6 Designer Tips to Make Your Bedroom Look Expensive

When you’re decorating your home, you might be tempted to spend most of your energy and resources on more public-facing spaces that greet your guests like the kitchen or living room.

But don't forget the space you retreat to at the end of a busy day; even on a small budget, you can take your personal space from low-key to luxurious with smart swaps and attention to small details. That’s what we learned from design experts who shared their best tips for elevating a bedroom on a budget.

Wallpaper Your Bedroom

Wallpaper in the bedroom creates a cozier feel and achieves a high-end look. For a DIY option, you can try your hand at hanging peel and stick wallpaper, which is affordable, renter-friendly, and available in fun patterns or safe solids.

“Wallpaper installation is actually cheaper than you think and the end result is so luxe,” says designer James Pearce Connelly. “Even if you do a solid color like beige or a cool blue, try a wallpaper with a texture—you’ll feel like a king.”

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Transform Your Trim

If you stick with paint for your bedroom walls, Connelly says to paint your trim the same color as your walls. The look of white trim is dated, and when walls and trim are painted in the same hue it unifies the space for a cleaner look.

Swap in Smooth Sheets

The bed is the focal point of most bedrooms, so don’t get lazy about making your bed; also, pick smooth, hotel-quality sheets to up the glam factor for your space.

“Layering in crisp linens pulled tautly to avoid any wrinkles really sells the fancy hotel look,” says interior designer Tracy Metro. 

Ace the Accents

Don’t underestimate the impact of the accent pieces you choose. Whether you’re revamping your bedroom or looking for a light lift, always freshen up your accent pieces. Compared to investing in new bedroom furniture, updating your accent pieces can be an affordable way to update the look of your bedroom.

“A pop of metal is the way to do it,” says Connelly. “Shop at a chic store or local artisan and give your side table a little jewelry tray.”

Go For a Glam Light Fixture

A tried-and-true designer tip for making a bedroom look expensive is to change out your light fixture for something more eye-catching.

“When you install a semi-flush or chandelier light, it ups the ante on the elegance factor,” says Metro.

Elegant and affordable options might include candelabra chandeliers or rattan versions. You should also keep in mind that the best master bedroom lighting comes from a combination of sources—like an overhead light and side table lamps.

Add Picture Lights to Artwork

Give your bedroom the look of a high-end gallery by using picture lights to spotlight artwork, Connelly suggests. Art or framed photographs can be an inexpensive way to add personality and visual interest to the bedroom, and giving them a spotlight only increases visual interest, lighting diversity, and an affordable-yet-luxe look.