Minimalism is one of those design styles that gets confusing quickly. Often mixed up with modernism on its own, it's actually much more than that — a minimalist space can be sleek and contemporary or even fully traditional, in the hands of the right designer. What matters most is the way the furnishings in the space are used — sparingly, very intentionally and with a full focus on the interplay of pieces together.
Minimalism also doesn't have to be stark and colorless or cold and dark: on the contrary, minimalist spaces can use a variety of colors, from bright whites to bold blacks, to make the perfect design statement. As you'll see in the images below, these rooms can run the gamut from light and airy Hamptons beach homes to sky-high penthouses and cozy, cottage-y apartments.
Bedrooms are perhaps the most challenging room to streamline, since this is the most personal, intimate space in the home. These are often rooms that can become cluttered with curios and tchotchkes (not to mention actual clothing), but with guidance from a creative design professional, minimalist bedrooms can be the show-stopping centerpiece of any home.
To get a better sense of the style and how minimalist bedrooms can work for many types of homes, we took a look at some of our favorite spaces by top designers. See how they made the style work across a wide variety of clients' homes and embrace the aesthetic the next time you're in the mood for a redesign.
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1
Hamptons-Ready Minimalism
For this East Hampton guest bedroom, designer Victoria Ninette made use of natural materials, including raw wood pieces, and gleaming, sunny whites.
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2
Calm Stylings
Chicago-based Mia Rao Design kept the bedroom of this modern high-rise very calm, with sleek furniture and a patterned wallpaper that's subtly illuminated.
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3
A Chic Suspension
Designers Tow Studios used elegant drapery and suspended bedside lights to create a moody, restful space.
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4
Wood-Clad Walls
Wood-clad walls in this bedroom by Dunagan Diverio Design Group add depth, warmth, and dimension.
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5
Major Views
When crafting this apartment on Manhattan's Upper East Side, architect James Wagman let the views do the talking with minimal decoration in the bedrooms.
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6
Modern Beach Inspirations
For this home at the beach, designer Robert Stilin relied on natural materials, including an oversized wood headboard and a coordinating rug, to craft a minimal, modern space.
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7
Pastels
Designer Michael Wolk elegantly incorporates a pastel blue seating area into this oversized main bedroom with glossy white walls and wrap-around windows.
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8
Beautiful Black & Gray
Studio Gild made masterful use of black and gray for this modern main bedroom, with just a pop of color in one of the pillows.
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9
Minimalist Industrialist
This Chicago penthouse devised by Dresner Design features minimal, sleek furniture, classic mid-century furnishings, and European influences.
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10
Light & Airy
Here, Studio RODA used a custom molded maple plywood side table next to a matching bed to create an airy, welcoming bedroom vignette.
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11
Modern Glam
For this Hollywood penthouse, KES Studio used the contrast between a black leather bed, lighting, and bedding with a white nightstand and walls to create a sophisticated design story.
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12
Pop of Art
In this bedroom on New York's Central Park West, designer Jessica Gersten used a neutral color scheme with just a pop of electric pink color in the artwork to draw the eye.
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13
Minimalist Bunks
Even bunk beds can be minimalist, as in this creative, modern bedroom by Aspen Leaf Interiors. The custom white bunk beds feature a modernist ladder with square steps.
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14
Indoor / Outdoor Living
For this open indoor / outdoor bedroom, designer Stefani Stein used a large wood bedframe and minimalist styling to create an oasis that keeps the focus on the views.
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15
Minimalist Barn Interiors
For this converted barn space in the Hamptons, Michael Del Piero Good Design developed an open, airy bedroom.
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16
Miami Modern
This hypermodern Miami bedroom by Eolo A&I Design features an airy white color scheme and a slick, minimalist style.
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17
Unexpected Materials
Light woods, dark woods, and concrete come together to create a one-of-a-kind bedroom designed by SUBU Design Architecture.
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18
Modern Symmetry
For the main bedroom of this condo in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, Mahle Design used neutral shades and symmetrical design motifs to craft a chic space.
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19
Simple & Sunny
Jessica Lagrange Interiors let the light shine in when it came to this subdued, elegant bedroom with floor-to-ceiling windows and minimalist furnishings.
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20
A Neutral Color Story
In this Brooklyn brownstone, Cuff Studio used neutral whites to create a serene bedroom space where even the chandelier blends in.