15 Bedroom Essentials to Create a Dreamy Nightly Retreat

A great bedroom design is about more than aesthetics. Your bedroom should also feel as great as it looks, offering a relaxing, inviting environment that makes it easy to feel at home and unwind, even after the busiest days.

If you want to personalize a space, this guide is for you.

15 Bedroom Essentials

From cozy duvets and comfy pillows to gorgeous fragrances and calming plants, these room essentials are a no-fail way to create the relaxing, tranquil retreat you deserve.

1. Duvet

There's nothing quite like the feeling of crawling into a warm, fluffy bed at the end of a hard day, and your duvet is essential to maximizing this moment. The best duvets are warm and comfortable without sacrificing great style.

Consider upgrading to a down alternative duvet for that luxurious, cloud cotton feel without the allergens. Pair it with high-quality bedding to create a truly peaceful sleeping environment.

White Down-blended comforter in a bed — FluffCo's Down-Blended Comforter

You can start with a duvet like FluffCo's Down-Blended Comforter, which offers warmth and comfort in equal measure. Then, make it your own by adding a beautiful duvet cover that complements your aesthetic. Burrow offers eucalyptus duvet covers in a wide variety of sophisticated hues, making it easy to find the perfect fit for your space.

Review: FluffCo's Bedding Made My Bedroom Feel Like a Five-Star Resort

2. Bed Frame

Speaking of making something your own, your bed frame is a great way to do just that for your bedroom aesthetic. Bed frames are among the most essential pieces of bedroom furniture. They have a knack for punctuating your style while adding texture and structure to your overall look.

Tip: Consider the bed's positioning when choosing a bed frame for your room.

Man sleeping in a bed with a grey upholstered bedframe in a modern bedroom

‎"A good bed provides support for your body and can even help improve your sleep quality. Size, comfort, and price are all important factors," says Karen Rohr, Interior Designer at Mackenzie Collier Interiors. "If you want to add a touch of luxury to your bedroom, there are even more luxurious bed options. So whatever your budget and style preference may be, make sure this is your priority."

If you're a minimalist, you might love the Chorus Bed from Burrow. But if you want to add more structure or height to your look, you can invest in a platform bed frame with a pretty headboard, like this customizable option from Thuma.

3. Pillows

"A super quick fix to make any room a bit cozier is to add some more pillows," advises Ariel Kaye, CEO and founder of Parachute. "You can never have too many pillows! Decorative pillows help add more textures, patterns, and a pop of color, adding more depth to a room. Add the Desert Throw Pillow Cover or the Nomad Lumbar Pillow Cover."

A set of white and beige pillows in a bed — Nomad Lumbar Pillow Cover

If you're looking for a pillow to sleep on, the Marlow Pillow and FluffCo's Down and Feather Pillow are great options. But pillows and their comfort are subjective—some people want a soft pillow they can sink into, while others prefer something firmer. Your best bet is to try a few options until you find one just right, then dress it up with an attractive pillowcase.

4. Throw Blankets

A throw blanket is commonly used to add a swappable style to living rooms, but it also offers the same benefits to bedrooms. Adding an extra blanket enhances the look of your bed and provides an additional layer of warmth on cooler nights. A throw blanket in a cozy fabric like wool or cotton can make your bed or chaise lounge even more inviting.

Black frame bed with white sheets and pillows and a beige throw blanket — Softexture Blanket by Snowe

‎Of course, throw blankets also significantly increase the comfort factor in a room. "One of the best ways to make a space instantly cozy is by adding throw blankets. Throw blankets are practically an invitation to relax and get comfortable," says Kaye. We particularly love the Playa Blanket from Rumpl and this neutral option from Snowe, but the possibilities are endless.

Review: I Tried Rumpl’s New Merino Wool Blanket, and My Home is Way Cozier For It

Karen Rohr also recommends layering blankets. "There's nothing like getting into a cozy bed after a long day. By layering the bedding, you can create a warm and comfortable space to relax in," she explains.

5. Bed Sheets

Sometimes, good-quality bedsheets are more of an afterthought when designing a bedroom. Still, they're critical to your comfort and style. "it amazes me how little consideration many give to the impact quality sheets can have on their comfort," said interior designer Charmaine Wynter. "Thread counts of a minimum of 1,100 per square inch will laundry well and avoid pilling, which can chafe against exposed skin at night."

