2026 bedroom trends: How to create a calm, nature-inspired retreat at home

February 9, 2026

Supported by Manchester Collection

Does your bedroom feel like a sanctuary you can retreat to at the end of a long day, or is it a space you’d rather keep hidden behind closed doors? It’s easy to prioritise main living areas when decorating our homes but we spend more time in our bedroom than any other space. And it’s not just about home decorating. There’s plenty of research linking our environment to sleep quality and overall wellbeing. One of the biggest bedroom trends for 2026 reflects this shift — creating a calm, nature-inspired retreat at home.

From earthy colour palettes and botanical bedding to tactile materials and scent, I’m sharing the top ways you can turn your bedroom into a relaxed sanctuary.

1. Earthy and nature-inspired bedding

Other than your floor and walls, your bed forms the largest surface area in your bedroom so embracing nature-inspired bedding will instantly set the mood.

You’ll find quilt covers inspired by nature in everything from vibrant florals to lush tropical prints. As someone who generally steers away from printed bedding, I love the Yarra quit cover from Manchester Collection. Its soft floral and leaf print in sage and blush pink gives an Australian bushland feel without overwhelming the space, and is the perfect base for this bedroom look.

If you prefer solid-coloured bedding, opt for a quilt set in an earthy hue. Trending bedroom colours for 2026 include greens, clay tones, blush pinks and soft sky blues. Deep browns and burgundy tones are also emerging, particularly for cooler months. Look for textured finishes where possible, such as quilting or embroidery that can add depth and interest.

2. Repeat accent colours across the room

Confident interior styling is about cohesion. One of the easiest ways to do this is by repeating colours across the room, rather than concentrating them in one place.

A fool-proof approach to developing a colour palette is to draw colours out of your artwork or bedding. For example, I used green and pink from the bedding and used this in the cushions and throw blankets, books on the bedside table, and flowers.

Generally, I suggest picking one dominant colour and one accent colour, rather than using several colours in equal measure, as it helps to create a more balanced look. You don’t need to overdo it, just adding 3-5 pops of colour across the room will achieve a harmonious look.

Alternatively, you could pick just one colour and play with different tones and shades to achieve a monochromatic look. Colour drenching (where you use one colour across walls, ceiling, furniture and décor) is a particularly hot bedroom trend for 2026.

3. Embrace scent

How we feel in a space isn’t just visual. Our other senses play a role and scent is a powerful one. In fact, smell is often the first thing our brain registers when we enter a room.

To create an uplifting bedroom, use fresh scents like citrus or peppermint. For a more grounding feel, choose fragrances such as cedarwood, clary sage or rosemary. If you’d like a softer, romantic vibe, floral notes would be ideal.

Candles, incense, diffusers or oil burners are all great options, and I suggest finding one that can double as a décor piece in its own right. For example, I love this natural travertine oil burner which adds another layer of earthy texture to the space.

4. Add florals or indoor plants

Nothing helps to create the sense of a nature-inspired bedroom better than, well… nature! Whether you prefer indoor plants, fresh flowers or even foraged branches, greenery instantly breathes life into a bedroom.

If your bedroom doesn’t get much natural light, look for plants that thrive in low-light conditions. Otherwise, a small vase with fresh blooms or leafy branches on a bedside table has just as much impact.

Stylist tip: remember, giving a space ‘breathing room’ is one of the most effective ways to create a sense of calm so less is more. You don’t need to overcrowd every surface to create a bedroom with interest. Rather, pick your hero pieces and give them space to shine.

5. Layer earthy textures for comfort

Finally, a cosy bedroom is all about texture. Mixing materials creates visual interest and makes the room feel more inviting.

On the bed, that Yarra quilt cover is a gorgeous 400 tread count cotton with a sateen weave. It feels luxurious and soft while still being breathable for a restful sleep. For visual contrast and added comfort, I’ve layered two throw blankets in different materials and weaves.

One of the biggest bedroom trends for 2026 isn’t just about how a space looks but how it supports rest and wellbeing. Choosing natural fibres for your bedding can make a noticeable difference to comfort and sleep quality. Materials like cotton, linen and bamboo are breathable, temperature-regulating and gentle on the skin.

Beyond the bed, consider texture in other areas. Could you add a rug underfoot? Can you mix up the materials of your décor? Natural materials like linen, wool, wood, woven baskets and natural stone, will reinforce the organic aesthetic.

Stylist tip: when decorating, we often focus on what’s happening at ground level that we overlook walls and ceilings. If your walls are bare, you could add interest with art, wallpaper or wall panelling. While from your ceiling you may want to hang a pendant light, indoor hanging planter or hang ceiling mounted curtains.

If you’ve been inspired to refresh your bedroom with a nature-inspired feel, you can find all the bedding I used at Manchester Collection. They have a wide range of quilt covers online, including dreamy pastel florals, playful checker prints and waffle textured sets. I’m excited to be sharing more bedding looks from Manchester Collection over the coming weeks.

What bedroom trends are you loving for 2026? I’d love to hear what’s inspiring you. Chat with me in the comments below.