Bedrooms are more than just a place to sleep. They’re a place to relax, to find a quiet moment’s respite, and – unless you’re blessed with your own walk-in closet – a place to get dressed and ready for the day. These tasks all require a place to sit that isn’t your bed, and that’s why bedroom seating should always be part of your design plans.
An accent chair, a stool, or even a sofa can make a beautiful aesthetic addition to your bedroom. There’s also a practical benefit to having seating in your bedroom, too. Picking up your latest read, doing your makeup at your vanity table, or relaxing with your morning coffee all require a place to sit that's not your bed.
Including seating in your bedroom ideas helps to enhance comfort, but the trick is to also give your bedroom seating purpose. That means no relegating your bedroom chair to the semi-dirty laundry pile and no ineffectual seating that just collects dust. The next step? Styling it properly. From cozy reading nooks and footboard benches to daybeds for lounging and more convivial bedroom seating arrangements, here's how to style your bedroom seating for ultimate relaxation and comfort.
1. Create a cozy reading corner
The bedroom might not be the most obvious chill-out zone, perhaps not in the way that a living room is anyway, but that doesn't mean it's not worthy of being a place to escape and relax. The simple addition of a comfy armchair in the bedroom makes for a cozy reading nook, perfect for a moment's respite within your busy schedule.
'A cozy reading corner can be one of the most cherished spaces in a bedroom,' says Isabel Jackson, interior designer at Cheltenham Interiors. 'The key here is comfort, so invest in a quality armchair, recliner, or lounge chair that invites relaxation. A stylish floor lamp or pendant light can provide adequate lighting without overpowering the space.'
To make the space feel snug and den-like, take inspiration from the space above and angle your chair in the corner of the bedroom (bonus points if it's by a window). Play around with cocooning colors, too, as designer Theresa Butler has done.
'The easiest way to replicate this look is to start with a color that you love and color drench the space,' she explains. 'We found a stylish yet functional recliner and draped a throw in the same color family as the walls. Accessorizing the entire room with monochrome shades in mind offered a relaxing and inviting space, even with the strong color.'
The playful patterns of this cushion cover bring enough visual interest and color to a bedroom without feeling too busy. Add to your bedroom seating for a touch of whimsy.
For relaxing bedroom seating, you want an option that offers plenty of support. This upholstered armchair, with its boxy silhouette and soft rounded edges, offers just that.
Pair your bedroom seating ideas with a side table for added functionality. You can choose a slim option, like this end table, which makes the perfect place to rest a cup of tea and a book.
2. Position chairs in a window
The vista outside the primary bedroom tends to be the most tranquil of the whole home, so capitalize on that by styling an accent chair idea with a view out of the window. It's a great idea to opt for swivel chairs here to position the chair (or chairs) facing in or out of the room depending on how you feel, whether it's night, or if you have company.
'With unobstructed views that we wanted to both preserve and enhance, we designed the space to make the most of its breathtaking scenery,' explains interior designer Brad Ramsey of the space above. 'To achieve this, we concealed the TV behind wooden ceiling slats, which can be lowered with a remote and tucked away when not in use. The swivel chairs were chosen for their versatility, offering a cozy spot to read, unwind, or enjoy a cup of coffee while easily spinning around to take in the sunrise over the hills.'
3. Add a daybed for lounging
The bedroom is where we go to sleep, but it can also be a place to lounge and relax without distractions or intrusion. Bedroom seating ideas like daybeds or chaise longues therefore make a great addition to this space, and they score high on the style scale, too.
'For those who love the idea of indulgence, a chaise lounge or reclining chair can provide an instant air of luxury,' explains Isabel. 'These pieces work beautifully as an alternative to the standard bedroom chair, adding both elegance and functionality.' She recommends a velvet chaise lounge or a sleek, modern recliner in fine leather to serve as a place to relax or recline.
Take notes from the space above, also courtesy of Brad, where a simple daybed offers versatile uses in a guest bedroom, from a convivial sofa to a napping area. 'The chaise, nearly the size of a bed, serves as the perfect spot for naps,' says Brad.
4. Choose a hanging seat
If you want something more out of the ordinary, choose a swing seat or hanging egg chair to create a cozy bedroom. Swing chairs offer an element of playful surprise, but they're also ultra calming, the gentle swaying motion offering a great way to relax with a good book or a cup of tea.
'The design draws inspiration from creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere in the bedroom,' notes Lauren Lerner, CEO and Principal of Living with Lolo, and the designer behind the space above. 'We envisioned a piece that balances functionality with style, and the swing perfectly achieves that.'
