7 “Outdated” Bedroom Styles That Are Actually Cool Again, According to Designers

As a place of rest and relaxation, homeowners and designers alike are always exploring fresh ways to make the bedroom feel calm, inviting, and tranquil—especially in today’s fast-changing design landscape.

However, the saying “what’s old is new again” often rings true, as once-outdated styles find their way back into favor. 

With that in mind, we asked two designers which previously outdated bedroom styles are now back in style, and they pointed to these seven trends.

Canopy Beds

Canopy Beds

Both designers we spoke to agreed: canopy beds are officially back. However, today’s canopy beds have a lighter, fresher look that helps them stand apart from the heavy and overly formal canopy beds of decades past. 

“Instead of heavy drapes, designers are leaving them open or using sheer linen panels,” says Lauren Saab, founder and principal designer of Saab Studios. “The frame creates instant architecture in a bedroom and makes even a simple space feel layered.”

Florals

There’s no denying that grandmacore aesthetics are having a moment in interior design, fashion, and lifestyle spaces right now, which explains why trends like florals are back in style.

Floral motifs and prints dominated the 1950s to 1970s before they fell out of style around the mid 90s, but now they’re back and better than ever. In the bedroom, Saab says they work best in small doses, so as to not overwhelm and crowd the space. 

For example, accent pillows, curtains, area rugs, and blankets offer the perfect opportunity to incorporate floral prints into your space. Delicate, small-scale florals are especially popular right now and can even make a striking impact when used in larger applications like wallpaper.

Ruffled Bedding

Ruffled Bedding

Here’s another one that’s sure to make grandma proud—designers say ruffled bedding is officially “in” again. What used to feel stiff, dated, and overly formal now feels sweet, textural, and unexpected.

According to Saab, lighter fabrics and simpler cuts give today’s ruffled bedding a fresh and modern look. When it comes to styling ruffled bedding in your space, Saab says less is more.

“Instead of plastering all fabrics with a ruffle, add just one to the edge of a pillow, which will add a touch of texture that makes the bed feel inviting—giving the whole setup a casual ease that feels relaxed rather than fussy,” she says.

Floating Bed Frames

Floating bed frames are nothing new, but thanks to modern technology and design advancements they are becoming more popular than ever.

According to Brittny Button, founder and principal designer of Button Atelier, floating bed frames are becoming increasingly popular in the design world thanks to their streamlined look and functional appeal. 

They’re especially popular in minimalist and contemporary designs where modern, sleek, and clean aesthetics prevail. They can also be a great choice for smaller spaces as the “floating” effect can help make a room feel larger.

Attached Side Tables

Attached Side Tables

Another bedroom style that’s popular in minimalist and contemporary spaces is the bed frame with attached side tables, Button says. This bed style combines form and function, offering a custom, sleek look while also being highly functional. 

Think of this style as the modern take on the matching bedroom set—it’s different, but kind of the same. If you’re having a hard time letting go of the matching look, this may be the perfect way to hold on to it while keeping your space feeling fresh and modern.

Mixed Wood Tones

Goodbye matching bed sets! Today, interior designers are all about mixing wood tones and furniture styles for a bespoke and collected look. 

“Mixing wood tones is back, and it instantly makes a room feel more personal,” Saab says. “The contrast creates that depth and keeps the space from falling flat.”

If the thought of mixing wood tones feels intimidating, you’re not alone. It takes some practice, especially since we were all conditioned for years to love the look of a matching set.

The key is finding the right balance in your space. Picking a single dominant tone, matching the undertones, and creating contrast with light and dark shades are a few simple tricks to help you get started.

Statement Headboards

Statement Headboards

Statement headboards are back, and designers say they’re bigger and bolder than ever. 

“Instead of relying on fabric, they are being reimagined in wood, cane, and bold forms that turn the bed into a focal point,” Saab says.

From wall-to-wall headboards to textural looks, designers and homeowners alike love pushing the boundaries of what headboards have traditionally looked like. Today, they’re more than just functional. Headboards have become an intentional design moment that helps define a space.

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