Expert Advice

10 Bedroom Makeover Ideas You Can Do In Just a Weekend

Psst… most of them are free!

By Sarah Lyon
Camille Styles bedroom

Your bedroom is more than just a place to catch those precious ZZZs—it should also be somewhere that inspires you and reflects your personal aesthetic. If you’re feeling as though your space is a bit lackluster, note that you don’t need to spend weeks on end giving it a facelift. Instead, there are many impactful makeovers that you can take on in just a weekend, including the 10 designer-recommended bedroom makeover ideas below. Your space will feel fresh in no time! 

Camille Styles neutral bedroom makeover ideas.

10 Bedroom Makeover Ideas to Transform Your Space

You might think that overhauling your bedroom is a whole process, but turns out, it only takes a weekend to switch things up. Whether you’re a renter or own your home, there are plenty of bedroom makeover ideas that can pull the room together. From changing out your bedding to adding creative visual touches, follow these ideas below to make the most of your Saturday and Sunday.

Rethink Your Bedding

Turn your bedroom into a soothing retreat that will actually help you relax after your hectic 9 to 5 by bringing in some stylish bedding. “New, fresh bedding has the potential to up the ante—and quickly,” says Charli Hendler, the founder of August Black Interior Design. “Opt for fresh white to mimic a hotel stay, or add some flair with a pattern.” Then, the designer says, weave in some new accent pillows and throw blankets to finish off the look. These items “easily change the vibe of a room without doing anything permanent,” she explains. 

Shop Bedding

Paint the Walls a Moody Color

Never underestimate the power of paint. “A bedroom is a fun place to add a pop of color,” says Jewel Marlowe, the founder of Jeweled Interiors. “In fact, if there is a space to deviate from the color scheme of the rest of the home, the bedroom is a good choice.” With that, the designer says, why not go dark and moody? She recommends trying a dark blue like Farrow & Ball Inchyra or a deep brown like Benjamin Moore Hearthstone Brown. “The best part is that if you grow tired of it, you can always paint it back!”

Hang Peel and Stick Wallpaper

Not in the mood to paint? Take another DIY approach by installing peel-and-stick wallpaper, which Jess Harrell says will “add some depth and character to your bedroom walls.” If you don’t gravitate toward bold patterns, there’s no need to go wild. “Wallpaper doesn’t have to be bold and vibrant to make an impact,” says the founder of The Styled Domicile. “Subdued and understated can still pack a serious punch.”

Bring in New Lampshades

If your bedside lamps no longer reflect your style, simply swap out their shades. “I have recently switched all my lamp shades to a natural linen and it’s made all the difference,” says Caroline Z Hurley, the founder of CZH, who ordered hers from Etsy. 

Install Wall Sconces

Alternatively, maximize precious square footage in a small bedroom by installing wall sconces beside the bed. “A time, budget, and renter-friendly alternative to doing electrical work for sconces is getting plug-in or battery operated ones,” notes Madison Massaro. Plus, the founder of Madison Lea Interiors adds, “Having wall lighting is really going to elevate your space and make it feel more custom. It will also free up the room on your nightstands for either decorative accents or just to have a cleaner look.” With hundreds of styles to choose from, you’ll surely have no problem choosing fixtures that speak to your aesthetic.

Switch Your Overhead Lighting

Similarly, think about swapping out your overhead light fixtures. (Possibly with the help of your apartment building’s super or a handy friend.) “If you have a ceiling fan, and you don’t need one to sleep, try swapping that out for a beautiful chandelier to add a more upscale feel,” suggests Melissa Fields, the founder of Shades of Gray Design Studio. If you’re renting, be sure to keep the original fixture somewhere safe to re-install it prior to moving out.

Rearrange Your Furniture

Looking for a zero-dollar approach that will still yield major results? Try rearranging your bedroom furniture. “Try placing your bed in a different spot or rethinking your storage solutions for a fresh perspective,” says Mina Lisanin, the founder of ML Interiors.

Display Some Photos 

Take time over the weekend to print out, frame, and hang photos that are meaningful to you and display them in your bedroom. “Private spaces like bedrooms are perfect for displaying family photos without the awkward portrait-above-the-mantel effect,” says Susan Yeley, the founder of Susan Yeley Homes. “It’s affordable and easy to frame them in off-the-rack frames and arrange them artfully above a highboy or nightstand.” Consider framing some of your favorite travel snapshots, too.

Get a New Rug

Laying down a new rug in the bedroom can “completely change the look of a room,” says Alex Yeske, the founder of Alex Yeske Interiors. When in doubt, it’s always best to go larger with rugs. A too-small rug will look awkward and out of place.

Hang a Textile Behind the Bed

One way to bring major color and pattern to your bedroom? “Add a design element such as an accent wall with a textured wall covering behind the headboard,” suggests Ania Agárdy, the founder of Explore and Decor. “This will take your bedroom design to another level.” You can display a tapestry, a textile you picked up while traveling, or just something that spoke to you at the flea market!