Style this bedroom seating idea with fur throws and cozy cushions, as Lauren has done, to create a soft underlayer and add warmth. 'Choose a spot in the bedroom with enough clearance for the swing’s motion, not just the size of the seat itself,' Lauren reminds us. 'Most importantly, ensure the ceiling has proper support to safely hang the swing.'
5. Add a footboard bench for functionality
Styling your bedroom seating can be as simple as choosing a bench and placing it at the end of your bed (a popular bedroom furniture trend in recent years). The solid wood option above adds a beautiful organic touch to the space, or you could choose an upholstered bench in bespoke, hand-chosen fabrics to match your bedspread or wallpaper. Or, for something with functionality at heart, opt for a storage ottoman to hide your shoes or spare bedding.
'A well-placed bench at the foot of the bed is a timeless and versatile addition,' says Isabel. 'Not only does it serve as a place to sit while dressing, but it can also add to the overall aesthetic of the room. To enhance its design impact, select a bench that complements the tone of the room. A sleek upholstered bench with tufted detailing can bring elegance to a more traditional space, while a wooden or metal-framed bench can fit in with a more industrial or modern design.'
'If you’re unlikely to sit and read in your bedroom, a bench at the foot of the bed, perfect for putting on shoes, might be a more practical and functional choice,' adds Brad, who says that the addition of a bench can also help balance your space visually, too. 'For oversized bedrooms, adding a pair of chairs, a bench, or a small sofa can help fill the space and prevent the room from feeling too empty. Even with a minimalistic design, it's important to create layers in the room to avoid a sterile or unfinished look.'
6. Add a side table to boost utility
Just like your living room seating ideas, your bedroom seating needs to be functional as well as aesthetically beautiful, so consider pairing it with an end table or coffee table so there's space to set down your cup of coffee, your book, or the morning paper.
'In this primary bedroom, we created a seating area for taking in the view, relaxing with a good book, or for a place to unwind for an evening chat with your partner,' explains designer Kelly Hola of Kelly Hola Interiors, referring to the space above. The chairs, from Ralph Pucci, are paired with an ottoman upholstered in custom embroidered fabric from Holland and Sherry which matches the chair color.
In this space, Kelly maximized utility by doubling up on surfaces. 'We always like an ottoman with side tables, as it is nice to have a place to kick your shoes off and really relax,' she says. 'The drinks tables are fun plaster tables from Made Goods; they add a little brightness and whimsy to the space.'
7. Incorporate plenty of pillows for comfort
It goes without saying, but styling bedroom seating requires lots of soft textiles, materials, and tactile fabrics to add warmth and make your space more inviting. 'Pillows and throws can instantly transform any chair or bench into a cozy, luxurious spot,' says Isabel. 'Layer different textures – think cashmere, faux fur, and linen – to add both warmth and visual interest to the seating area.' Bouclé, with its soft, cloud-like comfort, is also a great choice for a bedroom.
As you would when styling a couch, you can also get creative with patterns and color, too. Consider matching your pillows or throws with your bedspread or wallpaper for a more cohesive look or, at the very least, choose options that contribute to your color scheme.
This pretty floral lumbar pillow is perfect for making a bedroom chair more of a focal point in the room. It would be perfect for this time of year as we go into spring and summer, adding a touch of on-trend baby blue but still keeping things sophisticated with the deeper navy.
A moodier take on a ditsy floral, this throw pillow would look lovely layered with some soft neutrals on your bedroom seating. Or you could pick up on that deep red and pair it with an accent burgundy throw.
Gingham is a classic print, adding a touch of whimsy to the bedroom. It also layers really nicely with other prints, so you don't have to worry about this pillow clashing with your bedding or any other patterns going on in your space.
8. Create a cozy window seat
For a cozy space-saving seating idea, consider incorporating a window seat into your bedroom. 'If you have a bay window or alcove, embrace the architectural features of the space and add a cushioned window seat,' says Isabel. 'To make it even more luxurious, use fabric treatments like velvet, silk, or textured linen for the cushions with interesting trims such as fringes or tassel trims and add a few well-chosen pillows in different sizes to introduce layers and depth.'
A window seat can turn your bedroom into a real haven, offering the perfect place to relax with a good book while fostering a connection to the outdoors. You can even make it multi-functional by creating a bespoke bench with hidden storage below.
With some intentional styling your bedroom seating can become a worthy showpiece, turning what is often an overlooked element into a beautiful focal point that imbues your space with comfort. As Isabel summarizes, 'Whether it's through the strategic placement of an accent chair, a cozy reading nook, or an opulent daybed, seating can be a powerful way to elevate your bedroom’s design while offering an extra touch of comfort and luxury.'
