Your Perfect Bedroom: Calm and Airy or Moody and Dark?
Take a Mini Tour of Light-to-Dark Bedrooms and See Which One's for You
Erin Lang Norris
June 15, 2011
Houzz Contributor. My husband and I live in a 1950 ranch-style home a few miles west of Madison, Wisconsin. When I'm not working, I like to do projects around my house, get out in my solo canoe or go camping, read design and psychology blogs and work on mixed media art.
Houzz Contributor. My husband and I live in a 1950 ranch-style home a few miles west... More
After living in my first house for almost 2 years, I am still quite hesitant to show anybody the master bedroom. The walls are a hideous beige with terrible faux beadboard and ugly decorative trim. It's definitely going to take some work to turn it into a space I will enjoy. While I can certainly change the color whenever I want, I haven't taken the leap quite yet because I keep getting hung up on one detail: Do I want to go for calm and airy or moody and dark?
Through those words alone, the answer may seem obvious. But when I look at dark bedrooms, something pulls me in and I am back at square one. In an effort to get my act together, I decided to create an ideabook highlighting the various feelings conjured by such different spaces.
Through those words alone, the answer may seem obvious. But when I look at dark bedrooms, something pulls me in and I am back at square one. In an effort to get my act together, I decided to create an ideabook highlighting the various feelings conjured by such different spaces.
Okay, let’s start on the crisp and bright side. This bedroom is like a breath of fresh air. Whenever I look at this photo, I feel calm and at ease. I think this is what it would feel like to live in the clouds. And stepping onto the soft, plush rug each morning would be reason enough to crawl out of bed.
Find the right rug
Find the right rug
Furniture painted in a color range that differs slightly from the rest of the bedroom helps keep it from feeling too stiff. Much of today's furniture is straight-lined and boxy and makes places feel a bit jarring, which is something to keep in mind when planning your bedroom.
Tip: Older furniture seems to be the way to go if you are after this effect, due to the more ornate styles that can be found.
Tip: Older furniture seems to be the way to go if you are after this effect, due to the more ornate styles that can be found.
A quilted headboard and view of the sea keep this bedroom on the soft side. Layering various white textures is a good way to be sure that your room won’t seem too clinical.
Warmed by beautiful hardwood floors, this bedroom retreat is kept from being cold and stark. If you find yourself drawn to airy bedrooms but need something more than just white, a different color for your floor is a good way to set the tone.
Shades of pale blues help things stay on the airy side in this blissful sanctuary. Another cozy rug along with the bedside lamps keep this space from slipping into the cold side.
All right, so now we'll move into a more neutral feeling, perfect for those of us (like me) who can't make up our minds. This bedroom seems to be a nice balance between dark and light. By deepening the blues and increasing the temperature of the whites, the space feels rich and warm.
Through the use of dark floors and bedding, along with an accent wall above the bed, this room falls in the in-between category as well. With the help of a glossy floor and wall that reflects light and color, this room is able to avoid any feelings of potential stuffiness.
One last room that falls somewhere in between moody and calm, this bedroom uses contrast to the highest advantage. By alternating dark and light colors, nothing seems to get sucked in or disappear, which is important when designing dark spaces, especially if they are low on natural light (which this room is not). Notice how the contrasting colors are used in a way that keeps everything crisp and clean.
Okay, now we're going to venture into the darker, moodier side of things. Although this bedroom is pretty bright during the day, it will take on a much darker nature once the sun sets, because of the dark wood and deep blue walls. I imagine that the room feels quite cozy at night.
Tip: When designing your bedroom, think about when you will use the space the most. Morning loungers may appreciate the softness of white, while evening relaxers may enjoy the comfort of a darker room.
Tip: When designing your bedroom, think about when you will use the space the most. Morning loungers may appreciate the softness of white, while evening relaxers may enjoy the comfort of a darker room.
This swanky and rich bedroom looks great during the day — I can only imagine how posh it must look at night!
Tip: Some of the best advice I’ve ever heard when it comes to designing dark spaces is to incorporate items that are shiny so it never looks daunting during the daylight hours. I think the mirror, shiny wood floors, leather chair and metal light fixtures prove that point quite well.
Tip: Some of the best advice I’ve ever heard when it comes to designing dark spaces is to incorporate items that are shiny so it never looks daunting during the daylight hours. I think the mirror, shiny wood floors, leather chair and metal light fixtures prove that point quite well.
This room would be quite dark at night, which would make for a comfortable environment to hang out in and be done with the day. The only thing I would add to darker space like this is more lighting, especially if you like to read in the evening.
Take advantage of a bright nearby window when designing a dark bedroom. It brings out any contrasting colors and keeps the richer hues from bleeding into each other during the day.
What does your perfect bedroom look like?
Hire an interior designer to create the bedroom of your dreams
Next: Browse photos of bedroom designs
More color guides:
Chic and Moody Bathrooms
Cool White Spaces
How to Pick the Right White
How to Pick the Right Gray
What does your perfect bedroom look like?
Hire an interior designer to create the bedroom of your dreams
Next: Browse photos of bedroom designs
More color guides:
Chic and Moody Bathrooms
Cool White Spaces
How to Pick the Right White
How to Pick the Right Gray
Related Stories
Basements
30 Fun and Creative Ideas to Elevate Your Basement
See how home bars, golf simulators, craft rooms, saunas and other fab features turn lower levels into top attractions
Full Story
Storage
25 Hidden Doors and Secret Spaces
Sneak ideas from pantries, playrooms and other spaces concealed behind bookcases and camouflaged doors
Full Story
Photo Flip
25 Home Bars Stashed Under the Stairs
These home bars make refreshing use of the awkward spaces under stairs
Full Story
Basements
Semifinished Basement Remade Into a Chic Family Lounge
By Becky Harris
The transformed space features a black-and-white palette, a stunning bar countertop and a wine bottle display
Full Story
Basements
Denver Basement Adds Family-Friendly Living Space
By Becky Harris
A designer and a contractor convert a crawl space into a smart and stylish place for playing, relaxing and entertaining
Full Story
Basements
Shiplap, Oak Accents and Layers of Light Warm a Basement Design
By Becky Harris
The lower level of this New Jersey home has a TV lounge, home gym, pingpong room and bathroom-locker room
Full Story
Outbuildings
We Can Dream: Ultimate Sports Barn
This newly built barn in the upper Northeast features a private bowling alley, basketball court and movie theater
Full Story
Bedrooms
5 Things You Didn’t Know Your Bedroom Needed
Don’t miss out any longer — these additions to your sleep space can make life so much lovelier
Full Story
Room of the Day
Room of the Day: Storage Space Turned Classy Dressing Room
In this vintage-inspired space, Mom can get ready for the day or take some time for herself
Full Story
Laundry Rooms
Dream Spaces: 10 Ideas for a Get-It-Done Utility Room
Boost a laundry or utility space with design ideas that will make the room as good-looking as it is useful
Full Story
I'm really struggling to decide between white/light and dark for my room (I've made a design dilemma). The white is great and fresh and bright, but the dark is stylish. And I've over done it with "feature" walls around the house already :P