Skip to main content

Essential bedroom furniture for every household

green bedroom with headboard
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The bedroom is a unique space because it is truly your own. Unlike most of a home, it is a private space for you to get away to and recharge. The design should reflect your personal style and bring a sense of calm each time you enter the room. To create a relaxing bedroom atmosphere, the pieces in your place should offer both form and function. Sure, a bed and night table are a must, but what else is essential for elevating your bedroom from standard to fit for a king or queen? Here, we take a look at other key pieces to take yours to the next level.

Recommended Videos

Headboard

Nothing makes a bed look more put together than a headboard. It can transform a simple mattress and box spring into a statement. Functionally, it protects the wall behind the bed, but what it does to the styling of any chic bed makes it stands out. With so many options available, it offers a way to elevate your average bed into something more upscale. Plush, fabric headboards convey an inviting warmth and give you added cushion when sitting upright. Looking for something more textural and organic? A reclaimed wood headboard will add both. Maybe you have a flair for the modern? Try leather to add a sleek, contemporary element.

Bench

Now that you have taken care of the top of the bed, it is time to think about the bottom. A bench placed at the foot of the bed is a great addition. It gives you a place to put on shoes, a luggage rack, and a spot to lay out clothes or hold extra blankets. If storage is at a premium, select one with cubbies or drawers. Again, here is a chance to amp up your style and add to the look of the room whether that be rustic raw wood, upholstered, or painted.

Dresser

This may seem obvious, but its usefulness cannot be understated. Not only does it provide great storage, but it also offers a convenient surface for decorative items. Stylish baskets and bowls can be used to hold small, everyday items such as sunglasses, wallets, and jewelry. Lamps can be placed for additional lighting. Just remember, before selecting a dresser, measure your space and determine if it can accommodate a lower, rectangular version or if a taller, narrow one is better. If even more storage is needed, a small chest that doubles as a night table will give added drawer space.

women using pouf as footrest
Nelia L/Shutterstock

Mirror

Almost any space can benefit from the addition of a mirror. It reflects light and makes a space feel larger. A tall, full-length one will take minimal floor space and give interest to whatever wall it is placed against or mounted on. Select one that works with your aesthetic. Since the bedroom is often where you get dressed, it also allows you to get a look at yourself before heading out.

Seating

If space allows, a chair and side table are a great addition to any bedroom. They offer the perfect place to read, watch television, relax, or even get a little work done. Not only is a bedroom chair functional, it is also an accent piece that should complement your design. Consider fabrics that coordinate with bedding, and add a throw pillow to tie it all together. If you are lucky enough to have a bedroom that can accommodate a full seating area, set it up as a second living room. A small sofa, chairs, and coffee table will give you a place to unwind without interruption.

Add personality

Bring your design together with accents and accessories. Poufs are versatile because they offer additional seating but can also be used as a footrest or even a side table. They come in a variety of fabrics and textures including fabric, leather, woven materials, and more. To add to the look, layer floors with area rugs that designate different zones — the bed and a reading or conversation area.

The last step to the bedroom of your dreams is to bring nature inside with plants, which not only improve air quality but also add a great design element to the space. Consider hanging them to add interest without taking up room on tabletops or dressers.

Topics
Darcey Gohring
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Darcey Gohring is a freelance writer based just outside New York City. She served as the managing editor of New Jersey…
Is millennial green the new millennial gray? Here’s what to know
Here's the lowdown on the millennial green trend
Pale green wall paint color with retro decor

Millennial gray swept through many interiors during the minimalist movements of the 2010s as millennials attempted to counteract the gaudy and beige interiors of their parents. Today, millennials are transitioning away from gray to green. The swap seems to be inspired by new biophilic interiors, old-money aesthetics, and cottagecore looks.

Sage, olive, and forest green tones are trending everywhere. But is it becoming tacky and overrated? We weigh in on what you need to know about millennial green.
What is millennial green?

Read more
5 soothing nursery colors to create a calm baby space
Check out the best nursery color palettes for a relaxing baby's room
Pregnant woman looking at paint swatches for nursery.

Bringing a baby into the world is an experience filled with many essential decisions, one of which is choosing the color scheme for the nursery. While nursery colors may not seem like a top priority when compared to other parenting decisions, the colors in your baby’s room can affect the mood of both you and your baby.

There are countless studies related to how color affects adults, and though infants can’t see color, they will as they grow older. Most parents want to create a calm and soothing environment for their baby, and choosing the colors for a nursery is the first step in the process. Check out the best nursery color palettes for a relaxing baby's room below.
Soft shades for a nursery

Read more
’90s decor: The trends we wouldn’t mind seeing again (and the ones we would)
We share some 1990s trends that we welcome with open arms and those that really should remain in the past
High ceiling kitchen with backsplash and wood cabinets

As millennials enter the housing market and make a statement on their spaces, '90s design trends are returning to the home. Often reminiscent of their childhood, '90s kids crave something that reminds them of their youth. However, not all '90s decor needs to make a comeback. Today, we share some 1990s trends that we welcome with open arms and those that really should remain in the past.
'90s trends making a comeback

Y2K may have held the spotlight for the past year or so, but as the '90s kids enter the housing market and invest in their personal style, many are reflecting back on their childhood homes. Here are some 1990s home decor ideas that are trending again.
Frilly grandmillenial details
Grandmillenial decor has skyrocketed as one of the trendiest design styles among '90s kids. Whether it’s because the aesthetic reminds them of their grandmother’s living room growing up or the furniture looks like it belongs on the set of Bridgerton, frilly grandmillenial details are trending. Think furniture skirting, lace details, tablecloths, doilies, and layered curtains. Add dainty fabrics throughout your space and embrace the frills.
Wicker furniture
Wicker furniture was a must-have in '90s sunrooms. However, the desire for wicker decor has reemerged as millennials gravitate toward coastal aesthetics. For example, coastal grandchild is a trending style that uses wicker elements to offer the perfect beach home vibe. While white wicker is popular, wood tones are also making a comeback in boho aesthetics.
Bold patterns
For the past couple of years, millennials have been craving bold patterns and loud prints. Maximalism sparked this trend, but many homeowners are aching to recreate their '90s childhood homes with stripes, florals, and checkerboard patterns. Patterned sofas, in particular, are gaining more traction. Gingham prints are also resurging in farmhouse and cottage-inspired designs.
Wallpaper
It’s fair to say that many people have been scarred by peeling away the hideous 1990s wallpaper. And sure, some resolved to paint over it. But the next generation of homeowners has a newfound love for bold wallpapers and floral prints reminiscent of the '90s looks. It’s only a matter of time before the '90s kids embrace the floral wallpaper borders of years past.
Large entertainment centers
Entertainment centers in the '90s were massive. If you grew up with a large CRT television with a stereo that housed cassette, CD, and VHS ports all in one, then you know what we’re talking about. We will likely see more oversized console tables and entertainment centers this year. While we no longer need to store our dozens of VHS tapes or CDs, these oversized cabinets offer ample storage space.

Read more