14 white bedroom ideas to create a stylish and serene space

These white bedrooms prove that a simple is always in style. White color schemes are classic, and always create calming, serene space so are a fitting choice for a bedroom. Picture crisp white linen, clean white walls, and layers of slubby white fabrics. Yep, there's just something about an all-white bedroom we can't resist. But while we personally love a totally monochrome scheme, white is the perfect backdrop if you want to add color into a bedroom, so for those of you who aren't color-phobes is a great choice too. 

So to provide that white bedrooms can be far from boring, we have paid homage to everyone's favorite neutral by rounding up plenty of elegant, soothing bedroom ideas that are sure to inspire...

White bedroom ideas

Before we get into plenty of gorgeous white bedroom ideas, it's important that  you pick the right white for your space. As you'll know if you have ever Googled white paint, there are literally hundreds to choose from and some will work better in your space than others. 

'There are two killer questions when it comes to choosing the right white paint, and a very basic rule to follow.' say COAT Paints Co-Founders Rob Abrahams and Rob Green

 'Firstly, what direction does the room face? Get the compass out on your phone and check. In all cases, North-facing rooms have a cooler and less intense light, and South-facing rooms are naturally brighter and warmer. So if you’ve got a North-facing room choose a white with yellow or brown undertones - a bit creamier or earthier, like ‘Pampas’ - to help neutralize the cooler Northern light. If you’re blessed with a sun-filler South-facing room then you can go bright white if you like, or choose something that’s very slightly grey like ‘Sweatpants’ to knock-out the yellow light and create a more balanced white.'

 'The second question to ask is how you want to feel in the space. Bright white like ‘Screenshot’ is naturally quite stark unless you soften it with furnishings, whereas creamier whites are warmer but not quite as crisp. A nice mid-point could be a very pale Greige like ‘Mindful’ which has greyish-brown notes that add an earthiness to the white without it feeling magnolia.'

1. Layer white and grey for a soothing bedroom

(Image credit: Future)

What's so gorgeous about a white modern bedroom is how crisp, fresh, and light they feel, however crisp, fresh, and light can quickly turn into dull, stark, and clinical if you use the wrong shade of white for your space or keep the scheme too flat and monochrome. So introduce other neutrals to combat the potential coolness of an all-white scheme. A soft grey works wonderfully in this bedroom, and all the textures and mix of materials going on makes the room feel cozy and inviting.

'Decorating with white is one of the easiest ways to create a fresh and cohesive look.' says Ben Stokes, Founder of Kagu Interiors. 'It helps to open up a space, making it appear much lighter and bigger. To avoid a room feeling washed out, incorporate different textures of linen textiles, wicker lighting or incorporating to occasional antique finds to add character and interest.'

'Layer with complementary shades of neutrals, like off-white, cream, or soft grey. Wood also works well in a white scheme, whether it’s the wooden beams in the ceiling, flooring, reclaimed stools or side tables.'

2. Up the contrast with a black and white scheme

(Image credit: Rei Moon)

Black and white bedroom color ideas are classic, this scheme is never going to date and suits so many styles. Plus, it's not as extreme as it sounds, and you can make it as bold or as subtle as you like. A 50/50 split that really shows the contrast is going to create a much more striking space than something like this white bedroom that just has a few accents of black. You could even soften the contrast even more by adding lots of layers of tactile fabrics.

3. Bounce around light with mirrored furniture

(Image credit: The Modern House)

It's interior design 101 that white can really up the light in a room, making it feel bigger and brighter. But you can help a white scheme along by adding in some mirrored furniture that will reflect even more light around the room and add to the very calming, serene feel. Just a small bedside table as seen here is enough to bounce some extra light around and is a great piece for a small bedroom too as it almost totally blends into the room. 

4. Go Scandi with darker hues and lots of texture

(Image credit: Simon Brown)

Add depth to a white bedroom by bringing in some darker, but still soft hues like this soft charcoal greys and washed deep blues used in this very Scandi inspired space. Layer up the textures too with throws, pillows and rugs to create a bedroom that feels light and minimalist but also cozy. 

'My advice when decorating especially with white is that texture is key.' says Chrissie Rucker founder of The White Company. 'It is crucial to add in natural elements and pile on texture – a soft rug underfoot, or a diaphanous drape at a window can truly transform a room. Natural materials, such as weathered wood, slubby linen or marbled slate, connect us back to nature and add interest.'

