15 master bedroom ideas you'll dream of recreating in your own home

If your bedroom design project involves master bedroom ideas, you'll likely be searching for options that are as inspirational as they are practical. After all, who doesn't want escape to a sanctuary-like space at the end of a long day.

But, the best master bedroom ideas don't just look good, they also make the most of every inch of space and as such require some careful forethought to maximise their potential.

From flooring to furniture and layout to lighting we've rounded up 15 master bedroom ideas and expert advice to help you create the bedroom retreat of your dreams.

Master bedroom ideas start with the correct layout

"When designing a master bedroom, it’s important to first consider the layout of the room," says Chelsea Clark, head of marketing at I Love Wallpaper. 

Her advice for bedroom layout ideas? "Positioning your bed as the focal point, typically against the main wall, instantly sets the stage for comfort and style. Plan where your main furniture pieces will sit, to ensure that the flow of the room remains unobstructed, allowing for easy movement and a sense of openness."

A good idea for planning all your bedroom ideas is to draw a scale plan of the room — quirky alcoves and crooked walls included. Then, work with the essentials: a bed (be sure to look up the dimensions, Happy Beds has a handy size guide), side tables and clothes storage. 

Ideally, the bed will be centrally situated with a comfortable walkway either side (about half a metre should do). In smaller rooms this might not be possible and the bed has to sit adjacent to the wall. In time like this, it can be a good idea to lean into limitations by installing shelving, or even building in a wall recess, instead of using a freestanding bedside table.

Chelsea Clark

Launching anything but ordinary wallpaper brand, Lust Home, in 2021, Chelsea Clark is now Head of Marketing across the Henderson Design Group that includes Lust Home, I Love Wallpaper and Lucie Annabel. Her strong eye for design makes her a great source of information on ways to make your interiors look their best.

1. Include a walk in dressing room

Discussing your master bedroom storage ideas may have led to a fitted wardrobes vs freestanding debate. And while there's pros and cons for each kind, if you are able to carve up your master bedroom ideas to include space for a walk in dressing-room, then it's likely you'll be leaning more towards built in storage ideas. 

Although you may wonder if doors are entirely necessary in a separate dressing area, the chances are your design will benefit from them. As well as keeping dust and dirt out, most of us will have times when the contents of our wardrobes aren't quite as neat and tidy as we'd like. Even more reason to cover them up - especially in cases where there's a doorless opening between the bedroom and dressing room.

"Aim to keep your bedroom as calm and organised as possible," is the advice of Patricia Gibbons, head of design at Sofa.com, " so that you create a serene oasis." 

Patricia Gibbons

Patricia Gibbons has been driving product strategy and innovation with Sofa.com for 4 years and collaborates closely with her colleagues in the design team to ensure the success of collection launches. Patricia brings a wealth of experience, having worked in the home industry for 25 years, and she has a true passion for design.

2. Choose the right flooring for when you get out of bed

Although you may spend hours searching for the right bed for your master bedroom ideas, don't forget that the first thing to greet you when you leave it each day is the floor. So, be sure to choose the right bedroom flooring ideas.

Opted for wooden flooring? Even if you've followed our underfloor heating guide and installed an appropriate version, you may still be seeking an additional element of warmth.

“A well-chosen rug can instantly elevate the feel of a master bedroom," suggests Mara Rypacek Miller, founder of Industville. "Opt for handcrafted designs and unique textures - this subtle attention to detail will add a sense of luxury, making your home feel more elegant. 

"Natural rugs made of wool or jute help to ground furnishings and add warmth underfoot," says Mara. "Their texture and natural colour variations create depth and interest to a scheme, providing an earthy and warm tone to interiors. 

"Being made from natural fibres, both wool and jute rugs also have the advantage of being biodegradable," she adds, "meaning they contribute less to environmental pollution compared to synthetic alternatives. Their long-lasting nature makes them a worthwhile investment for those looking to bring quality and sustainability into master bedrooms. 

"And although natural rugs are often thought to be high-maintenance," says Mara, "with regular vacuuming and quick attention to spills, they’re just as easy to care for as synthetic ones.” 

Find a great selection of  natural rugs at Industville in a variety of colours and finishes.

Mara Rypacek Miller

Mara leads a creative revolution in sustainable interior design and is the founder of interiors brand, Industville. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to eco-conscious craftsmanship, Mara has propelled Industville to the forefront of the industry, where each design and product tells a story of timeless elegance and environmental responsibility.

3. Pay careful attention to your lighting scheme

Layering lighting using different sources can utterly transform any bedroom. We use bedrooms at different times of day and your bedroom lighting ideas should reflect that. 

"Utilising vertical space is a key strategy for making a master bedroom feel more spacious," says Helen Pett, design ambassador for Arteriors.  "One effective approach is to incorporate tall bedside lamps to frame the bed. This not only draws attention to the height of the lamps but also accentuates the room's dimensions, enhancing the overall sense of space."

