If you’ve ever spent a night in a high-end hotel room, or even just found yourself admiring dreamy bedrooms in a magazine or on Pinterest, then you’ve probably experienced the look or feeling of luxury. This space exudes ‘expensive.’ As the bedroom holds particular importance as the primary place you go to recharge at the end of each day, and the first place you see when you wake up, creating luxurious space goes a long way.
In the case of interior design, ‘luxury’ refers to not only the visual aesthetic (the ‘look’) but also the feels that it evokes emotionally (the ‘feel’). If you’re looking to infuse luxe elements into your bedroom, from the bed to the luxury freestanding wardrobes and the lighting, you may be stumped on where to start – and how to do so on a budget.
That’s why we’re here. These interior design tips will help you get that luxurious look for less. Because, now more than ever, your bedroom should feel like a retreat.
Start With A Standout Bed
The most impactful way to give your bedroom that hotel-Esque vibe is through a dramatic, oversized upholstered bed. The most common choice for a hotel bed is the Wingback, which has two protruding wings on either side of the headboard to feel enveloped. In a queen or king-size, this high-res bed feels all the more dramatic, and the height on the headboard also allows it to double as a large-scale piece of art. The best part? You can design the Wingback Bed or Headboard in your choice of fabric to fit the existing elements in your space.
Hardware Refresh
For an update that has minimal impact on budget but maximum effect, consider refreshing the hardware on your bedroom furniture. This DIY-lite option (all you’ll need is a screwdriver or drill) is relatively easy and can apply to anything from the dresser to the nightstand. Opt for contemporary hardware with a touch of glam – whether that’s gold, brass, or glass – and you’ll be shocked out how this small facelift can transform the style of an entire piece of furniture, from your vintage hand-me-down to an old, lower-budget piece that’s stuck around since college.
Lighting, But Make It Glam
Lighting is often overlooked, but one of the most important factors in producing an ambiance of luxury. First off, take stock of your lighting situation. If you have a lot of natural light, play that up – it’s a gift! But if you’re primarily relying on harsh-feeling overhead lights, a few simple adjustments will change the whole vibe. For one, consider adding a few new light sources, such as wall sconces (very hotel reading lamp-inspired) or table lamps. For a touch of glamour, consider a piece with a shiny fixture – perhaps glass, gold, or crystals.
Pillow Party
If there’s one thing about hotel beds that are a sure thing, it’s their abundance of pillows. Creating a dramatic pillows cape is an easy (and seasonally interchangeable) way to give your bedroom a luxurious, expensive-looking vibe without the price tag. The formula for a traditional take on pillow styling includes two pairs of square pillows (one pair slightly larger than the other), with an accent lumbar pillow laid across the front. But, for maximum drama, feel free to add as many more as you’d like, with complementing patterns and fabrics to spice things up.
Plush Is More
Don’t forget about textures—the more plushness you can bring to space, the better. From your bed linens to your accents like throw blankets, rugs, and pillows, mixing in textures like velvet and faux fur are not only visually pleasing but also make for a cozy cocoon that feels expensive.
Dramatic Drapes
If you have windows in your bedroom, opt for floor-to-ceiling drapes and install them in a way that tricks the eye into reading the space as larger than it is. By positioning the drapes closer to the ceiling, it will not only make your windows seem larger but also make the entire room appear taller and grander. And what’s grander or more glamourous than pulling opening your pair of velvet drapes to let the sun in each morning?
Cut The Clutter
The best part about this tip is that it’s entirely free! Envision your favorite bedroom space – the space that, if you could snap your fingers and live there, you’d dream about. This space probably isn’t crowded with clutter. Just like the magic of walking into a hotel suite and seeing the beauty in its lack of stuff, give your space the gift of being clutter-free. Not only will this help clear your mind – especially essential in a bedroom – but it will feel like a visual fresh of breath air and allow the true glamour in your space to shine through.
