Picture this: A teenager named Emily, stressed from the relentless demands of school, escapes to her bedroom. However, this is not just any bedroom. Her room is a sanctuary. Soft, golden fairy lights cascade over her desk, reflecting off rose-gold accents on her minimalist furniture. Plants breathe life into the corners, while tapestries and pastel pillows bring comfort. It is an aesthetic room—the ideal space that blends functionality and personal style. For Emily, this room is not just a place to sleep; it is a place that inspires calm, creativity, and comfort, where every object feels like an extension of her personality.
In today’s fast-paced world, people—especially teens and young adults—increasingly emphasize creating aesthetically pleasing rooms. According to a study by Pinterest, searches for “aesthetic bedroom ideas” surged by 100% year over year between 2020 and 2022 (Pinterest, 2022). This growing trend can be attributed to the rise of social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest, where “room tours” and “bedroom makeovers” have amassed millions of views. Let us dive deeper into what defines an aesthetic room and how to create one that matches your vibe.
What Is an Aesthetic Room?
At its core, an aesthetic room is a personal space that reflects an individual’s taste, usually curated around a specific theme or vibe. “Aesthetics are the harmonious blend of colour schemes, lighting, furniture, decor, and textures that create an overall mood or style.
The concept of aesthetic rooms gained momentum as social media users began to share highly stylized, dally-appealing spaces online. It is a fusion of interior design and personal expression, influenced by trending styles such as minimalist, bohemian, vintage, and cottage-core. But it’s not just about following trends—it’s about creating a space that feels authentic and personal.
Why Are Aesthetic Rooms So Popular?
The rise in popularity of aesthetic rooms can be traced back to several critical factors, including the influence of social media, the need for personal comfort, and the desire for a space that serves multiple purposes.
- Social Media Influence
As mentioned, platforms like TikTok and Instagram have significantly driven the aesthetic room trend. The hashtag #roomdecor on TikTok alone has over 14.6 billion views as of 2023 (TikTok, 2023). Users share videos highlighting finished rooms and DIY projects, shopping hauls, and transformations that make the aesthetic room accessible to everyone, regardless of budget.
Pinterest’s 2022 home decor report also reveals that searches for specific room decor ideas—such as “boho bedroom” and “minimalist bedroom”—increased by 150%, demonstrating the vast array of aesthetics people are exploring (Pinterest, 2022). This surge in content has created a feedback loop where individuals get inspired, create their versions, and then share their rooms online, further fueling the trend.
- Comfort and Well-Being
Another reason for the rise in aesthetic rooms is their emphasis on comfort and well-being. Studies show that an individual’s environment significantly impacts mental health. A survey conducted by the Environmental Psychology Journal in 2021 found that 78% of people reported an improvement in mood after changing their home decor, mainly when adding natural elements such as plants (Environmental et al., 2021). Aesthetic rooms are designed to look good and foster a sense of relaxation and happiness.
Critical Elements of an Aesthetic Room
Creating an aesthetic room is not just about randomly placing trendy objects in your space; it involves thoughtful curation of various elements that work harmoniously together.
- Lighting
Lighting is perhaps one of the most essential elements in any aesthetic room. Soft, ambient lighting, like fairy lights, LED strips, and lamps, can drastically change a room’s mood. A 2020 survey by Houzz found that 54% of homeowners planning a room remodel chose to invest in new lighting to improve the overall atmosphere of the space (Houzz, 2020).
Warm, dimmable lighting options are often preferred in aesthetic rooms because they create a cosy and calming environment. Additionally, colour-changing LED strips have become particularly popular among Gen Z, allowing users to set the mood according to their activities—whether studying, chilling, or filming a TikTok video.
- Color Scheme
The colour palette of an aesthetic room is critical in setting its tone. Many opt for muted, pastel colours such as lavender, sage green, and baby pink, which evoke calm and serenity. However, other styles may embrace more vibrant colours. For instance, the retro aesthetic might feature bold oranges, yellows, and greens, while the minimalist aesthetic favours a neutral palette with shades of white, beige, and grey.
According to a 2021 survey by Behr Paint, 67% of people reported feeling more productive and creative when they were in rooms painted in soothing colours (Behr Paint, 2021). This shows how powerful colour choices can be when curating an aesthetic room.
- Furniture
Furniture in an aesthetic room is typically functional yet stylish, with many favouring minimalist designs that are sleek and space-saving. For example, floating shelves, mid-century modern chairs, and simple wooden desks are popular choices. Multifunctional furniture is also rising, especially for people living in smaller spaces. Items like storage ottomans or foldable desks help maintain a clutter-free environment while fitting into the room’s overall design.
- Personal Decor
The decor in an aesthetic room is where individual personality shines through. Whether it is an art wall filled with prints from favourite artists, a stack of carefully arranged books, or a shelf adorned with plants and candles, these personal touches transform a room from a bare space into a personal retreat.
Interestingly, Etsy’s 2022 home decor report showed a 35% increase in searches for handmade room decor, indicating that people are not just looking for mass-produced items but also personal, unique touches (Etsy, 2022).
- Nature and Greenery
Adding plants has become an essential part of creating an aesthetic room. Research by the Journal of Environmental Psychology (2021) showed that having plants in a room can reduce stress and improve air quality, leading to a 15% increase in overall well-being for people working or studying in such environments (Environmental et al., 2021). From small succulents to sizeable leafy monstera plants, greenery offers visual appeal and health benefits.
How to Create Your Aesthetic Room on a Budget
One common misconception is that creating an aesthetic room is expensive. Creativity and resourcefulness allow anyone to design an appealing space without breaking the bank. Here are a few tips:
- DIY Projects: Instead of purchasing expensive wall art or decor, consider creating your own. DIY wall tapestries, custom photo collages, or even painting an accent wall can add a unique touch to your space.
- Second-Hand Finds: Platforms like Facebook Marketplace, thrift stores, and apps like Depop are excellent for finding unique and affordable furniture or decor.
- Upcycle: Transform old items into something new. An old desk can be sanded and repainted to match your aesthetic. Similarly, old glass jars can become cute plant pots or candle holders.
- Fairy Lights and LEDs: Fairy lights and LED strips are affordable options that can dramatically change the ambience of a room. Despite a tight budget, these can offer a quick and easy aesthetic upgrade.
Conclusion
Aesthetic rooms are more than just a social media trend—they reflect personal style, mental well-being, and the desire for a space that serves multiple functions in today’s fast-paced world. Whether it is a minimalist room’s calming effect or a retro-themed space’s vibrant energy, an aesthetic room allows individuals to express themselves creatively and meaningfully.
As we have seen, the popularity of aesthetic rooms is only continuing to rise, driven by social media’s influence and an increasing focus on personal well-being. With creativity and resourcefulness, anyone can create a beautiful, inspiring space they are proud to call their own.
