Monochrome decor is very much on-trend this year, dominating Pinterest, Instagram and interior design publications. We see it as more of a timeless movement than simply a trend, because it’s accessible and it never goes out of style.
Once you’ve made the bigger bedroom decor decisions such as carpet, feature-wall and curtains, going monochrome means that you have a set color scale to work within and you can easily identify accessories to fit your theme. No need to rethink the wider scheme, nor make any drastic changes. Something as simple as a bedspread or a mirror can transform the whole space and keep things fresh.
What exactly do we mean by ‘monochrome’?
In certain contexts and to certain people, monochrome decor means having “varying shades of one particular color”, whatever that color may be.
To us, though, monochrome is about elegant combinations of black, grey and white – crucially, it’s about exploring these hues and experimenting with the different shades, textures, patterns and finishes within it.
As such, we’ve put together a list of considerations and suggestions to help inspire your monochrome bedroom project.
Monochrome bedroom ideas
Occasional metallics and glosses
Monochrome color palettes are straightforward, and clashing is virtually impossible given that it’s black, grey and white that you’re working with.
All the same, you’ll want to avoid creating a space that seems ultimately flat, which is a risk with monochrome. To bring your bedroom to life, you should add some carefully-chosen shiny flourishes. Still very much sticking to the monochrome brief, these reflective surfaces contrast beautifully with soft furnishings and bold colors alike.
For example, you could opt for a silver bedside reading lamp, or a glossy black vase or ornament for your dresser, or silvertone candle stand. Small and unimposing, yet eye-catching nonetheless.
Be soft with the colors
Although pairings of pitch black and snow white look striking, it could be said that this dynamic is better reserved for other rooms in the house – namely kitchens and bathrooms.
In the bedroom, you’re better off striving for a cozier and more relaxing vibe. This means making use of grey (perhaps creating a balance between light and dark shades), but remember that you can also explore other varieties of white such as cream, eggshell and oatmeal.
Work with the patterns
Another way to ensure personality within a monochrome bedroom is to employ patterns in the right places (and rotate them where possible). Patterns work well in statement areas such as curtains and duvet covers, and also in the smaller details such as lampshades, throws and cushions.
If you have a roster of duvet covers and pillowcases – from chevrons and check to stripes and houndstooths – that’s a sure way to keep things looking and feeling fresh, because the bed is such a natural focal point in the room. Plus, bedsheets are relatively inexpensive.
On the other hand, you could utilize patterns more subtly. For instance, have you thought about going with a block-color bedspread but offsetting that with a patterned throw or patterned cushions? This would be a wise move if patterns are prominent elsewhere in your décor, such as in the curtains or on a feature wall – after all, you don’t want two (or more) divergent patterns clashing with each other.
Textures are key
Having a variety of textures at play will give your bedroom more depth, and means you won’t have to labor quite so much over color-choices. Here are some examples both big and small:
- Embossed wallpaper
- Fabric headboards
- Brushed cotton bedspreads for winter
- Linen bedspreads for summer
- Wool blankets and throws
- Velvet cushions (and/or a velvet armchair if you have the space)
- Silk cushions
- Matt-finish floor lamps
- Clean white picture frames
- Gloss-framed mirrors
- Painted wooden storage trunks
Of course, you’ll have to try different things out in order to see what works and what doesn’t, because your tastes and the space you’re working with are unique. As well as that, bear in mind that certain textures are seasonal: corduroy cushions will be ideal in the autumn and winter months, but should be replaced by a more lightweight and cooling fabric in spring and summer.
Play with scale
Especially if you have limited space, you’ll want to magnify certain elements of your bedroom, while diverting attention away from others. In smaller bedrooms, the bed can sometimes feel too overpowering and busy bedspread patterns can emphasise this even more. Avoid drawing more attention to it by opting for a monochrome or paired down print.
Creating focal points is one way to make the room look complete whatever the size. This could be in the form of a ‘statement piece’ fixture such as a well-positioned dressing table and mirror, or a specific use of patterning.
Keeping walls light is an obvious way to maximise the perceived space, but if you are lucky enough to have a large bedroom, it may be that you want the opposite effect in order to ensure coziness. In that case, you could explore the darker grey tones as a wall-paint option, or incorporating a tall headboard or a standalone wardrobe. Conversely, if you’re dealing with a compact space, mirrored wardrobe doors (whether built-in or standalone) could be just the ticket.
Striking yet stylish
Much of the beauty of monochrome decor lies in the finer details, both adding variety and accentuating the bigger fixtures and furnishings you have in place. Without a curated array of accessories, your monochrome bedroom could feel plain and perhaps appear a little thrown-together.
Finishing-touch monochrome accessories such as tealight holders and jar candles will make a huge difference, bringing everything together visually and making it genuinely cozy on a practical level.
Mirror, mirror, on the wall
You don’t need us to explain how mirrors can make smaller spaces seem bigger. That’s not what this part is about.
On top of their practical purpose and the illusion of more space, mirrors give you another prime opportunity for injecting some personality into your bedroom. Perhaps you want a full-length standing mirror to adorn a corner of the room and act as a focal point. Alternatively, you could position a large yet minimalistic arch mirror above your chest of drawers, with a slimline black frame. Or maybe you love the idea of an asymmetrical design that defies the rest of your fixtures.
The finishing touch
Much of what we’ve discussed so far relates to two senses: sight and touch. Let’s not forget another vital sense: smell.
Just like any other fine detail, the right fragrance can enhance an entire room and achieve a specific mood.
For example, our White Clove 3-Wick Jar Candle achieves a delicate balance between fresh and spicy for a clean, modern fragrance, whereas its opposite number, Black Anise, is at the other end of the spectrum: earthy, bold, sharp. It all comes down to identifying which scents enhance your relaxation.
Decorate in style with our Monochrome collection
Monochrome decor is far from a passing fad. It’s a classic approach. Add some elegant flourishes to your bedroom with our Monochrome collection, from jar candles and tealight holders to candle stands and more.
Shop the trend from the comfort of your home today.