Beach Cottage Bedroom Refresh: Low Bed Ideas for Cozy Comfort
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I've always been drawn to the peaceful simplicity of low beds. There's something so calming about the way they anchor a room, creating this beautiful sense of space and tranquility that instantly makes me feel more relaxed.
When I decided to bring this style into my beach cottage bedroom, I discovered it was the perfect match - like bringing some zen to the seaside.
I'm excited to share everything I've learned about creating the perfect beach cottage bedroom with a low bed as your centerpiece.
Whether you're dreaming of a complete bedroom makeover or just looking to refresh your space, I'll walk you through all my favorite tips, tricks, and discoveries for bringing that serene coastal vibe into your home.
So if you're ready to create your own slice of seaside serenity, let's dive in together and discover how to make your low bed dreams come true.
1. Japanese-Inspired Platform
A Japanese-inspired low platform bed offers the perfect foundation for a beach cottage bedroom. The minimal height and clean lines create a sense of calm while maximizing the feeling of space. This style particularly resonates with modern beach aesthetics, where simplicity meets natural beauty.
Picture This: Imagine walking into your bedroom and seeing a low oak platform bed, floating just inches off the ground. Natural light streams through gauzy white curtains, casting gentle shadows across crisp linen bedding in soft sandy beige. A single piece of driftwood art hangs on the whitewashed wall above, while woven grass floor cushions provide extra seating.
How to Recreate It:
Start with a solid wood platform base, keeping the height between 6-8 inches
Layer with a high-quality foam or hybrid mattress no more than 10 inches thick
Add natural fiber bedding in whites and beiges
Incorporate minimal bedside tables at corresponding heights
Keep accessories sparse and nature-inspired
DIY Project: Create your own platform bed using thick plywood sheets and sturdy lumber. Sand everything smooth, add a whitewash or natural stain, and attach hairpin legs for an industrial-coastal touch. Total cost: around $200-300.
Buy It Option:
Floyd Low Profile Platform Bed
Natural linen bedding set
Low-profile memory foam mattress
Styling Tips: Keep your bedding simple but textured. Think waffle-weave blankets and linen duvets. Avoid too many pillows – two sleeping pillows and one or two decorative cushions are plenty.
2. Bohemian Floor Bed
There's something undeniably romantic about a mattress placed directly on the floor, dressed up with layers of textiles and surrounded by beachy decor. This ultra-low profile option creates an intimate space that feels both grounded and free-spirited.
Picture This: A quality mattress rests on a beautiful handwoven jute rug, surrounded by potted palm fronds and rattan floor lanterns. Macramé wall hangings frame the bed, while oversized floor cushions in various shades of blue create casual seating areas. String lights draped from the ceiling cast a warm glow over the entire scene.
How to Recreate It:
Choose a supportive mattress with good airflow
Place a washable rug or natural fiber mat underneath
Create a "headboard" using wall-mounted cushions or artwork
Arrange floor-level lighting options
Add plenty of textural elements at varying heights
DIY Project: Make your own floor-level headboard using a large piece of driftwood or bamboo poles mounted horizontally on the wall. Add macramé hangings and woven elements for texture.
Buy It Option:
High-quality foam or hybrid mattress
Large jute or seagrass rug
Floor cushions in coastal colors
Rattan floor lanterns
Styling Tips: Ensure proper ventilation under your mattress with a slatted platform or thick bamboo mat. Rotate the mattress regularly and vacuum underneath frequently.
3. Modern Low Storage Bed
Combining style with functionality, a low storage bed offers the perfect solution for small beach cottages where space is at a premium. The added storage keeps clutter at bay while maintaining that clean, coastal aesthetic.
Picture This: A sleek, white-painted wooden bed frame sits low to the ground, featuring built-in drawers on both sides. The bed is dressed in layers of textured whites and sea-glass greens. Rattan baskets peek out from the pull-out drawers, while a vintage surfboard leans casually in the corner.
How to Recreate It:
Choose lightweight storage boxes that slide easily
Install soft-close drawer mechanisms
Add under-bed lighting for functionality
Use drawer organizers to maximize space
DIY Project: Transform an existing low bed frame by adding custom-built drawers on wheels. Paint everything in coastal whites or soft blues, and add rope pulls for a nautical touch.
Buy It Option:
IKEA Malm low storage bed
Under-bed storage containers
Motion-sensor LED strip lighting
Drawer organizers
Styling Tips: Keep the bed linens simple and clean to offset the visual weight of the storage base. Use matching storage containers to maintain a cohesive look when drawers are open.
4. Pallet-Style Driftwood Dream
A weathered, driftwood-inspired low bed captures the essence of beachcombing and sustainable style. This rustic-coastal approach brings the natural beauty of weathered wood into your space while maintaining a contemporary edge that works beautifully in any beach cottage setting.
Picture This: A low-slung bed frame crafted from whitewashed wood planks appears to have been plucked straight from the shoreline. The intentionally rough-hewn platform features subtle variations in height and texture, creating an organic flow. Crisp white linens contrast beautifully with the weathered base, while copper-wire string lights weave through the slats, creating a warm glow from below.
How to Recreate It:
Source reclaimed wood planks or new lumber for weathering
Create a simple platform design with varying plank widths
Apply specialized weathering techniques or whitewash finish
Install hidden support structures for stability
Add integrated lighting between slats
DIY Project: Build a platform using new lumber, then create a driftwood effect using steel wool and vinegar solution, or apply layers of different colored washes. Add castors for easy mobility. Estimated cost: $150-250.
Buy It Option:
Restoration Hardware Reclaimed Wood Platform Bed
Weathered wood bed frame
LED rope lighting
Coastal-inspired bedding set
Styling Tips: Mix in metallic accents like brass or copper to add warmth to the weathered wood. Keep bedding simple and natural with linen or cotton in white, cream, or pale blue.
5. Suspended Float Bed
For a truly magical beach cottage bedroom, a suspended low bed creates the illusion of floating while maintaining a low profile. This conversation-starting piece combines whimsy with sophisticated design, perfect for those wanting something unique yet still aligned with coastal style.
Picture This: A platform bed hangs just inches off the ground, suspended by heavy-duty steel cables from the ceiling. The simple wooden platform features rounded corners and a soft whitewashed finish. Billowy white bedding cascades over the edges, while rope accents on the cables add a nautical touch. At night, LED strips create a soft glow beneath, enhancing the floating effect.
How to Recreate It:
Install ceiling-mounted support system with marine-grade cables
Create a lightweight but sturdy platform frame
Add proper mattress support system
Install safety features and stabilizers
Include under-bed lighting for enhanced floating effect
DIY Project: Create a simplified version using a sturdy platform mounted on hidden legs at the center, with the outer edges appearing to float. Use LED strips around the perimeter for the hovering effect. Total cost: around $300-400.
Buy It Option:
Aircraft cable and mounting hardware
LED strip lighting system
Ultra-low profile mattress
Styling Tips: Keep the area under the bed clear to maintain the floating illusion. Use light, flowing fabrics that emphasize the weightless quality of the design.
Let’s get started
All these low bed ideas offer unique ways to create your perfect beach cottage retreat. Whether you prefer the organic appeal of driftwood, the magical floating effect, or any of our earlier options, remember that the key is to choose a style that makes you feel both relaxed and inspired.
Don't be afraid to mix elements from different designs to create your perfect coastal haven. With some creativity and attention to detail, you can transform your bedroom into a serene space that captures the essence of beachside living while maintaining the practical comfort you need for everyday life.
If you’re looking for more beach cottage bedroom inspiration, check out this post!
