Modern minimalist bedroom ideas

Minimalism is back but in a new, slightly softer and warmer way.

It’s about keeping the backdrop to your space neutral, while introducing textured and even plush furniture, with an injection of subtle colour to avoid a cold or harsh look. We explain the history of minimalism and how to make modern minimalism work in your bedroom.

The simplicity of minimalism

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” – Leonardo Da Vinci

Minimalism is defined as a design or style in which the simplest and fewest elements are used to create the maximum effect. It emerged in the 20th century as a reaction to and rejection of the highly decorative styles of the past, from frilly Victorian architecture to Abstract Expressionist art.

The Minimalism movement started in 1950s New York and was a label first given to artists like Donald Judd, Frank Stella and Sol Lewitt, who preferred simple geometric shapes and lines, only a few colours, and careful placement of those lines and colours. This concept was soon reflected in architecture, fashion and interiors and the ‘less is more’ mantra of minimalist design gained in popularity in the decades that followed.

While the new approach to minimalism embraces more warmth, minimalist bedroom design still centres around uncluttered spaces and clean lines, with just a few pieces of furniture and your bed as the focal point. This look might not be for you if you love an abundance of knick-knacks, ornaments and wall art!

Minimalism is good for the environment as it prioritises the essentials and discourages excess purchases. It’s also great for mental health, removing distractions and helping you to embrace the ‘tidy house, tidy mind philosophy’. Its calming benefits mean that minimalist style is perfect for modern bedroom design.

Clear the clutter

To create a modern minimalist bedroom, start by paring down what you have. 

Declutter your space and separate everything in your bedroom into four piles: keep, donate, recycle or bin. This goes for everything from clothing and accessories to furniture and bedroom décor. Get your belongings down to only what you need, then you’re ready to design a clean, simple space.

Get the look

While items are pared back in minimalism, a modern minimalist bedroom can still have plenty of warmth and atmosphere.

Moody lighting, layered textures and tactile furnishings are all perfect components of a cosy modern minimalist bedroom. With its simple comfy cushion headboard on a frame with clean lines and exposed legs, our Matisse bed, pictured above, is a great example of modern minimalist style. We’ve put it in a stripped back space, then softened the look with a textured rug and blanket.

1. The new minimalist colour palette

Crisp white is a classic minimalist bedroom shade, but for a more modern interpretation, white has now diversified into gentle earthy tones and pastels.

Colour has dripped into the minimalist look above, for a softer feel and interesting palette. The pale grey upholstered finish of the Lucia bed frame and the earthy pink tones of the rug, blanket and decor combine to create an inviting modern minimalist vibe.

2. Beds for creating a modern minimalist look

Platform beds and beds with exposed legs are popular in minimalist design because they’re simple and provide clean lines.

The oak tones of our Isabella platform bed add warmth to the modern minimalist space pictured above, and its ottoman storage is handy in a bedroom with very little furniture.

We’re now also seeing a lot of upholstery in modern minimalist bedrooms, as it’s a great way to soften the look, without creating a cluttered feel. Our Hopkins ottoman bed frame has a stylish buttoned headboard that’s padded for comfort. Its oatmeal fabric finish works perfectly with the modern neutrals in the minimalist bedroom pictured above.

3. Beautiful bedding

For a truly minimalist look, sheets in neutral shades are a must. If you’re embracing modern minimalism we recommend starting with pristine white bedding, then adding texture with knitted throws and tactile cushions in muted tones.

4. Perfectly plush

Plush furniture and headboards in neutral tones work wonderfully to soften white walls and flooring, for the new minimalist vibe.

The velvety finish and gorgeous headboard detail on our pearl-coloured Sana bed frame create a luxurious centrepiece for a modern minimalist bedroom.

Discreet storage

To make the modern minimalist look work in your bedroom, we strongly recommend keeping your belongings out of sight as much as possible.

This means discreet storage space is key and a shadow ottoman bed like Florence is a genius way to achieve this.

Traditional ottoman beds have large underbed compartments within their flush-to-floor frame, but Florence opens from the foot end to reveal its shadow ottoman storage compartment hidden underneath the comfy sprung slats. Cleverly constructed from sturdy black material, a ‘pouch’ blends in shadowlike under the bed and is almost invisible from eye level. It’s the perfect place to stash bulky or rarely needed items like extra duvets, cushions (or even last season’s clothes), without sacrificing minimalist style.

Florence is lifted from the floor on angled legs, creating a feeling of space and adding to its modern minimalism credentials. We’ve styled it in a grey bedroom, picking up the tones in its plush velvety headboard for a cohesive feel.

For even more inspiration on creating a modern minimalist bedroom check out our articles on how to declutter and organise your bedroom and getting the Scandinavian look.