5 top bedroom design trends to watch in 2021 (2024)

Our homes have worked hard for the past 18 months, becoming hybrid spaces for work, sleep, study, exercise, and for that short period of time we were all participating in Zoom quizzes.

A recent study by Rated People has shown that since the start of the pandemic, 55 per cent of the workforce were forced to work from home, with 15 per cent admitting they used their bedroom as a makeshift office space, introducing the stresses of daily life into what should be a sanctuary.

Unlike the rest of the home where interior design is crafted with large families, visitors, or gatherings in mind, bedrooms are centred around individual tastes, with more intimate, ergonomic design. It should be a sanctuary, a place to rest and recuperate.

Jules Upton of Oval Interiors and interior designer for North Sands Developments, says: 'As an interior designer, I believe it's so important that people reflect their character through their bedroom interior, as it's the one place in the world people can truly express themselves alongside their passions through visual aspects. The ability to convey personality through décor helps create individual sanctuaries, where we can escape from reality and be at one with ourselves.'

As restrictions ease and the world begins to open back up, there is now an opportunity to refresh the four walls we have become intimately familiar with, and to ensure our bedrooms are a space to unwind.

Here are the top five interior trends for the bedroom in 2021, with tips on how to incorporate them into your own home.

1. Natural designs

Searches for rattan, wooden, and wicker furniture rose during lockdown as homeowners sought to introduce natural materials into their homes during prolonged periods indoors. 'By incorporating natural elements into our bedrooms, it provides us with a sense of freedom, being at one with nature,' says Jules, 'colours such as sage greens and opulent olives when paired with white toned walls and wicker materials, are also key to creating a more calming environment.' The most fruitful element for any homeowner is the introduction of wooden floors. 'New wooden flooring has also been estimated to add a value of up to £7,255 to a home – helping to emphasise the contemporary aesthetic of a bedroom,' says Jules.

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2. Minimalistic settings

The Marie Kondo effect is still well and truly with us, promoting decluttering and a refocus of our environments to reduce stress levels – no doubt a response to the chaos and uncertainty of the pandemic. 'We are seeing a growing trend of "less is more" in 2021,' says Jules, 'which is helping to generate a calmer, neutralised environment. Straight lines, soft colours and Scandinavian minimalist line art, coupled with natural light creates a refreshing, simple and timeless feel.'

3. Light living

'An abundance of light in a room can entirely uplift surroundings, creating a breathable, spacious environment. A light, airy space also boosts productivity levels in addition to general wellbeing,' says Jules.

Choosing the right window dressing is a key component in maximising the natural light in your home. Roller blinds in a sheer or semi-sheer fabric can filter and diffuse light throughout a room whilst taking the edge off direct sunlight, whilst voile curtains create a light and breezy feel with the added benefit of providing a level of daytime privacy. Wooden shutters are a functional solution to controlling natural light providing total freedom over the amount of light you wish to let in.

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4. Bed frames that adapt with you

'The bed frame and headboard are typically the focal point of any bedroom, and it’s important you pick one that will go with your current décor and any potential changes moving forward,' says Jules. 'The varying styles of bed frames on the market allow individuals to inject components of their character into a bedroom space, from customisable modular frames to under bed storage and canopy frames, from which curtains and lights can be draped – the options are endless.'

Stylish beds with under bed storage

5. Charismatic colour

'Whilst neutral tones remain popular with homeowners, 2021 has seen striking shades such as navy making a splash in the bedroom,' says Jules. The bedroom is a great space to experiment with feature walls, pairing calming shades that promote restful sleep with an area of interest.

'Statement walls with a pop of colour really split up the space and provide a sophisticated appeal to any bedroom,' he adds.

Clever ways to use colour in the bedroom

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