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8 Easy Ways to Freshen Up Your Bedroom (Without a Full Makeover)

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Last Updated on June 13, 2025

Your bedroom should feel like a retreat—not a forgotten storage zone or a space you’re just passing through. The good news? You don’t need a renovation budget to give it a refresh.

A modern bedroom with a beige bed, gray bedding, pillows, a wooden accent wall, botanical art, and potted plants.

Here are eight simple, affordable ways to make your bedroom look and feel brand new. These tips will help you create a cleaner, cozier, and more relaxing space you’ll love spending time in.

 

1. Wash Your Sheets (Yes, It Matters!)

It’s amazing how much fresher your room feels after a good laundry day. Your bedding should be washed once a week to stay fluffy, clean, and inviting—especially if you’re prone to allergies or night sweats.

Person fitting a white sheet onto a mattress, with hands smoothing the fabric.
  • Use a gentle detergent
  • Wash in cool water unless your fabric requires otherwise
  • Skip the dryer when you can—line drying (or sun drying) gives your sheets that crisp, just-cleaned feel

Even high-quality bamboo sheets or luxury linens need regular TLC.

2. Eliminate Musty Odors

A musty smell can ruin even the most beautiful bedroom. Instead of masking it with artificial sprays, treat the source.

  • Add baking soda to your rinse cycle when washing linens
  • Sprinkle baking soda on upholstered furniture, let it sit, then vacuum it up

This quick refresh works wonders for mattresses, couches, and curtains too.

A person uses a vacuum cleaner to freshen up the bedroom.

3. Update Your Wall Decor

You don’t need paint or wallpaper to give your bedroom walls new life. Try:

  • Hanging a tapestry or large framed print
  • Rearranging existing artwork
  • Creating a mini gallery wall with personal photos
  • Adding soft string lights for a cozy glow

Personal touches make your space feel truly yours.

Modern bedroom with a wooden headboard, gray and white bedding, framed art and a large window with sheer curtains.

4. Clear Out Cluttered Furniture

Too much furniture can make your room feel cramped and heavy. Stick to the essentials:

  • Bed
  • Dresser
  • Nightstand or small desk

If you have extra chairs or tables just “for show,” repurpose them in other rooms—or sell or donate them. A minimalist approach creates more open space and better flow.

5. Let There Be Light!

Light = instant freshness. Brighten up your space by:

  • Opening the curtains during the day for natural sunlight
  • Adding warm-tone lamps for evenings
  • Hanging fun string lights or a paper lantern for a whimsical touch
A modern bedroom with a brick accent wall, wooden furniture, framed art, and soft lighting from a bedside lamp.

This small upgrade makes a huge impact—your room will feel bigger and more inviting.

6. Don’t Forget the Floors

If you have carpet, it’s probably holding onto more dirt, dust, and odor than you think.

  • Vacuum regularly
  • Use baking soda to deodorize: sprinkle it on the carpet, let it sit, then vacuum it up
  • Deep-clean periodically with a carpet cleaner or steam cleaner
A person wearing pink socks vacuums a light-colored carpet.

Clean floors help your whole room feel fresher and healthier.

7. Use a Diffuser for a Subtle Scent Boost

Scents affect mood, sleep, and overall comfort. A diffuser with essential oils can promote calm, clarity, or energy—depending on the oils you choose.

Try:

  • Lavender or chamomile for sleep
  • Peppermint or lemon for energy
  • Eucalyptus or tea tree for clean, spa-like freshness
A round tray with a green reed diffuser, a small potted succulent, and a candle sits on a table in a bedroom.

You can even DIY a reed diffuser using a jar, bamboo skewers, and your favorite oil blend.

8. Make Your Own Air Freshener Spray

Prefer something sprayable over a diffuser? This DIY room spray is simple, non-toxic, and customizable.

Mix:

  • 1 cup distilled water
  • 3 tablespoons rubbing alcohol
  • 20 drops of essential oil

Store in a spray bottle and mist your room as needed. It’s fresh, affordable, and safe for daily use.

You don’t need new furniture or a full renovation to transform your bedroom. With a little time and intention, you can turn your space into a clean, calm retreat you actually want to relax in.

Quick Recap: 8 Ways to Freshen Up Your Bedroom

  • 🛏️ Wash your sheets weekly
  • 🧼 Remove musty smells with baking soda
  • 🖼️ Refresh your walls with art or photos
  • 🪑 Clear out excess furniture
  • 💡 Add light (natural or decorative)
  • 🧽 Clean and deodorize your carpet
  • 🌿 Use a diffuser with essential oils
  • ✨ DIY a room spray for a custom scent

Have a favorite bedroom refresh tip? Share it in the comments—I’d love to hear your ideas!

Corinne Schmitt

Corinne Schmitt

Hi, I'm Corinne! I'm the mom behind Wondermom Wannabe, helping busy moms simplify life with easy meals, fun family activities, and stress-free organization. As a mom of five, I know how overwhelming it can be—so I share practical, real-life tips to make things easier!

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