Cape Cod-style homes, with their steep roofs, dormered windows, and quaint charm, provide unique opportunities when it comes to designing upstairs bedrooms. These spaces, typically nestled under the house’s eaves, can become cozy havens with the right decor.
Whether it’s creating built-in storage to free up floor space or picking the perfect color palette to brighten the room, there are many design choices you can make to transform your Cape Cod upstairs bedroom into a stylish, comfortable retreat.
We’ve rounded up 25 Cape Cod upstairs bedroom ideas to inspire you and give your home a fresh and updated look. So, let’s dive right in!
Maximize the Ceiling Height
Paint the slopes of your Cape Cod bedroom in lighter hues; it tricks the eye, giving the illusion of a loftier ceiling. Adding vertical stripes or tall, narrow furniture pieces can also elevate the space aesthetically. Keep it airy and uncluttered!
Add Shiplap Walls
Wrapping your Cape Cod bedroom in shiplap adds a cozy, coastal vibe. Picture soft white planks bringing texture and a seaside charm that’s both timeless and playful. Lean into that beachy feel with shiplap walls—it’s like an instant getaway.
Highlight Cape Cod Architecture
Cape Cod bedrooms often feature sloped ceilings and dormer windows, giving you that cozy attic vibe. Play this up with built-in drawers or a reading nook under the eaves. Transform your little alcove into a snug getaway.
Incorporate Coastal Elements
Opt for light, breezy curtains and a seashell motif throw pillow. Zusammen, they whisper coastal charm right into your Cape Cod bedroom. Add a sisal rug or hang a fishnet—ocean vibes? Check!
Opt for Soft Colors
Imagine waking up enveloped in tranquility. Choose pastel shades like powder blue or soft lilac for your walls, inviting serenity into your Cape Cod bedroom daily. Add a touch of elegance with crisp white linens and some plush, cream-colored pillows to create a cloud-like retreat.
Add a Cozy Reading Nook
Tuck a plush armchair by the window, drape a soft throw, and stack your favorite books nearby. Your charming Cape Cod alcove transforms into a snug retreat for page-turning bliss.
Use Antique Furniture
Deck out your Cape Cod upstairs bedroom with a sturdy vintage dresser. It not only adds character but doubles as storage. Imagine an antique wooden mirror atop, reflecting your taste for the timeless.
Place a Bed Under a Dormer Window
Nestle your bed beneath the cozy nook of a dormer window. You’ll bask in the morning sunlight and starlit evenings, carving out a dreamy sanctuary. Embrace minimalism with a slender bed frame and crisp linens for pure serenity.
Add Built-In Storage
Maximize your slanted ceilings with custom built-ins for storing clothes and linens. It’s a savvy space-saver that looks like it’s just meant to be there.
Reflect Natural Sunlight
Maximize the natural light in your Cape Cod upstairs bedroom by opting for mirrors across from windows—you’ll double the sunshine’s impact instantly. Bonus: it makes your space feel larger!
Choose a Maritime Theme
Add a shipshape flair to your space with nautical striped bed linens and a rope-wrapped lamp. Your Cape Cod bedroom will echo the sea’s enchantment.
Incorporate Extra Seating
Add a cozy window seat under that dormer window for a charming reading nook with a view. Toss on some plush pillows and you’ve got your new favorite spot.
Use Subtle Patterns
In your Cape Cod upstairs bedroom, try sprinkling in gentle patterns. Think striped throw pillows or a chevron duvet. They jazz up the space without overwhelming your cozy retreat.
Create a Kids’ Loft
Transform one corner into a cozy fort for your tiny adventurers. A couple of bean bags, a fluffy rug, and string lights can make a magical nook. Pro tip: Use bold-patterned wallpapers to ignite imagination.
Add a Room Divider
Slide in a sleek partition to section off a cozy nook for yourself – perfect for reading or a coffee escape. Your upstairs Cape Cod charm levels up instantly.
Stick to Tradition
Embrace the classic Cape Cod vibe with a bold four-poster bed. Striped patterns, sea-inspired tones, and a timeless quilt will transport you to a coastal era gone by. Your room, your quaint retreat.
Go Modern and Minimal
For a sleek Cape Cod bedroom, think clean lines and uncluttered spaces. Choose a neutral color palette and streamline your furniture. Your nightstand? Let it be a simple floating shelf.
Hang Artwork in Unexpected Places
Tuck a small painting into your bookshelf for a whimsical surprise among your reads. It personalizes your cozy nook with a secret splash of art!
Use a Muted Color Palette
Opt for soft, pastel hues or neutral tones to create a serene Cape Cod bedroom retreat. Your walls become a subtle backdrop, perfect for highlighting unique decor and textures.
Increase Functionality with a Loft Bed
A loft bed can be a game-changer in your Cape Cod upstairs bedroom. Maximize your space by using the area beneath for a desk or seating. It’s a smart storage solution and adds a cozy, tucked-away feel—perfect for both rest and productivity.
Incorporate a Desk Area
Nestle a sleek desk by the window in your Cape Cod bedroom. It’s the ideal nook for penning postcards or planning beach day itineraries. Keep it coastal with a crisp white chair and sea glass-hued accents.
Create a Cozy Corner with a Sofa
Transform that empty spot under your eaves into a snuggly nook. Just nestle a plush sofa into the angle where the walls meet, drape a knit throw over the back, and add a pile of pillows. Voilà, your Cape Cod charm is lounging-ready!
Highlight Architectural Details
Exposed wooden beams? Show them off with accent lighting. Add contrast with bold wall colors to make those structures pop, giving your Cape Cod bedroom that extra quaint charm.
Hang Drapery for Privacy
Draw curtains for a cozy hideaway in your bedroom. Pick sheer fabrics for a soft glow or thick velvets for complete solitude. You’ll love the instant charm and seclusion they provide!
Go Bright and Bold
Brighten up your Cape Cod haven with bold strokes of color. Paint your walls in sunny yellow or lively coral to infuse energy. Accents like a vibrant quilt or colorful throw pillows bring cheerfulness to your cozy upstairs retreat.