13 Ways to Instantly Improve a Boring Bedroom

OK, so this spectacular boho-chic bedroom doesn’t only get its good looks from the black backdrop, but it sure helps to make everything pop. The layered rugs – love the Aztec babe up front – the gold sconces and chandelier and the mid-century modern tables would look much less dramatic without that painted wall.

. For more on how to get this look, visit mydomaine.com/carlson-young

Put your palm over the spray of flowers in the foreground and what are you left with? A beige bedroom without pizzazz. That’s why we recommend bringing blooms into the boudoir, fake or otherwise; we won’t tell. Both enliven a space, especially on dark winter days.

Ignore the festive wreaths for a minute and have a look at that kooky bedspread. The bright colours and the polka-dotted print bring life to the bedroom of this Victorian-era house. Without the spread, this bedroom would have been too one-note. Moral of the story: neutrals need a nudge.

Photo by Katherine Frey/The Washington Post via Getty Images

One of the easiest ways to jazz up a bland bedroom is with art. For visual pop, choose a piece that complements and contrasts your colour scheme like the designer did here. Blue and yellow are best mates.

Photo Benjamin C. Tankersley via Getty Images

Reevaluate your bed. If you’ve had yours since before the internet’s existence, it may be time for an update. We love the shapely silhouette of this low-slung two-tone one from Structube, as well as the simplicity of the Dane bedding (also from Structube and $99). The colour-block art is a fabulous touch, too.

From removable wallpaper to paintable stencils, there are many ways to quickly create a cool headboard if you haven’t got one. This idea uses Farrow and Ball’s Elephant’s Breath and Great White paint colours to create an ethereal, barely there (but so there) headboard.

From the rose-gold accents to the sumptuous bedding, this bedroom is on point. But what pulls it together is that Delicate Dots mural from Etsy shop Thinkimprint. Removable and a cinch to install, this wallpaper a surefire to fall in love with your bedroom again.

We dig this reclaimed teak bedroom set, Carousel by EQ3, especially because of the bohemian beauty underfoot in on-trend pink. A rug instantly adds warmth and looks both smart and cozy against harder materials.

Architectural lighting can seriously amp up the wow factor in a bedroom. It offers a sculptural quality, and it’s a space-saver in smaller spaces. This stylish room, designed by Chelsea Petaja of Oh My Deer Handmades stationary, features West Elm’s Mid-Century overarching wall sconces. PS: Read about the transformation of this once-dingy attic here: blog.westelm.com/2014/07/31/attic-renovation/

Get cushy! Load up your bedroom with a whole lot of mix-and-match pillows. We love the stripes on both the cushions and bedding here. Be sure to vary the sizes and textures for a dynamic look.

A bench in the bedroom is both pretty and practical. Put your clothes on it or sit on it while you’re putting on your socks. Or – our favourite – use it as a decorating surface. Stack oversize books and a cloche, magazines or a bright throw. Style it in the way you would a coffee table.

Ensconce yourself in a cocoon of textiles this winter, just like a Victorian-era lady. That’s the vibe of this cozy bedroom that showcases Ikea’s KOPARDAL bed frame. You’ll never want to get out of bed.

PS: Choose a gauzy fabric if you want a lighter look.