When you think of modern bedroom ideas, you're probably picturing ultra-sleek, minimalist spaces with plain white walls, a floating bed and no 'stuff' in sight. But modern can mean so many different things, and while yes the whole minimalist aesthetic does tend to go hand in hand with most definitions of 'modern' it's not the only way to do a contemporary bedroom.
Think of modern as just being a pared-down version of a look. So you can create a modern rustic bedroom, a modern boho bedroom, a modern Scandi bedroom, a modern beach-house bedroom, whatever aesthetic you love there is always a way to give it a little contemporary twist.
So just keep scrolling to find out how you can create the perfect modern bedroom to suit your space and style. And for even more bedroom ideas check out our gallery.
1. Use lighting for a quick modern bedroom update
Seeee, modern bedroom, but with traditional features, there's color in there too and it has a lovely laid-back feeling. Contemporary can still be cozy and have personality too. What gives this bedroom a more modern feel is the simple, clean color palette and the clutter-free vibe, but it's that gorgeous statement light that really makes the modern statement.
If you want to give your bedroom a modern twist, lighting is a really easy way to do it. Switch out your current overhead light for something really striking and oversized, and you'll instantly see a change in the overall feel of the room. Ditch the bedside lights too and go for a much cleaner look by adding modern wall-mounted lights.
You can find loads more bedroom lighting ideas in our gallery if you are after more inspiration.
2. Go modern with a boho twist
Loving the softness of this modern bedroom. The pale grey walls, the touches of blush pink and all those lovely textures. The overall look still feels minimalist but there's a boho, rustic edge to this room that makes it feel extra cozy and inviting.
The dark woods create just the right amount of contrast with all those muted colors, so if you want to recreate this look, don't hold back from adding in some darker (but still warm) hues.
3. Add textures for a rustic modern vibe
Rustic modern bedrooms are so popular right now, and we totally get it, it's the perfect style for a bedroom. You get the softness from the rustic elements, but the simplicity and sophistication that comes with contemporary style.
A really easy way to create a modern rustic feel is to layer up those textures. Keep the room itself simple with minimal furniture and a neutral color palette, but go to town with slubby materials like linen for your bedding, pile up the throw pillows and pick accessories in natural materials like woods and rattan.
4. Create a moody feel with dark woods and deep hues
Nothing creates a dramatic modern vibe like a sleek, dark color palette. Black and blue isn't a combo you see very often, but in this bedroom it totally works, with the walnut woods adding some lovely texture too, definitely one to try out!
This is the ideal color scheme for rooms that don't get tons of natural light too so you can really embrace that dark, cocooning feeling. Note how the ceilings are painted as well, adding even more depth and drama.
5. Keep it simple
And of course, if your bedroom has been blessed with lots of lovely natural light, enhance that by keeping things simple. Scale back on the furniture you have in the room (a good idea in a small bedroom like this one anyway) and pick a limited color palette of different hues of the same color, like you see here with all those sleek greys.
6. Pick a statement bed
An elegant, slimline four-poster bed is guaranteed to add a touch of luxury to a modern bedroom. And although they are often associated with more traditional bedroom ideas, a minimalist, metal frame works just as well in modern bedrooms and adds an instant focal point to the room. You could even take it further and add a soft linen canopy for a very light and airy Mediterranean feel.
7. Go for a muted color palette
Don't you just feel instantly calmer looking at this modern bedroom? That dreamy color scheme is just so relaxing but feels stylish and contemporary too. Recreate this look by painting one of your bedroom walls a soft beige and keep the other walls a crisp white to add some clean contrast. Then layer up those soft creamy hues with bedlinen and pick a couple of simple prints with the same color scheme to add some interest to the walls.
8. Clash colors for a bolder look
Neutral colors may be associated with modern bedroom ideas, but that doesn't mean you have to shy away from bolder, brighter hues. Consider creating a more luxurious space by mixing rich tones like this deep green and blush pink.
For a modern bedroom you don't want to go too overboard on the color so stick to a palette of just two or three. And if you don't want to go too bold, keep the walls neutral and bring those colors in with pillows and accessories or just go for a statement colorful headboard.
- Seel also: 25 bedroom color ideas to inspire an easy makeover
9. Don't be afraid to mix styles
Mixing styles is what gives a space personality, so don't think you have to solely stick to sleek, streamlined furniture or decor in a modern bedroom. Bringing in a piece of antique furniture or a quirky retro print can really complement an otherwise quite minimalist space.
10. Strip back on what you need
If you have been blessing with a small bedroom, opting for a minimalist, modern style is going to ensure your space feels bigger. This gorgeous space just proves that if you strip back on what you need, and pick very Scandi-inspired, slimline furniture (lots of tall tapered legs going on here) you can really 'expand' your space. Stick to white on the walls and bring in color on the floor with a rug so you don't overwhelm the space.
11. Be whimsical with wallpaper
An easy way to bring some pattern and personality into a modern bedroom is wallpaper. Choose wisely, because you still want to keep things feeling contemporary but there's nothing wrong with adding a touch of whimsy – something similar to this design that's bold in pattern but simple in color would be perfect. And who doesn't love a delicate monochrome jungle print?
Of course, don't be afraid to use wallpaper on all four walls if that suits your style, but if you want something more subtle, try a feature wall or even wallpaper the ceiling for a bang-on-trend look. We have plenty of bedroom wallpaper ideas if you want more inspiration.
12. Add some simple decor with floating shelves
Storage can be a bit tricky in modern bedrooms, because being clutter-free is such a big part of the vibe. So you want plenty of storage to hide anything that's unaesthetically pleasing away but you also want some open storage so you can add curated decor. That's where shelves come in. They are so simple and almost just blur into the walls but are the perfect place to display beautiful prints, vases, books and houseplants.
We love the symmetry created here, with the floating shelves sitting on either side of the bed. Check out how the bottom shelves are actually bedside tables with storage too, and the discreet ottomans that are slid under each means they can double up as a desk or a dressing table.
- Need tips on styling your shelves? Head over to our shelving ideas gallery.
How can you make a bedroom more modern?
The easiest way to start making your bedroom feel more modern is to have a declutter. No matter what version of 'modern' you are going for, less is more when it comes to nailing this style. Think about layout too, you want the room to feel light and airy so try something different like having a platform bed in the center of the room, with space to walk around it and pendant lights hanging down either side.
Accessories like statement artwork, luxurious pillows and simple vases on the bedside table will all work to achieving a modern look.
What colors work in a modern bedroom?
For a modern bedroom, the safest color options are crisp, fresh neutral hues like white, cream, grey and beige. Layer them up to add texture and interest and if you do want to add some color, try peachy tones for a warmer look and blues and greens for something more cool-hued. Weave these colors in with pillows, prints and small decor items so the overall feel is still nice and neutral.
Monochrome, black and white schemes always work in a modern bedroom too. Just soften up the contrast with some greys too if you want less of a dramatic look.