A bedroom remodel can completely change how you feel about your home. Maybe your current space feels cramped, outdated, or just doesn’t match your style anymore. Perhaps you’ve been working around broken fixtures or living with that carpet you’ve hated for years.

Whatever your reason, remodeling your bedroom gives you the power to fix what’s not working and build something better.

The good news? You don’t need to be a professional contractor to pull this off. With some planning, patience, and a clear roadmap, you can transform your bedroom into a space you actually look forward to spending time in.

Keep reading to learn the step-by-step process that takes you from an empty room to your dream bedroom.

How to Plan Your Bedroom Transformation?

• In short: Plan your layout and budget, demo old materials, update systems (electrical/structural), finish surfaces (drywall, flooring, paint), then furnish and decorate.

Every successful bedroom remodel starts long before you pick up a paintbrush or hammer. Taking time to plan now saves you from costly mistakes and frustrating do-overs later.

Empty and assess your space

You can’t see what you’re really working with until you clear everything out. An empty room reveals problems you might have missed and helps you spot opportunities to improve the layout.

• Clear everything out: Take all furniture, wall decorations, and personal items completely out of the room so you can see the bare bones of the space.
• Remove old fixtures: Pull down curtains, outdated light fixtures, and anything else you know you won’t be keeping in your new design.
• Start fresh: A completely empty room lets you see the actual size, shape, and condition of your space without distractions getting in the way.

Starting with a blank canvas makes it much easier to imagine what your bedroom could become instead of what it currently is.

Design your ideal layout

Once you see your empty space, you can start planning how to use it better. This step turns your vague ideas into a concrete plan you can actually follow.

• Draw it out: Sketch your ideas on paper or try free room planning apps that let you experiment with different furniture arrangements.
• List your changes: Write down everything you want to update, whether it’s replacing a light switch or knocking down a wall.
• Think practically: Consider how you actually use your bedroom daily and what changes would make those activities easier or more comfortable.

The time you spend planning your layout now prevents you from realizing halfway through the project that your new dresser won’t fit where you wanted it.

Create a realistic budget

Bedroom remodels can cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on what you change. Setting a clear budget helps you prioritize which updates matter most to you.

• Check local costs: Look up what materials, contractors, and supplies typically cost in your area since prices vary by region.
• Include everything: Account for all the materials, tools you need to buy, and any professionals you’ll hire to help with specialized work.
• Add a cushion: Set aside an extra 10-20% of your budget for surprises like hidden water damage or materials that cost more than expected.

A realistic budget keeps your project on track and helps you avoid that sinking feeling when you run out of money before you finish.

Gather design inspiration

Looking at what other people have done with their bedrooms helps you figure out what style you actually want. You don’t need to copy someone else’s room exactly, just use their ideas as a starting point.

• Browse and save: Look through home design websites and save any images that catch your eye, even if you’re not sure why you like them yet.
• Notice patterns: Pay attention to the colors, furniture styles, and room layouts that keep showing up in the images you save.
• Build your vision: Collect enough examples that you start to see a clear picture of the style and feeling you want your bedroom to have.

Having a folder full of inspiration images makes it easier to explain your vision to contractors and helps you make quick decisions when you’re standing in the paint aisle.

What About Demolition and Major Construction Work?

• In short: Strip old materials carefully, hire licensed pros for electrical/structural work, then hang and finish drywall before moving to surfaces.

After you finish planning, it’s time to tear out the old and prepare for the new. This phase gets messy and requires the most physical work, but it sets the foundation for everything that comes next.

Strip the room down

Demolition means removing everything that won’t be part of your new bedroom design. Handle this step carefully because rushing through it can damage things you wanted to keep or make extra work for yourself later.

• Remove carefully: Peel off old wallpaper and take down baseboards and trim without damaging them if you plan to reinstall or reuse these pieces.
• Protect what stays: Cover built-in features, closets, or anything remaining in the room with plastic sheeting to keep them safe from dust and debris.
• Dispose responsibly: Throw away damaged materials at a proper disposal site or donate usable items like old light fixtures to a home improvement resale store.

Taking your time during demolition might feel tedious, but it prevents you from accidentally destroying something you’ll wish you had kept.

Update electrical and plumbing systems

Moving outlets, switches, and fixtures now saves you from dealing with inconvenient placements later. This work happens behind your walls, so you need to do it before you close everything up with new drywall.

• Relocate strategically: Move electrical outlets and light switches to spots that match your new furniture layout and make the room more functional.
• Hire licensed professionals: Bring in a qualified electrician for any work that involves your home’s wiring since mistakes can cause fires or electrocution.
• Skip DIY electrical: Avoid doing electrical work yourself unless you have proper training, certification, and the required permits from your local building department.

Electrical work isn’t the place to cut corners or save money—one mistake can put your entire home and family at risk.

Make structural modifications

Changing your bedroom’s structure gives you more dramatic results but also requires more expertise and planning. Walls, especially load-bearing ones, aren’t something you can just remove on a whim.

