When you’re considering which room to make over for your next DIY project, your bedroom might not be the first place you consider. After all, most guests will rarely see it.
But you will! In fact, you likely spend a good portion of your time at home in your bedroom–-some even say nearly one-third of your time. Your bedroom is your hub of rest and relaxation.
That’s why having a calm bedroom space is crucial to your overall well-being. But creating that oasis doesn’t have to cost a fortune, especially when you shop at Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity ReStore. Consider some of the following examples of simple and cost-efficient ways to add personality to your space while creating a tranquil, daily getaway.
Finding the perfect paint color that's both calming AND environmentally friendly can feel overwhelming. How do you balance aesthetics with air quality in your most personal space?
Selecting a fresh paint color for your bedroom walls is the best place to start. The color you pick should create a sense of peace when you enter the room. Calming, soothing colors usually work best in the bedroom, likeneutrals and pastels. If being a bit edgier with your color choice is something you’d prefer, try adding an accent wall using wallpaper to keep you from feeling boxed in by walls that are all the same color.
ReStore offers several eco-friendly paint options, including recycled latex paints that come in a variety of calming colors suitable for bedrooms. These environmentally responsible choices release fewer chemicals into your air while still providing beautiful options for your walls.
Finding paint at ReStore is easier than you might think. Inexpensive interior paint is always available. A vast selection of color options awaits, along with all the necessary supplies. And since you'll be spending so much of your time in this special space, choosing healthier paint options is wonderful for the planet and for you!
Mass-produced shelving often lacks personality while carrying a heavy environmental burden. The trick is adding character to your storage solutions without hurting the earth.
At ReStore, you will also find the raw materials you need to make shelving masterpieces. Lumber, live edge wood, dresser drawers, wood shutters, and other donated materials can help you create shelving that’s unique and makes a bold statement. Have you ever thought about transforming an old door into floating shelves? Or turning ladder rungs into wall-mounted storage? Maybe converting a vintage suitcase into a stackable nightstand? These fun upcycling projects keep materials out of landfills and add more personality than anything you'd find in a big box store.
It’s also a great way to store artwork, display your plants, house your favorite books for evening reading, show off your favorite family portraits, and more! Each piece tells a story, offering wonderful conversation starters when you have visitors in your personal sanctuary.
While your bedroom is a place of rest and tranquility, it’s also a place in need of decent storage, especially for your clothing. Ever consider storing your shoes in a tray? You can! Many typical items found at ReStore can serve brand-new purposes with a little out-of-the-box thinking and a fresh perspective. By repurposing these existing items, you're giving materials a second life rather than letting them end up in landfills–a direct and meaningful contribution to reducing waste.
In a bedroom, clothing is a large storage need. Aside from the traditional dresser and closet shoe rack, putting a creative spin on items used traditionally in other areas of the home can really make your bedroom stand out.
Using trays of different shapes and sizes as storage bins on a shoe rack is a great way to keep your shoes neat and tidy. Repurposing a stand-alone cabinet with glass doors, usually utilized in an office or kitchen, is another neat way to add character to a bland space. And, if you don’t want to see what you’re storing, grab some of your favorite fabric or wallpaper strips to cover the glass. This adds an extra touch of design and color to your space. Finding such a piece just takes a little shopping and a bit of imagination!
Plus, when you shop at ReStore, every purchase supports Twin Cities Habitat’s work of building sustainable, affordable housing in our community.
Secondhand furniture shopping presents a common dilemma: distinguishing potential treasures from future disappointments. Knowing what to look for beyond surface appearance is key.
And it's easier than you might think! When you're browsing, try to look past any outdated colors or minor scratches—those are the easiest things to fix with a little DIY magic.
Instead, give that dresser or nightstand a gentle wiggle. Does it feel solid? That's a good sign! Quality pieces should feel sturdy with minimal wobbling. Take a peek at how it's put together too —those dovetail corners or wooden pegs in the joints? That's craftsmanship that will last for decades in your cozy sleep sanctuary.
That said, don't let a musty smell or a few wobbles scare you away from that perfect piece either. A sunny day outside, some baking soda, and a little patience can work wonders on the odor. And a screwdriver and some wood glue can help stabilize those loose drawer pulls or wobbly legs. Simple fixes make a world of difference.
Getting back to relaxation, your bed is your room’s focal point. Most specifically, your bed’s headboard. But whoever said a headboard had to be made of a board? Many items have the potential to be the perfect DIY “faux” headboard. Have you considered using beautiful reclaimed wood panels? Or that charming vintage door? Even a collection of various picture frames arranged in a pattern can create a stunning focal point that tells your sustainability story.
Room dividers are just the right size to fit behind your mattress. These come in many different decorative options. You might even consider painting the one you find to fit your room’s new color scheme.
Choosing gentler finishing options is a wonderful way to care for both your health and the planet!
Skip strong-smelling traditional finishes and try some friendlier alternatives instead. Water-based polyurethane gives you all the durability with less chemical smell. Pure tung oil and linseed oil soak right into the wood, protecting it while showing off all that gorgeous grain–and they smell better too!
If painting is more your style, look for milk paint or chalk paint at your next ReStore visit. These specialty paints hardly need any prep work (hooray for easier DIY!), and they create beautiful vintage or modern finishes that make your furniture truly one-of-a-kind. The best part? They're much gentler on your indoor air.
For the truly sensitive, beeswax finishes offer another all-natural option with a subtle honey scent that disappears after curing.
Whatever you choose, just remember to let your pieces air out somewhere else before bringing them into your bedroom. Your lungs will thank you for that extra patience!
Your bedroom should be your ultimate relaxation zone. The materials you choose can make such a difference in both how well you sleep and your impact on our planet. Hints of creativity throughout your bedroom can put the final touch on your self-made relaxation oasis. From decorative pillows and throws to a unique piece of art or quirky mirror, small and one-of-a-kind finds can really make your makeover project a winner.
Next time you're at ReStore, keep an eye out for those cozy natural fiber textiles–things like cotton, linen, or hemp throws and pillow covers. They're not just super soft and beautiful; they're also biodegradable when they eventually wear out years down the road. And organic cotton or wool mattress toppers offer a wonderful way to refresh your existing mattress without the environmental impact of buying brand new.
Try creating a little tech-free zone in your bedroom with ReStore finds like a wooden bedside table, a vintage reading lamp, and maybe even an old-school analog alarm clock. Less blue light means better sleep! And don't forget to add some life with a couple of pretty plants–they'll purify your air while you dream the night away.
Ready for your next ReStore treasure hunt? Here's a handychecklist to tuck in your pocket before you head out:
Shop at either ReStore location to find the perfect items for your bedroom makeover. For step-by-step guidance and more inspiration, check out our complete DIY Bedroom Makeover Guide.