Turn Down the Lights and Turn Up the Coziness With These Bedroom Design Tips

Summer means longer days, shorter nights, and plenty of time spent lounging in the sun. And while these certainly seem like positives, there are also some downsides to more hours of daylight. Specifically, brighter days and nights can mean more sun in the bedroom, a circumstance that can impact one’s ability to get sufficient rest. After all, it’s hard to sleep in with sunbeams shooting through the windows. Fortunately, a few careful home decor changes can have a significant effect on your sleep routine and way of life. From choosing the right sheets and comforters to investing in blackout shades, read on to learn more about creating a dark and soothing room, courtesy of the team at Latest Bedding.

Benefits of a Dark Bedroom

Of course, your feelings are affected by life circumstances and factors outside your control. However, research shows that light and color psychology also play a key role in determining mood. According to the experts, dark hues have a way of putting the mind at ease. By opting for deep shades like mocha, evergreen, charcoal, and navy, home designers can create soothing environments that inspire relaxation by signaling their internal clocks to rest and recharge. And logically, darker shades make a space feel more like a cozy cocoon. So you can snuggle up alone or with someone you love. 

Tips for Making Your Bedroom Moodier

The good news is you don’t have to blow your budget to make your room that much calmer and cozier. By choosing a few eye-popping pieces, you can revamp your space without breaking the bank. Here are some of our top suggestions for upping the coziness factor:

Invest in New Shades

Gauzy white curtains might offer plenty of charm, but they don’t do much to block out the sun. So if you’re the type of person who wakes up at the slightest slice of light, this type of window treatment might get the job done. Fortunately, you don’t have to choose between form and function when selecting your drapes. Plenty of the designer curtains and window panels available at Latest Bedding excel at keeping sun and streetlamp light from entering your sanctuary. Consider the J Queen Deco Charcoal Window Panel Pair (Set of 2). Featuring a highly constructed design in lustrous stria satin, the set boasts easy-to-match shades of charcoal and grey. So you won’t have any trouble sleeping in on bright mornings. It comes complete with two engineered tiebacks with a geometric puff motif for an end result that’s pleasantly airy. Showcase the set on its own or pair it with a Deco Window Valance and Bedding Collection, also available from J Queen New York. 

Want to ensure plenty of light still gets in during the day? Open your curtains when you get up in the morning or layer the Deco Window Panel Pair with a sheer curtain you can showcase during daytime hours. 

Rethink Your Lighting Scheme

Speaking of light, it’s no secret that too much blue light at night can interfere with sleep. For best results, switch out blue light-emitting devices like phones and laptops in favor of better options like e-readers or classic paperbacks. You can also employ low lighting in the form of lamps or wall sconces rather than bright overheads. The goal is to signal your brain that it’s time for sleep. You may even want to try turning the lights down an hour or two before bed to give your sleep cycle a shove in the right direction. 

Choose Deep Hues

White might be the popular choice among five-star hotels, but sleep aficionados know that darker hues are often more conducive to rest. In fact, decorators note that deep, moody shades help spaces feel peaceful and nest-like. They do this in part by absorbing excess light, helping trick your brain into drifting off to dreamland. Fortunately, the options for dark bedroom design are extensive, with style-minded shoppers choosing everything from deep blue to green, charcoal, plum, and even black. A great choice for tranquility and calm, the Paxton Grey 3-Piece Quilt Set By J Queen is a cozy choice thanks to the 100 percent jersey microfiber construction and box quilting. As soft as a beloved t-shirt, the set is reversible, displaying both classic and dark gray shades. With two included shams featuring matching stitches, you’re purchasing a complete collection for one affordable price. Machine washable for added convenience, the Paxton Set looks as lovely in master bedrooms as it does bachelor pads and even guest rooms. 

Invite the Outside In

If you’ve ever taken a nap on a sandy beach or meditated in a forest meadow, then you know there’s something uniquely soothing about outdoor environments. So it’s only logical to bring some natural elements indoors if you want to up the coziness factor in your master. We’re big fans of wooden furniture in the form of bed frames, dressers, and nightstands. However, you can also celebrate Mother Nature’s beauty by incorporating stone elements like granite and marble. Finally, plants can go a long way toward helping a space feel like a sanctuary. Spider plants are low-maintenance and lush, but silk plants will create the same effect for even less effort. 

Opt for Matte Fabrics

Those seeking the coziest bedrooms know that it pays to avoid glossy fabrics. While shine and shimmer can be aesthetically pleasing, they also tend to reflect more light. The end result is a room that feels brighter and less calming. To that end, dark bedroom lovers should opt for crisp matte wall finishes and fabrics. Consider the Ultra Percale Sheet Set from Pure Parima. Part of the brand’s Hotel Collection, the set is crafted from extra-long staple fibers woven into a cooling matte percale. Crisp and breathable, this bedding choice allows moisture and air to pass through, so sleepers don’t have to worry about overheating on warm nights. The natural material also makes it a great option for those with skin sensitivities. Additionally, the embroidery offers a timeless appeal that wouldn’t be out of a place in a fine hotel or B and B. Bearing the coveted Cotton Egypt Association seal of approval, the set comes in sizes twin and twin XL all the way up through king and California king. Color options include deliciously moody choices like Slate and Carbon. 

Select Cool Tones

Speaking of color selection, cool tones are known for promoting good sleep. While there’s no single best shade for rest and relaxation and your own preferences certainly play a role, psychologists advise problem sleepers opt for hues like pale blue, sea green, dove grey, and even darker options like teal and turquoise. A luxurious option reminiscent of a frozen winter lake, the Sondra Spa 4 Piece Comforter Set by J Queen New York saves shoppers both time and money. You won’t have to hunt for additional pieces, as the set comes complete with an oversized and overfilled comforter with solid piping, two coordinated pillow shams, and a tailored bed skirt. However, those who want to build out their look can pick up additional components, like throw pillows and window treatments, from the same brand. This stunning selection comes in queen, king, and California king and is dry clean only. 

