Master Bedroom Design Secrets: Creating The Ultimate Retreat

Your master bedroom should be much more than just a spot to crash at the end of the day…

It’s your personal escape, a place for complete relaxation and effortlessly unwinding, and whether you have a spacious master suite or a smaller-scale room to work with, smart design choices can make all the difference.

From choosing the right layout and perfect colour palette to smart lighting tricks and our absolute master bedroom do’s and don’ts, this guide is full of tips to help you create a master bedroom you’ll love waking up to every day.

Ready to dive in? #letsgo

Three Birds Renovations • Master Bedroom Furniture

Key Questions to Ask When Planning
A Bedroom Layout

Don’t skip this first step in planning your design — planning your bedroom layout to maximise both comfort and function:

• How Much Space Do You Have? Measure your master bedroom to determine how much space you have for furniture, storage, and potential features like a seating area. Knowing your bedroom size is essential so you can select the right sized furniture that’s perfectly proportioned to the room.

• What Kind of Bed and Furniture Do You Need? Decide on a bed size that best fits your space and sleeping needs — king or queen-sized beds are the most popular for master bedrooms. Complement your bed with bedside tables and assess whether the room will fit additional bedroom furniture pieces.

Steele Builders • Master Bedroom Furniture Layout

Master Bedroom Design Tips:
Furniture and Layout

The layout of your master bedroom should balance comfort and practicality. Start by determining the best position for the bed, which will serve as the room's centrepiece. Position your bed on the longest wall, considering windows or doorways, to create a focal point and a sense of security. Arrange bedside tables on either side for symmetry and functionality, and add seating like a bench or a reading chair if space allows.

Z+S Bedroom Furniture Tips:

• Use Rugs to Define Areas: A large area rug under the bed can anchor the space and add warmth. Smaller rugs can define separate areas, like a reading nook.

• Floating Furniture: Consider smaller floating pieces away from walls, like a desk or chair, to create a more dynamic layout.

• Maximise Space: If your master bedroom is on the smaller side, plan for multi-functional furniture like storage beds or floating shelves.

Jarvis + Jarvis • Master Bedroom Furniture

Andy and Deb • Master Bedroom Layout

Master Bedroom Colour Scheme

Your bedroom colours or colour palette will set the mood for your master bedroom. Opt for calming tones like soft blues, greens, or greys to create a serene feel, or introduce accent colours through throws, cushions, or art, to add personality and contrast without losing that retreat-like atmosphere.

Z+S Colour Palette Tips:

• Layer Colours: Use varying shades of the same colour for a contemporary, layered look.

• Consistency: Keep your bedroom colour palette consistent with the rest of your home to achieve design cohesive.

• Test Paint Samples: Always test paint samples on bedroom walls to see how the colours look in different lighting.

Alisa and Lysandra • Master Bedroom Colours

Zephyr and Stone • Master Bedroom Colour Scheme

Master Bedroom Lighting Plan

A thoughtful bedroom lighting plan is essential for a well-designed master bedroom. Combine ambient lighting (like ceiling lights or chandeliers), with task lighting (such as bedside lamps), and accent lighting (like LED strips or wall sconces) to create a balanced look. Then don’t forget Dimmers! Dimmers are a great addition for bedrooms, as they allow you to adjust the light levels based on your needs, from bright for reading to dim for relaxation.

Z+S Lighting Tips:

• Layered Lighting: Use a combination of overhead lights, task lamps, and accent lighting to maximise function and practicality in your master bedroom design.

• Dimmers: Install dimmer switches to overhead lighting to easily control the ambience and functionality.

• Bedside Lighting: Wall-mounted sconces or lights are a great option for smaller bedrooms, as they free-up space on bedside tables.

Zephyr and Stone • Master Bedroom Lighting 

Master Bedroom Design Do's and Don'ts

3 Do’s:

• Do Plan For A Balanced Layout: Arrange furniture for optimal flow around the room, between the bed and ensuite and to the wardrobe. This will maximise ease of movement in the room and functionality.

• Do Invest in Quality Bedding and Furniture: These are high-use items where quality pays off in comfort, style and durability.

• Do Personalise Your Space: Add personal touches like family photos, artwork, or a floor rug and cushions to make the room feel like your own.

3 Don’ts:

• Don’t Overcrowd the Space: Avoid too much furniture or decor as this will make the room feel cluttered.

• Don’t Ignore Lighting: A mix of lighting types is essential to master both function and ambience.

• Don’t Forget Storage Solutions: Lack of storage can make even a large master bedroom impractical or feel messy.

Zephyr and Stone • Master Bedroom Size

CM Studio • Master Bedroom Layout Design

Ready to create the perfect master bedroom?

Start planning your new room design here, and don’t forget to share your master bedroom design experiences + tips in the comments below!