• Hire a contractor: Work with a licensed contractor if you want to remove walls, add windows, or make other changes to your room’s structure.
• Get permits first: Apply for and receive all necessary building permits before you start any major structural work on your bedroom.
• Know your limits: Some walls hold up your house’s weight and need special engineering considerations that only professionals can handle safely.

Skipping permits or trying to do structural work yourself can make your home unsafe and create legal problems when you try to sell it later.

Hang and finish new drywall

Installing drywall creates the smooth, clean surfaces you’ll eventually paint or wallpaper. This step takes patience because you need to apply multiple layers and let each one dry completely.

• Install fresh sheets: Hang new drywall panels where you need them to create even, undamaged walls throughout your bedroom.
• Finish the seams: Apply joint compound and tape to cover the seams between drywall sheets, then sand everything smooth once it dries.
• Layer and wait: Add each coat of compound only after the previous layer has dried all the way through, which usually takes at least 24 hours.

Rushing through drywall finishing leaves you with bumpy, uneven walls that show through your paint and ruin the professional look you’re trying to achieve.

What Are the Final Touches?

• In short: Fresh paint sets the mood, quality flooring adds comfort, trim covers gaps, and layered lighting provides function and ambiance.

Once the heavy construction work wraps up, you can focus on the changes that actually make your bedroom look finished. These finishing touches transform your room from a construction zone into a real living space.

Apply fresh paint

Paint makes one of the biggest visual impacts for the least amount of money in any remodel. The colors you choose affect how the room feels and can even make the space look larger or cozier.

• Prime first: Apply a coat of primer before your paint to help colors look true and make the paint stick better to your walls.
• Choose your mood: Pick paint colors that create the atmosphere you want, whether that’s calm and relaxing or energizing and bold.
• Add visual interest: Paint one wall in a different color or try a pattern to create a focal point that draws the eye.

Most people underestimate how much the right paint color can change a room’s entire feeling and personality.

Install your chosen flooring

New flooring updates the look of your bedroom and affects how comfortable the room feels under your feet. Different flooring types work better for different needs and budgets.

• Carpet for comfort: Lay down carpet if you want a soft, warm surface that also helps absorb sound and makes the room quieter.
• Hard surfaces: Install hardwood or laminate flooring if you prefer something durable that’s easy to clean and doesn’t trap allergens.
• Prep the base: Check that your subfloor is completely clean, dry, and level before you start laying any new flooring material.

Whatever flooring you choose, proper installation makes the difference between a floor that lasts decades and one that starts looking worn within a year.

Replace or add trim and molding

Trim and molding might seem like small details, but they give your bedroom a polished, intentional look. Fresh trim also covers up gaps and imperfections where your walls meet the floor or ceiling.

• Install baseboards: Put new baseboards along the bottom of your walls to hide the gap between your flooring and walls.
• Add crown molding: Install molding where your walls meet the ceiling if you want to give the room a more elegant, upscale appearance.
• Finish to match: Paint or stain your trim to work with your wall color and flooring so everything looks coordinated.

Trim work separates amateur-looking remodels from ones that look like they were done by professionals.

Install new lighting fixtures

Lighting does more than just help you see—it sets the mood and makes your bedroom more functional for different activities. Good lighting design uses multiple sources at different heights throughout the room.

• Hang fixtures strategically: Install overhead lights for general brightness, wall sconces for ambiance, or bedside lamps for reading and tasks.
• Add dimmer switches: Put in dimmers so you can adjust your lighting intensity for different times of day or activities.
• Layer your lights: Combine different types of lighting at various levels to create depth and let you control the room’s atmosphere.

The right lighting setup lets you transition your bedroom from bright and energizing in the morning to soft and relaxing at night.

How to Furnish and Personalize Your Space?

• In short: Choose window treatments for light control, arrange furniture for flow, add textiles and art for personality, and create a dedicated relaxation corner.

With all the construction finished, you can finally bring in the furniture and decor that make the room yours. This is the fun part where your bedroom starts to feel like an actual place you want to spend time in.

Update window treatments

Window treatments control how much light and privacy you get in your bedroom. The right curtains or blinds also add color and texture that ties your whole design together.

• Match your style: Hang curtains, blinds, or shades that work with the colors and design aesthetic you created in your remodel.
• Control your environment: Choose window treatments that let you block out light when you want to sleep and maintain privacy from neighbors or the street.
• Layer for options: Combine sheer curtains with heavier drapes so you can let in soft light during the day and block everything out at night.

Window treatments often get overlooked, but they’re one of the first things you notice when you walk into a room.

Bring in furniture pieces

Your furniture needs to fit the space physically and match the style you’ve created. Smart furniture choices make your bedroom more functional and keep it from feeling cramped or cluttered.