"This season, there's a noticeable trend towards oversized fixtures and fittings, especially with pendants and lamps," says Helen. "Statement, sculptural lighting pieces not only add a wow factor but also draw the eye upwards, creating an illusion of increased space and luxury. These bold pieces complement calm, relaxed accessories, culminating in a stylish and sophisticated sleeping environment." 

If you're stuck for space in a small bedroom, hanging pendants over bedside tables is a quirky alternative to traditional table lamps or wall lights," says Jo Plant, head of design at Pooky. 

Bedside light ideas for your master bedroom

Helen Pett

Helen Pett is a passionate Brand Ambassador for Arteriors Home. She works closely with interior designers and architects worldwide to facilitate projects, raising awareness of their artisan-made collections. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of client needs, Helen consistently represents the client’s needs and brand's commitment to preserving craftsmanship and innovative design.

Jo Plant

Jo Plant is head of design and production for Pooky, a lighting company based in England’s Cotswolds region.

4. Pair a bold shade with a softer one for a simple but effective colour scheme

"When it comes to making a statement in your master bedroom ideas, simplicity often speaks volumes," says Patricia Gibbons. "For a simpler design, leverage colour and contrast to make your bedroom pop. A single colour headboard can be beautifully offset with a different wall colour. Contrast is key to creating a bedroom with standout appeal.

"A carefully considered colour scheme can also help to enhance your mood and wellbeing. Opt for a streamlined palette using two main colours—one for your headboard and one for your walls. 

"Pairing a vibrant colour with a neutral foundation creates a balanced and cohesive feel," explains Patricia. "You can also incorporate pops of colour through accessories, adding depth and character to your space." 

"Bold colours like red can energise your bedroom too. While these hues are typically reserved for living spaces and rarely appear in the best bedroom colours, they can bring joy and personality to your master bedroom when balanced with neutral and complementary tones."

Love this bed? Find the Lucy Double Bed in Claret Cotton Matt Velvet at Sofa.com.

5. Indulge in a chandelier for a touch of opulence

"Your master bedroom is your sanctuary, and it deserves lighting that’s both practical and beautiful," says Jo Plant. "Ceiling lighting ideas are your chance to get creative in your master bedroom ideas.

"Choose a colorful or ornate piece to be the room’s focal point. Feeling adventurous? A chandelier can add a touch of grandeur to your bedroom," says Jo.

If you also prefer a more slimline bedside table, Jo suggesting opting for flexible wall lighting by the bedside. 

"Wall lights free up bedside table space, giving you more room for your favorite books, gadgets, and other knick-knacks," she says. "No wall cables? No problem! Use wireless versions to avoid the hassle of chasing wires into the wall, re-plastering, and repainting." Jo's other suggestion for wall lights is to keep them shaded so that you get a softer glow.

6. Use wallpaper as a way of expressing personality

"Incorporating wallpaper into your master bedroom ideas is a brilliant way to inject personality," says Chelsea Clark. "Whether you prefer a bold, dramatic design for a feature wall or a subtle, textured pattern to add depth, wallpaper can transform your space effortlessly."

And, as well as speaking volumes about your own personal taste, it can be a way of subtly communicating the heritage and history of your house. If you're renovating a period property for example, you may wish to choose a paper that references the era your house was built in. 

Whether this involves Regency inspired stripes or Art Deco style fans, master bedroom ideas are a great way of utilising the full potential of wallpaper to transform your space. Just be sure to follow our guide on how to wallpaper for a professional finish - especially if you are dealing with older, more uneven walls.

7. Experiment with textures

"Don’t shy away from experimenting with textures in your master bedroom ideas," says Patricia Gibbons. "Mixing cushions and blankets in contrasting but complementary fabrics prevents your space from feeling flat and adds a layer of richness and refinement. 

"This approach will help you create a master bedroom that feels both luxurious and inviting." 

Adding texture can also apply to the more permanent elements such as deciding to leave wooden beams exposed when finalising barn conversion ideas, or adding an oak-framed extension to your home. Each different material will add a new and interesting dimension to your master bedroom ideas.

8. Work with your existing architectural features

In home renovations where there may not be the luxury of adding picture windows to maximise on views, it's important to work with the existing walls and windows to get the most out of your master bedroom ideas.

"The architecture of your home greatly influences your bedroom layout," says Patricia Gibbons. "If your room has a view, position your bed to take advantage of it. If not, don’t hesitate to place your headboard in front of the window and create a captivating focal point on the opposite wall."

Keen to add a show-stopping bed and headboard like this one to your master bedroom ideas? Don't forget the practicalities, says Patricia.

"Opting for bold headboard details will create a striking focal point that adds a touch of luxury but also allows you to build the rest of your room’s aesthetic around this central piece. But, remember, the right bed size is crucial to a successful scheme," says Patricia.

"Ensure it complements your space rather than overwhelming it. Try taping out the dimensions of your headboard to visualise the perfect fit before purchasing." 

9. Choose neutral tones for a sense of calm

If a busy life means you naturally lean towards neutral bedroom ideas for your master bedroom, take inspiration from this scheme which is a masterclass in neutrality.

