While we all love the idea of having a bedroom that’s a sanctuary, it’s one room that is often neglected when it comes to creating a beautiful space to unwind.

With so much emphasis on the spaces we share with others – from our living rooms to kitchens – the bedroom is often pushed down the priority list in favour of rooms others will see.

That doesn’t mean that if you are working with a smaller budget, you can’t achieve some beautiful results. Creating a cosy haven doesn’t need to mean spending large amounts of money – just a few fun ideas, creativity and a willingness to spend some time giving your room the attention it deserves.

So, if you are looking to add a bit of style to your bedroom but you don’t have a big budget, look no further than this round up of affordable ideas to create a bedroom you love.

Paint the walls

Olive green bedroom with plants, artwork and an inky blue painted bedside table.

Highgate bedside table | @peach_and_pineapple_house

One of the least expensive and easiest changes to make is a fresh colour on the walls. Most of us can wield a roller and a paintbrush and within a weekend, it’ll create a big impact without having to fork out a lot of money.

For the best results, make sure you prep the walls before you start – fill any small holes with filler and wipe down any dust or dirt before you make a start. Taping off areas you don’t want to get paint on will give you more professional results too.

Add wall panels

White country cottage-style bedroom with rustic oak bedside table and matching bed.

French Farmhouse bed | French Farmhouse bedside table | @a_house_and_its_chows

Panelled walls are a big trend that shows no sign of disappearing. It’s a simple way to add character to otherwise plain rooms and is particularly popular with new build homeowners who want to add more traditional features.

Simply cut the pieces to size and use a small nail gun and adhesive to attach to the wall in a pattern. Use a spirit level to ensure everything is straight and fill any gaps with decorator’s caulk. There are lots of tutorials on Pinterest, Instagram and TikTok to help you get started, with cut-to-size MDF available from many DIY retailers if you don’t want to cut it yourself.

Introduce texture

Matching pale grey painted bed and bedside table in a green panelled bedroom with floral bedding.

Shay bed | Shay side table | @aheidistylehome

When it comes to styling your bedroom, you’ll likely want to add items that create cosiness and warmth. Texture will help you to achieve that, so consider adding things like woven baskets to stash extra throws, a few decorative cushions on the bed or a large rug to keep your feet from cold floors first thing in the morning.

You might also want to consider hanging shallow baskets, woven wall hangings, or rattan mirrors, which adds texture and interest to the space above beds.

Get creative with mirrors

Brindle double wardrobe

Brindle wardrobe | @edwardian_home_renovation

If your room is on the smaller side, use mirrors to add the illusion of depth to your space. Mirrors will also bounce light around a darker room (hang one opposite a window for the best effect) while also handy for getting ready in the morning.

Whether you like the idea of circular, rectangular, statement or window-pane style, we’ve got a wide selection of mirrors to choose from. Plus, we’ve got several styles that match our furniture for a perfectly coordinated look.

Bring the outdoors in

Industrial-style chests of drawers topped with houseplants in a bedroom with panelling and statement wallpaper.

Boston chest of drawers | @michael_interiors

Nature has a calming influence and offers a way of connecting us to the outdoors. You don’t need to hit the florists on a weekly basis to get the look as this can really add up. Choose faux blooms or opt for plants instead. As long as you look after them, plants are a more long-term way to introduce greenery to your home.

Not only do they look nice but they also have health benefits, with naturally purifying plants ideal for bedrooms. Don’t miss our houseplants guide to help you become a green-fingered expert.

Style your surfaces

Pale grey painted chest of drawers styled with plants, books, candles and a lamp.

Brindle chest of drawers | @hove_house

While bedside tables and chests of drawers often become dumping grounds for everything from yesterday’s post, to clean laundry waiting to be folded, resist the urge to clutter up surfaces.

Instead, decorate with accessories, photo frames, books and small posies of flowers to achieve the design ethos of less clutter, more style.

Add personality with art

Velvet upholstered bed covered in cushions in a bedroom with pale pink fitted wardrobes and tonal artwork displayed above the bed.

Hope wall art | @layered.home

One of the simplest ways to make your bedroom look more polished is with artwork. A striking piece can liven up a blank wall in an instant, while a gallery wall is a lovely way to bring some of your favourite memories together.

We’ve got an impressive collection of different pieces of wall art, all at affordable price points, that add a stylish finish when hung over beds, above chests of drawers or as standalone features.

Layer throws for a luxe look

Glazed oak Parquet bedside tables in a bedroom filled with texture, including throws, cushions, dried flowers and decorative objects.

Parquet bedside table | @our_hanbury_hideaway

And finally, even the plainest of bed linens can be lifted by some considered layering. Choose complementary colours and layer each on the bed along with two or three cushions for maximum comfort and style.

For a hotel-chic look, choose matching bedside tables and lighting to achieve a truly polished finish that will ensure the most peaceful of slumbers.

Hopefully that’s given you plenty of inspiration to help you style your bedroom on a budget. We’d love to see how you style your space. Make sure to tag us at #OakFurnitureland on Instagram and browse our complete collection of bedroom furniture for the perfect foundations for your sleep sanctuary.