Maximalist Bedroom Ideas for a Bold Look

If you agree with the late, great style maven Iris Apfel that “more is more and less is a bore” (and perhaps you even have that phrase embroidered on one of your many, many pillows), then we have some good news for you: Maximalist bedrooms are taking over the Internet with their fun, flair-filled designs. The bedroom is new territory for maximalist style, and we love seeing bold colors and eye-catching patterns in the typically neutral-filled bedroom. But why maximalism, and why bedrooms?

We spoke to Beth Diana Smith and Ursula Carmona, interior design experts and HomeGoods ambassadors, about this style. From what maximalism is to how to create your ideal version of a maximalist space, we have you covered. Sometimes you just need a good dose of fantasy and escapism, and there’s no place more perfect for that than your bedroom.

The Popularity of Maximalism

One important thing to know about maximalism is that this decorating philosophy can be applied to various aesthetics. You can have a boho-style space or a French country–inspired room with a maximalist approach to the decor layered on top of that signature style, making maximalism a trend that all but the most ardent minimalists can embrace. Essentially, think of maximalism as dopamine dressing, but for your house, and in any style you like. The common denominator in maximalist spaces, no matter their style or color scheme, is a slightly over-the-top abundance.

“Maximalist style incorporates layering in a way that looks well-curated, bold, unapologetically colorful, pattern-filled, and energetic,” Smith says. “I personally believe that maximalism is about surrounding yourself with the things that you love, including unique and eye-catching finds.”

Carmona says, “Maximalism is everything minimalism isn’t! Maximalists embrace the more-is-more mindset in design… and curated collections… lots of collections!”

Maximalism isn’t a new idea. “We’ve seen maximalism consistently throughout history and cultures for hundreds of years,” Smith says. “From the Victorian era to the Romans’ design intricacy, to Moroccan style to Memphis Design and everything in between, the sense of maximalist style has changed and evolved over the years but has always existed in some form.”

In 2009, Justina Blakeney started a blog called Jungalow, and her bright and playful interior designs instantly struck a chord with readers. Her bold designs not only popularized patterns and a riot of colors, but they also introduced plants as a crucial part of a design scheme, which is still a staple part of modern maximalism.

How to Create the Maximalist Bedroom of Your Dreams

When it comes to achieving a maximalist design, it’s all about creating layers and adding unexpected touches. The longer you’re in a maximalist room, the more things you’ll start to notice. Often it looks like the collections on display took years to develop, even if they came together much more quickly than that.

Another wonderful thing about maximalism is that furniture and accessories don’t have to match perfectly. You can put together a wild collection of things you love, and as long as there’s some theme that holds them together, you can make it work. “Create your own collection of art in varying sizes, your favorite finds, or anything that repeats an item, a shape, or a color,” Carmona suggests, for an instantly curated and unique-to-you look.

Smith agrees with this anything-goes sentiment. “There are so many ways to add a dose of maximalist style to your bedroom,” she says. “The goal is to add color, pattern, and objects to create visual interest. I suggest painting the walls a bold color, adding intricate wallpaper (even on the ceiling!), creating an artistic gallery wall with oversized art, or incorporating colorful lighting and patterned fabric lamp shades.”

We also love taking a cue from Jungalow and introducing plants to your bedroom for a bright pop of green and the added energy of having a bit of nature in your space.

Maximalism Doesn’t Always Mean Tons of Color

Color is important in a maximalist decor scheme, but it’s not the most important thing. The most important thing is the mix of patterns. This bedroom by interior design Summer Thornton uses just two colors, white and blue, but reads as maximalist because of the layers of different patterns. There are at least five different patterns just on the wall coverings and textiles, plus two more on the floor. All the patterns work together because they share a similar palette but are varied in scale. The overall effect is ethereal and sweet but definitely still “more is more,” even though much of the “surface area” of the room is white.

How to Prevent Your Bold Designs from Keeping You up at Night

Even if you embrace the idea of a personality-filled bedroom, it still needs to function as a restful retreat. Here are a couple ideas for how to maintain the calm.

Make sure you have the option to dim the lighting to signal that it’s time to wind down for the night. A bedside lamp with a low-wattage lightbulb or even a sunrise clock with adjustable light settings can create a calming atmosphere as you get ready to turn in.

Similarly, you may want to invest in blackout window treatments. While creating a dark room to encourage sleep is always a good idea, it’s doubly important to keep the visual stimulation at a minimum if you have a bright, busy pattern on the walls. Also make sure that you have a smooth set of sheets and blankets. Put the highly-textured throw pillows and blankets to the side for the night.