• Choose main pieces: Select a bed, dresser, and nightstands that fit your room’s size and match the style you’re going for.
• Think multi-purpose: Look for furniture that does double duty, like beds with drawers underneath or nightstands with extra shelving.
• Arrange thoughtfully: Place furniture so you can move around easily and create distinct areas for sleeping, getting dressed, and relaxing.

The way you arrange furniture matters just as much as the pieces you choose—bad placement can make even a large bedroom feel cramped.

Add decorative elements

Decorative touches turn your bedroom from a functional space into one that reflects your personality. These finishing details add warmth and make the room feel complete.

• Layer textures: Add rugs on top of your flooring to bring in softness, warmth, and help define different zones in your bedroom.
• Personalize the walls: Hang artwork, photographs, or other wall decor that means something to you and makes the space feel uniquely yours.
• Soften with textiles: Use bedding, throw pillows, and blankets to introduce colors, patterns, and comfort that invite you to relax.

A bedroom without decorative elements feels cold and impersonal, like a hotel room instead of your personal retreat.

Create a cozy corner

Dedicating a small area for reading or unwinding gives you a spot to relax without getting into bed. This little retreat within your bedroom makes the room more versatile and enjoyable.

• Add seating: Set up a comfortable chair in a corner or near a window where you can sit and read, think, or just take a break.
• Include task lighting: Place a side table and lamp next to your chair so you have good light for reading or working on hobbies.
• Keep books handy: Add a small bookshelf or decorative basket nearby to store whatever you’re currently reading or working on.

Having a dedicated relaxation spot means your bedroom serves more purposes than just sleeping, which makes the whole remodel feel more worthwhile.

Next Steps Checklist

Now that you understand the bedroom remodeling process, it’s time to take action on your own project. Use this checklist to move from planning to actually transforming your space.

• Measure your bedroom space – Write down the room’s dimensions, window and door locations, and ceiling height so you can plan accurately.
• Create a project timeline – Decide when you’ll start and estimate how long each phase will take based on your schedule and availability.
• Set your budget – Determine how much you can realistically spend and prioritize which changes matter most to you.
• Gather inspiration images – Save 10-15 photos that capture the style and feel you want to achieve in your bedroom.
• Make a detailed materials list – Write down everything you’ll need, from paint and flooring to fixtures and tools.
• Get quotes from professionals – Contact electricians, contractors, or other specialists you’ll need for parts you can’t do yourself.
• Start with one small change – If a full remodel feels overwhelming, begin with just painting or updating window treatments to build momentum.
• Clear your schedule – Block out time to work on the project or coordinate with professionals so the work doesn’t drag on for months.
• Set up a temporary bedroom space – Prepare another area where you can sleep comfortably during the renovation process.

Your bedroom remodel doesn’t have to happen all at once. You can tackle it in phases as your time and budget allow. The most important step is simply getting started, even if that means beginning with just one room in your plan.

FAQs

How much does it cost to remodel a bedroom?

Bedroom remodels typically cost between $2,000 and $15,000 depending on the size of your room and whether you’re doing basic updates like paint and flooring or major work like moving walls and updating electrical systems.

How long does a bedroom remodel take?

A basic bedroom remodel with painting and new flooring takes about one to two weeks, while more extensive projects involving structural changes or electrical work can take four to eight weeks or longer.

Can I remodel my bedroom without hiring professionals?

You can handle cosmetic updates like painting, installing flooring, and hanging curtains yourself, but you should hire licensed professionals for electrical work, structural changes, and anything requiring permits.

What should I remodel first in my bedroom?

Start with any structural or electrical changes first since these require open walls, then move on to drywall, painting, flooring, and finally furniture and decor.

Do I need permits to remodel my bedroom?

You need permits for electrical work, structural changes like removing walls, and major plumbing updates, but cosmetic changes like painting, new flooring, and furniture don’t require permits.

What’s the best flooring for bedrooms?

Carpet works best if you want warmth and sound absorption, while hardwood or laminate floors last longer and are easier to clean for people with allergies.

How can I remodel my bedroom on a tight budget?

Focus on high-impact, low-cost changes like fresh paint, new window treatments, updated lighting fixtures, and rearranging your existing furniture before spending money on new flooring or major construction work.

Conclusion

Remodeling your bedroom takes time, effort, and careful planning, but the results make it all worthwhile. You now have a clear roadmap that takes you from an empty room through demolition, construction, finishing work, and finally to decorating your new space.

The key to success is breaking the project into manageable phases instead of trying to do everything at once. Start with thorough planning and a realistic budget, then work through each step methodically without skipping ahead.

Don’t hesitate to hire professionals for specialized work like electrical updates or structural changes. Their expertise prevents costly mistakes and safety hazards.

Take your time with the finishing touches since details like paint color, lighting, and decor ultimately determine how your bedroom feels.

When you finish, you’ll have a bedroom that not only looks better but actually works better for how you live.

Ready to complete your remodeled bedroom? Browse our mattress size guide to find the perfect bed for your new space, or explore our best mattresses for every sleep style to ensure your hard work translates into better rest.