Listen, I was frank with you I first heard someone refer to their bedroom as preppy I literally gave myself an eye roll hard enough that I actually saw my brain. But here is the thing after spending an inexplicable amount of time scrolling through Pinterest and a tour in the bedrooms of some of my preppy friends, I understand now. There is something so charming about that polished elegant look that just screams I spend my summers in the Hamptons even when your biggest (planned) trip is a weekend away camping.
Whether you want to be a boarding school boarder or simply have a bedroom that looks like it came out of a magazine I have you covered. I would like to take you on a tour of the 12 absolute must-haves, which can make your space into preppy perfection.
Classic Navy and White Striped Bedding
There is absolutely nothing preppy like navy and white stripes and it is almost like the uniform of this style. I changed out the old floral bedspread with a striped one last year and I have to say? Game changer.
Striped bedding is great as it is quite adaptable and classic. You can combine thick lines with thin on them, incorporate some solid navy pillows, or even add a pink twist to increase the preppiness.
Bestseller options to consider: • Blend of cotton or linen to have that cool feel • Reversible so that you can mix styles• Matching sheet sets in solid navy or white
You can never say you are tired of this combination. It is the little black dress of bedroom decorating; never inappropriate, never passECO arley stylish.
Plaid Throw Pillows and Blankets
Plaid is the character of preppy decor when stripes represent foundation. I am speaking of those beautiful tartan patterns in deep green, dark blues, burgundy that make you want to drink hot cocoa by a fire (even in July).
The key to plaid however, is not overdoing it. With one or two plaid throw pillows, you’re off to a great start, and then toss in a matching throw blanket. You want a cabin cozy not a lumberjack explosion.
Neville Green Tartan • Navy and Green • Navyatto Red/Free Long Quick Demo: Red and Navy Buffalo Check • Black and Navy Classic •
Bonus Pro-tip: Variety the size of plaid patterns to make it visually interesting, but maintain the same set of colors. You will thank your eyes later 🙂
Brass or Gold Hardware Accents
This is where everything becomes fancy and I suppose I mean that in the best of ways possible. Brass and gold hardware will take any location out of college dorm style extravaganza and into sophisticated shangri la.
I began with brass drawer pulls on my nightstands, I then added brass picture frames, and a brass table lamp. The warm metallic colors give this beautiful contrast with all the cool navy and white.
Basic accessories of brass / gold: • Photo frames of all sizes • Pulls and cabinet handles • Lamp pedestals and lighting fixtures • Tray and box ornamentation
FYI, you do not have to spend a fortune here. Even economical supermarket-priced brass-coloured works can look expensive when you pick them out carefully.
Monogrammed Everything
This may be a little excessive, but listen to me. The marginalia of prep school decoration is monogramming. It is unique, classic, and injects that sense of uniqueness in addition to making your space personal.
Start with the basic stuff, such as monogrammed pillow shams or a throw blanket with your initials embroidered on it in a traditional font. I did go a little overboard and have customized towels, a jewelry box and even a wastebasket. Not a regret in the world
Monogramming staples: Monogramming staples include •Throw pillows made of classic three letters •Blankets with a single letter concept •Carved name Memory boxes and other storage devices
The secret is to selecting a classic font and keep the color scheme the same. Contemplate classic script or clear block letters – something very tasteful & simple yet timeless, nothing to drastically distinguish from thru 2 yrs.
Wooden Furniture with Clean Lines
Heavy, black furniture? Not in this yupster heaven. You are in the mood to have light to medium wood color with clean and classic lines that is timeless.
Picture white oak nightstands, a fabulous maple dresser or even painted wood furniture in clean white. I [Brian] purchased a super cool old dresser at a thrift store, repainted it white and used brass knobs. It is made to look like it is directly out of Pottery barn catalogue.
| Furniture Type | Best Wood Options | Style Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nightstands | White oak, maple | Simple, boxy designs |
| Dresser | Pine (painted), cherry | Clean lines, minimal hardware |
| Bed Frame | Oak, mahogany | Platform or sleigh styles |
The intention is items of furniture that appear to be costly but aren’t pretentious. Clean lines, build quality and that ageless look that would still look sharp in ten years to come.
Nautical Wall Art and Prints
It is time to be a sailor in you! Nautical wall art will have a coastal preppy feel without being in full-on beach house mode.
I am not referring to sappy anchor everything, consider classy sailing patterns, old fashion maps or black and white photographs of lighthouses. The trick is not to make it too straightforward and keeping it classy.
Some of the most popular nautical decor ideas: • Old vintage-style pictures of sailing vessels • Antique nautical charts and maps • Illustrations of lighthouse • Ropes and rope knots-artwork
Don.t be afraid to mix and match different sizes and frame styles (again, in matching finishes, of course) to create a gallery wall that tells a story. Don’t take it to extremes though -pun intended..