5. Soften an all white bedroom with pastels

(Image credit: Anna Stathaki)

Cool-toned pastel hues like the lightest of pinks can add just the right amount of warmth to a sea of white. Just a few pink pillows mixed in with some pale grey to tone down the sweetness is all that's needed. And pick fabrics that have a nice relaxed texture to them like linen as it will give a lovely laid-back vibe to the bedroom. 

6. Paint the floorboards white

(Image credit: Soho Management London Ltd)

Been blessed with wooden floorboards? Be inspired by this white bedroom idea and paint them. You'll instantly get a lovely rustic, but elegant look. For a really cohesive scheme take the same white shade to the walls and ceiling and you could even paint your bedroom furniture to match. We are loving to the romantic look of this completely white aesthetic. 

7. Or paint a brick wall white

(Image credit: Paul Craig)

An exposed brick wall adds the perfect amount of texture to a bedroom with a minimal color scheme. Make it more of a subtle feature wall by painting it white to match the walls and ceilings and pair with modern pieces for a nice contrast between rustic and contemporary. 

8. Bring in pops of vibrant colors

(Image credit: James Merrell)

Of course, color isn't off limits in white bedrooms. White is the perfect backdrop for making colors pop, so bring in some splashes of really vibrant color like the green and orange used in this bedroom. White is still the dominant color but those fresh shades give the room a lift.

9. Go for a rustic look in a white bedroom

(Image credit: James Merrell )

White schemes are perfect for rustic bedrooms. Choose a simple off-white that feels slightly warmer than Brilliant White and pair with plenty of wooden textures (no worries if your bedroom doesn't have beams, a vintage wooden bench or side table will work) and lots of soft layers of bedding. Painting furniture to match the walls reduces visual clutter, you still get the lovely shapes of the furniture but it doesn't become the focal point. 

10. Keep it contemporary with low slung furniture

(Image credit: James Merrell)

Minimalism and white are often synonymous with one another, as this chic space proves. With a mix of clean white walls, contemporary low-slung furniture, and zero clutter, this lofty bedroom makes a design statement without having to be too loud. And the pop of yellow and blush pink gives the room a more familiar, lived-in feel. 

11. Add a boho vibe to a white bedroom with eclectic textiles 

Blue and white is a classic combination, and no it's not just reserved for beach houses and nautical interiors. A deep denim blue adds a touch of contrast and depth to an all-white bedroom and yet doesn't interfere with the overall calming and serene look. Stick to blues that have cooler undertones, and pair them with a very clean, brilliant white for a contemporary take on the ever-popular combo. 

12. Contrast white walls with dark frames 

(Image credit: Paul Raeside)

Break up a sea of white by hanging a simple, symmetrical gallery wall with dark frames and simple monochrome prints. The high contrast is striking and creates a clear focal point and yet still works in a neutral space. 

13. Create a soft neutral scheme with white and beige

(Image credit: Soho Management London Ltd)

If white walls are going to look too stark in your space, instead opt for a beige and white scheme that feels just as light as a monochrome look but feels soft and more enveloping. Bring in that clean white with bedlinen and drapes, and layer up more neutrals with blankets, pillows and rugs. 

14. Decorate simply for a minimalist look

(Image credit: Paul Massey)

Strip back on what to bring into your space and go for a really chic, minimalist bedroom. Opt for clean white walls, simple light wooden furniture, and crisp bedding in a material that has a bit of texture to it just to add some interest to the simple scheme. 

This look works perfectly in small bedrooms, especially ones that get lots of natural light as this all-over white look will reflect light around the room making it feel brighter and bigger. 

What colors go with a white bedroom?

The reason white bedroom ideas are so popular is because it's sure a versatile color that works with any other shades you throw at it. So the best colors to pair with white really depends on the look you want to go for. 

For a subtle neutral scheme pair white with soft greys, creams, and beiges, this is a classic look that's very calming and perfect for a bedroom. For a bolder scheme bring in more vibrant hues that will really pop against the white – try oranges, greens, and blue for an invigorating palette. 

Is white a good color for a bedroom?

Yes, white is a good color for bedrooms as it's so versatile and will suit all styles and sizes of room. It works as part of any color palette or as a monochrome scheme and can easily be adapted as tastes and trends change.