I never thought I’d see the day when some of those bedroom trends we all swore were over would make a serious comeback. But here we are! Designers are digging into the past and giving classic styles a fresh spin that actually works today.
Things like bold wallpaper and dreamy canopy beds that once felt so outdated are suddenly everywhere, and honestly, I’m kind of loving it.
It’s like rediscovering old favorites but with a modern twist that makes your bedroom feel both nostalgic and totally on-trend. Ready to rethink what you thought was passé?
1. Floral Wallpaper
Grandma’s favorite wall covering has bloomed again! Modern floral patterns feature bolder colors and more abstract designs than their vintage counterparts.
The key difference? Today’s versions come with peel-and-stick options for commitment-phobes. Designers are pairing these botanical beauties with minimalist furniture to avoid that overly-busy look.
Want to try this trend without going all-in? Start with a single accent wall behind your headboard for maximum impact with minimal effort.
2. Canopy Beds
Once reserved for royalty and romance novels, canopy beds are strutting back into modern bedrooms with attitude. The updated versions skip the heavy fabrics and ornate woodwork in favor of sleek metal frames and airy designs.
Homeowners love how these statement pieces create a room-within-a-room feeling without sacrificing space. Even smaller bedrooms can rock this look with minimalist four-posters that create the canopy effect without the bulk.
3. Wood Paneling
Forget those dark, dreary 1970s dens! Wood paneling has shed its basement game-room vibes and moved upstairs.
Light, natural woods installed horizontally create texture without weighing down the space. Some homeowners opt for a single accent wall, while others go all-in with floor-to-ceiling treatment.
The magic happens when you mix in modern lighting fixtures and contemporary furniture, creating that perfect balance between cozy cabin and sleek sanctuary.
4. Matching Bedroom Sets
After years of mixing and matching furniture, perfectly coordinated bedroom sets are cool again. But hold up – we’re not talking about those identical pieces that populated every furniture showroom in the 1990s.
Today’s matching sets offer subtle coordination through shared design elements while maintaining individual character.
Look for pieces that share wood tones or hardware styles without being carbon copies. This approach creates harmony without the cookie-cutter feel that gave matching sets a bad name.
5. Shag Carpeting
Groovy, baby! Shag carpets are tickling toes again, though with some crucial updates. Modern versions feature shorter, denser fibers that won’t trap every crumb or flatten into sad pathways.
Area rugs rather than wall-to-wall installation keep the look fresh and manageable. Colors have evolved beyond the harvest gold and avocado green of yesteryear to include sophisticated neutrals and subtle patterns.
Place one under your bed to create a soft landing for your feet each morning.
6. Wallpaper Borders
Remember those thin strips of wallpaper running along the ceiling? They’re back, but not as you knew them! Modern wallpaper borders are wider, bolder, and installed in unexpected places like the middle of walls or around doorframes.
Geometric patterns and metallic finishes have replaced the country geese and floral vines of the 80s and 90s.
Some designers even use borders to create faux architectural details or frame artwork. Who knew this humble strip could become such a versatile design tool?
7. Upholstered Headboards
Plush, button-tufted headboards are enjoying their second act, bringing luxury back to bedrooms everywhere.
While they never completely disappeared, today’s versions sport unexpected fabrics like performance velvet, leather, and even outdoor-grade textiles for durability.
Shapes have evolved too, with asymmetrical designs and unusual geometric forms replacing the standard rectangular and arched styles.
8. Mirrored Furniture
Once the hallmark of 1980s glam, mirrored furniture is reflecting good taste once again. The key difference? Restraint!
Instead of entire bedroom suites, designers now recommend incorporating just one or two mirrored pieces. Modern versions often combine mirror panels with wood or metal frames for a less overwhelming effect.
A mirrored nightstand or chest of drawers bounces light around the room, making smaller spaces feel larger and brighter. Plus, they’re surprisingly good at hiding fingerprints compared to their ancestors.
9. Ruffles And Frills
Frilly bedding is flouncing back into style, though with a more restrained approach than its 1980s heyday.
Think subtle ruffled edges on pillowcases or a single ruffle trim on duvet covers rather than layer upon layer of flounces. Neutral colors and high-quality fabrics keep the look sophisticated rather than saccharine.
Men are embracing this trend too, with designers creating masculine versions featuring narrow pleats or minimal frills in darker colors. Who knew ruffles could be so versatile?
10. Brass Fixtures
Shiny brass fixtures were once ripped out of homes faster than you could say “outdated,” but they’re gleaming their way back into stylish bedrooms.
The difference? Today’s brass has a warmer, more antiqued finish that feels sophisticated rather than showy. From lamp bases to drawer pulls, these golden touches add warmth to otherwise cool color schemes.
Mixing brass with other metals like matte black creates a layered, collected-over-time look that’s both current and timeless. Just remember – a little goes a long way!
