Easy Bedroom Refresh Ideas That Don’t Require a Renovation

I’m not getting ready to rip out flooring, repaint walls, or have Joe wondering what kind of project I’ve dreamed up now. Lol! But I have been wanting our bedroom to feel a little different.

For years, I’ve gravitated toward crisp white bedding, but lately I’ve been craving warmer, earthier colors. So instead of doing a full bedroom makeover, I’m changing a few things at a time. New bedding started the whole thing, and you know how that goes. One change suddenly makes you look around and think, “Well…now that lamp doesn’t look right.” Lol!

Some of the things below are already in our bedroom and I’ve been using them, while others I’ve ordered or am considering as I pull everything together. I want to make that distinction because I don’t want to tell you I love something I’ve never even taken out of the box.

Start With the Bedding

The bed takes up so much visual space that changing the bedding can make the entire room feel different without touching anything else.

I decided to move away from the crisp white I’ve used for years and try something warmer. I bought this Premium Down Medium Warmth Comforter in Thyme, and Joe and I both love it.

The thyme color was exactly the change I wanted. It still feels calm and neutral, but it adds warmth to the room and gives me more colors to work with when I’m choosing pillows, artwork, and accessories.

And if you like changing things seasonally, bedding is one of the easiest places to start. You don’t necessarily have to replace everything either. Sometimes a new comforter, duvet cover, quilt, or even a throw at the end of the bed is enough.

Don’t Forget What’s Underneath: Your Mattress

Of course, pretty bedding doesn’t matter much if you aren’t comfortable when you crawl into bed.

A mattress doesn’t automatically need replacing just because it reaches a certain birthday. How well you’re sleeping, sagging, loss of support, and waking up uncomfortable matter too. But mattresses don’t last forever, and if yours is getting older and you’re no longer sleeping comfortably, it might be worth paying attention to what your body is telling you.

I’ve been sleeping so much better since my new Helix mattress arrived, and I’ve noticed a difference in how I feel when I get up in the morning. That’s obviously much more important to me than how pretty the bed looks.

If you’ve already been considering a Helix mattress, you can use my code TANIAS for 22% off your purchase.

Add One Statement Lamp

Once I changed the bedding, I started noticing the other things in the room that I’ve basically quit seeing because they’ve been there so long. My nightstand lamp is one of them.

I’m considering replacing it with something that has a little more personality, and this lamp set caught my eye. I like that it has a nightlight along with USB ports, especially since our phones always seem to end up charging beside the bed.

Right now, it’s on my bedroom-refresh list because I like the style and the added functionality. this lamp set that also has a nightlight and USB ports.

Bring in a Cozy Scent

Scent can change the way a room feels almost instantly, but I’m somewhat particular about fragrances because some of them bother me.

I’ve switched from lighting a traditional candle to using a candle warmer lamp. I use mine in the hall outside our bedroom, and I like being able to enjoy the candle fragrance without having an open flame burning.

It also gives off a little bit of light in the hallway, which I appreciate when I’m wandering around at night trying not to wake everybody up.

I also use the Aera Home Fragrance System in the bathroom off our bedroom. I have a slight sensitivity to some fragrances, so I tend to know pretty quickly when one doesn’t agree with me. Aera fragrances haven’t bothered me personally, and Vanilla is the scent I use most often.

Of course, fragrance sensitivities are very individual, so what works for me might not work for everyone.

Swap Out the Throw Pillows

This might be my favorite inexpensive trick because pillows are easy to change and they don’t require Joe to get out a toolbox. That’s always a bonus. Lol!

I usually keep the larger pieces fairly neutral and bring in color with pillows. Deeper shades like emerald, cobalt, mustard, olive, or even a rich rust can completely change the look of neutral bedding.

Both the long lumbar pillow and the Botanical Birds lumbar pillow are from Target, and I’ve actually had them for several years.

That’s another thing worth remembering. A bedroom refresh doesn’t mean every single thing has to be new. Sometimes moving around pieces you already own works just as well.

Hang A Good Piece of Art

This is one of the changes I’m most excited to see.

I just ordered this Simple Sage – 2 Piece Picture Frame Painting Print Set to coordinate with the new thyme comforter. I liked the soft, peaceful look of the prints online, and I think they’ll work nicely with the direction I’m taking the room.

Notice that I said I think. Lol! They haven’t arrived yet, so the jury is still out until I get them on the wall.

That’s one of the challenges of ordering home decor online. Something can look perfect on the screen and completely different once you get it into your own lighting and beside your furniture. I’ll know much more once these arrive.

You don’t have to spend a fortune on artwork either. A simple framed print, family photograph, vintage piece, or something you already own can make a large blank wall feel much more finished.

What I’d Skip

I wouldn’t automatically start with paint.

Painting can certainly transform a bedroom, but before you buy gallons of paint and spend your weekend moving furniture, I’d change some of the easier things first.

Start with the bedding. Live with it for a few days. Then look at your lamps, pillows, artwork, and accessories.

You may discover the room didn’t need nearly as much work as you thought.

And, if after all of that you’re still staring at the wall thinking, “Nope, that color has got to go,” then grab the paintbrush. Lol!

A Few Bedroom Refresh Tips I’ve Learned

Change the largest visual piece first. For me, that was the bedding. Once I changed it, it became much easier to see what else I wanted to do.

I also try to keep the number of colors fairly limited. Using two or three main colors makes it easier to buy pieces at different stores and at different times without the room starting to look jumbled.

And don’t underestimate texture. A knit throw, woven basket, upholstered pillow, wood frame, or soft rug can add interest without adding another color or pattern.

Most importantly, don’t feel like the room has to be finished by Saturday afternoon.

I’m doing ours a little at a time, and I actually think that’s better. It gives me a chance to see how each new piece looks before I buy something else that I may not need.

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To GOD Goes The Glory!

Verse Of The Day

Isaiah 60:3 (NIV)
³ Nations will come to your light,
    and kings to the brightness of your dawn.