Find Natural Fibers

Just as natural decor elements can add to a room’s coziness, investing in natural bedding can go a long way toward helping individuals get healthier, more satisfying sleep. We love choosing cotton fiber pieces in neutral, earthen tones for a look that’s peaceful and idyllic. A great option for those who want to hack their sleep routine in 2025, the Textile Cotton Printed 3 Piece Comforter Set from INK+IVY boasts a beautiful blend of classic and modern. Featuring a printed stripe pattern along with rows of tassels, the set is crafted from 100 percent cotton that’s been treated with an antimicrobial wash. So you can feel good about the place where you’re laying your head at night. Thanks to hidden bar tacking in the filling and a non-woven fabric cover, the set has a clean finish reminiscent of your favorite duvet. Available in two neutral hues, the Textile Cotton Set comes in sizes full/queen and king/California king. It’s machine washable for easy care.

Add a Rug… or Two

Rugs don’t just provide cozy cushioning for your feet. They also help a space feel more like a cocoon – something that’s especially important if you’re struggling to get enough sleep. And of course rugs add to the style of a space, helping pull different colors and design aesthetics together. Fortunately, the options for area rugs are extensive these days, so you don’t have to resort to wall-to-wall carpet to make your room feel homey. We’re big fans of the Pink Nose Sheep Kaia Blue Woolable Rug from Lorena Canals. Reminiscent of the yarn-dyed check patterns traditionally found in woven throws, the rug boasts crossing horizontal and vertical lines for a stunning pattern of tricolor checks. Pile wool edging finishes off the piece, which has the benefit of being handcrafted and sustainable. Made from upcycled materials and non-toxic dyes, it’s a choice you can feel good about for both your family and the planet. 

Find Joy With Florals

When you think of flowered decor, you may be reminded of the bedding choices your grandmother made. While cottage core is certainly having a moment in the design world, today’s florals are anything but stuffy. Bold and vibrant, modern floral patterns come in deep shades that lend themselves to cozy, cave-like rooms perfect for solid slumber. We especially adore the dramatic charm of the Bebejan Vibrant Flora 5 Piece Reversible Comforter Set. Boasting a backdrop in deep teal, the pattern explodes with vivid flowers in shades of pink. However, because the set is reversible, you can always opt to display the subtler teal tonal floral pattern on the backside or even fold the piece down for a hint of contrast. Along with a 100 percent cotton sateen comforter, shoppers receive two matching zipper pillow shams, an embroidered pillow measuring 18 inches by 18 inches, and a printed pillow measuring 22 inches by 12 inches. A reusable fabric tote completes the package and offers a convenient way to store linens that aren’t in use. Note that the set comes in sizes queen and king. It’s machine washable and ships free. 

Try Multiple Prints

Not a fan of florals? Don’t fret. Pattern mixing is also a popular option among those looking to create cozy spaces to sleep. We love the idea of selecting an array of prints featuring darker, more dramatic hues. Consider stripes, spots, leaves, swirls, and even damask, with a few common colors tying the look together. Those looking for a bigger change may even opt to add removable wallpaper – this design choice looks especially striking when positioned behind the headboard - or a bold wall hanging.  

Go for a Throw

Throw blankets are practically a requirement in the cozy bedding game, so why not invest in one (or more) to turn your space into a serene sanctuary? Not only are spare quilts and blankets great for cuddling, but they also add interest when layered on the bed or tossed over a deep armchair. For best results, incorporate a mix of fabrics and fibers, such as cotton, velvet, and faux fur. Those seeking something sinfully soft may be drawn to the Cava Throw from J Queen New York. Soft and snuggly thanks to the sherpa reverse side, this piece looks as lovely in the bedroom as it does a living room or library. It comes in an array of shades, including Evergreen, Gold, and Winter White and should be dry cleaned to maintain its plush beauty. 

Pile on the Accent Pillows

What’s more inviting than a bed piled high with throw pillows? Along with upping the coziness factors, accent pillows showcase your unique sense of style. After all, you can choose a wide range of pillows in different sizes, colors, fabrics, and sheens. For best results, pick at least one lumbar pillow – your back will thank you at the end of a long day. 

A nice way to get started shopping for accent pillows, the Everett Teal Decorative Throw Pillow Set of 3 does the selection process for you. Made by J Queen New York, the collection comes with three coordinating pieces. The teal and linen pillow measures 20 inches by 11 inches and boasts charming textured geometric patterns and tassel accents. Embroidered with a soft lattice scroll motif, the second pillow comes in at 20 inches by 16 inches. Finally, the third pillow measures 18 inches by 18 inches and boasts a deep velvet teal fabric with double flange. These pillows should be spot cleaned to maintain their appearance. Feel free to supplement the set with additional teal pillows or bring in another shade like charcoal, black, or even mustard. We love seeing this set placed with a classic charcoal-colored duvet set, but your imagination truly is the limit.

Discover the Secret to Sanctuary-Style Bedrooms

White, light-bright bedding may work for some, but others prefer a cozier, more restful place to lay their heads at night. If you’re feeling like your sleep routine could use a rethink, it might be time to invest in new bedroom decor featuring some moodier hues. Fortunately, Latest has everything you need to get to sleep in style. A New Jersey-based institution, Latest Bedding ships luxury brands nationwide. Choose from a broad assortment of stylish products by J Queen New York, Bebejan, Pure Parima, Anne de Solene, Togas, Madison Park, and more, all for less than you’d spend in the big box stores or boutiques.

We look forward to helping you love your room again.