11. Ceiling Medallions
Victorian-era ceiling medallions are circling back into fashion, adding architectural interest to otherwise plain bedroom ceilings.
Unlike their ornate ancestors, modern versions feature cleaner lines and simpler patterns that complement contemporary spaces. Installation is surprisingly easy with lightweight polyurethane options that can be painted to match your decor.
Paired with an eye-catching light fixture, these overhead accents draw the eye upward and add unexpected character. Small bedrooms especially benefit from this vertical design element.
12. Skirted Bedside Tables
Fabric-skirted bedside tables were once a staple in traditional bedrooms before being replaced by sleeker wooden alternatives. Now they’re swishing back into designer showrooms with updated fabrics and tailored shapes.
The practical storage benefits remain – hide everything from books to beauty products behind that flowing fabric! Modern versions feature crisp pleats, contrasting trim, or even clear glass tops for a contemporary twist.
Bonus points for being budget-friendly – a simple table and custom skirt costs far less than high-end nightstands.
13. Wallpaper Ceilings
Looking up has never been so stylish! Wallpapered ceilings, popular in Victorian homes, are making a dramatic comeback in bedrooms across the country.
Designers call it the “fifth wall” – an often-neglected surface perfect for unexpected pattern and color. Celestial designs like stars and moons are particularly popular for creating a dreamy sleeping atmosphere.
For the pattern-shy, textured wallpapers that mimic tin tiles or subtle geometrics offer a more restrained option. Either way, this trend guarantees interesting bedtime views!
14. Four-Poster Beds
Four-poster beds without the canopy top are standing tall in contemporary bedrooms. Unlike their massive, dark wood ancestors, today’s versions feature slender posts in lighter finishes or even metal for an airier feel.
These architectural beds create a strong focal point without overwhelming the space. Many homeowners love how these statement pieces eliminate the need for a headboard while still framing the sleeping area.
Even small bedrooms can accommodate scaled-down versions that provide the look without dominating the room.
15. Colorful Trim
White trim has dominated homes for decades, but colorful painted moldings are making a vibrant comeback.
Bedroom window frames, door casings, and baseboards are getting the technicolor treatment with deep blues, forest greens, and even coral pinks. Against neutral wall colors, these painted details add architectural interest and unexpected personality.
Some designers are even matching trim colors to bedding or artwork for a cohesive color story. This trend works especially well in older homes where highlighting original woodwork adds character.
16. Tufted Velvet
Velvet button tufting isn’t just for Victorian parlors anymore! This tactile treatment is popping up on headboards, benches, and bedroom chairs in thoroughly modern settings.
The plush fabric adds instant luxury while the tufting creates visual interest. Jewel tones like emerald and sapphire are particularly popular, though blush pink and charcoal gray offer more subtle options.
The best part? Today’s performance velvets resist stains and wear, making them practical for everyday use. Even pet owners can enjoy this trend without constant cleaning worries.
17. Wallpaper Murals
Scenic wallpaper murals are making a major comeback, transporting bedroom walls from boring to breathtaking.
Unlike the pastoral scenes popular in colonial times, today’s murals feature abstract landscapes, oversized botanicals, or even custom photography. Digital printing has revolutionized this trend, allowing for customization in both size and content.
Many homeowners choose to install these statement pieces behind the bed as an alternative to a traditional headboard. The effect is like sleeping in an art gallery – but much more comfortable!
18. Layered Rugs
Grandma might have had wall-to-wall carpeting, but today’s trend takes a different approach by layering multiple rugs for texture and interest.
Start with a larger, natural fiber rug like jute or sisal as the base, then top it with a smaller, more colorful or patterned piece. This technique adds warmth to bedrooms with hardwood or tile floors while creating visual zones.
The best part? You can rotate or replace the top rug seasonally for an instant room refresh without breaking the bank. Plus, smaller rugs are much easier to clean!
19. Statement Lighting
Boring bedroom lighting is getting the boot as statement fixtures take center stage again. Oversized pendants, dramatic chandeliers, and sculptural sconces are illuminating bedrooms with personality and flair.
Unlike the matching bedroom lamp sets of yesteryear, today’s trend embraces lighting as functional art. Materials range from woven rattan to colored glass and mixed metals.
Smart technology adds another dimension, with programmable color temperatures that shift from energizing morning light to sleep-friendly evening ambiance.
20. Curved Furniture
Angular minimalism is giving way to softer silhouettes as curved furniture makes its grand return. Rounded headboards, barrel chairs, and moon-shaped nightstands bring a sense of flow and movement to bedroom spaces.
These gentle curves create a more relaxing atmosphere – perfect for a room dedicated to rest. Designers credit our collective desire for comfort and cocooning as the driving force behind this trend.
Even small bedrooms benefit from rounded corners that prevent the bumped hips and stubbed toes that come with sharp-edged furniture.