4 Bedroom Upgrades That Are Worth Splurging On, According to Real Estate Experts

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In a report forecasting bedroom design trends for 2022, nearly 80 percent of respondents indicated they’re willing to invest in quality products for the bedroom. This figure is not exactly mind-boggling if you consider the simple fact that people tend to spend a whole lot of time in their bedrooms, so why not go the extra mile to make it a high-caliber space?

But the design choices you make for your bedroom also reflect your home’s appeal to future buyers. So if you’re considering putting some money into this important space, it’s worth noting that some bedroom improvements are more marketable than others.

What types of renovations are worth shelling out for? And do you need to do a full renovation in order to improve your space? I asked four real estate experts to weigh in on the upgrades that are worth splurging on.

“When it comes to the bedroom, honestly, I think you shouldn’t focus so much on decor. In this market, with it being so crazy, people are just looking at the number of bedrooms, size of bedrooms,” says Elyse Bouwmeester, a Realtor with Red and White Realty Inc. Brokerage. If you have the budget for a renovation, she recommends supplementing the functional space with a bathroom. “People are always looking for ensuites,” she adds.

Clayton Orrigo is the founder of the Hudson Advisory Team. In his experience, the best way to upgrade a bedroom is by maximizing storage options. “This means doing custom built-ins, taking closet space all the way to the ceiling, buying or building a custom bed that has storage beneath, or doing beautiful custom closets by a company such as Poliform or California Closets,” he says.

Of course, not all bedroom improvements need to be purely practical. Yari Karina Jones, a real estate agent with Keller Williams Select, suggests investing in luxury, especially for a primary bedroom. “I would add a gas or propane fireplace, hands down. It’s rare to see a fireplace inside a bedroom, but when you do, it immediately conveys a feeling of luxury, warmth, and comfort,” she says. 

“And spring for the remote control option,” Jones adds. “Buyers are willing to pay top dollar for the benefit of enjoying the fireplace without having to get out of bed.”

According to Frances Katzen, founder of the Katzen Team with Douglas Elliman, you don’t necessarily have to embark on a major reno in order to upgrade your space. “I’m a big believer in using really clean bedding,” she says. “Remember, people are walking in and trying to implement their own idea of home into a space, so if the bedding’s too frilly, if it’s too lacey, if it’s old fashioned, it can turn people off.”

Though you can splurge on your sheets, there are plenty of economical options as well. “Go to Bed Bath & Beyond and look for white bedding with grey or taupe borders. Get really clean, white bedding, a duvet, four pillows, two on each side, and a bed skirt if there’s nothing covering the lower base,” she says. “And then just keep the cut very modern and square.”