Look, I’ll be real with you—when I first stumbled upon Serena and Lily’s bedroom designs, I had one of those “where has this been all my life?” moments. You know that feeling when you see a room and immediately want to throw out everything you own and start fresh? Yeah, that happened.
Serena and Lily has this uncanny ability to make coastal elegance look effortless. Their bedrooms strike that perfect balance between “I just threw this together” and “I hired a professional designer.” Spoiler alert: it’s definitely curated, but that’s what makes it work.
So grab your coffee (or wine, no judgment), and let’s explore 19 bedroom ideas that’ll have you bookmarking this faster than you can say “organic linen duvet.”
The Classic Coastal Retreat
Here’s the thing about coastal bedrooms—they can go wrong fast. Too much nautical nonsense and you’re living in a seafood restaurant. But Serena and Lily? They nail it every single time.
The foundation starts with a neutral base. Think crisp whites, soft creams, and those gorgeous sandy beiges that somehow look expensive. Layer in natural textures through rattan headboards, jute rugs, and linen bedding. The magic happens when you add just enough blue—maybe in throw pillows or a subtle striped blanket—to whisper “beach house” without screaming it.
IMO, the key is restraint. One statement piece, like their iconic Balboa Bed, does more work than five mediocre décor items ever could.
Rattan Everything (But Make It Chic)
Ever wondered why rattan suddenly became the “it” material? Because it’s ridiculously versatile, that’s why.
Serena and Lily takes rattan from “grandma’s patio furniture” to “I’m sophisticated and worldly.” Rattan headboards create instant texture without overwhelming the space. Pair one with all-white bedding and suddenly your bedroom looks like it belongs in a boutique hotel.
But don’t stop there. Add a rattan bench at the foot of your bed, some woven pendant lights, or even rattan nightstands. The trick is mixing it with softer elements—plush textiles, smooth ceramics—so the room doesn’t feel like a basket convention.
The Power of Blue and White
This combination is basically the little black dress of bedroom design. Timeless, elegant, and somehow always appropriate.
Serena and Lily masters the blue and white palette by varying the shades and patterns. You might see:
- Navy geometric pillows against white sheets
- Light blue linen curtains framing white walls
- Striped throws in varying blue tones
- Delft-inspired ceramics as accents
The beauty? You can go bold with navy or keep it soft with powder blue. Both work. The white keeps everything grounded while the blue adds personality without trying too hard.
Layered Bedding Done Right
Let me tell you something—flat, boring bedding kills a bedroom faster than anything else. Serena and Lily bedrooms look so inviting because they understand the art of layering.
Start with quality sheets (yes, thread count matters). Add a lightweight blanket, then a duvet or coverlet. Throw in a few Euro shams, some standard pillows, and maybe a lumbar pillow for good measure. The goal is texture and dimension, not just height.
Here’s my personal rule: mix patterns sparingly. A striped duvet with solid pillows, or vice versa. Too many patterns and your bed looks like a craft store exploded on it.
Natural Light Is Your Best Friend
Serena and Lily bedrooms always feel bright and airy. That’s not an accident—it’s intentional design.
Maximize your natural light by choosing sheer or lightweight curtains in neutral tones. Their signature move? Floor-to-ceiling drapes that make windows look larger and rooms feel taller. Mount your curtain rod high and let those panels pool slightly on the floor for that effortless, expensive look.
If your room lacks natural light, fake it. Use mirrors strategically, stick to light colors, and invest in warm-toned lighting that mimics daylight. Your bedroom will thank you.
The Statement Headboard
Can we talk about headboards for a second? They’re the easiest way to transform a boring bed into a focal point.
Serena and Lily loves an upholstered headboard—preferably oversized. Think tall, tufted, and wrapped in natural linen or performance fabric. These headboards don’t just look good; they’re actually functional when you want to sit up and read without a pillow avalanche.
For something more dramatic, go for a carved wood headboard or one of those gorgeous rattan designs I mentioned earlier. Just make sure it’s proportional to your bed and room size. A king-sized headboard in a shoebox bedroom? That’s a hard pass.
Organic Textures Everywhere
If there’s one thing Serena and Lily does better than anyone, it’s mixing organic materials like they’re getting paid for it. (They probably are, tbh.)
Incorporate natural textures through:
- Seagrass baskets for storage
- Jute or sisal area rugs
- Wooden furniture with visible grain
- Stone or ceramic accessories
- Live plants (obviously)
These elements ground the space and prevent it from feeling too precious or sterile. Plus, they age beautifully. That worn-in look? Totally intentional 🙂
Serene Neutrals with Pops of Color
Here’s where people get nervous—adding color to a neutral palette. But stick with me.
Serena and Lily keeps the base neutral (whites, creams, taupes) then introduces color through easily changeable elements. A coral throw here, sage green pillows there, maybe some terracotta pottery. The neutrals do the heavy lifting while the color adds personality.
The genius part? You can swap out those colorful accents seasonally without redecorating your entire room. Summer blues become fall oranges with minimal effort and zero commitment issues.
The Casual Canopy
Canopy beds used to feel stuffy and formal. Not anymore.
Modern canopy beds—especially the Serena and Lily versions—are light, airy, and surprisingly versatile. Choose a simple four-poster frame in natural wood or white, then decide if you want to add fabric or leave it bare.
FYI, going fabric-free gives you that architectural interest without the drama. But if you want cozy? Drape some sheer linen panels for that breezy, romantic vibe. Just skip the heavy velvet curtains unless you’re going for medieval castle chic.
