Creating a bedroom inspired by old money style is all about cultivating a sense of understated luxury, timeless sophistication, and refined elegance. This design aesthetic isn’t about flashy trends or bold statements; instead, it’s about embracing the beauty of classic, high-quality materials and furniture that age gracefully over time.
Whether you’re redesigning an entire room or simply adding a few touches to your existing space, these 19 old money bedroom ideas will inspire you to create a bedroom that’s both cozy and chic. Let’s explore these ideas in detail, and help you transform your bedroom into a sanctuary of timeless beauty and comfort.
1. Opt for Rich, Deep Color Palettes
A key characteristic of old money style is its preference for deep, rich colors that create a sense of warmth and sophistication. Instead of bright, bold shades, the old money aesthetic embraces muted hues like navy blue, forest green, deep burgundy, and charcoal gray. These colors convey elegance without being overpowering.
To achieve this, consider painting your bedroom walls in one of these classic shades, or opt for a more neutral base like cream, taupe, or soft beige with accent walls in deeper colors. When accessorizing, look for bedding, rugs, and curtains in complementary hues that bring balance to the space.
The beauty of these color choices lies in their versatility. They never go out of style and can be paired with a variety of textures, from sumptuous velvets to crisp cottons, making them perfect for creating a timeless old money bedroom.
2. Incorporate Luxurious Fabrics
When designing an old money bedroom, the importance of high-quality fabrics cannot be overstated. Luxurious materials like velvet, silk, satin, and fine linens are staples in this aesthetic. Opt for silk bed sheets and velvet throw pillows to add a touch of glamour, while crisp white linen can bring in a sense of freshness and calm.
Bedding is one of the easiest ways to inject luxury into your room. Choose high-thread-count sheets and opt for duvets with rich, classic patterns like damask or jacquard. Adding a plush velvet throw blanket at the foot of the bed, or hanging heavy silk curtains, will elevate the overall feel of the space.
These fabrics create an atmosphere of indulgence and refinement, which is the hallmark of the old money look. Don’t be afraid to mix and match these textures—just be sure they are of the highest quality to ensure the room exudes luxury.
3. Invest in Classic Furniture Pieces
Old money style isn’t about having a room full of trendy, fast-fashion furniture. Instead, the focus is on investing in timeless, well-crafted pieces that age gracefully. Think of furniture with solid wood construction, elegant lines, and a sense of history.
A tufted velvet headboard, an antique writing desk, or a wingback chair with wooden arms are all excellent choices to create an old money feel. When selecting furniture, focus on quality over quantity. A few carefully chosen pieces can make all the difference in achieving a polished, refined look.
Look for vintage or heirloom furniture if possible, as these pieces often carry a sense of history and character that modern furniture simply cannot replicate. These timeless treasures will not only enhance the aesthetics of your bedroom but will also offer the lasting quality you seek in a truly luxurious space.
4. Use Subtle Patterns and Textures
In an old money bedroom, patterns are typically understated and refined. Rather than opting for bold, attention-grabbing designs, the key is to incorporate subtle patterns that add depth and interest without overwhelming the space.
Damask, houndstooth, stripes, and toile are all traditional patterns that work beautifully in a classic bedroom setting. You can incorporate these patterns through upholstered furniture, rugs, and bedding.
Textured accents, such as a plush rug underfoot or soft velvet throw pillows, further enhance the opulence of the room. Layering different textures, like a wool throw on a velvet chair or a silk bedspread with a textured cotton pillow, creates visual interest and adds warmth.
By balancing these textures and patterns carefully, you’ll create a space that feels luxurious, inviting, and sophisticated—without being too “busy.”
5. Create a Balanced Layout
The layout of your bedroom plays a critical role in achieving that coveted old money style. Old money homes typically prioritize a sense of calm, order, and symmetry. A cluttered or cramped space will detract from the elegance you’re striving for.
When arranging your bedroom furniture, aim for symmetry. For example, position your bed centrally on one wall with matching nightstands on either side. Ensure there’s enough space between pieces to create a sense of flow and openness. Avoid overcrowding the room with too much furniture; instead, focus on a few standout pieces that draw the eye.
Consider how the placement of furniture can allow for natural light to flood the room. Windows should be unobstructed, and your room layout should encourage a relaxed and balanced energy. The idea is to create a space that feels open and calm, not cramped or chaotic.
6. Integrate Antique or Vintage Accents
No old money bedroom is complete without a few antique or vintage touches. These pieces bring personality and history into the space while elevating its overall sophistication. Look for antique mirrors with ornate frames, vintage brass lamps, or heirloom-quality accessories.
Incorporating antiques doesn’t mean your room will feel stuffy or outdated. On the contrary, the beauty of well-preserved vintage pieces is their timeless appeal. These items often have a story to tell and can add a unique layer of character to your room.
