Your summer bedroom should be a beautiful, airy space that's both design-inspiring and comfortable enough for a good night's sleep, which is why it's important to make a few (easy, budget-friendly) tweaks to get your bedroom warm-weather ready.
Your bedroom should feel like a breath of fresh air and provide comfort while you enjoy the beauty of the new season. From light, airy textiles to refreshing colour palettes, there are so many ways to create a summery feel with new bedroom ideas.
Experts share tips on how to bring a little seasonal flair into your bedroom, plus five summer bedroom ideas to freshen up your space.
5 Summer Bedroom Ideas to Freshen Up Your Sleeping Space
(Image courtesy of Vaughan Design & Development / Photo: Chris Snook)
While it's not necessary to summerize your bedroom, adding a few little touches to your bedroom can be a great way to make it feel like a whole new bedroom.
Whether you have a small bedroom to renovate or a large main bedroom, these 5 summer bedroom ideas from interior designers are sure to inspire you.
1. Replace soft furniture with brighter pieces
(Image courtesy of Vaughan Design & Development / Photo: Chris Snook)
One of the most effective ways to transform a space is to change up your upholstery: look at all the textures, fabrics and curtains in your bedroom and, if they're looking a bit heavy, replace them with something airy for summer.
“We like to design spaces that feel bright and joyful all year round,” says Holly Vaughn of Vaughn Design & Development, “but if you want to add more pattern and color that evokes summer nostalgia, we recommend keeping it simple and replacing your soft furnishings with softer, brighter pieces.”
For example, replacing heavy curtains with thinner fabrics like linen or cheesecloth will let in natural light and create a more airy feel. If you have an upholstered headboard or bed skirt, consider whether it would benefit from upgrading them to seasonally appropriate colors and textures for the warmer months. Bright, fun colors and bold patterns can instantly infuse a space with a summer vibe. Don't be afraid to mix and match.
2. Choose lightweight linen
(Image courtesy of Garden Trading)
Of course, changing your bed linen is really quick and easy. Start by swapping out your heavy winter blankets and dark bedding for lighter, more breathable materials. Opt for linen and cotton sheets in light, airy colors like white, pale blue and pale pink. Not only are these materials comfortable, they're also cool to the touch, making for a better night's sleep.
“I always like to give my bedroom a little refresh for summer,” says renowned interior designer Cathy Kuo. “It feels so good to have heavy summer sheets and swap out my cashmere blankets for light cotton ones. I also change out my decorative pillows and shams for summer. I also love to have a vase of fresh, summery flowers on my bedside table to embrace the best elements of the season.”
Linen has a beautiful, muted texture that lends a laid-back elegance. Its ability to keep you cool in the summer is unmatched, and it gets softer with every wash. “Linen bedding is perfect for a summer bedroom,” adds Shelby Van Daly of Daly Home. “I love the look of linen layered on a bed, and I also love cream linen curtains, as they brighten and soften the room.”
Antibes Eyelet Percale Siam
Melia European Flax Linen® Duvet Cover
3. Update with a lighter, brighter color palette
(Image courtesy of Vaughan Design & Development / Photo: Chris Snook)
“Bright colours and fun patterns are great elements for the perfect summer bedroom,” points out Laura Williams of ATX Interior Design, and we couldn't agree more – but that doesn't mean you have to think vibrant.
Summer is synonymous with bright, fun colors, and adopting a new color scheme can instantly brighten up a space and make it feel more inviting and relaxed. A fresh coat of paint in a soft, bright shade, like a soft blue, pastel pink or light yellow, can completely transform the feel of your bedroom.
Need inspiration? Look to nature. Think of the colors you see on the beach or in a summer garden: soft sandy neutrals, ocean blues, foliage greens, and floral hues. Use these colors on your walls, bedding, and accessories to create a cohesive look that celebrates the essence of summer.
4. Brighten up your artwork and decor
(Images courtesy of Heather Peterson Design / Kim Cornelison)
You've probably finished spring cleaning your bedroom by now, but as we approach summer we encourage you to take those ideas a step further and clear out the clutter to make your bedroom feel more spacious.
We're not talking about clutter or clothes here, but rather toning down bolder, bright décor items to create a more relaxing space. “Summer is all about less and less,” explains Heather Peterson of Heather Peterson Design.
“It might sound weird, but in addition to switching out for summer bedding, consider removing artwork or replacing it with lighter colors,” says Heather. If your bedroom walls are filled with collected artwork and paintings, it might be time to think about whether it's really conducive to a quiet space designed for sleep, especially if the tones and subject matter are quite dark! You might be able to move some of the pieces to other rooms in your home.
“I'll put down a room-sized sisal or jute rug and sometimes layer a patterned wool rug on top depending on the season,” she adds.
5. Use natural materials
(Image credit: Ryann Swan/ReadMcKendree)
Summer often brings to mind serene seaside getaways, so create that atmosphere in your home with natural materials that are reminiscent of a beach holiday bedroom.
“Natural materials like marble and rattan create a cozy, rustic feel,” says Mara Lipacek Miller, managing director and founder of Industville. “Combined, these elements create a bedroom that's more than just a place to sleep; it's a bespoke retreat that reflects your personality and lifestyle.”
Whether you want to replace expensive bedroom furniture like your bed or storage solutions, or simply change up some of your décor, woven textures can instantly put you in a cheerful mood. Try swapping out your lighting, rugs, picture frames, and accent furniture for something more natural.
“Trends like hanging pendant lights on either side of the bed or traditional oversized table lamps are gaining popularity for summer 2024,” Mara adds.
Worthing Petite Table Lamp
Nelly Low Profile Platform Bed
Havenhurst Jute Rug by Jake Arnold
Summer is the perfect season for a quick bedroom refresh. As the warmer weather arrives, you'll want to prep your space for better sleep: airy fabrics to let in light and breeze through the windows, new bed linen to help you sleep cooler, and relaxing colours to enhance relaxation.