Crystal or Glass Table Lamps
There is no better way to pull off an air of elegance than with the right table lamp, and in the preppy world, the traditional approach is clear glass or crystal base with classic cream or white shades.
I broke out the splurge category and bought a beautiful crystal table lamp to put on my nightstand and it is one of my best purchases ever. The reflecting and catching light in it makes the entire room look more luxurious.
Considerations To Look For: • Optically clear glass bases or crystals • White, cream, or navy lampshades • Classical proportions- not too long/short • High quality electrical elements
The difference is the cherry onpart: Such lamps go with any color scheme that you may change in future. The are the chameleons of the preppy decor.
Wicker or Rattan Storage Baskets
Storing need not be dull people! Baskets- Wicker and rattan baskets are the preppy girl secret trick of keeping things organized whilst looking effortlessly chic.
I place everything on them: extra blankets, books, magazines and so forth. They bring out a texture and a warmth to all those straight lines and smooth surfaces.
Top tips on wicker storage: • Seasonal storage under-bed •Magazine storage on the bookshelf •Bathroom storage slam towel toiletries •Closet storage accessories
Have natural colors or white painted finish to ensure things are bright and airy. And they are, admittedly, much more attractive than any plastic storage bins.
Fresh White or Cream Curtains
Ever wondered what the quickest means of tricking your room to appear more expensive? Put up the proper curtains In preppy territory, that would translate as well tailored white or cream panels that just slightly puddle along the floor.
I changed the white linen panes of my new curtains and the change came almost at once. The room appeared to be higher, lighter and unbelievably civilized.
Curtain window dressing essentials:• Materials such as linen or cotton• Floor-to-ceiling drapes to add a dramatic effect• Unadorned hardware in brass or white• Solid or plain patterns or minimal designs
Ditch the thick drapes or crazy prints. You preferably desire something that presents your windows smartly without conflicting with other style elements.
Chinoiserie or Blue and White Ceramics
Here we introduce some patterning of style Hinoiserie ceramics are so preppy they contain the characteristics of a beautiful blue and white ceramic with Asian-designed patterns.
I began my project by using a small ceramic lamp and continued till I came up with a few decorative bowls and a tissue box cover. They add pattern and color but in a way that does not overpower the space.
The ways to include the ceramics: Table lamps having a blue and white base • Bowls and vases to decorate • Picture frames with ceramics embellishments • Containers and organizers
The secret to pull off – is to use them as an accent pieces, not the focal point. A wee bit o’ chinoiserie can bring the collected over time vibe.
Quality Throw Blankets in Cashmere or Wool
There is nothing that conveys luxury as a luxurious throw blanket casually placed at the end of your bed or a reading seat. I mean that, I mean that throne-like blanket that makes you simply cuddle up with a good book and a cup of tea.
Cashmere is the gold standard but quality wool or alpaca can be just as nice and far more affordable.
Blanket basics: • Natural fiber covers have the best, softest fabrics available and will last longer than synthetic materials • Solid colors such as cream, navy or camel blanks go with everything and can always be added to • High-quality blankets won’t pill or shed and they won’t lose their shape in the wash • Not too big, not too small – choose something that works within the dimensions of your home
IMO a good throw blanket is worth it. It’s so useful, beautiful and brings the comfortable and homey feeling to your bedroom.
Classic Books and Vintage Finds
Finally, another point, which is not least of all, is the issue of styling using books and items of vintage nature. In preppy style, smart people and a rich history are to be praised, so, display them!
I like combining vintage books with current classics, sprinkling in a few family photos in silver frames, and a few meaningful vintage items mixed in there. Everything is about building layers, and telling your story.
Classic prep accessories include: • Classics (or other beautiful coffee table books) • Vintage silver photo frames • Vintage silver jewelry boxes or dishes • Teak пред Juliustt sto.
The intention is to have a place that appears to have been lived in and adored not like a museum exhibit. Combine personal accessories with classic ones to have the ideal combination.
Bringing It All Together
Thinking it through, the art of achieving the preppiest bedroom is not so much about purchasing everything in one go and spending your wealth, so to speak. It all about creating a wardrobe of classic and quality garments that fit together in harmony.
Start with fundamentals such as excellent bedsheets, sturdy furniture and good lighting. Add on the personality elements such as monogrammed pillows, marine artwork, and those throws. The advantage of the preppy style is its non-seasonality. These are not fashionable items that you would like to change on the next fashion season.
Remember the best preppy bedrooms are effortless and cozy not stiff and stuffy. You want a space that’s going to make you feel like you are living your dream life, whether it is reading in bed on Sunday morning or getting ready for a night out.
So go ahead and let you’re prep school alter ego out. Your bedroom (and your insta followers) will love it! 🙂