Mixing old and new elements is essential in this aesthetic—think a vintage writing desk paired with modern art or a classic chaise lounge next to a contemporary rug. The key is balancing the past and present in a way that feels cohesive and elegant.
7. Add Subtle Elegance with Gold and Silver Accents
While old money style tends to shy away from overt displays of wealth, small touches of gold and silver can be used to infuse the room with a sense of understated glamour. Look for elegant gold-framed mirrors, silver candle holders, or gilded picture frames to introduce these elements.
When incorporating these metallic accents, be sure to keep it subtle. A few well-placed touches—such as a vintage gold lamp or a silver vase—can transform the room without drawing attention away from the overall aesthetic.
Gold and silver accents should enhance the room’s sophistication, not overpower it. These accents work best when paired with other classic materials like wood, leather, and linen to create a balanced, elegant look.
8. Focus on High-Quality Lighting
Lighting plays a pivotal role in setting the mood of an old money bedroom. Soft, warm lighting creates an inviting, tranquil atmosphere that’s perfect for relaxation. Avoid harsh, bright lights; instead, opt for lighting that exudes elegance and warmth.
Consider investing in a crystal chandelier or vintage brass sconces to bring in that old-world charm. Table lamps with delicate glass bases or shades in luxurious fabrics like silk also add a touch of sophistication. When selecting lighting fixtures, choose pieces that reflect the overall tone of the room—classic, elegant, and timeless.
The right lighting can highlight your bedroom’s best features and add an extra layer of refinement to the space.
9. Install Wainscoting or Paneling
Wainscoting and paneling are hallmarks of old money style, instantly adding a sense of grandeur and craftsmanship to a room. This type of woodwork is often found in traditional homes and creates a polished, elegant look.
Consider adding wainscoting to the lower half of your walls or using full-height paneling to create a more dramatic effect. Choose wood that complements the room’s color scheme—light woods like oak or dark mahogany work particularly well with classic, deep-toned palettes.
Not only does wainscoting and paneling bring visual interest to your walls, but it also adds a touch of old-world luxury and craftsmanship that perfectly suits the old money style.
10. Create a Cozy Reading Nook
A reading nook is an essential feature of the old money bedroom, offering a peaceful retreat for quiet moments. Choose a cozy corner of the room and furnish it with a plush armchair or chaise lounge, a vintage-style lamp, and a stack of your favorite books.
For an extra touch of luxury, drape a soft cashmere throw over the chair and add a vintage side table to hold a cup of tea or a glass of wine. This space should feel intimate, serene, and inviting, offering the perfect spot to unwind.
Adding a reading nook not only creates a cozy corner for relaxation, but it also enhances the overall old money vibe of your bedroom, making it feel like a space filled with quiet sophistication.
Stay tuned for Part 2, where we will dive into the remaining 9 ideas and wrap up this guide on creating your own old money bedroom.
11. Display Fine Art Pieces Tastefully
Art is a key component of old money design, but the focus is on quality over quantity. Rather than displaying trendy or mass-produced artwork, opt for pieces that feel timeless and elegant. Portraits, landscapes, and classic still lifes often work best in an old money bedroom. Vintage oil paintings, framed sketches, or black-and-white photography are excellent choices.
To maintain an elegant feel, select art pieces with rich, muted colors that complement your bedroom’s overall palette. Choose simple, classic frames—nothing too ornate or flashy. When hanging artwork, consider symmetry and balance, placing pieces in a way that enhances the room’s flow and sophistication.
The right artwork not only adds character and personality to your space but also elevates its overall sense of timelessness. A few carefully selected pieces can make a room feel refined and cultured without overwhelming the space.
12. Use Elegant Drapery and Curtains
Old money style often incorporates heavy, luxurious curtains that evoke a sense of classic charm and refinement. Opt for floor-to-ceiling drapes made from fabrics like velvet, silk, or linen to bring in an element of texture and warmth.
Choose rich, muted colors such as deep navy, forest green, or even a soft, muted gold that complements the rest of your room. The key is to select a fabric that enhances the room’s tone without drawing too much attention. The drapes should flow elegantly, creating a sense of luxury and indulgence.
Another classic touch for old money bedrooms is to pair your curtains with brass or gold curtain rods that tie into other metallic accents in the room. This will further elevate the look while maintaining a cohesive, timeless feel.
13. Bring in a Touch of Nature with Fresh Flowers
Old money style isn’t just about luxurious furnishings and classic décor—it’s also about creating a warm, inviting space. One of the simplest ways to do this is by incorporating fresh flowers into your bedroom. A bouquet of roses, peonies, or lilies in a delicate vase adds a soft, natural touch that complements the room’s sophistication.
Opt for simple, elegant vases—crystal, porcelain, or antique glass vases work beautifully. Choose flowers that complement your color scheme, and don’t be afraid to change them out regularly to keep the room feeling fresh and vibrant.
