Top 9 Coziest Bedroom Updates for Under $100

Layered Lighting for Instant Warmth

A single ceiling light can make a room feel cold and uninviting. Swapping out harsh overhead lighting for layered options like table lamps, string lights, or even battery-powered LED candles can dramatically boost coziness. According to the American Lighting Association, using multiple light sources at different heights creates a sense of warmth and depth in any room. For under $100, you can easily pick up a stylish bedside lamp and a string of fairy lights. Many people report feeling more relaxed in softly lit spaces, and psychology experts confirm that warm-toned light can help signal to your brain that it’s time to unwind. Try adding a dimmer switch or smart bulb for even more control over your bedroom’s mood.

Soft Throw Blankets for a Plush Touch

Adding a super-soft throw blanket instantly makes any bed or chair more inviting. Data from home decor retailers shows that plush throws are among the top-selling affordable accessories, especially during colder months. Fleece, faux fur, or chunky knit throws can be found for $20 to $40 at most stores like Target or IKEA. These cozy layers not only keep you warm but also add color and texture to your bedroom. Layering throws at the foot of your bed or draping them over a chair brings a sense of luxury, and you can switch them out with the seasons to keep things fresh.

Upgraded Pillow Game

Experts recommend using multiple pillows, not just for comfort but for creating a luxurious, hotel-like vibe at home. A 2024 survey by the National Sleep Foundation found that people who invested in new pillows reported better sleep quality and greater satisfaction with their bedroom’s appearance. You can often find high-quality, hypoallergenic pillows for $25 or less each. Mixing different sizes—like a couple of large Euro shams with smaller accent pillows—adds both comfort and visual interest. Opt for pillow covers in cozy fabrics like velvet or cotton to boost the coziness factor even more.

Area Rugs for Underfoot Comfort

Hard floors can make a bedroom feel chilly, both literally and emotionally. The National Association of Home Builders notes that adding an area rug is one of the most effective ways to increase comfort in a bedroom. For under $100, you can find soft, plush rugs in lots of styles and colors. Rugs not only feel great under your feet in the morning but also help muffle sound, making your bedroom feel more peaceful. Layering a smaller faux sheepskin rug beside the bed is a popular trend for 2025, adding a touch of Scandinavian-inspired coziness.

Fresh Bedding on a Budget

Surprisingly, you don’t have to spend a fortune to upgrade your bedding. According to a 2024 report from Sleep Foundation, simply replacing sheets with a new set in soft, breathable fabrics can improve sleep and comfort. Look for microfiber, jersey, or 100% cotton sheet sets—often priced well below $50. Fresh bedding in soothing colors or gentle patterns can transform the look of your room. Adding a new duvet cover or a decorative quilt is another way to make your bed feel brand new without breaking the bank.

Curtains That Soften the Space

Bare windows can make a room feel cold and exposed. Adding curtains instantly softens the space, creating a cocoon-like effect. Data from the Window Covering Manufacturers Association in 2024 showed that light-filtering curtains are now more popular than blackout options, as they let in soft, natural light while still providing privacy. Sheer or linen curtains can be found for under $40 a panel at most home stores. Hanging them a few inches above the window frame gives the illusion of higher ceilings, making your bedroom feel larger and airier.

Personalized Wall Art

Bare walls can make a bedroom feel unfinished. Adding art doesn’t have to mean expensive gallery pieces; in fact, a recent survey by Etsy found that most shoppers spend under $50 per piece on wall decor. You can print favorite photos, purchase digital prints, or even frame fabric samples or pressed flowers for a custom look. Gallery walls—collections of smaller framed pieces—are especially popular right now and can turn an empty wall into a focal point. Mixing different sizes and frame styles adds a personal touch while keeping things cozy and informal.

Cozy Scented Candles

Scent has a powerful effect on mood, and the right candle can make your bedroom feel like a relaxing retreat. According to the National Candle Association, the most popular candle scents in 2025 are vanilla, lavender, and sandalwood—fragrances known to promote calm and relaxation. Most quality candles are under $25, leaving plenty of room in your budget for more than one. Look for soy or beeswax options for cleaner burning. Placing candles on a tray with a few decorative objects can create a stylish vignette on your nightstand or dresser.

DIY Greenery for a Fresh Atmosphere

Plants are known to boost happiness and improve indoor air quality, and you don’t need a green thumb to add some greenery to your bedroom. The 2025 Houseplant Market Report notes that small potted plants, like pothos or snake plants, are especially popular and can be found for under $20 each. Even faux plants have come a long way and look surprisingly real, offering zero-maintenance coziness. Arranging a few small plants on a shelf or windowsill brings life into your space and helps create a calming, restful environment, all for a very modest investment.