Easy Ways to Brighten Up Your Master Bedroom

Every summer, an itch to redecorate your home appears, fresh off the rush of the spring frenzy. You want to get caught up with the trends, curate with intention, and brighten and lighten your space to match those easy, breezy summer vibes.

Achieving that effortless-yet-polished homey feel can be overwhelming at times, which is why it’s best to focus on one room at a time. Where to start? Your master bedroom, obviously (but once you revamp one room, don’t be surprised if you find yourself tackling all the others too; just blame it on the itch).

Lighten Your Linens

All-white everything is a huge, trendy theme for the spring and summer seasons, and for good reason. Bright white linens not only visually lighten a space—they make your home (and by association, you) appear minimal, polished, and boho-chic. We recommend you definitely splurge for some new white bedding, and maybe even extend the trend to your towels, blankets, pillows, rugs, etc.

Use Natural Light

Longer days in the summer mean more hours for your bedroom to be flooded with happy sunlight. Sometimes all you need is to switch up your floor plan, and it doesn’t cost you a dime! Place your bed and any shorter furniture (like nightstands or shallow dressers) closer to the windows, and move taller and heavier pieces into corners, or against walls opposite windows. Try to keep your set-up as open as possible; the more of the floor you can see, the better!

Once you’ve rearranged, take a good, long look at your windows. Look at the drapes, the blinds, even the curtain rod. Are your window dressings easy, breezy, and summery? Or are they dark, heavy, and out-of-date? Swap out the old with light-weight fabrics, light colors, and solid patterns. You should be able to throw open the windows and see the summer breeze in those babies! We’re going full Nicholas Sparks on your windows, okay?

Fake Natural Light

If you don’t have huge windows and tons of direct sunlight, don’t fret. There are still a few tricks you can use that will give the illusion of having a sun-drenched room without any sun. You can consider installing recessed lighting fixtures across the ceiling to disperse the light more naturally, and buy light bulbs that specifically emit simulated “daylight” rays (yes, they sell those!).

Also, you can use the drapery tips from above, and add a couple “false windows.” Doing so will make it look like you do, in fact, have big beautiful windows, and that you’re only keeping the blinds closed because otherwise the sunlight would be absolutely blinding in there, and no one wants to wear sunglasses indoors.

Create More Space

If you’re going for the ultimate open-and-airy feel, invest in a giant floor mirror. It will match the bright and simple theme you’re working with, as well as create tons of extra visual space with its reflective magic. Adding mirrors in general is a great way to fake more space, but trust us, and go for the biggest one you can possibly find. More mirror = illusion of more space  = more brightness. It’s math. Buy a mirror.

Add Greens

You know what literally depend on light for life? Plants. Adding some plants to your master creates a chill, breathable atmosphere (pun definitely intended). Not to mention that, in conjunction with your new white bedding, your room will be positively Instagrammable. You’ll be on your way to Pinterest fame, no doubt. You’re welcome.

And, we know you’re all about the #aesthetic, so we’ll go two steps further:

You cannot just bring home any random plant. The type and look of your plants both play a big part in the overall vibe, as well as where in your room you put the little guys. We suggest you opt for larger leaves, wandering vines, and rich color. Think fig trees, Devil’s Ivy, and Golden Pothos. Place larger plants next to your shorter furniture and closer to the windows to balance the room’s visual weight. Vines and smaller plants can go on top of taller furniture to allow the leaves to drape, or on a bedside table to counteract any ugly charging cords you might have there (no judgment here).

However, quality is better than quantity. Two beautiful plants that you really love are far, far better than seven small, sub-par plants you found for cheap. Stick with the minimal, effortless, well-curated look, and you’ll be just fine.

Summer is for sunshine and smiles, and it’s impossible not to have an abundance of both when your bedroom is ultra bright and on-trend.