Looking to redecorate your sleep space? Shea McGee shares her 3 design tips for creating 'a curated and beautiful' bedroom

Starting a room design from scratch can often feel like a challenge – there are just so many decisions to make! However, it's the bedroom I often find the hardest, as the precarious balance of style, comfort, and relaxation (all whilst staying true to your interior design style) is not always easy to perfect.

Luckily for me, interior designer Shea McGee recently shared her three top tips for designing the ultimate bedroom. Perfect if you're starting your design from scratch or if you're giving your room a makeover, Shea explains the most crucial elements to consider when exploring how to design a bedroom

The beauty of Shea's rules is their flexibility; they can be applied to any bedroom and will ensure it's well-balanced yet still personal – no matter your style or the size of your space.

1. Select a bed that honors your needs

Starting with the most important piece first, Shea explains how she selects a bed idea according to her client's needs. 'When I'm putting together a bedroom look, I typically always start with the bed selection first because I want to get to know my client's preferences. Do they like a cushion headboard or do they want the grandeur of a canopy bed? I ask a lot of questions about what they're looking for stylistically and in terms of comfort. This becomes the anchoring focal point to the entire space.'

Acknowledging your needs is of the utmost importance, explains Shea. 'You've got to get to know yourself and what you love. Do you love tufting because you like more of a glam look? Do you like something a little smooth? Do you like the stately look of a high headboard or the contemporary feel of something low?'

'With my headboard, I have these two tall windows flanking where our bed goes, and so whatever I choose, it's really important that I get some height in the middle so that it doesn't feel like this big drop in the focal point between the height of my window and what's happening between them.'

She adds, 'I also love an upholstered headboard because, for me, I like to sit up and read, scroll on my phone for a second, do some online shopping. So having an upholstered headboard is a really great start.'

2. Mix and match large furniture pieces

Next, consider the other big pieces in the room. While you might be tempted to go for a matching furniture set, Shea says opting for a contrasting dresser to your nightstand will ensure your scheme feels curated and one-of-a-kind.

Mix and match your bulky pieces, but still ensure there's one common theme between your bedroom furniture, Shea explains. 'Once I have chosen my bed, I look at nightstands and dressers. I like to look for some point of connection between the two pieces but differentiate the leg details.'

'So, in my bedroom, I have our Dana Nightstand and it is an oak construction with a black finish on it and that gave me a real grounding look to either side of my bed to balance out what I have on my dresser which is burlwood. Notice, that I have this piece sitting up on thin legs and this pieces goes all the way to the floor. That allows them to mix and match pretty seamlessly.'

3. Perfect your bedding layers

Shea says the most crucial decor idea in a bedroom is bedding. The beauty of bedding is its transitional nature; it can be changed according to each season and makes all the difference to a one-dimensional space in need of texture. 'The most transformative decor in your bedroom is your bedding. You can change it seasonally to give you different weights and layers and also a different aesthetic.' A chunky throw can be switched out for a lighter linen blanket in the warmer months, as can a brushed duvet cover for a breathable Egyptian cotton.

Opting for effortless bedding and perfecting the 'four layers' will ensure your bedscape is both comfortable and stylish, explains Shea. 'When I am designing a bed look, I really think in terms of four layers that are sitting flat on the bed. I'm looking at the sheet, I'm looking at a coverlet or quilt, I'm looking at a duvet, and then I am also looking at a bed throw at the end of the bed.'

Shop Shea's bedroom must-haves

By breaking down your bedroom design according to Shea's three rules, creating your dream space is more than possible. For more beautiful bedroom inspiration, be sure to explore our round-up of the biggest bedroom trends for 2025.