When you think of preppy style, what do you imagine? Maybe red, white, and blue come to mind, or nautical imagery — or maybe a space where just about every textile is emblazoned with a monogram. Stereotypes of this design aesthetic may exist, but the truth is, they’re a far cry from what preppy style can really be.

In reality, the preppy bedroom ideas our designers love are the ones that are rooted in classic style but bring in pops of color or pattern. They might favor traditional silhouettes or prints, but they also strike a balance with eclectic pieces of decor or a lush mix of textures. Simpy put: preppy style is anything but boring or predictable.

That also means there’s no one “right” way to design a space in this aesthetic. So, without further ado, allow Havenly designer Kelsey Fischer to walk you through a few of her favorite preppy bedroom ideas that look perfectly fresh.

Preppy Bedroom Ideas 1: Pattern Play

With pops of golden yellow, jade green, and cornflower blue, this bedroom doesn’t follow a typical preppy color palette, but it still has a polished, classic look. Relatively simple patterns — hints of floral textiles and large pinstripes on the bedframe — bring some excitement into the space without overwhelming it.

Preppy Bedroom Ideas 2: Pale Palette

Preppy style can also look serene and delicate, as evidenced by this bedroom. Detailed light gray wallpaper brings dimension to the light-filled space, while two soft accent colors — pale blue and peach — add personality to a hotel-style bed.

Preppy Bedroom Ideas 3: High Contrast

When it comes to preppy design, stripes are always a good idea. In this bedroom, a striped accent helps a black accent blanket harmonize well with a white bedspread. A collection of emerald green throw pillows add to the high-impact look.

Preppy Bedroom Ideas 4: Eclectic Touch

Black and white patterns and a pop of vivid teal blue give this bedroom a quirky twist, but it’s also a master class in balance. A modern white nightstand, white walls, and a white bedspread provide a perfect blank canvas for “louder” details.

Preppy Bedroom Ideas 5: Traditionally Sweet

This kids’ room gets its charm from its more traditional details, like its Oxford blue-striped headboards and ruffle-edged shams. With more breezy details, like an abstract chandelier and a scalloped mirror, it’s a perfect blend of preppy and coastal-cool.

Preppy Bedroom Ideas 6: Detail-Driven

If you go big on color and pattern, you can find balance in other ways — like opting for more pared-back silhouettes. That’s what makes the simple wooden nightstand work so well in this vibrant bedroom.

Preppy Bedroom Ideas 7: Perfectly Coordinated

Here’s one easy rule of preppy style: Find your color palette and stick to it. That’s what makes this bedroom work so well — pops of green and blue are tied perfectly together with a light yet intricate floral wallpaper.

Preppy Bedroom Ideas 8: Quirky Elegance

There may be a lot of patterns in this space, but they work together effortlessly, all staying in the same color families of blues and tans. When you’re loading up on textures and prints on your bedspread, the key to finding balance is to pare back all the rest — cream-colored walls and drapes are the way to go.

Preppy Bedroom Ideas 9: Dark Romantic

Here’s a reminder to never be afraid of black walls! A high-gloss paint keeps this space feeling bright, and preppy details like a striped headboard and monogrammed throw pillow balance out the drama. Romantic touches, like floral textiles and an ornate chandelier, give it an altogether romantic feel.

Preppy Bedroom Ideas 10: Simple Grid

Color and pattern are an easy way to make any space feel more intentional. Here, grid-patterned drapes and a hunter-green bedframe make an otherwise pared-back, neutral bedroom look dynamic.

Preppy Bedroom Ideas 11: Moody Cool

Dark green drapes, black walls, and a leopard-print throw pillow — these bold features play up the drama in this bedroom, while a classic tufted headboard and a framed duvet strike a contrast with their more traditional looks.

Want expert advice on your own space, straight from an interior designer? Get started today with our style quiz.