The ultimate guide to creating a modern main bedroom

How much does a bedroom renovation cost?*

Renovating a bedroom can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $35,000 or more. This depends on what improvements you want to make and the quality of furnishings you choose.

• A budget bedroom renovation that involves simple changes like repainting the walls, replacing the carpet and adding storage will be at the lower end of the price range. Expect to pay more if you’re buying a new bed or installing a walk-in closet.
• For major bedroom renovations that involve replacing flooring and fixtures, expect to pay $20,000 or more for a 12 square metre bedroom. This should cover a new door, windows and storage, but if you want to add an ensuite bathroom, you’ll be looking at the higher end of the scale.

Find renovation builders 

When budgeting for your bedroom renovation, you need to consider the cost of materials and labour for the services you need. Compare quotes from bedroom renovation companies and other local tradies to get an idea of current market rates and how far your renovation budget could stretch.

A custom walk-in robe keeps clutter out of sight and makes getting ready feel effortless. Image UNSPLASH

What drives bedroom reno costs* – size, style and your suburb

The cost of your bedroom remodel will depend on many factors, including:

• Size of the bedroom – a main bedroom renovation will generally cost more than renovating a kids’ bedroom
• How much work is being done – major renovations such as structural changes or adding an ensuite bathroom or walk-in closet will cost more
• Quality of inclusions – premium furnishings and materials will be more expensive, but could stand the test of time
• Where you live – local rates for trades vary by state and whether you’re in the city or the suburbs

How long will my bedroom makeover really take?

How long it takes to renovate your home or remodel a bedroom depends on how much work is being done. However, most projects will be completed in less than a week.

A small bedroom renovation that only involves replacing fixtures and furnishings could be completed in a day. If you’re making structural changes or adding an ensuite though, your renovation could take up to several weeks.

Which tradies you need (and when) to get the job done right?

Depending on what your bedroom renovation involves, you may need to hire a number of tradies specialising in different tasks. These might include:

• An interior decorator to offer expert advice and assistance for beautifying your space
• A house painter to repaint surfaces and create a feature wall
• A home renovation builder for larger renovations
• A carpenter or cabinet maker to build custom bedroom furniture and storage
• An electrician for any electrical work
• A plumber to install an ensuite bathroom

Builders, electricians, plumbers and other tradies carrying out major work on your home will need to be licensed, but requirements can vary across Australia.

Add impact with a bold feature wall, it’s an easy way to elevate your main bedroom without a full reno. Image: UNSPLASH.

Budget-friendly bedroom updates that make a big impact

Bedrooms are one area of the home where a small budget can go a long way. Some of the best ways to save money when you transform a bedroom are:

• A fresh coat of paint – painting over old paint can refresh a bedroom and alter its look and feel. Light and cool colours work best in most bedrooms and can enhance the sense of space. Hiring a painter will ensure an even finish for walls, skirting boards and door and window frames.
• Soft furnishings – decorating bedrooms with light curtains, rugs and throws will help to make the space more relaxing and inviting. These are also a chance to add splashes of colour to your interior design.
• Art and decor – paintings, photos and ornaments are other ways to add colour and character to a bedroom. Large pictures or objects will stand out more than smaller ones, and wide pictures can make a low ceiling appear higher.

Smart picks for bedroom furniture: style, durability, comfort

Bedroom furniture and furnishings should be stylish and functional. While lower-quality fittings may be suitable for a guest bedroom, high-quality products can offer superior comfort, as well as lasting for longer.

Keep these tips in mind when choosing the best bedroom fittings for your budget:

• Beds – a bed frame should be 10 – 15cm longer than its tallest occupant. For enhanced comfort and to prolong mattress life, look for a bed frame with flexible rather than rigid slats, or a divan with a sprung base.
• Mattresses – choosing between springs or foam can be down to personal preference, but latex mattresses are another option that can last for longer. Having your mattress custom made can be costly, but will help to ensure you’re getting the support you need.
• Bedside cabinets – your choice of bedroom storage should be based on how much space you have available. Cabinets with drawers offer more space than free-standing tables, while wall-hung storage and beds that incorporate storage are a practical way to save floor space.
• Dressing tables – optional in smaller bedrooms, a dressing table can be an elegant and personal feature, as well as offering more opportunities for storage and display. The table should be wide enough to tuck a stool or chair underneath.
• Wardrobes – free-standing wardrobes can be taken with you when you move, but they might not be a perfect match for your space. If you have the space, a walk-in or built in wardrobe can help to keep your bedroom clutter-free.
• Other bedroom fittings – depending on what you like to do in the bedroom, you may want to add an entertainment unit, bookshelves or seating, like a small sofa or occasional chair.

Layering textures, art and natural light transforms your bedroom into a personal retreat. Image: UNSPLASH

Simple upkeep jobs that keep your bedroom fresh and comfy

Bedrooms are comparatively low-maintenance rooms of the home, only needing regular cleaning to keep them comfortable and hygienic. If you don’t have time to clean your bedrooms yourself, you can hire a local cleaning service for regular cleaning and more thorough spring cleans.

As well as vacuuming and dusting floors and surfaces, it’s important to clean upholstery and furnishings on a regular basis, especially bedding. It’s also recommended to replace pillows every 1 to 2 years and mattresses every 6 to 8 years.

To make your bedrooms easier to clean, consider bed frames with no gap between the bed and the floor and full-height wardrobes, so you won’t have to clean over and under.

Fix-it checklist: the most common bedroom repairs (and how to avoid them)

Bedrooms don’t generally need a lot of repair work, though rooms with an attached ensuite may need a plumber or electrician for maintenance and repairs.

If a bed frame or other bedroom furniture gets damaged, and repairs aren’t covered by warranty, a general handyman could help.

*Home renovation costs and prices in this article are indicative and should only be used as a guide. They also vary locally and are subject to market forces.