A bedroom says a lot about a person — a dramatic canopy bed frame hints at elegance and whimsy, while a sleek, minimalist platform bed reflects a love for simplicity. It’s the perfect spot in your home to blend personality and function, and a well-furnished bedroom makes waking up and winding down a pleasure.

In this guide, we’ll explore the bedroom essentials that turn your bedroom into a sanctuary. 

15 essentials to add to your bedroom checklist

You’ll definitely need a mattress and sheets, but that’s not all it takes to create a space that makes you want to snuggle in bed after a long day. A dresser, curtains, and rug all make a room look considered and inviting. 

From lamps that set the mood to mirrors that open up the space, follow our bedroom essentials list to make your bedroom feel complete. 

1. Mattress 

   

Your mattress is the most important piece of furniture when it comes to getting a comfortable night’s sleep. Foam cradles, springs give bounce, and hybrid mattresses strike a restful medium. 

If you share a bed with someone, consider memory foam mattresses with motion isolation. And if you live in a hot or humid area look for mattresses with breathable layers that reduce heat retention and improve airflow. 

Beyond comfort, there are practicalities to consider. For small bedrooms, a twin or full-size bed maximizes floor space and keeps your bedroom layout open. Larger spaces can handle a queen or king, which gives you room to stretch out. 

2. Bed frame

Bed frames do more than lift your mattress off the floor. They set the tone for the room’s interior design. Whether you’re going for sleek modernism or an ornate and traditional design, the bed frame sells the vibe and gives an anchoring point to your bedroom — a low-profile wood platform sets a far different tone than a statement-making upholstered four-poster bed. 

Beyond style, consider function: A bed frame with built-in storage can save space in small or shared bedrooms, while a higher frame can simplify cleaning day. 

3. Pillows

Your mattress isn’t the only thing that supports a good night’s rest. The right pillow keeps your neck and spine aligned so you wake up without aches or stiffness. Whether you prefer the plush hug of goose down, the contour support of memory foam, or cooling gel for hot nights, there are numerous pillows for each type of sleeper. If in doubt, try different styles of pillows until you find the best feel and look for your space.

4. Bed sheets

   

Your sheets should feel breathable, comfortable, and soft to the touch. Although thread count is a great place to start, look for fabrics that match your climate and sleep style. Cool linen or cotton sheets are good for temperate climates, whereas flannel keeps you warm in cold, wintery locales. For the hottest bedrooms, breathable bamboo helps avoid overheating during sweaty summer nights. 

5. Duvet or comforter

Grab a duvet or comforter based on how warm you need to be at night. Lightweight options work for warmer climates, while thick duvets and comforters are better for cold rooms. 

Besides tucking in, the best way to see the warmth of this bed essential is to check the tog. The lower the tog rating, the lighter (and less warm) the duvet will be. 

While duvets tend to be more expensive, the removable cover makes them worth it. With a variety of covers, it’s easy to shift the mood from deep autumn tones to bright summer whites. 

6. Throw blanket

A throw blanket adds polish to your bed setup, bringing texture, color, or contrast into the room. For instance, a beige blanket with fringe can add a tonal and textural shift to an off-white modern bedroom, whereas a cozy knit block print turns up the volume in bohemian interior design. Like the rest of your bedding, choose fabrics that make you want to curl up with a book or indulge in a midday nap. 

Cozy up with a throw blanket found on Onton

7. Throw pillows

Throw pillows aren’t designed to support sleep, but that doesn’t make them less of a bedroom necessity. Use throw pillows to pull together your bedding and give the room a styled, finished feel. Depending on how your bedroom is arranged, you can also place them around your space to spread out your chosen color palette. Just don’t go overboard unless you enjoy arranging pillows each morning. 

8. Headboard

A headboard helps anchor your bed in the room, both visually and literally. Whether it’s vintage oak or a minalist pale cedar, the headboard is a bedroom item that adds polish, gives your bed presence, and ties your overall style together. A headboard can also serve as a statement piece, so you don’t have to crowd the walls with decor. And as a bonus, headboards keep your pillows from slipping into the abyss behind your bed and protect your wall from wear. 

9. Nightstand or bedside table

If you’re a deep sleeper or just like to lounge in the comfiest spot in the house, you might need somewhere to keep your current read, a glass of water, and an alarm clock. Choose a nightstand with drawers if you like to stash things away, or go with an open shelf for a more minimal look. Either way, find a bedside table that matches the height of your mattress — you don’t want your nighttime essentials out of reach. 

Complete your bedside table with an alarm clock on Onton

10. Table lamp or bedside lamp

    

Overhead lighting is often harsh, and the light switch in your bedroom is probably far from where you sleep. A good table lamp casts a soft glow perfect for winding down and relaxing in the evening. Lamps are also great opportunities to give your room personality: Try something eye-catching like a bright colored shade, or consider a lamp base with texture to make a statement.

11. Curtains

Basic blinds do the trick, but they aren’t exactly in style. Curtains add color and softness to a bedroom, and layering different curtain styles mixes form and function. For instance, a flowing sheer panel catches the daylight and provides privacy, while a heavy blackout drape supports comfortable sleep at night. Plus, the contrast between light and heavy fabrics will add depth to your windows. 

12. Area rug

Area rugs add warmth, layer texture, and pull your design details into a more cohesive look — whether you go neutral or loud with the pattern. They also define separate zones, which is particularly useful in large bedrooms or multi-use spaces like home offices. Area rugs can also add an extra layer for noise reduction by softening footsteps and echoes, and save your feet from a sudden chill on cool wood and tile floors. 

13. Mirror

A mirror instantly makes a room feel brighter and more open. In feng shui, mirrors are used to expand energy and create space, especially in small or dimly lit rooms. Hang one across from a window to maximize natural light, or angle it near a lamp to double the glow. 

Style-wise, there are plenty of options: A full-length mirror behind a door or next to a dresser is practical, while a sculptural or vintage frame above a nightstand or console adds personality. 

Find the perfect mirror on Onton

14. Dresser or storage drawers

You might not be able to stuff everything in the closet, especially if you share your bedroom. Dressers are great for everyday items in need of a proper home, like socks, underwear, and gym clothes. Go tall if you’re working with a narrow layout, or low and long if you want more counter space. If there isn’t enough square footage for a full dresser set, underbed storage drawers can free up floor space. 

15. Plants

Plants breathe life into a room and soften hard lines and empty corners. A trailing pothos on a shelf, a snake plant in a ceramic pot, or a small succulent on your nightstand brings color and personality. For more low-maintenance options, try dry plants and flowers like boho pampas grass or a lavender bundle. 

Explore bedroom must-have items with Onton

Looking for some new things to put in your room? Use Onton’s AI-powered search engine to find everything you need. Try a prompt like “area rug” or “bed frame with headboard” to fill your bedroom with items that add style and function. 

Once you find your favorites, use Onton’s Imagine tool to see how furniture and decor details fit together. Upload a picture of your space and play around with different bed frames, rugs, and table lamps to create a snuggle-worthy setup. 

Dream up your ideal bedroom with Onton.