12 Cozy Preppy Bedroom Ideas That Actually Work

1. Layer Different Patterns Like a Pro

This is where the majority of people go wrong- people are afraid of combining patterns. Yet the pattern-mixing-challenged are in luck because preppy style flourishes in pattern mixing! Start with the big pattern (such as a stripe duvet), add a middle sized pattern (perhaps gingham pillows), and then a small/tiny pattern (a polka dot throw).

The trick? Don t chop and change color In case you are using navy, white and pink, be sure that there is always at least two of these colors in each of the patterns.

2. Invest in Quality Bedding (Your Sleep Will Thank You)

This is something I learned through years of cheap sheets. Quality beddings will add both the aesthetic and your sense of touch to the preppy bedroom. Percale cotton in whites or traditional designs is an option to look out for.

Monogrammed pillowcases instead of breaking the bank give a preppy touch that adds to the personal touch. PS you can receive gorgeous monogramming online at much less expensive rates than in department stores.

3. Create a Gallery Wall with Vintage Touches

Gallery walls may appear inimical, but they are quite forgiving. Zilfa Fagerstrom She uses old floral patterns, old family photos in similar frames, and possibly some eccentric antique map. The trick is to keep the colors of the frames the same all the time: all gold, all white, or all natural wood.

But you want to cheat? On the kinetic-side you can use three pieces in a triangle shape and build on it. Nobody could attempt to plan the entire wall in the first place, so much less daunting than it is.

4. Add Texture with Woven Baskets and Natural Materials

Preppy does not mean sterile Storage baskets woven with wicker, a jute interior complete the picture, and you might even prefer to add some rattan furniture items to make the bedroom actually enjoyable to be in.

I use a large woven basket beside my bed to hold my throw blankets- again both stylish and functional. It also gets me at folding them instead of leaving them in a pile 🙂

5. Incorporate Vintage-Inspired Furniture Pieces

You’re not necessary to buy actual antiques to clone the laid-back ambiance of this Mad Men era home. Preppy looks are easier to get with vintage furniture.

Search out furniture that has streamlined shapes in traditional finishes: white lacquer, natural wood, or navy paint. A vintage-looking desk is multifunctional and is used as both a piece to work and a decoration.

6. Master the Art of Layered Lighting

Nothing destroys the homey atmosphere as quickly as overhead lighting does on its own. Different types of light sources: classic table lamps, perhaps some string lights and even, some candles in case one wants to Netflix and chill.

The brass fixtures provide a traditional preppy accent here, and the white ceramic lamps update the scene keeping it very much in the present tense.

7. Create Cozy Reading Nooks

And every preppy bedroom must have a place to read (though oftentimes it is rather to go on Instagram). A comfortable chair with good lighting along with a side table to keep your coffee is preppy intellectually.

Not enough space to 3 fire chairs? A car window seat with a bunch of soft cushions does the same. The objective is the establishment of a space that appears to seem you have read classic literature in your leisure.

8. Use Books as Decorative Elements

Talking of books – they are perfect ornaments! Play up the sculptural features of books by stacking them on nightstands, on shelves, or placing period books underneath other small objects. Classic titles with beautiful cover are best.

It feels so prep to just have Jane Austen sitting there on your nightstand, even when you don t happen to be reading Jane Austen at the moment and you re reading romance novels on your Kindle.

9. Add Greenery for Natural Freshness

Greenery is a major element that adds life to a preppy bedroom. Easy-care plants such as pothos or snake plants are ideal in the case of a black thumb. There is no easier way to get that classic preppy look than by potting them in classic white or ceramic planters.

Fresh flowers where possible, but do not feel bad about being more of a quarterly water-why bother?- kind of person like I am.

10. Incorporate Plaid and Stripes Strategically

Here is where you can really cheat with classic preppy patterns. Plaid easy chair pillows, stripe white curtains or a gingham chair seat covers will bring that prep school flair without being overwhelming to your space.

The reason here is emphasized by the word, strategically, these patterns are supposed to be tied in as accents and not a whole room takeover.

11. Create Storage Solutions That Look Intentional

Preppy bedrooms always have an untidy appeal since other items have their space. Attractive storage options such as old fashion trunks and work hampers, or handsome bejeweled boxes will conceal clutter beautifully whilst enhancing your decor.

Pretty fabric Underbed storage boxes conceal seasonal clothes that look as if they were sourced from top boutique.

12. Finish with Personal Touches and Family Photos

His is where the preppy bedroom is transformed to be a unique personality now belongs to this person. Old family photos in silver frames, possibly a vintage tennis racquet on the wall, or your favourite books collections all in a perfect pile.

The most successful preppy bedrooms make a point to tell us about the occupant of the room without taking away that polished exterior.

Bringing It All Together: Your Preppy Bedroom Action Plan

Want to make your preppy bedroom of fantasy? Start with the color scheme- this is the core everything else will be based on. Include your largest furniture (bed, dresser, lighting) and then finally add little decorations.

Never attempt to do all at a time. I took months to add things little by little to the house to ensure it looked the way I liked. That half the entertainment was in the procedure My room was like a Christmas gift every time I got something new.

Budget-Friendly Tips for Achieving the Look

There is no point spending a fortune to get a beautiful preppy room. Cost effective thrift stores are museums of vintage influenced clothes. I have discovered impressive brass lamps, vintage books and even ideal picture frames at a bargain.

DIYs can be an homage to yourself- why not create your own throw pillows using preppy fabric or make some art prints utilizing old book pages?

Common Mistakes to Avoid

What is the main preppy bedroom mistake people are doing? Being too much of the theme. You do not want costume-party, but sophisticated. Never go overboard on patterns, make sure you have a good mix of colors: all pinks will not work, and it can help to keep your results muted.

You should also remember about comfort. A bedroom that has a great appearance but a cold reception lacks the meaning of what is meant by making a bedroom inviting.

So what is my sincere opinion? The most beautiful preppy bedroom is I one where you wake up knowing that you want to be in it. Marry those old school ingredients with things you love, and you get a space that is not only beautiful, but uniquely you.

We hope you use this guide to create that dreamy preppy bedroom you have been Pinterest-ing about for months – you future well-rested self will be thanking you!