6 trendy contemporary style bedroom ideas

Not to be confused with modern decor, whose origins date back to the late 19th-century to mid-20th century, contemporary decor refers to what is going on in the decor world right now. Contemporary decor can therefore be difficult to pin down as the style is constantly evolving, but at its core, contemporary decor is founded on a sparing yet deliberate use of colour, clean lines and organic shapes, pairing old and new pieces together, whilst layering on the texture.

So, if you’d like to create a trendy and contemporary bedroom, take a look at these 6 decor ideas for some inspiration.

Contemporary bedroom idea: neutral colour palette with pops of colour

Feel free to use colour, but do so sparingly. Little pops of pastels, in your furnishings or artwork, are balanced beautifully against a warm and neutral colour palette. Not only does this create a relaxed and soothing environment—perfect for a bedroom—it provides a blank canvas for your artwork and furnishings. Natural and organic materials, like a Flokati rug, rattan bed frame, or parquet flooring are a great way to layer on the texture whilst keeping things neutral. When it comes to your paint palette, think barely-there greys, beiges and greiges with warming whites. Create contrast with black accents like black picture frames against light walls.

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Contemporary bedroom idea: statement lighting

Contemporary decor is the style where light fittings get a chance to shine. In an effort to prevent cluttered interiors, statement light fixtures are the perfect opportunity to add some drama to a room without it feeling overly ornamental. We’ve seen a lot of art deco and Bauhaus-inspired orb chandeliers amongst our decorating community and we’re big fans. If you really want to make them pop, why not think about painting your ceiling, for an unexpected design twist?

Contemporary bedroom idea: a mix of straight lines and curves

Unlike the modern decor trend, which favours clean straight lines, contemporary decor is a mix of straight lines and curves. Hone this playful style with a scalloped edge rug placed underneath your bed. Or go one better and make a statement with a playful curved headboard. Another great way to do this in a contemporary style bedroom is with a statement armchair. Vintage bucket chairs are a fun way to do this and can introduce an accent colour in an otherwise neutral colour scheme.

Contemporary bedroom idea: statement artwork

There’s nowhere better in the bedroom for a piece of statement artwork than behind your bed. And there’s no better way to introduce a splash of colour in your contemporary bedroom than with a piece of statement artwork. “It’s about finding those up and coming artists that you love and buying art that you look at and smile,” says Vogue Williams, when she showed us around her art-filled London home. ​ 

If in doubt, go with your gut. You’re going to have to look at it last thing at night and first thing when you wake up—so choose something that makes you feel happy, soothed, energised. Whatever mood you want to cultivate in this space.

Contemporary bedroom idea: embrace space

You want your bedroom to feel light and airy with a sense of flow. The idea is to be curated not cluttered. Follow the rule of ‘less is more’. We wouldn’t recommend sacrificing your bed size, so go for one armchair or ditch the chest of drawers, to allow for additional floor space. Another way to embrace that sense of space is by allowing in as much natural light as possible. You can do this by leaving your windows bare and using cleverly positioned mirrors—right next to a natural source of light—to bounce light around the room and make it appear bigger.

Contemporary bedroom idea: embrace minimalism

Contemporary decor is a heady blend of lots of different decor styles, one of which is unmistakable minimalist. Particularly in the bedroom, embrace this getting back to basics ethos and create a simple and uncluttered space. Japandi style decor incorporates this logic too and provides an ultra-soothing environment for a bedroom. Think organic bedding with minimal cushions or throws, no bedside table clutter (opt for side tables with drawers if you’re guilty of this) and beautiful yet functional wardrobes.

Test your decor knowledge and find out the difference between contemporary and modern decor or find out how to get the contemporary style look throughout your home with these 6 chic contemporary style living room ideas.