1. Layout Improvements

Danny Niemela, vice president and CFO at ArDan Construction, says the very first place homeowners should consider spending money in a bedroom is upgrading the room's layout.

“Buyers can subconsciously detect when a bedroom flows well, accommodates real furniture, and logically places wall space for a bed, nightstands, and closets,” he explains. “This can entail shifting one misplaced swing door, widening a closet aperture, or even removing a useless niche that’s taking up valuable width.”

He also states that a $1,200 to $3,000 investment in some framing and drywall could immediately make a bedroom feel 20% larger without adding any square footage.

When planning a bedroom renovation, focusing on upgrades that improve the layout, comfort, and storage can help create a more luxurious space while also increasing your home's appeal to future buyers.

Joy Coakley

2. Sound Insulation

While it might not be as flashy as other bedroom upgrades, Niemela suggests that homeowners consider sound damping and insulation to give the space a quiet, cozy feel.

He calls it “one of the most undervalued things buyers look for,” and estimates that spending $1,500 to $3,000 to upgrade shared wall insulation is well worth the expense in multi-bedroom properties.

“I often find this to be one of those concealed upgrades buyers might not know they want, but absolutely feel when they walk through a home,” he explains, adding that the subtle improvement will impact potential buyers’ emotional reaction to the space.

Jessica Glynn

3. Lighting

If you're after the luxe glow seen in many designer bedrooms, upgrading the lighting is a great place to start. But, we don't just mean swapping out your builder-grade light fixture. Brieanna Cunningham, associate AIA, project manager, and marketing manager at C&C Partners, says the key to upgrading bedroom lighting is to focus on layered lighting.

"A bedroom with poor lighting will always feel unfinished, no matter how much you put into the textiles and materials of the space," she explains. "It’s the difference between going into a standard hotel room and a thoughtfully designed, luxury hotel room—for example, those little reading lights above the bed can really make all the difference."

To achieve the sumptuous, layered lighting look in your bedroom, Cunningham suggests combining multiple light features, such as dimmers, lamps, decorative sconces, and more.

4. Flooring

If dingy carpet and scratched, orange-toned hardwood are dragging down your bedroom's appearance, you can't go wrong with a flooring upgrade. However, Cunningham says consistency matters more than materials when choosing the best bedroom flooring.

"Carrying the same flooring throughout the home makes everything feel larger and more intentional," she explains. To her point, she warns that mixing materials from room to room can break your home's visual flow and make the design feel less cohesive.

5. Windows

While adding windows can increase natural light, Niemela says that simply upgrading the windows you already have can make a significant difference in the look and feel of your space.

"Window upgrades can add value if your bedroom is on an overly busy street, has poor sun exposure, or encounters wild seasonal temperature shifts. New glass, better seals, and improved frames decrease noise pollution, minimize drafts, and instantly bring a calming feel when walking into the room," he says.

He says replacing two or three windows in a primary bedroom will likely cost between $2,000 and $6,000, but that doing so will completely change the bedroom's feel. "Quiet can be luxurious in the mind of the buyer. Functionality plus emotion equals desired upgrades," he explains.

6. Built-In Storage

If you want your bedroom to feel more custom and elevated, look no further than built-in storage, which Niemela says will increase storage density without taking up much floor space.

"Outfitting one wall with drawers, upper cabinets, or a window seat base can add 20 to 40 cubic feet of usable storage in one shot," he notes. Niemela recommends built-ins around 14 to 18 inches deep, as going too big can shrink the bedroom.

When it comes to the style of your built-ins, Cunningham recommends prioritizing broad appeal, both aesthetically and functionally. "We see a lot of over-designed millwork that locks a room into one very specific use," she warns. "The better investment is clean, flexible storage that solves a real need without overcommitting the space."

7. Ceiling Treatments

Niemela says that bedroom ceiling upgrades are another subtle way to elevate the space. "A tray ceiling or simple framing can cost less than $4,000," he says.

As for less-invasive bedroom ceiling upgrade options, Cunningham recommends faux beams, tongue-and-groove ceilings, limewash paint, or simple medallions around light fixtures.

"These can instantly upgrade the space above our heads, giving you a reason to keep the eyes moving from the beautiful rug under your bed to the ceiling, without breaking the budget," she adds.