Creating a gender neutral bedroom is a great way to make any bedroom more inclusive and welcoming. The goal of a gender neutral bedroom is to avoid overly masculine or feminine decor by opting for neutral colors, versatile furniture pieces and decor that appeals to all genders. Making small tweaks to your bedroom decor can transform the space into a relaxing oasis for anyone. Here are some tips on how to make a bedroom space feel more gender neutral.
Use Neutral Colors
One of the easiest ways to create a gender neutral bedroom space is to opt for neutral colors when it comes to walls, bedding, window treatments and decor accents. Neutrals like white, gray, beige and tan tend to feel calmer and work for any gender. If you want to add some color, look for gender neutral hues like sage green, light blue, lavender or soft yellow. Avoid overly feminine colors like pink or masculine colors like navy blue.
Select Versatile Furniture
When selecting bedroom furniture, look for pieces that will appeal to any gender. For example, opt for a simple wooden bed frame over frilly or overtly ornate styles. Choose nightstands and dressers that are clean-lined and minimal instead of dainty or overly masculine. Having furniture that is not strongly gender coded will help the space feel inclusive.
Add Neutral Bedding
Bedding is another area where opting for neutral colors and patterns is key. White or gray sheets and neutral quilts or duvets will help the space feel soothing and gender neutral. You can add some subtle pattern and texture with plaids, stripes and subtle geometrics. Avoid juvenile themes or pastels for a more gender inclusive look.
Display Gender Neutral Art
When decorating the walls, look for art and prints that appeal to any gender. Black and white photography, abstract art and nature prints all tend to feel calming and inclusive. You can also display art or photos with affirming quotes that promote qualities like self-love, confidence, kindness and inclusion.
Add Plants for Freshness
Incorporating living plants into a bedroom is a great way to breathe life into the space, literally and figuratively! Houseplants help purify the air and just make a room feel more fresh and tranquil. Greenery also feels very gender neutral. Opt for easy care plants like pothos, philodendron, zz plants or snake plants.
Use Gender Neutral Textiles
Add some softness and texture to the bedroom with gender neutral textiles. Look for bedding, pillows, blankets and window treatments in solid neutrals or subtle patterns. Linen, cotton and knit textiles tend to feel casual and relaxed. Avoid frilly, lacy or velvet accents which can read more feminine.
Select Gender Inclusive Books
Fill up a bedside bookshelf or table with books that will appeal to any gender. Try displaying a mix of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, art books, cookbooks and other subjects. Having a small gender neutral library in the bedroom promotes learning and self-care.
Use Shared Storage
Opt for shared open storage like shelves, cubbies and dressers rather than “his and hers” storage. Shared storage promotes a collaborative and equal space. Floating shelves are great for displaying books and collectibles in a way that feels casual and fun.
Add Flexible Seating
Incorporate a couple chairs or a loveseat that can act as extra spots to lounge and relax. Beanbag chairs and floor cushions also create flexible, casual seating suitable for any gender. Having spots to sit and read, work on a laptop or just chill makes the room feel welcoming.
Display Gender Neutral Hobbies
You can subtly reinforce the gender neutral vibe by displaying hobbies and interests that appeal to any gender. For example, decorate with items like cameras, musical instruments, art supplies, favorite books, camping gear or awards and trophies. Seeing diverse hobbies and passions represented can make the room feel more inclusive.
Use Shared Task Lighting
Make sure there is adequate task lighting on both sides of the bed for reading or getting ready. Shared lighting like table lamps promotes an equal, collaborative environment. Dim lighting also helps set a calm, tranquil mood.
Add Cozy Textures
Incorporate comfortable, cozy textures that anyone can appreciate. Think fuzzy throw blankets, soft pillows, natural fiber rugs and cashmere throws. Avoid textures like silk or velvet, which can read as overly feminine.
Display Uplifting Quotes
Consider displaying some inspirational quotes on the walls that promote confidence, self-acceptance and inclusion. Quotes that inspire personal growth and self-love (“You are enough” or “Choose kindness”) can help reinforce the equal, welcoming vibe.
Keep it Comfortably Cool
Make sure the bedroom has comfortable temperature for sleeping. Most health experts recommend keeping a bedroom around 65 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal sleep. Offer extra blankets for those who run cold. Avoid stereotypes about men preferring it colder or women preferring a warmer room temp.
Add a Steam Freshener
Keep the air fresh and promote relaxation with the soothing scent from an essential oil steam freshener. Lavender, eucalyptus, lemon or orange scents all tend to feel calming and rejuvenating. Avoid heavily gendered scents like vanilla or musk.
Conclusion
Creating a gender neutral bedroom is all about opting for versatile furniture, neutral colors, inclusive decor and a calming, welcoming vibe. Focus on elements that promote relaxation, personal growth and equality. With just a few tweaks, you can transform any bedroom into a peaceful, gender neutral oasis.