How to Mix & Match Bedroom Furniture the Right Way
Create the perfect bedroom.
While buying a bedroom set can make decorating your room easier, it also tends to take away your opportunity to express yourself and truly personalize your sleep space. If you are feeling creative, read this guide to learn how to mix and match bedroom furniture so you can turn your room into a tranquil oasis of your own making.
Step 1: Start With Your Statement Piece
Begin your journey of bedroom furniture mixing and matching with a single statement piece. The bed is the most common option since it's the largest furniture item, although you can always opt for something smaller but distinctive like a dramatic chandelier, unique artwork, or even a striking area rug. Pick an object that brings you joy and build the rest of the room around that special element, making it the star of the show. This item will typically provide the main color in your room and give you a clear direction to move in. In this image above, the floral motif in the patterned upholstered bed provides plenty of inspiration for accent colors to match decor pieces to – including the orange nightstands and green area rug.
When selecting your colors, you want a cohesive palette that will typically comprise one primary color and two secondary hues. You can also use the 60-30-10 rule of primary, secondary, and accent colors in each ratio. The color scheme must flow throughout the bedroom, drawing a connection between pieces. But try to be sparing with your accent colors – you don't want to overwhelm the space either. If you prefer to keep things more simple, go with a neutral foundation and add in a few bold accents in a couple of your favorite hues. For example, the bedroom above uses the beige floral wallpaper as a neutral foundation before layering simple touches of color through the pink bed and pale blue nightstands.
Your statement piece often inspires the look of your room, but don't feel bound by just one aesthetic. Try to blend different styles, like mid-century modern and industrial, rustic and coastal, and even vintage with some modern touches. Find a common thread in both styles – whether that be a shared material or similar hues – and play on that to ensure they still go together. In the image above, the white four-poster bed leans more traditional, while the woven benches and rattan nightstands add boho texture.
Starting with the bed, which is the biggest furniture item you will need to purchase, you can select the rest of the bedroom furniture based around the frame material and design. After you choose your nightstand(s) or wardrobe, you should consider what other furniture pieces you need. Do you want a loveseat to watch TV from or a vanity where you can apply your makeup? Perhaps you need a bench at the end of your bed or a desk when you work from home. No matter what you choose, you must consider where you will be placing them, how they will fit into your space, and how they will look in relation to one another.
Tip!
Take this Bedroom Aesthetic Quiz: What Is Your Bedroom Style? to get a better idea of what you like for your bedroom.
Step 4: Mix Different Materials, Textures, & Patterns
When it comes to bedroom furniture, there are four primary materials to choose from. Wood furniture in its array of natural brown tones typically works well with more farmhouse, rustic, or traditional. Painted furniture, which comes in any color possible, can match an array of styles ranging from mid-century modern to boho. Metal can be glossy or matte and usually lean glam or industrial respectively. And finally, upholstered furniture has a soft and romantic feel but can also be more maximalist when covered in bold prints.
Because using a single material throughout your room will make it seem flat and uninspired, you want to try mixing them instead. Avoid looking for exact matches and try to mix hard and soft textures or matte and glossy finishes to create a bit of juxtaposition. Any pieces made from the same material or in the same color should not be placed next to one another. Instead, place them on opposite sides or use other pieces to separate them (like the blue velvet bed and teal bench above). That being said, you don't need something from every category – just enough to create a more dynamic but integrated contrast.
Scale is important because the use of too many large or small items will appear disproportionate and even overcrowded. It's important to strike a balance with a mix of larger and smaller pieces as well as shorter and taller items. Use care as you purchase one piece at a time to ensure everything fits in your bedroom. Also take into account any notable features your room has to offer. If there's a bay window, you can create a reading nook. Or if your room has ornate millwork, it can be complemented by unique art.
You want to make sure there's still a natural flow through the room with no obstructions (especially when you navigate your bedroom at night) by leaving at least two to three feet of clearance in high-traffic paths. You should also try to use negative space, or the empty space between items, to avoid overcrowding and create an intentional space.
Finally, your decor and accent pieces are what tie the whole room together. These are typically the things you surround your furniture with, like bedding, curtains, and area rugs. It also includes decorative objects and knick knacks that add character to the space. Even lighting works as an accent piece. You can either select coordinating colors from your statement piece to help create harmony or choose accent hues as you place each piece around the bedroom, helping to weave everything into one. Remember to stick to around three colors to maintain a coordinated look and prevent the room from getting too busy. Again, try mixing patterns and textures like a thick faux fur area rug with bright throw pillows or plush velvet drapes with glossy glass vases. The image above is a perfect example: the bright yellow bed and coral curtains are complemented by warm-toned accents, such as sunny wall art and inviting bedding.
