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If you want to feel like you are on a secluded, paradise island even though you are at home, decorating your bedroom tropical style is a great way to start. This design style brings a truly relaxing feeling of serenity and escape, inspired by nature found only in remote tropical destinations.
Bedrooms should be used for winding down and relaxing. They are refuges for quiet intimacy and for restorative sleeping. We recommend keeping everything about them quiet and low key so that they can be the tranquil and relaxing spaces they are meant to be. Preferably, that means no TVs and no computers either! Even the use of cellphones should be extremely minimal.
Whether you plan to either make a few updates or to fully redo your master bedroom or any bedroom in your home, you can find ways to implement exotic design elements which will instantly transport you to a tropical haven.
These same styling techniques can also be applied to other areas of your home including your master bathroom, your living room, and even your backyard!
In this post, we will focus on bedrooms and the key features needed for tropical-themed decor, including color palettes, patterns for wallpaper and bedding, accents, and other materials which can help to complete the look. We will also include tips and tricks on how to accomplish your desired look with 10 gorgeous design ideas that will make your bedroom stylish, elegant, and as refreshing as a tropical retreat. Using the information provided here, you will be able to create the perfect place for peaceful relaxation and rejuvenating sleep. So let’s get started!
How To Create A Bedroom, Tropical Style
Tropical style is all about recreating the fun, playful, but also serene vibes you felt during your island getaway. Think palm trees, bamboo and lush foliage, lava rock, earthy tones in all of the scenery, thatched roofs and woven textures, and other memories and imagery that create a true and holistic picture of your perfect tropical escape. To make your bedroom as authentic as possible and to create a resort-like feeling at home, keep things as natural as possible. Use raw or unprocessed materials, decor made of carved woods, coconut shells, hand forged metal, earthenware such as pottery, and woven mats or rugs. We recommend using a lot of plant life too as tropical plants are simply visual therapy. For those concerns about allergies or mold from potting soils, no worries! There are a whole lot of excellent faux plants available too!
Furnishings
Furniture is a vital component of interior decorating as it sets the tone and binds the whole space together. In bedrooms, the primary pieces of furniture are bedframes, headboards, nightstands, dressers, and others chests of drawers. Tropical style furnishings are typically defined by the use of sturdy darker polished woods. Tropical wood types include Hawaiian koa, mahogany, teak, mango, and even monkeypod. But of course, more traditional American hardwoods including oak, walnut, maple, cherry, and maple work just as well. All of these can bring the feel of lush rainforests to your bedrooms and living spaces. Wicker furniture made from rattan, bamboo or cane are also often used. However, there is no set rule about this because as we discussed in our earlier post about what the word "tropical" means to you, there are several different types of tropical styles and looks.
Once you know what "tropical" really means to you, be as creative as want and give your room the character you envision. Let your personality shine through the décor style. For example, if you love the look of rainforests with all of their darker greens, darker woods, and bright bold floral colors, go in that direction. But if you lean more towards serene beaches and the soothing sounds of ocean as described in our earlier post, go for a lighter look that is more beachy or surfer-inspired perhaps. The point is to choose the tropical look you like and then move forward accordingly. Use furnishings that speak to you. To truly personalize your space, use accents that include things like family vacation photos, cherished pieces that have been passed down in your family (vintage and antique pieces are always awesome!), and anything else that will help to make your tropical escape perfect for you.
Big, Bold Patterns
Another way to accomplish tropical flair in a bedroom is to incorporate bold patterns inspired by faraway paradise islands. Patterns usually feature big tropical leaves, ferns, palm fronds, exotic flowers, pineapples, and animal imagery. These can be used on wallpaper, cushions, comforters, pillows, upholstery, and rugs. In this case, this wallpaper print has a great tropical vibe to it which looks like it was originally headed towards a wonderful rainforest look. But with the addition of the flamingos and their beautiful pinkish coral color, you have suddenly be transported to a tropical coastline (flamingos aren't typically found in rainforests...). With a headboard to match the bird prints, a few similarly colored accent pieces, and the use of cane on the cabinet doors, this bedroom is now a light an airy tropical space!