Adding fresh flowers to your bedroom not only brings in a bit of nature but also enhances the overall ambiance, making the space feel inviting and lived-in, while still exuding elegance.
14. Opt for Antique or Classic Flooring
The flooring in your old money bedroom should be just as luxurious as the furniture and fabrics you choose. Hardwood floors, especially those made from rich woods like oak, walnut, or mahogany, instantly bring warmth and a sense of refinement to the room.
Consider layering plush area rugs on top of the hardwood floors to add comfort and texture. Persian rugs, oriental rugs, or even simple wool rugs with intricate designs work perfectly in an old money bedroom. The key is to choose rugs that complement the room’s color palette while adding a touch of history and craftsmanship.
Whether you opt for wood or carpet, ensure your flooring exudes timeless quality. Old money style is all about choosing materials that stand the test of time, both in terms of style and durability.
15. Keep the Walls Simple with Classic Paintings or Mirrors
When it comes to the walls in an old money bedroom, simplicity is key. Opt for understated, timeless elements like large mirrors or classic paintings to decorate the walls without overwhelming the space. A large gilded mirror, for example, can reflect light and make a small room feel more expansive while adding a touch of vintage elegance.
Similarly, classic paintings in muted tones—whether portraits or landscapes—are an excellent way to bring sophistication to the walls without being too busy. Consider using vintage frames that complement the wood tones in your furniture or metallic accents in the room.
These wall elements should be subtle, elegant, and harmonize with the rest of the room’s décor. They shouldn’t draw too much attention but should instead create a sense of grace and refinement that completes the overall atmosphere.
16. Use Neutral and Timeless Bed Linens
When selecting bedding for your old money bedroom, opt for high-quality linens in neutral colors like ivory, soft gray, and off-white. Crisp, high-thread-count cotton sheets are a must, as they add both comfort and luxury to your bed.
For a touch of opulence, layer your bed with a soft cashmere throw or velvet pillows. Avoid overly bright or bold colors; instead, embrace muted tones that create a calming, serene atmosphere. Subtle monograms or delicate embroidery on your linens can also add an element of personal elegance without detracting from the room’s understated beauty.
A bed adorned with luxurious linens provides a sense of indulgence and invites relaxation, making it the perfect centerpiece of your old money bedroom.
17. Create a Warm, Inviting Atmosphere with Soft Rugs
Soft, plush rugs can help define the space in your old money bedroom while adding comfort and warmth. Wool, silk, or cotton rugs with subtle patterns work best in this style. Choose rugs that complement the overall color palette and feel of the room, such as traditional Persian or Oriental designs.
Layering rugs adds depth and texture to the space, enhancing its luxurious feel. A large rug beneath the bed will ground the space and bring a sense of coziness, while smaller accent rugs near seating areas or under nightstands can add visual interest.
Rugs are an essential component of any old money bedroom—they not only provide comfort underfoot but also help complete the room’s aesthetic by tying together all the elements in the space.
18. Incorporate Hidden Storage for a Clean, Elegant Look
Old money style is all about refined simplicity, which means clutter has no place in your bedroom. To maintain the sense of calm and order that defines this aesthetic, incorporate hidden storage solutions into your room. Look for vintage trunks, elegant storage ottomans, or bedside tables with built-in drawers.
Storage doesn’t have to be obvious or unsightly. For instance, a well-placed antique chest at the foot of the bed can serve as both a functional storage solution and a decorative element. Choose pieces that blend seamlessly with the room’s overall design while ensuring that everything has a place.
By keeping your bedroom organized and free of unnecessary clutter, you allow the elegant furnishings and décor to shine.
19. Personalize the Space with Heirlooms and Family Treasures
To truly embrace the old money aesthetic, it’s important to infuse your bedroom with personal touches that speak to your family’s history and values. Display family heirlooms, vintage jewelry boxes, or cherished photographs that reflect your personal style and connection to the past.
Whether it’s an antique clock passed down through generations or a beautiful antique writing set, these pieces bring a sense of individuality and history to the space. They create a room that feels lived-in, yet still sophisticated and refined.
By personalizing your old money bedroom with meaningful treasures, you’ll make the space feel truly unique and imbue it with a sense of family legacy and timeless charm.
Conclusion
Creating an old money bedroom is all about curating a space that exudes timeless elegance, quiet luxury, and understated sophistication. By focusing on high-quality materials, classic furniture, subtle patterns, and refined details, you can transform your bedroom into a sanctuary that will never go out of style.
Whether you’re adding antique furniture, rich fabrics, or elegant accessories, remember that the key to achieving the old money aesthetic is restraint and thoughtfulness. With these 19 ideas, you’ll be able to design a bedroom that not only reflects your personal taste but also creates an atmosphere of comfort and class. Embrace the beauty of timeless design, and let your bedroom become a space of serene sophistication.
