Your bed is more than just a place to crash at the end of the day—it’s your sanctuary, your recharge zone, your cozy cocoon. But transitioning from your college-style bedding setup (or a mismatched collection of hand-me-downs) to a grown-up sleep space doesn’t have to mean trading personality for polish. In fact, the best kind of grown-up bedroom is one that reflects your personal style and promotes deep, restorative rest.

Here’s how to create a bed space that feels refined and elevated, but still uniquely you.

The foundation of a grown-up bed space is great basics. Think of these as the white tee and jeans of your bedroom: timeless, versatile, and essential. Start with high-quality sheets in a breathable fabric like organic cotton, linen, or bamboo. Opt for neutral tones—soft whites, beiges, or muted grays—that create a calm, uncluttered palette.

A quality duvet or comforter with a structured duvet cover gives your bed a crisp, clean look. Even if you’re not making your bed every morning (no judgment here), having the right bedding makes your space feel instantly more polished.

• Pro tip: Invest in pillow inserts and duvet inserts with a bit of loft. They help your bed look fuller and feel like a cloud—because adulting should still be comfortable.

Now that your bed has the foundation of an adult sleep setup, it’s time to make it yours. Accent pillows are a low-risk way to bring in personal style: a pop of mustard velvet, a funky embroidered cushion, or a bold patterned lumbar pillow can all show a little personality without overpowering the space.

Artwork above or around the bed is another great way to add a personal touch. Whether it’s a gallery wall of favorite prints, a large-scale photograph, or a vintage textile, this is your chance to let your aesthetic speak up.

• Love music, film, or books? Incorporate small nods—a framed concert ticket, a stack of poetry books on the nightstand, or a retro poster in a sleek frame.

What’s a grown-up bed space without the rituals around it? One way to elevate the whole bedtime experience is with upgraded loungewear. Think buttery-soft sleep sets, robe-and-slipper combos, or matching pajama shorts and tanks in luxe fabrics.

Matching your bedding to your sleepwear isn’t necessary, but it’s a vibe. Cozy up in coordinated tones, and you’ve got a Pinterest-worthy setup that feels indulgent but still true to who you are.

Loungewear is also where personality can shine. Whether you lean boho, minimalist, or preppy-chic, there’s something satisfying about slipping into something that reflects your style, especially when it complements the aesthetic of your bed.

Being a grown-up doesn’t mean giving up on comfort—it means finding ways to make your comfort work for your life. Maybe that means propping yourself up with oversized euro pillows to read in bed, or incorporating a bench or pouf at the foot of the bed where you can toss your throw blanket (instead of the floor).

It might also mean practical storage—under-bed bins, a sleek bookshelf, or a catch-all basket for your loungewear and bedtime essentials. Keep clutter to a minimum, but still give yourself the freedom to live in your space.

• Pro tip: If you work from bed sometimes (we’ve all been there), consider a cushioned lap desk or adjustable tray that can be tucked away when not in use.