19 Design Hacks to Make Your Bedroom Look Expensive

A simple trick to make your bedroom feel grander and more expensive is how you hang your curtains. Instead of placing the rod just above the window frame, hang it high – closer to the ceiling, ideally about 4 to 6 inches above the window. Then, extend the rod wide, beyond the window frame by about 3 to 6 inches on each side. This clever placement creates the illusion of taller walls and wider windows, making the entire room appear more spacious and airy. It's a subtle but impactful way to elevate the room's proportions and add a touch of drama.

02.| Layer Your Window Treatments

Another way to elevate your window treatments is by layering them. Layering takes your window treatments to the next level. Instead of just one type of covering, consider using a combination, like blinds or roller shades paired with decorative curtains or sheer panels. This multi-layered approach gives you excellent control over light and privacy, and it adds depth and richness to your windows. The different textures and fabrics create a sophisticated, hotel-like ambiance, making the space feel incredibly polished and well-designed.

03|. Layer Your Bedding

To give your bed that plush, inviting look often seen in high-end hotels, think about layering. Start with your fitted sheet, then add a crisp flat sheet. On top of that, place a cozy quilt or a substantial comforter. The final touch is a beautiful throw blanket, draped casually at the foot of the bed or folded neatly across the middle. This combination of different fabrics and weights creates depth and visual interest, making your bed feel incredibly luxurious and soft. It's all about building up textures to make the bed the undisputed star of your room.

 04|. Layer Your Pillows

Just like layering bedding, layering your pillows adds to that feeling of opulence. Begin by placing your largest decorative pillows—such as two or three Euro shams—at the very back, against the headboard. In front of these, arrange your standard sleeping pillows (often dressed in crisp, clean pillowcases or shams themselves). In front of those, arrange smaller accent pillows in varying shapes, like a lumbar pillow or a square throw pillow. The key here is to mix and match textures and patterns subtly. 

For example, pair a smooth linen sham with a chunky knit throw pillow. This creates a visually rich and incredibly comfortable headboard effect, giving your bed a professional, styled appearance.

05|. Stay Away From Matching Bedroom Sets

One of the quickest ways to make a bedroom look less custom and more "off-the-shelf" is by buying a complete matching bedroom set. Instead, opt for a more curated approach. Pick your bed frame first, then choose nightstands and a dresser that complement it without being identical. For instance, if your bed is upholstered in linen, you might select wood nightstands with metal accents.

This mix-and-match strategy gives your room a more unique, thoughtful, and collected feel, as if each piece was specifically chosen for its place.

06|.Overstuff your pillows 

Another designer secret for achieving a luxurious look is to create the illusion of overflowing pillows on your bed. While a truly luxurious, hotel-like bed certainly involves comfortable pillows, achieving that look doesn't necessarily mean you need to go out and buy all new, super-stuffed ones. Instead of using your standard pillowcase size, opt for one size smaller. By using a slightly smaller case, the fabric will hug the pillows more tightly, causing them to stand tall and look effortlessly voluminous.

Overfilled pillows stand up better, look more substantial, and contribute to that inviting, plush feel that defines an expensive bed. This trick is perfect for those who love the look of a cloud-like bed but don't want to invest in all-new pillows.

07|. Go With a Nightstand That Has Storage

08|. Keep Your Bed Simple

While you want to layer your bedding and pillows, it's wise to keep the core bed frame design simple and timeless. A clean-lined upholstered headboard, a classic wood frame, or a sleek metal bed allows the luxurious bedding to truly shine. An overly ornate or bulky bed frame can sometimes compete with other elements or make the room feel cramped. A simple bed frame acts as a strong foundation, letting the textures and layers you add take center stage and convey a sense of understated elegance.

09|. Symmetry

Creating a sense of balance in your bedroom can immediately make it feel more polished and expensive. Think about mirroring elements on either side of your bed. This could be identical nightstands with matching lamps, or even a similar arrangement of artwork above each. While perfect symmetry isn't always necessary, a balanced visual weight on both sides of the bed creates a calming and organized atmosphere. This intentional arrangement suggests a well-thought-out design, which is a key characteristic of high-end spaces.

