The bedroom is our sanctuary—a deeply personal space where we end each day and greet each new one. Whether your aesthetic leans minimalist, maximalist, coastal, traditional or somewhere in between, the bedroom should reflect who you are at your most relaxed. Designing a bedroom begins with understanding its emotional purpose—and then elevating it with thoughtful, tactile choices.
Start With the Bed
The bed is everything. Its placement shapes the room’s flow, and its presence should anchor the space without overwhelming it. In a larger room, float the bed slightly off the wall with nightstands and wall-mounted lighting flanking it. In tighter spaces, keep the arrangement grounded and intentional. A headboard in channel-tufted velvet, raw linen or sculpted wood sets a quiet tone and defines the space.
Furniture That Grounds the Room
Scale is essential. Nightstands should align with the bed—not too tall or too short—and should serve both function and form. I love pairing modern silhouettes with vintage finds for a curated feel. At the foot of the bed, add a bench, ottoman or settee—a timeless design move that adds balance, elegance and utility. In larger bedrooms, I often recommend a sitting area with two chairs and a small table near a window—it becomes a space for morning coffee, a good book or reflection.
Lighting: Layered and Luminous
Lighting in a bedroom should be soft, flexible and layered. A sculptural pendant or chandelier can add drama, but bedside lighting—whether ceramic lamps, adjustable sconces or sleek hanging pendants—brings in both mood and intimacy. Always install dimmers. Light in a bedroom should follow your rhythm, not compete with it.
Linens That Transform Sleep
Textiles are the soul of the room. I want my family and guests to feel extra taken care of, and that includes the most luxurious-feeling sheets. Layer with a linen duvet, a textured quilt and a mohair or cashmere throw for dimension. The more tactile, the more comforting.
Color, Pattern, and Personality
Some people love a bedroom filled with color, florals or bold patterns—and when layered thoughtfully, those spaces can feel vibrant and alive. Personally, I’m drawn to rich neutrals and layers of texture: washed linen, soft wool, nubby boucle and silk velvet. A tonal palette in taupe, ivory, sand or slate invites a sense of calm and understated elegance. If color calls to you, try introducing it in art, a throw pillow or even a painted ceiling—use it like a whisper, not a shout.
Final Touches
A beautiful rug—hand-knotted wool or a flatweave with dimension—grounds the space. Art should evoke peace or quiet joy. Personalize your nightstand with something meaningful: a favorite book, a sculptural object, a vintage tray or a single stem in a small vase. These are the gestures that say, “this is mine.”
A beautiful bedroom isn’t about trends. It’s about how you want to feel when the door closes and the world fades. Choose what nurtures that feeling—and make it entirely your own.
FAITH’S FAVORITE FINDS
Mattresses
▶ Saatva Classic – Luxe hybrid feel, eco-conscious and with firmness options for every sleep style
▶ Stearns & Foster Estate Collection – Elegant, plush and perfect for those who love a classic pillow-top
▶ Avocado Green Mattress – Organic, firm and sustainably made for a toxin-free sleep
Linens
▶ Frette Hotel Collection – Italian-crafted, crisp, breathable and timeless
▶ Charter Club by Macy’s Cotton Sateen – Affordable luxury, soft and enduring
▶ Parachute Percale or Linen – Casual, elegant and deeply comfortable
Design Tip
Add a bench or settee at the foot of the bed to ground the space and offer a functional, elegant seating moment. In larger rooms, create a reading nook with two chairs and a side table near a window—it adds purpose and polish.
Faith Berger is a St. Louis-based artist, working in acrylic, mixed medium collage. Visit her website at faithberger.com,
find her on Instagram faithberger.art, or reach her via email at faith@faithberger.com.
