Posted by Gemma Henry - Content Lead on 8th Sep 2023
Minimalist Bedroom Ideas: How to Get the Look
Minimalism may be out of the limelight for now thanks to the rise in popularity of maximalism, but many of us still long for that calming, clutter-free retreat when it comes to the bedroom. And so, we thought we’d give you some fresh minimalist bedroom ideas to help you create the tranquil sleep space you crave.
And, as we all know trends tend to cycle back round pretty quickly. So, watch out maximalist lovers – minimalist design will be back on top before you know it!
But what is minimalism anyway? And what are the key things that go into minimalist bedroom design. Let’s find out.
What is minimalist bedroom design?
Minimalism has historically been all about clean lines, clutter-free surfaces and a simple, neutral colour palette. And contemporary minimalist bedroom design is very similar to traditional minimalism. But there is one key difference. Contemporary minimalism incorporates textures to soften the edges of what could once be described as clinical.
So, everything from plush furniture and scatter cushions to rugs and textured throws are now welcome in minimalist interior design. What’s more, a soft pop of colour is now encouraged.
The history of minimalist interior design
Minimalism is the practice of promoting the things we value and removing the distractions (1). And minimalist design follows the same ethos. It embraces the use of simple and as few elements as possible to achieve maximum impact.
Minimalist design was first witnessed in the art movement that followed World War 2 (2). It actually became a prominent design aesthetic in the 1960s and 1970s in line with the rise in popularity of work created by artists like Frank Stella (acclaimed for his Black Paintings which were exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art in New York in 1959) (3).
And so, rather than the abstract and maximalist artwork which had been favoured by the previous generation, minimalism incorporated simple geometric shapes and lines. Use of colour was minimal, and careful placement of every element was key. And it didn’t take long for this design concept to feed into architecture, fashion, and interior design. So, the ‘less is more’ mantra that is central to minimalist design ideas was born (4).
The new approach to minimalist design
In recent years, we’ve witnessed the rise in popularity of a new approach to minimalism. This is a softer, more welcoming slant on the original minimalist concept. By embracing warmth and softening some of the edges, contemporary minimalist design is ideal for bedrooms.
Remaining centred around clean lines, minimal pieces of furniture, and placing your bed as the focal point of the room, it’s merely a slight adaptation of the minimalism we know and love.
As minimalism focusses on the essentials and steers us away from buying in excess, many see it as an environmentally friendly design concept (5). It’s also conceived to have a positive effect on our mental health. This stems from minimalist design’s ethos of a clutter-free living space which feeds into the ‘tidy house, tidy mind’ ideals (6).
Whatever you believe about minimalist bedroom design, its calming visual appeal make it a great choice for your sleep space. Unless, that is, you love clutter.
Minimalist bedroom design: Clearing the clutter
Minimalist bedroom design starts with clearing the clutter. So, you’ll need to begin the decluttering by paring down everything in your bedroom.
The best way to attack your decluttering task is to separate everything in your bedroom into separate categories. And you’ll need to be ruthless if you want to achieve the minimalist look. Assign each and every item in your bedroom a label: keep, donate, recycle or throw away.
Everything from clothing and shoes to furniture and bedroom accessories needs to be considered and assigned to one of the four categories. Reduce the contents of your bedroom to include only the essential. And once you’ve managed this mammoth task, you’ll be all set to begin designing your minimalist bedroom.
How to create a minimalist look in your bedroom
If you’d like to create the ultimate zen sleep space, and the clutter-free nature of minimalism appeals, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve it.
Minimalist bedroom design: the colour palette
In the past, minimalist bedroom designs have been restricted to that clean, crisp white. However, contemporary interpretations now incorporate soft earthy hues and pale pastel colours.
Subtle colour is now very much a part of the minimalist look. It softens the overall feel and adds visual interest. The light grey upholstered finish of the Silvia ottoman bedframe and cohesive colour palette that is picked up through the rug, blinds and bedside table juxtaposed by the pop of colour from the use of deep blue bedding and the house plants work well together. The effect achieved is an eye-catching example of contemporary minimalist design.
Minimalist bedroom design: making your bed the focal point
If you’re searching for the perfect bed to create a modern minimalist aesthetic in your bedroom, be on the lookout for clean lines. Divan beds are a popular choice given their hidden storage can help make minimalist design easier to achieve. Ottoman beds are especially effective in a minimalist bedroom. An ottoman base is visually appealing thanks to it’s sleek finished and maximum storage functionality.
The natural ash tones of our Ezra ottoman bed frame provide the extra warmth demanded by the contemporary minimalist design. The pale sage feature wall is picked up again in the blinds while the pop of colour is provided by the black accessories. These are repeated throughout to ensure that the bedroom comes together cohesively.
But fabric and upholstered beds are frequently featuring in minimalist bedroom design too.
Minimalist bedroom design: the devil is in the details
If you want to create a minimalist look, choose bed sheets that adhere to the neutral colour palette. Start by dressing your bed in pristine white bedding. Then work some texture into the design by accessorising with woven bed throws and scatter cushions in pale earthy colours.
And keep the decorative touches to a minimum. A house plant or two will enhance the design aesthetic. As will a feature ceiling light or some wall-hanging artwork as long as they also adhere to the clean lines and simplicity that is intrinsic to minimalist design.
Minimalist bedroom design: softening your space
The last thing you’ll need to do if you’re looking to achieve a contemporary minimalist feel in your sleep space is soften the edges slightly.
Upholstered furniture such as the Snooze bedside table and the Snooze ottoman storage box featured in the picture above are great for softening your minimalist bedroom design. Then add a plush upholstered headboard in a neutral tone to complete the look.
Final thoughts
Our diverse collection of bedroom furniture, beds, pillows, and duvets offer something for every fan of minimalist bedroom design. Helping you to choose your bed, your way®, here at Bensons for Beds we combine expert knowledge with the latest sleeppro technology to make getting that all important great night’s sleep easier than ever before.
For more information on bedroom design visit your nearest showroom or call us on 0808 144 6160.
Sources:
- https://www.becomingminimalist.com/what-is-minimalism/
- https://www.architectmagazine.com/design/the-evolution-of-minimalism-and-glass
- https://www.tate.org.uk/art/art-terms/m/minimalism
- https://www.salvatoriofficial.com/en/gb/stories/timeless-appeal-of-minimalist-interio-design/
- https://www.minimalismmadesimple.com/home/is-minimalism-good-for-the-environment/
- https://www.atidymind.co.uk/7-reasons-why-a-tidy-home-equals-a-tidy-mind/