Creating a vast sense of light and space, the bedroom nonetheless still includes detail and depth - but in extremely subtle ways. Despite being painted in a neutral shade - tones of which are matched in the floorings and furniture, the room is far from bland.

From the oversized fluted headboard, the herringbone patterned wooden floor, the addition of a bolt of black in the bedside tables, the use of an existing arched alcove as a gallery space, to the hanging pendant lights, the bedroom is filled with detail - none of which shouts at you, but rather whispers of elegance and an overriding sense of calm.

10. Or, sleep sweet dreams in a jewel box-like space

In sharp contrast to the netural bedroom idea, if you crave cocoon like cosy bedroom ideas instead for your master bedroom space, why not colour drench your bedroom in jewel -ike shades of deep amethyst purple, gold and sapphire blue. 

Rich, opulent and instantly warming, it can also be a scheme that works well in small bedroom ideas when you colour drench your space from skirtings through to ceiling. 

Instead of enclosing the room, using the same shade throughout - even when darker - helps to blur the naturally hard defined corners of walls and ceilings, adding a sense of softness and space.

11. Shutters will add privacy without blocking out light

The benefits of daylighting - or natural light - are well documented and while it can be tempting to block out all light to aid sleep, if like me, you prefer to wake more naturally with light filtering through your windows, shutters are your best choice of window covering.

I have them installed in my bedroom and as well as letting light in, they have the added benefit of helping to prevent excess heat escaping through my single glazed sash windows. 

Although they're available in a variety of colours, white can be the perfect partner to  grey bedroom ideas and a good option for modern bedroom ideas where curtains may be considered too fussy.

12. Work with quirks for a characterful bedroom

Alcoves, fireplaces, eaves and (if you're lucky) timber beams are all beautiful elements that can be embraced if you are comfortable with quirkier master bedroom ideas.

Instead of immediately reaching for the plasterboard to cover up stone walls or timber clad ceilings, consider if you can make them work for you in such a way that the end result is still cohesive and co-ordinated, but filled with unique character.

Despite the hard stone walls and timber clad ceiling in this master bedroom idea, there is still an overall feeling of warmth and softness. Rich wooden flooring is paired with pretty floral fabrics, full length curtains and a pink painted set of small patio doors opening onto the views outside.

13. Add a corner desk if you need to work from home 

Although experts say bedrooms should be used solely for sleeping, the consequences of the pandemic saw many bedrooms retrofitted into home offices out of sheer necessity. 

While we may no longer be in lockdown, many of us still work from home, myself included and when there is no room available for dedicated home office design ideas, a master bedroom may be the only option.

If this is the case, carving out a corner section of the bedroom for a designated working space has to be well considered. Try to position the desk facing away from the bed, and provide a different view to the one you wake up to. 

Natural light, as always, is a must - as is properly catering for storage, not just clothes, but papers, books and laptops. Don't let work-life clutter invade your night time routine. 

14. Adopt a 'boutique hotel' treatment

Who doesn't dream of a luxurious master bedroom inspired by weekends away from the chaos of daily life. The good news is, it's one you can achieve at home with the right combination of layout, lighting and furniture.

Key to the overall look is your bed. Make it a showstopper and then add clever finishing touches such as choosing the best light switches you can find and place them either side of the bed to give you control over all the lights within the room. Squeeze in a seating area and buy the best quality bedding you can afford such as the Soft & Silky Egyptian Cotton 800 Thread Count Bedding from John Lewis. Those crisp white sheets will make all the difference when you get into bed each night.

When it comes to flooring, "plush carpets offer warmth and comfort underfoot, perfect for those cold mornings. Alternatively, hardwood floors exude timeless elegance and can be softened with area rugs that tie the room’s colour palette together," says Chelsea Clark. Either way, buy the best that you can.

15. Include an en suite in your master bedroom ideas

Browsing en suite bathroom ideas will be worth it in the long run if you have the space to add one to your master bedroom. An en suite can work wonders to add value to your home, so if lack of space isn't an issue, install one that's worth waking up for.

Here, the homeowners have created the ultimate en suite with double sinks, hanging mirrors and sleek marble finishes. Easily accessed via a door into the main bedroom, its guaranteed to make early mornings far more manageable - although you may still be late simply because you can't bear to leave the bathroom.

Fancy something even more luxurious? Follow expert advice for indulging in some bath in bedroom options.

One final bit advice from our experts regarding lighting in master bedroom ideas? Think about colour and functionality.

"Lighting isn’t just about brightness, it’s about setting the right mood in master bedroom ideas," says Jo Plant. "Use soft warm yellow or white lights for a cozy feel, and dimmer switches to adjust the intensity. Whether you want your bedroom to feel pretty and feminine, warm and cozy, or even a bit opulent, your lighting choices can help you achieve the perfect ambiance. 

"A master dimmer switch that controls ceiling and wall lights can also make life easier," she adds. "Switch them all on or off with minimum fuss, and use bedside or reading lamps before bed for that perfect end-of-day glow."

Considering relocating your master bedroom to the loft? Take a look at our bedroom loft conversion ideas for ways of making the most of extending upwards.