Nightstand Styling That Actually Works
Your nightstands deserve better than a lamp and a pile of books you’re pretending to read.
Keep it functional but pretty. You need:
- A lamp with a warm-toned bulb
- Something living (plant or flowers)
- A catch-all dish for jewelry
- Maybe a book or two (ones you’re actually reading)
Serena and Lily nightstands often feature open shelving below, which is perfect for hiding the charging cords and random stuff that accumulates. Keep the top curated, the bottom practical.
Wallpaper Without the Commitment
Wallpaper can transform a bedroom, but the commitment freaks people out. I get it.
Try an accent wall behind your bed instead of wallpapering the entire room. Serena and Lily-inspired patterns include subtle grasscloth, delicate florals, or textured neutrals that add interest without overwhelming the space.
Not ready for wallpaper at all? Textured paint, board and batten, or even a gallery wall can create similar visual interest. The point is giving that wall behind your bed some personality.
Thoughtful Lighting Layers
Overhead lighting alone? That’s amateur hour.
Create ambiance with multiple light sources at different heights. A chandelier or pendant for general lighting, table lamps for task lighting, and maybe some wall sconces for mood lighting. Serena and Lily loves natural materials here too—rattan pendants, capiz shell chandeliers, ceramic table lamps.
Dimmer switches are non-negotiable. Your bedroom shouldn’t have just two settings: pitch black or operating room.
The Reading Nook Nobody Asked For (But Everyone Wants)
If you’ve got even a tiny corner, create a reading nook. It’s the bedroom equivalent of adding a pool to your house—pure luxury.
One cozy chair, a small side table, a floor lamp, and maybe a throw blanket. That’s literally it. Serena and Lily does this with slipcovered chairs, woven stools, and plenty of cushions. It transforms your bedroom from just a sleeping space into an actual retreat.
Will you use it every day? Probably not. Will it make you feel fancy? Absolutely.
Strategic Mirror Placement
Mirrors aren’t just for checking your outfit—they’re design workhorses.
Place a large mirror opposite a window to bounce light around the room. Lean an oversized mirror against the wall for that effortlessly chic look (and because hanging heavy mirrors is annoying). Use mirrors with interesting frames—rattan, carved wood, or whitewashed finishes—that double as art.
Just avoid the “mirror facing the bed” setup unless you enjoy scaring yourself awake at 3 AM. Been there, not fun.
Bench at the Foot of the Bed
This might seem extra, but hear me out—it’s actually super practical.
A bench gives you somewhere to sit while putting on shoes, a place to toss tomorrow’s outfit, and adds a designer finish to your bed. Serena and Lily uses upholstered benches in neutral fabrics, wooden benches with cushions, or even storage benches for extra functionality.
It also visually grounds the bed and makes the whole setup feel more intentional. Like you planned this, not like your furniture just ended up where it fit.
Bring the Outdoors In
Plants aren’t just trendy—they’re legitimacy transformative for bedroom spaces.
Add greenery through:
- A large fiddle leaf fig in the corner
- Snake plants on nightstands (low maintenance FTW)
- Eucalyptus branches in a vase
- Small succulents grouped together
Serena and Lily spaces always feel connected to nature, and plants are the easiest way to achieve this. Plus, they improve air quality and give you something to keep alive besides yourself.
Curated Not Cluttered
Here’s where a lot of people struggle—knowing when to stop decorating.
Serena and Lily bedrooms look effortless because they’re edited ruthlessly. Every item serves a purpose, whether functional or aesthetic. If it doesn’t earn its spot, it doesn’t stay.
This doesn’t mean your room should be empty. It means being intentional. That ceramic vase? Beautiful and holds flowers. Those three books? Actually reading them. The random tchotchke from your aunt? Probably doesn’t make the cut, sorry :/
Mix High and Low
Not everything needs to cost a fortune, and Serena and Lily knows this.
Invest in key pieces like your bed frame, mattress, and maybe that statement headboard. Then mix in more affordable items—throw pillows from Target, lamps from HomeGoods, frames from IKEA. Nobody’s checking price tags when they walk into your gorgeous bedroom.
The quality pieces elevate the budget-friendly ones, and the budget-friendly ones let you experiment without financial panic. It’s called balance, and it’s beautiful.
The Monochromatic Moment
Sometimes the most impactful design is the simplest—an all-white bedroom with varying textures and tones.
Layer different whites and creams through bedding, furniture, rugs, and walls. Add texture through materials—smooth cotton, nubby linen, soft velvet, rough jute. The result? Sophisticated, calming, and proof that “boring” is just lack of imagination.
This approach also makes your bedroom feel larger and more cohesive. Plus, it’s incredibly forgiving when you inevitably add that pop of blue or green later.
Bringing It All Together
Look, creating a Serena and Lily-inspired bedroom isn’t about copying their catalog exactly. It’s about understanding the principles—quality over quantity, natural materials, neutral palettes with personality, and that effortless coastal elegance they’ve perfected.
Start with one or two ideas that resonate with you. Maybe it’s finally investing in that rattan headboard, or simply editing your nightstand styling. Small changes create big impacts when they’re intentional.
Your bedroom should feel like a retreat, not a showroom. So take these ideas, make them your own, and create a space that makes you excited to hit the sheets every night. And if you accidentally create something Pinterest-worthy in the process? Well, that’s just a happy bonus.
Now go forth and design something beautiful. Your dream bedroom is waiting—you just need to stop scrolling and start doing. (But feel free to scroll a little more for inspiration first. I won’t tell.)