From chic limewash paint to zen murals, here are some clever ways to elevate your bedroom walls for a serene and stylish sleep space.

Stuck on how to decorate your bedroom walls? Whether you’re looking to introduce wow factor or achieve a calming, restorative sleep environment, we’ve got you covered with plenty of creative ideas, perfect for sprucing up your design and infusing your space with style…

Hand-painted wall details

Arches, cornicing, and other architectural features offer a great opportunity to get creative with paint on your wall. In this scheme, Benjamin Moore’s Dream Whip 2174- 60 was used to paint the sliding door that leads to the bedroom, as well as create a scalloped border around it, and it was matched with the brand’s Grenadier Pond 698 for the rest of the wall.

“Take cues from your home’s interior architecture and echo its existing lines; experiment with a scalloped border around the soft curve of an archway or amplify period features with a contemporary cornice,” advises Helen Shaw, director of marketing (international) at Benjamin Moore. “Even a simple painted stripe can subtly guide the eye through the room. Add playfulness with contrasting tones like a brown-based pink paired with a fresh pistachio accent.”

Glossy wall tiles

If you want to create a rich and textured backdrop to your bed, try matching a painted wall with tiles in a similar shade. In this bedroom, the green micro tiles right behind the green headboard make for a striking focal point and create a material contrast that feels both calming and contemporary. “Using tiles on the wall transforms the room in an unexpected way, instantly adding tactile richness and visual intrigue,” says Shelley Cochrane, accessories buyer at Furniture Village.

“By extending the same colour across different textures, paint, and tiles, the design turns the wall into a standout visual moment that anchors the space. This approach not only maximises the impact of a single bedroom wall but also elevates the interior scheme by adding depth, cohesion, and a bold sense of character.”

Sunny side up

Colour drenching is still going strong, so how about trying it with a bright yellow shade on the wall and ceiling, and a darker, sage hue on the floor. Here, the immersive effect is a result of the Dibber No.312 Flat Eggshell paint on the floor and Duster No.319 Dead Flat splashed on the walls and ceiling, both by Farrow & Ball.

Best of all, the two compose a harmonious colour scheme that doesn’t feel overwhelming. “We have traditionally used emulsion for walls and ceiling, and eggshell or gloss on trim; but with Dead Flat, you can carry the same 2% sheen level across wood, metal, and woodwork,” says Patrick O’Donnell, brand ambassador at Farrow & Ball. “This creates a seamless flow of colour through a whole room for a fully immersive colour-drenching experience. Using brighter colours such as yellow instantly creates something cheerful.”

Velvety head

How about bringing your headboard to life with a soft, channel-tufted design that calls for relaxation with a good book or even breakfast in bed – just watch out for the crumbs. This stunning headboard upholstered in a luxurious Romo fabric looks plush and stylish, and serves as a bold contrast to the calming neutral wall.

“The versatile basketweave design of the Atiba velvet pairs beautifully with the channel-tufted headboard, bringing a luxurious yet understated feel to the bedroom,” says Emily Mould, director of design for The Romo Group. “The headboard’s dimensional structure adds rhythm and depth, while the warm tones of Atiba velvet create a cohesive and elevated look.”

Forest hues

Turn your bedroom into a proper woodland by choosing an earthy colour palette, with olive and forest greens at its centre, mixed with brown and blush hues. And for a contemporary wall, opt for on-trend wide panelling and drench it in your favourite green shade.

“A rich, deep green brings bold character and depth to the bedroom, especially when used to colour-drench the entire space,” says Emma Bestley, creative director and co-founder of YesColours. “Pairing it with complementary shades, such as a headboard or furniture in a similar green tone, enhances cohesion and creates a warm, cocooning atmosphere that draws in the eye. To balance the intensity, introduce softer, lighter elements through bedding, lighting, or a soft throw to maintain harmony and enhance comfort.”

Artisanal layers

If you’re looking to include a discreet yet impactful wallpaper, why not swap a classic design for something a bit more special? In this project, Owl Design incorporated a batik rice paper wallcovering by Le Monde Sauvage. This decorative wall treatment typically features designs created using the traditional wax-resist (batik) method applied to delicate rice paper. The outcome here is a bedroom wall that feels light but also brings a crafted quality to the space.

“The sheets are overlaid at the edges rather than butted together, creating a subtle texture and sense of movement on the walls. Batik, an ancient technique, is reimagined here with a contemporary twist through our bespoke statement headboard and angled bedside table,” says Sophie Van Winden, co-founder of Owl Design. “Softness is also introduced with a Flots vegetable-dyed cushion, making the look feel fresh and modern while remaining calm and serene.”

Restorative limewash

For a naturalistic aesthetic and a great night’s sleep, avoid stark paint on the wall, and opt for the softer limewash, instead. In this grounded bedroom design, the limewash walls contribute to an earthy, pared-back feel, complemented by the light wood flooring and the elegant Sage European oak wooden bed from Button & Sprung. To maintain your limewash wall, gently dust with a microfibre cloth or wipe with a clean, damp cloth.

“Unfussy, calm, and well-balanced, this room celebrates layers of natural texture with touches of oak, bouclé, wicker, and linen,” says Adam Black, co-founder of Button & Sprung. “The overall effect is earthy, soft, and mottled, complemented with a light wooden floor. Green sprigs have been used to contrast against these muted elements and enhance the feeling of nature. Finally, the addition of a naturally filled mattress turns this room into a haven of wellbeing for a deeply restorative sleep.”

Wood-drenched haven

Whether engineered or natural, used on walls or floors, wood could be the beautiful, organic-looking feature missing from your design. The Forge guest rooms of the Number One Bruton hotel in Somerset, as part of a renovation led by Frank & Faber, feature Bristol Tectonic Oak planks by Chaunceys Timber Flooring.

The wall cladding was colour-matched to the floor for a wood-drenching effect, its bespoke finish ensuring tranquility – enhanced by the extra-private window nook with curtain. “The natural grain and colour variations of timber bring a sense of organic beauty, making the space feel calm and cosy,” says Ian Tomlinson, managing director at Chaunceys Timber Flooring.

For a wood-drenched bedroom, keep colour tones and finishes consistent, advises Ian, and pay attention to moisture levels and expansion gaps: “Timber will expand and contract with humidity, so proper installation and acclimatisation are essential.”

Intrinsically zen bedroom walls

Inject some Japanese-style tranquility into your space with a wallpaper infused with Asian charm and a wall light that adds to the blissful, almost-spiritual ambience. In Curiousa’s founder and designer Esther Patterson’s bedroom, the brand’s Japonica glass wall light illuminates Esther’s own bespoke wallpaper, Stoney Wood, featuring drawings of the eponymous woodland and inspired by wallpapers in Chatsworth House.

The curtain conceals a wardrobe. “The light needed to be strong enough to read by but soft enough to feel restful. I love how the wallpaper shows through the two layers of coloured glass; it adds a subtle visual interest as the light plays across the pattern,” says Esther. “It was important to get the balance of colours right. The yellow ochre and emerald glass bring together the mustard of the velvet curtain and the green of the wallpaper. Even the blue flex discreetly ties in with the soft blue of the bed cover, helping the whole palette sit in harmony.”

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