillow // quilt set // wool carpet // animal print chair // diptyque candle // frame tv // tiny table lamp // door tassel // area rug // writing desk // upholstered chair // throw blanket
I thought you may also like to see the bedroom later in the day with the sconces switched on… it certainly takes on a charming and alluring glow.
I regularly wash our bedding, spot treat as needed, but most importantly- keeping a quilt, coverlet, blanket, or matélasse layered at the foot of the bed as a designated spot for dogs has been key!
We never use that switch. Our sconces are set up and linked to our smart home device, so we vocally turn the lights on and off. We wanted the best and most functional sconce placement, which happened to be over the switch- within reaching distance. Someday when we fully renovate, we’ll move that electrical box. It’s not in an ideal spot to begin with.
We have a Sleep Number and will never go back. It has been two years of improved sleep and I credit that to our mattress. For anyone curious, my number is 35 and Emmett sleeps at 75.
The demilune bedside table measures 32″ high x 38″ wide x 12″ deep- and they have an adjustable shelf inside. They’re a really great scale!
Check out this blog post for my go-to formula for styling a bed.
Given this is our bedroom and sleep is very important to us, I had to choose function over form on this one. We sleep with our ceiling fan running and that is also the main light source on our ceiling. If you’re going to install a ceiling fan, I do recommend white so it easily blends with the ceiling. I saved a bunch of recommended favorites here!
We’ve been hosting a LOT this summer season and my parents are arriving this week. While I love having people in our home, it sure is nice to escape to our own space at the end of each day. I think a primary bedroom should feel like your own personal retreat, and we’re definitely getting there with each little change.
I hope you enjoyed this project! Please let me know if you have any questions… I’m also looking forward to hearing what you think. In other news, the website is at a crucial turning point and we’re nearing the end of maintenance and updates. Thanks for being so patient with me this summer while it has been under construction! If all goes as planned, I’ll be back to my regular schedule at the beginning of September. As always, I’ll keep you updated. Thanks for being here, friends!