10|. Upsize Your Duvet

For that truly opulent, hotel-bed look, consider buying a duvet cover that is one size larger than your actual mattress. So, if you have a queen-sized bed, get a king-sized duvet. The extra fabric allows for a fuller, more generous drape over the sides of the bed, reaching closer to the floor and eliminating any awkward gaps. This abundant, cloud-like appearance instantly makes your bed feel grander, more inviting, and undeniably luxurious, providing a plush embrace that suggests comfort and quality.

However, it's important to note that this look isn't for everyone. If you prefer a more tailored, formal aesthetic for your bedroom, then sticking with a queen-size duvet cover on a queen-size bed might be the better option. But if you're looking to create a more luxurious, hotel-like feel, then definitely give the oversized bedding a try!

11|. Add Texture

Texture is a powerful tool in interior design because it adds visual and tactile richness. In your bedroom, introduce a variety of textures through your choices of fabrics and materials. Think about a chunky knit throw blanket, velvet accent pillows, or linen sheets. Beyond textiles, consider adding natural wood furniture, a woven rug, or even a piece of art with a textured surface. These varying textures create depth and warmth, making the room feel more complex and layered, which often translates to a more expensive look.

12|. Add a Rug

13|. Add Seating (If You Have Room)

If your bedroom layout allows, incorporating a seating area can elevate its sense of luxury and functionality. A comfortable armchair, a chaise lounge, or a small loveseat can transform your bedroom into a relaxing retreat. This provides a dedicated space for reading, lounging, or simply unwinding, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to your personal space. Even if you don't have much room, you can consider adding a stylish bench at the foot of your bed, which offers both a practical spot for dressing and an added layer of sophistication.

14|. Use Substantial Nightstands

Beyond just having storage, the actual size and presence of your nightstands matter. For a king or queen-sized bed, select nightstands that are wide and substantial enough to balance the visual weight of the bed. Flimsy or too-small nightstands can make the entire setup look unbalanced and less polished. Choose pieces with solid construction and appropriate proportions for your bed size. This creates a balanced, grounded feel, adding to the room's sense of quality and permanence.

15|. Choose a Cohesive, Desaturated Color Palette

16|. Add a Mirror

A strategically placed mirror can dramatically enhance the sense of space and light in your bedroom, making it feel more open and luxurious. A large mirror, either leaning against a wall or mounted, can reflect natural light and create the illusion of a larger room. Consider a decorative mirror with an interesting frame to add a touch of glamour. Mirrors not only serve a functional purpose but also act as a striking design element, adding depth and visual interest to your bedroom.

17|. Add Some Greenery

Many bedrooms tend to stick to neutral color palettes of black, white, and beige. While these colors can be calming and serene, they can also feel a bit sterile. Houseplants are a fantastic way to introduce pops of color and life into your space. Unlike colorful bedding or pillows that can quickly go out of style, plants are a long-term investment that adds lasting beauty to your space.

Beyond the aesthetic benefits, houseplants offer practical advantages as well. They can help to improve air quality by filtering out toxins and increasing humidity. This can lead to better sleep and overall well-being.  Plus, caring for plants can be a surprisingly rewarding hobby. There's something about nurturing a living thing and watching it thrive that can be quite therapeutic.

18|.Layer Your Lighting

Lighting is key to setting the mood and making your bedroom feel inviting and expensive. Instead of just one overhead light, think about layering different light sources. This means adding bedside lamps with elegant bases and soft shades, maybe a stylish floor lamp in a cozy corner, or even some subtle wall sconces. Dimmers are also a fantastic addition, allowing you to adjust the brightness to create different atmospheres – bright for getting ready, soft and warm for relaxing. Good lighting can highlight your room's best features and make everything feel more intentional and polished.

19.| Include large statement art piece

 

Statement art is another often-overlooked element in bedroom design. When revamping your bedroom, consider including a large piece of statement art. The right piece can tie your color scheme and style together, while also adding a touch of drama and sophistication. A statement piece acts as a focal point, drawing the eye upwards and adding another layer of detail to the space.

Consider hanging the artwork  above your bed, beside your nightstands, or even on a wall across the room. The key is to choose a piece that is impactful and reflects your personal taste.  A well-chosen statement piece can truly elevate the look and feel of your bedroom, transforming it into a luxurious haven.

And that's our roundup of 19 ways to effortlessly elevate your bedroom's look and feel. These hacks prove that creating a luxurious haven is all about smart choices, not big spending.

We'd love to hear which of these tips you've found most helpful, or if you have any go-to secrets for a luxurious  looking bedroom.

Share your insights in the comments below!