Dark grey and white striped comforter with white sheets and matching pillow covers — Midnight Stripe Bedtime Bundle

When choosing bed sheets, you should also consider your personal sleep preferences. Loft linen or eucalyptus sheets might be a great investment for those seeking a cool feel for sleeping

Both Piglet in Bed and Sijo offer a wide range of bed sheets that can meet various needs while enhancing your space's style

6. Mattress

Even though it's typically hidden, a high-quality mattress is arguably the most critical element in any bedroom. "The secret to a good night's sleep is a solid foundation," says Kaye. Look for a mattress that offers both support and comfort to create that peaceful sleeping environment you deserve.

Kaye recommends Parachute's Eco Comfort Mattress, which is "firm in the middle for back support, and softer at the head and feet for pressure point relief and spinal alignment. It's also made with New Zealand wool and 100% organic cotton, so it's eco-friendly."

Mattress in a wooden bedframe in a modern bedroom with a grey rug — Parachute Eco Comfort Mattress

Suppose you're in the market for a more technically advanced mattress. In that case, you can also check out Eight Sleep, which offers mattresses packed with fun features like climate and weather responses, heart rate monitoring, and wake-up technology, allowing your bed to serve as a gentle alarm clock.

7. Curtains

Curtains make great bedroom decor, helping to enhance your style. However, they also have an essential functional element since too much early-morning light severely disrupts many people's sleep.

Long beige curtains in a cozy bedroom with an accent chair — Barn & Willow Custom Curtains

"Unless you already have great blackout blinds on your bedroom windows, you'll want to get some long blackout curtains. They block the 4 am sunrise, provide insulation, and dampen sound," says Jessica Welling. "If you can't find blackout panels you like off the shelf, consider getting inexpensive blackout panels that attach to the backs of the curtain panels."

To control lighting even further, install a dimmer on your overhead light for versatile mood lighting.

Read more: Should Curtains Touch The Floor?

Barn & Willow has a stellar collection of window coverings to get you started. Whether in the market for Roman shades, roller shades, or drapery, you'll find a great selection through the retailer. (Check out more of the best places to buy curtains here.)

8. Table Lamp

"Every bedroom needs bedside lamps, whether table lamps, mounted to the wall, or pendants above the bed," says Welling. Table lamps have a special knack for adding functional style to a space. They also benefit anyone who loves to wind down with a great read or some journaling before bed. If you want to add stylish table lamps to your space, then Schoolhouse is a perfect first stop.

Table Lamp in a nightstand in one side of a bed with an aluminum headboard and three pillows — Schoolhouse Studio Desk Lamp

In addition to the lamp's style, you should also consider the type of light it emits. "Lightbulbs come in several different colors on a spectrum, from warm (yellow) to cool (blue). It's important to be sure your bulbs are on the warmer side [because warm lights are better at helping you relax]. Look for warm white and steer clear of daylight and cool white at all costs," advises Welling.

9. Storage

Many people find it difficult to relax in a messy room, so creating a clutter-free bedroom can be critical to a good night's sleep. Fortunately, cultivating a neat and organized space is often as easy as finding the proper storage solutions. "Adding plenty of storage options and organizational solutions can provide valuable storage space for clothes and other belongings and can also serve as focal points in the room," says Karen Rohr.

Storage Bins under a black aluminum bed frame — Open Spaces Underbed Storage Bins

If you're short on space, you can use storage baskets to keep your space clutter-free or under-bed storage to keep items out of sight.

Under-bed storage is a great option because it allows you to hide items out of sight while keeping them within arm's reach. Open Spaces and DWR offer some great under-bed storage options. You can also use small storage containers and trays to organize smaller, miscellaneous items on shelves and tables.

10. Fragrance

Fragrances are another tool for creating a relaxing environment. A light scent can transform your bedroom into a calming retreat.

Anna Franklin recommends "using warm scents with spices, vanilla, or something woodsy to help create a cozy environment." Lavender is also a particularly great scent for relaxation.

Fortunately for interior design enthusiasts, fragrances, like cute diffusers, are often packaged in vessels that double as chic home decor. These diffusers will look great on your bedside table while filling your space with a relaxing aroma. Homesick offers a wide variety of gorgeous-smelling diffusers and candles to enhance your bedroom's vibes.

11. Bedside Table

"Another way to give a room extra coziness is to add nightstands to both ends of the bed," recommends Kaye. "It's a fun way to add more personality, and it makes it feel more intimate by thoughtfully taking up space in the room." It's also a great place to keep your phone charger handy.