When using prints on wallpaper and on accent pieces or bedding such as comforters, you can mix and match different motifs to add visual interest but just remember to keep a watchful eye on these. You want patterns to be related so that there is a visual flow, Large patterns create a focal point as your eye will be drawn to them. They can overtake a space if they are not used in proper amounts. Too much of any pattern can overwhelm a room and make it feel busy and chaotic. We have a post which addresses this issue as well, be sure to check it out.
Photo Credit: The other aesthetic
Tropical Color Palette
The color palette that you choose for your tropical bedroom should be inspired by nature and be the essence of a tropical paradise. We discussed in our earlier post that the goal is the create a space that lets you relax in tropical style. Walking into your bedroom should take you back to the beach, releasing tension by breathing deeply while soaking in the warm sun. Or it should take you the tranquility of a rainforest where as you walk through the tropical beauty, you see and hear the calming sounds of rain drops falling on the leaves and a tropical bird or two off in the distance.
This decorating style is different from coastal as it introduces a hint of adventure and liveliness while still being calm and refreshing. When choosing your color palette, think of all the distinctive features that you love about exotic tropical locations, from sugar white sand and sparkling turquoise waters to the breathtaking leafy rainforests beneath azure skies. Create a sense of opulence with lively accent colors like coral pinks, brilliant banana yellows, vibrant burnt oranges, and foliage-toned greens. To balance these out, bring in some neutrals such as whites, creams, and woody browns.
Plants Are A Must!
Don’t hesitate about bringing indoor tropical plants into your bedroom. They bring the beauty and element of nature straight into your living space. Plus, many of these plants are considered to be air purifiers, so they are great for the bedroom. Snake plants, spider plants, areca palms, peace lilies, and fiddle leaf figs are all good choices for your sleeping space. And they add authenticity to the room! But as mentioned before, if you suffer from certain mold allergies, potting soil in your bedroom be a problem. So really do consider the use of faux plants. There are some excellent ones out there that are truly worth the money. As with live plants and anything else in your room, they do require regular dusting to keep them clean (and your room allergy-free!)
Photo Credit: Glamour
Accents
Accents are important in interior decorating as they can make or break the room. In the bedroom, there are countless ways to use them. Wall art, vases, plants, special mementos, mirrors, and so many other as available for use. Use some really cool pieces of rock or smooth stone, a few beautiful shells, an exotic tiki piece or two, a handcarved wooden sea turtle, ceremonial carvings, and a couple of handwoven baskets or trays. If you have enough space, you can even add larger pieces like oars or a surfboard. Large pieces like those are great because you can either mount them on a wall or simply stand them up to fill in an empty corner.
You want to be connected to your tropical space. You want it to lift your spirits after a long day. You want it to help you maintain positive mindset. As we have discussed in our earlier post about accents. the right décor pieces can transform a basic bedroom into a truly inviting and healing space which is the goal here. Simply choosing any random piece to fill in spaces here and there will not work. That will only create visual and mental confusion as you are pulled in the a totally wrong direction.
Photo Credit: Instagram @mango_manor
Bedding
Choose bedding that complements the rest of the room and transforms your bedroom into a true tropical oasis. If you have had opportunities to travel in the past, try to remember where you stayed to see if anything about the decor used in your room stood out to you. If really stylish bedding was used, try to hunt for something similar online. If you will be traveling in the future, make a note to pay special attention to your room. While most hotels and resort simply use white bedding, sometimes there are special parts of that which might stand out whether it be a particular print or image, or maybe it is a perfect solid color to use at home.
When updating your bedding, here are a few guidelines to remember:
- If your bed is placed against the wall with large prints, choose a toned-down comforter or bedspread. Use solid color linens.
- If the walls are plain, opt for a nature-inspired print or pattern on the bed.
