The guiding principle behind minimalist design is that less is still too much, so everything you do include needs to have a purpose. When you apply this your bedroom, it will quickly become clear that there are key elements you can’t do away with but will need to be smarter about when selecting them, which is why we’ve put together this guide for you to reference.
The Basics
Minimalist design doesn’t call for you to sleep on the floor surrounded by white walls and nothing else – that’s a myth. Instead, it encourages considered purchases, less fuss and an appreciation for higher-quality pieces. Clean lines feature heavily, too, with everything being both functional and beautiful, but the question is how can you extend these principles to your bedroom? Here’s how.
Build Around Your Bed
If you include no other pieces of furniture, you will invest in a bed frame. With this in mind, it makes perfect sense to construct the rest of your space around this one key item, letting it dictate the proportions of your bedroom and any accents. You don’t have to choose a white bed, as the shape and style of frame is more important, with a sleek silhouette being vital.
Accents Can Be ‘Out There’
Whether you hang a large and eye-catching piece of art on one of your walls or invest in polished gold light fixtures, your minimalist bedroom accents can be daring. In fact, they work all the better in an otherwise totally understated area. You just need to keep their number small.
Natural Wood Works
As an accent shade that both complements and amplifies white, natural wood is hard to beat. It adds a non-artificial warmth that balances cool modernity with cosy liveability, all without ever looking too fussy. A natural wood bed frame, in a simple linear style, would be an ideal inclusion.
Tactile Elements Rule
Some textiles simple yearn to be touched and it’s those on the softer, more luxurious end of the scale that work well in minimalist bedrooms. Suede, velvet, chenille and cashmere all have a uniquely luxe allure that screams of unfussy opulence.
Play To Some Stereotypes
Bright white walls are one aspect of minimalism that we do highly recommend for your bedroom. It keeps things fresh and contemporary and offers a good base for adding other elements. For a really clean and cool feel, choose a blue- or green-based white.
Play With Grey
Adding in some delicate contrasts can add depth to your minimalist bedroom but keep them understated. A light-grey accent colour works well, especially for furniture, as it just separates structure from furnishings.
Aim For Zen
Your bedroom shouldn’t be a stark and unfriendly area, as it is meant to relax and recharge you, which is why a zen bedroom vibe is worth aiming for. Adding a bamboo room divider to hide away your dressing area is a good way to tap into the meditative aesthetic and keep your focus on rest.
Keep Original Features
We can’t stress enough how vital original architectural features are. Removing them in the pursuit of a less fussy aesthetic is, simply, a mistake. Integrate them into your scheme and welcome them as part of your home’s history. This goes for exposed roof beams, fireplaces and much more.
A Different Form
If the simplicity of minimalism appeals but the white colour scheme doesn’t, why not consider an industrial take on the look? Choose polished concrete for walls and/or floors and make a pale grey your neutral of choice. Everything is open to interpretation, especially when it comes to the perfect bedroom.
Monochrome Can Be Magnificent
The most classic scheme in the world, monochrome lends itself to minimalism so effortlessly. White walls, wood flooring and black linear furniture capture the essence so well, while firmly retaining a crisp modernity that can be lost to more Scandinavian tropes, if you’re not careful and go too hard with the all-white.
Look To The Light
A statement light fixture can add a frivolous and romantic element back into your bedroom, even when the rest of the space is undeniably pared back and minimalist. Modern chandeliers, with unsymmetrical forms, offer enough whimsy to light the overall mood, while discreet downlighters, coupled with a large floor lamp, can also have the same effect.
Retro Revival
Vintage furniture can work well in a minimalist room when kept under control and balanced with modern pieces. The tactile, sweeping shapes of the 1960s and 1970s work especially well, with lamps and individual chairs offering elegant and understated visual nuances that highlight the otherwise stark surroundings.
Sweden Calling
Combine two elements of minimalism to enjoy a Scandinavian twist on the look. When painted white, wood retains the texture and charm of the material, while also taking on the cool clarity of the most neutral colour. Wall panelling looks fantastic, as does flooring or even ceilings, and this is an option for anyone who doesn’t crave perfectly smooth white surfaces in their bedroom.
Be Shape Specific
A major part of minimalist design is the inherent consistency, which is why choosing a shape that you enjoy can be a defining feature of your bedroom. A square bed, when paired with a boxy tub chair and square light fixture will create a harmonious and unfussy look. Using a variety of shapes will break the focus of the room.
While all-white everything is something of a misnomer, minimalist bedroom design does usually feature a lot of the brightest neutral. Paired with luxurious fabrics, contrasting hues and stunning furniture, it creates a naturally restful and regenerative space that both calms the mind and fires up your inner peace, if only for the few hours that you spend in there to sleep. We don’t think you’ll be able to stop at just your bedroom though – once you go minimal, you won’t want to go back.
