Decorating a bedroom can end up being a big task and often leave you feeling like you shouldn't have even started. But an easy way to change up your bedroom without a lot of effort or time is to use layering.
At its core, layering is about using different elements on top of each other, but there are plenty of ways to use it more creatively. You don't need to stack everything directly on top of each other; you can instead create the illusion of extra depth and warmth in your room. Whether it's layering your bedding or taking it a step further by incorporating layers into your walls, we've put together some of the best ways to use layers in your bedroom.
How to use layers in all aspects of your bedroom
1. Use the classic bed layers
When you think of layering in your bedroom, we're confident that you'll immediately think of your bed, and for good reason. Your bed is the focus of your bedroom (it's in the name!), as it's usually the largest piece of furniture. By its very nature, your bed is designed to be layered. Some people might use only a duvet, whereas others might pair it with a mattress topper to keep their mattress clean. But there are plenty of other ways to make the most of the space your bed offers.
Add a cosy blanket on top of your duvet and finish the look by draping a throw over the end of the bed. Bed skirts are also a hot trend at the moment, and they're the perfect way to get the most out of your layering skills to give your bed some personality. The trends for bed layering are always changing, so make sure to keep up with them if you want your room to always look stylish!
2. Mix up your pillows
Blankets, duvets, and throws aren't the only layering options when it comes to your bed; don't forget about the pillows, too! Not only are they comfy to rest against, but they're an easy way to give your bedroom a touch of style. Layer them up with different sizes, ideally with two large pillows at the back to add an extra 'puffy' feeling, then use pillows that get increasingly smaller.
Try to make sure you follow the odd number rule, which means that there should always be an odd number of pillows on your bed. This could be two extra-fluffy pillows, two smaller pillows, and then a single decorative pillow at the front, and so forth. Change up the colouring to take advantage of whatever colour scheme you've gone with: if you've got a blue bedroom, then have your pillows gradually change from white to navy blue, and so forth!
And, of course, don't forget to style them properly. Give them a vigorous shake each morning to ensure they have the correct shape, and give some of them a karate chop to get that trendy 'chopped' look.
3. Add dimension with textures
An underrated way to use layering in your bedroom is with different textures. Not only does this look visually appealing, but it adds plenty of dimension, giving your room an extra luxurious feel. Blend together linen, wool, fleece and more with your blankets and pillows, but don't forget about the furniture itself! An upholstered headboard can be paired with deep wooden furniture, combined with an elegant wood bed, or even incorporated into a metal-and-mirror ensemble!
4. Layer up your windows
When people think about decorating the area around the window, they usually focus only on the curtains. But there are plenty of other ways to take advantage of this underused space and give it the same layering attention as anywhere else in your room.
Double up with blackout curtains on top and opaque curtains underneath to add extra dimension and privacy to this area, or combine curtains with a blind. Not only do curtains look beautiful, but they're also great at keeping warmth in during the colder months and out in the warmer months! If you're looking for something a little more traditional, you could go old-school with netting and curtains (a great way to keep pesky insects out during the summer).
5. Make the most of your walls
When it comes to decorating their bedroom, many people will just put up wallpaper or paint the walls and be done with it. But there's so much more that the walls in your bedroom have to offer, especially when it comes to layering. Incorporate panelling or add a dado rail to give your room some extra dimension, and a bonus is that this is also the perfect way to add multiple colours in a way that feels natural. You could paint the area above the dado, the area below and the dado itself all different colours that are still complementary for extra style points.
The walls in your room are also the ultimate way to decorate or showcase your personality. Shelving not only increases your storage space but also provides a simple way to showcase curated figurines, books, and more without taking up any floor space. And we can't forget about wall art itself! Decorate with framed pictures, beautiful canvases, three-dimensional art and more. There are so many ways to make the most of your walls for layering, so don't neglect them!