- Make that the bedding colors you choose are visually pleasing to the eye as they blend in with the rest of the room. If you eye is not happy, you won't be either.
- Keep the use of bright colors reserved for accents. Avoid using them on the walls. Too many bright colors will only add a lot of unnecessary energy to the room. Even with the lights off, they really can interfere with proper sleep.
- Choose high quality, high thread count, and breathable linens such as those made from cotton or bamboo.
Photo Credit: Alfresco Emporium
10 Tropical Bedroom Design Inspirations
Some of the key inspirations of tropical design come from places like Fiji and Bora Bora. They can come from Hawaii, the Caribbean, and even the Seychelles. To help you beautify your bedroom, we’ve made a collection of 10 project ideas which we hope will inspire you.
1. Simple & Elegant
This bedroom’s design incorporates natural materials, grey walls, and neutral colors. The floors are made of hardwood, while focal wall is decorated with beautiful, framed leaf wall art in gold color. Grey bedding and walls, which on their own could be quite boring, are complemented with a good selection of greenery and the warm browns and jewel tones in the furnishings, window blinds, and accent pieces . The lighter shades found in the wood flooring really work and help to create this cohesive and elegant look.
Photo Credit: Home Stratosphere
2. Outdoor Inspiration
This bedroom boasts doors and windows with deep, rich mahogany wood that is reminiscent of the tropics. The fabric colors really bring the outdoors in as the room comes to life with bright yellow accent pillows, muted green bedding, and touches of blue on the wicker chair and in the wall art.
Photo Credit: Southern Living
3. Leafy Greenery
Sometimes all it takes is one big, great plant. But then we are very partial to palms because they are simply the most beautiful forms of plant life!
This bedroom is modern and minimal but far from being bare and bland. Here, the design is based on several distinctive components — the large palm tree in a woven basket, a few minimalistic pieces of furniture, and dark hardwood floors. The bedding is crisp white as are the walls, the ceiling, and the window treatment. The use of accents is kept to a minimum which in this case, allows each one to speak for itself. The hats on the wall and the geometric-patterned pillow are great. The whole design has a relaxing, vacation-like feel which we love.
Photo Credit: Hunker
4. The Tropics For Kids And Teens
This tropical retreat is a true paradise! With its hammock chair, tiki bar-style window treatments, bamboo wall coverings, and lighted palm tree, this is a great escape for the younger family members. The white bedding and vibrant accent cushions against the perfectly chosen shade of blue for the walls allow the rest of the room to shine in true tropical style.
Photo Credit: Houzz
5. A Tropical Sanctuary
This bedroom is a wonderful example of how polished a tropical look with a rustic edge can look. Mustard yellow combined with warm grey and medium wood tones create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Lots of textures abound from the natural fiber rugs, the details found in the wood furnishings, and the variety of plants. This is a bit of peaceful paradise!
Photo Credit: Amazon
More Tropical Home Décor Ideas:
- Tropical Wall Décor Ideas
- 8 Easy to Grow Indoor Tropical Plants: Planting Guide & Styling Tips
- Bring Paradise Home: 20 Tropical Living Room Ideas for Every Budget
- Transform Your Bathroom: 20 Inspiring Tropical Design Ideas
- Tropical Outdoor Living Room & Patio Ideas: A Guide to Creating an Exotic Oasis at Home
- 10 Top Picks for Outdoor Tropical Plants: Easy-Care Options for a Vibrant Oasis
6. Tropical Sophistication
This island-inspired bedroom feels like a permanent vacation. It's simple yet chic elements of tropical design create the sense that you are only steps away from beautiful turquoise waters and a sandy beach, even if it is located in the middle of an urban area. To create this vibe, creams with rich browns in pillow and bedding fabrics are combined with lots of textures such as the woven ottoman, loop pile carpet, the lattice headboard and the carefully chosen plants.