Wooden Nightstand with one drawer in one side of a wooden bedframe with grey bedding — Burrow's Prospect Nightstand

If you're looking for a modern side table, we recommend the Baxley Nightstand. But a small table like The Nightstand is a great option if you'd prefer a more traditional, timeless piece. You can also check out the Prospect Nightstand from Burrow, which can add streamlined organic warmth to your bedroom.

You should also carefully consider the best nightstand dimensions for your room before buying. “I like the height of my nightstand to be roughly the same height as the top of my mattress because you don’t want to be in bed and have to reach too high or low to grab something off the top of your nightstand, explains, Molly McGinnes, Founder of Molly McGinness Interior Design.

12. Wall Art

Gorgeous bedroom wall decor is the perfect way to personalize your bedroom and showcase your unique style sensibility. It can also help you create a peaceful, calming space that promotes restful sleep.

Opting for wall art that features soothing hues, like greens and blues, can help to create a more tranquil environment. But there's also nothing wrong with using wall art to add bold patterns and pops of color. Places like Graffiti Home and Inside Weather offer a wide selection of wall art, ranging from dreamy photographs to abstract prints.

13. Lighting

Lighting is an often overlooked component of interior design, but it plays a massive role in how a space looks and feels. It's vital in the bedroom because it can differentiate between restful and restless sleep.

"Clever lighting will transform your bedroom from a dark area into a warm and cozy space," said Richard Petrie, home expert at Thomas Sanderson. Whether it's a chic pendant light on a bedside table to brighten up gloomy corners or strip lights on your ceiling, smart lighting choices can add character and modernize your bedroom.

In addition to your table lamp, consider wall sconces or string lights for a soft, ambient glow. Dimmable lights allow you to adjust the brightness to suit your mood and activities.

Nova of California offers beautiful lighting options, from gorgeous sconces to chic floor lamps, to help create the perfect relaxing bedroom ambiance.

14. Plants

Plants can do much more than add texture and warmth to your aesthetic; they can also purify the air you breathe and even help you sleep at night. "Adding plants to your bedroom can help to make it feel cozier. Plants add color and life to a room, but they can also help improve air quality, creating a fresh and relaxing atmosphere," said Karen Rohr.

Choose easy-to-care-for varieties that thrive indoors, and place them on a full-length mirror shelf or window ledge to add a touch of nature to your space.

Sites like Bloomscape and The Sill offer all kinds of plants in stunning modern vessels, including easy-to-care-for plants for those with less than green thumbs.

15. Area Rug

A beautiful area rug can cozy up your bedroom, adding texture and personality to your aesthetic. "Any bedroom with hard floors needs an area rug under the bed. I even use rugs over wall-to-wall carpet in bedrooms for an extra layer of texture and color," said Welling.

A jute rug or a soft area rug can add warmth and texture to your bedroom. Whether placed under your bed or near a chaise lounge, a rug can tie the room together and make your space feel cozier. Plus, it adds an extra layer of comfort underfoot.

Grey rug under a miminalist wooden bedframe with a mattress and a white duvet — The Floyd Rug

Plus, there's genuinely a bedroom rug for every style sensibility, whether you love pared-back neutrals or vibrant patterns and hues. We're especially fond of the Floyd Rug, which has five nearly universal hues. And if you have pets or little ones at home, you'll love that you can throw the beautiful rugs from Ruggable right into your washing machine.

What Are The First Things Someone Should Buy For A New Bedroom?

Whether a master bedroom or a guest bedroom, offering a good night's sleep is your bedroom's number one job. So, the first thing you should focus on when creating a gorgeous bedroom is the bed! And a comfy, inviting bed starts with a quality mattress. "A great, comfortable mattress can make all the difference with how relaxing your space feels at the end of the day," said Franklin

Once you invest in the right mattress, it's time to dress it up with comfortable sheets, blankets, and pillows. "Pillows have a short shelf life, and it's likely time to treat yourself to a new dust mite-free set," said Charmaine Wynter. A pillow's comfort is subjective, so it's a good idea to try out a few different options to find the right one for your body's needs.

And the same goes for bed sheets: "When picking out your sheets, go with what feels most luxurious to your body," recommends Franklin. "Consider your ideal sleeping temperature (i.e., does your body run warm or cool?) and the preferred feel of the fabric. If you like to be extra warm, opt for a cozy microfleece. If you run hot, consider linen or cotton sheets instead. Identifying what makes you feel the most comfortable will be key to feeling cozy in your bedroom."