Photo Credit: Liberty Flooring Solutions
7. An Enchanting Jungle
The design of this refreshing and colorful bedroom was inspired by the rainforests of faraway lands. This look is perfect for those looking to have their bedroom become quiet tropical escape. Here, bold prints are used on the bedding instead of on the wall. The large leaf design pairs beautifully with the headboard, the rattan furniture, and the wide-plank wood flooring. With plant life in different shapes and sizes, and at different heights, this room has lots of depth and layers. It truly has an awesome jungle vibe!
Photo Credit: Archi-Living
8. Statement Wallpaper
We have mentioned wallpaper before and need to one more time here because they are making a comeback. In this instance, it is used in one small space. When considering wallpaper, most people think it has to cover at least one wall or perhaps even the entire room. Not true! If you have an area of wall space which can be highlighted on its own, such as a cutout or niche as shown in this example, wallpaper is a great option for use as a wall accent. You can even simply use a strip of it that is wide enough to match the width of your bed to create a cool focal point. This bed doesn't even need a headboard, the wallpaper satisfies that need!
Wallpaper is very popular and the designs and patterns have come a long way. You can even create their your personal designs and have them custom printed. These are no longer the wallpapers with the dated looks of the 1970's and 80's. Also, the product itself is now a lot easier to use, making the more versatile. They are now very easy to use when you want to create a world of tropical bliss in your bedroom!
Photo Credit: Decoist
9. Organic Tropical
Nothing says exotic islands like using natural materials in combination with light and airy décor elements and some greenery. In this example, instead of rich, dark colors and big, bold prints, a modern tropical design is achieved by adding a bamboo canopy with light and airy curtains over the bed set against crisp white floor and walls. The woven baskets bring in some additional texture in addition to the wooden pallets which are used as a mattress platform instead of a traditional box spring (very creative!). The crisp white bedding is perfectly paired with neutral and navy blue pillows. The muted dark blue throw brings in a great pop of color as do the large leaf plants. This scene is a great example of casual and laid-back island living!
When trying to create a look like this, keeps things as natural as possible with unfinished woods and by using only a few heavily textured decor pieces. Those elements will stand out beautifully against white walls and window treatments.
Photo Credit: Hunker
10. Colorful Sea Life
When choosing the right color palette, you really should incorporate a few neutrals. They can either be the main color element with accents being the source of needed color or they can be the accents pieces used to break up and tone down the use of bolder colors on walls, upholstery, and bedding. They are easy to work with and can be in the form of just about everything from paint colors to wood furnishings.
When you have neutral walls and flooring, you have an empty canvas to work with when it comes to color. It is fun and energizing to start creating different scenes and displays.
nd perfectly with all materials and shapes. Still, there’s something alluring about the fun and energizing colors. Bright pinks, striking oranges, or brilliant corals such as those found in the tropical rainforests can easily be incorporated into your design. This is an excellent example of that and it speaks to perfection. The vibrant color palette is used in nearly everything from the deep coral side tables, throughout the bedding choices, and up to the spring green shutter-style wall accents. The other great thing about this example is how there is a focus on one theme, which many times is a dangerous things to do because themes can completely overwhelm a look by having the look be only about one thing. Here however, the theme of sea life was used so smartly. The images of corals, sea fans, and see grasses all work together but do no overpower the look. The small palms on the nightstands continue the similarity in shape with the sea life and the white pieces of coral contrast that with their own curvy shape.
This space works so well in that it is bright but not too bold, it is full or character and personality, and it simply is "island chic", like something you would find in a place like the exotic islands of the Maldives in the Indian Ocean.
Photo Credit: Eastern Accents
Final Thoughts
This post was fun because your bedroom is supposed to be a happy place. A place of refuge. A place for peace and quiet. A place for being renewed and refreshed after a wonderful night's sleep. We think it is actually one of the most important rooms in the home! So it is our hope that you have found some inspiration for your next bedroom transformation. These fool-proof tropical bedroom design ideas will help you to change your sleeping space into a year round tropical paradise. For more inspiration about how to decorate other rooms in true tropical style, visit our Tropical Home Design and Décor section!
