21 Preppy Room Ideas that Blend Tradition, Fun, and Comfort

Contents

• What Is Preppy Decor and Where Did the Term Come From?
• Preppy Color Palettes
• Preppy Bed Types
• Other Preppy-Style Furniture
• Preppy Bedding, Pillows, Curtains, and Rugs
• Preppy Wall Decor and Accents
• Lighting Ideas
• A Prep School Dorm-Style Bedroom You’ll Love

What Is Preppy Decor and Where Did the Term Come From?

Preppy bedrooms are all the rage right now, but where does the term preppy and its style come from? Grab your penny loafers and let's take a little trip back in time!

The term preppy started as a slang term for high school-level students who attended boarding schools in New England. Well-to-do families sent their kids to these schools to prepare them for admissions into prestigious Ivy League universities, such as Harvard, Princeton, and Yale. Hence, the schools were called college preparatory schools.

These schools still exist today, many with the same traditions they had decades ago. For example, the students live in dorms, and in some schools they wear uniforms, such as polo-style t-shirts or Oxford button-down shirts and blazers with crested patches. This style originated in English boarding schools like Eton College. As well, sports – namely lacrosse and crew – are an important part of the school curriculum.

Preppy bedroom design is modeled on the style and aesthetics of the preppy look and prep school dorm rooms. It’s a clean, sophisticated, and traditional style, which can make for a fun and comfortable bedroom. In this post, we’ll share some preppy room ideas to help you create the perfect New England-style dorm-like sanctuary.

Preppy Color Palettes

The foundation of any preppy bedroom starts with the right color combination. These timeless hues create that perfect balance of sophistication and fun. Here are the classic preppy colors and how to use them in your bedroom:

1. Navy Blue

Navy blue is classic, sophisticated, and grounding. Plus, it pairs beautifully with other preppy hues. You can use it on an accent wall, in bedding, or through patterns, such as stripes and plaids. Navy works especially well with white trim to create a crisp, tailored look.

2. Crisp White

Bright, crisp white is another preppy room staple color. It creates the perfect clean canvas and adds a fresh, airy feeling. Use it generously on walls, bedding, and furniture.

3. Light Pink

Another classic preppy color is light pink. While a traditional pink bedroom might seem feminine to some, when it comes to preppy decorating, light pink can be great for both boys and girls. It’s not uncommon for preppies to wear powder pink polo shirts or Oxford shirts. Plus, it’s a color that looks great with both Navy blue and white.

Depending on how much you like pink you can use it as a main color or an accent color. Light pink throw pillows, bedding, or lampshades will present a classical preppy look.

4. Forest Green

Another classic preppy color is forest green. Think ivy-covered walls at prestigious Ivy league schools . In addition, forest green paired with gold is a classic color combination for some of the prestigious schools of New England. Forest green adds depth and sophistication to your space. It works beautifully in plaids – and plaids are a classic preppy pattern.

5. Gold

Gold accents can add a touch of luxury and refinement to your preppy bedroom. It also looks great with all of the other preppy colors. You can use it in mirror and picture frames, lamp bases, and hardware. Use gold sparingly to keep with the preppy look of understated elegance.

Preppy Bed Types

Prep school dorm rooms are designed to mirror the experience at sophisticated universities, and the bed (along with the desk) is a focal point in the room. Here are bed styles that will work perfectly in a preppy-style bedroom:

6. Side-by-Side Twin Beds

At prep schools, students usually have roommates, so classic side-by-side twin beds is a common style. This vintage-style twin bed has the classic look found in old fashioned boarding school and college dorm rooms. Only, it’s built with a reinforced modern metal frame, so it doesn’t shake and creak like the old-fashioned metal beds did.

7. Classic Metal Bunk Beds

Another preppy room bed is the classic bunk bed. It’s a great space saver for tight dorm room-style bedrooms. This classic metal bunk bed can easily convert into two separate twin beds depending on your room’s layout. It offers solid stability and durability, reducing wobbling and ensuring a safe night's sleep.

8. Storage Beds

Another hallmark in a preppy-style bedroom is a storage bed. In right dorm room quarters, students would need as much storage space as possible, and the storage bed is the perfect solution. This twin size captain’s bed offers storage in droves: There’s shelving in the headboard and ample drawers underneath the bed.

9. Loft Bed with Built-in Desk

Since students go to prep schools to learn, the other essential piece of furniture in their dorm room is their desk. So, a desk is a key piece of furniture in your preppy-style bedroom. And what better combination than a loft bed with a built-in desk? It’s a great space-saver because the bed is raised, leaving plenty of room underneath the sleeping area. That’s where the built-in desk comes in. CozyBeds offers a variety of loft beds with desks that will work beautifully in a prep school-inspired bedroom. The design featured here has a generous full-sized bed above a wide desk that also has built-in shelves.

Other Preppy-Style Furniture

10. The Desk

As mentioned above, the preppy-inspired bedroom should be a studious one. This is why a desk is an absolute necessity. CozyBeds offers both bunk beds and loft beds that come with built-in desks. Or for standalone desks, white or classic wood are great options.

11. Storage Solutions: Trunks, Chests, and Drawers

When it comes to preppy bedroom storage, classic pieces are the way to go. For example, a classic steamer trunk can offer hidden storage and extra seating. And as mentioned earlier, a bed with built-in storage drawers is another preppy room hallmark.

12. A Wardrobe

A wardrobe is another preppy room standard. A standalone armoire can give your bedroom a classic, traditional feel. Or consider one of CozyBeds’ loft beds that come with a built-in wardrobe.

Preppy Bedding, Pillows, Curtains, and Rugs

The key to an authentic prep school-style bedroom is addressing the details, and nowhere is this more important than in your textiles! Here are some ideas:

13. Classic Bedding Layers

Your bedding can really drive the preppy look home. Start with crisp white sheets, then layer on a Navy or pink duvet. Place a complementary plaid blanket folded neatly at the end of the bed. Of course, everything should be monogrammed!

14. Pattern-Perfect Pillows

Throw pillows can complete the look on your preppy bed. Consider plaid or solid pillows with large monogrammed letters or a decorative crest design.

15. Prep-school Inspired Window Treatments

Your window treatments should be classic and traditional – but they can also be fun. Consider plaids or stripes, like seersucker. Or white plantation shutters offer a classic feel.

16. Preppy Area Rugs

Just as a well-chosen blazer completes a preppy outfit, the right rug anchors your preppy room design. Round rugs can make a room feel softer by breaking up the rectilinear layout. Navy blue, forest green, or a darker pink for variation, as well as striped rugs will all look great in a preppy bedroom.

Preppy Wall Decor and Accents

In addition to your furniture and textiles, the walls of a preppy bedroom are the perfect place to showcase your personality and achievements. Here are some signature ideas:

17. The Preppy Wall

A preppy wall is essentially a curated gallery wall that is like your personal museum. You can showcase your awards, school or team flags, photos of friends, and other special items. Plus, your preppy wall is a great place to hang your tennis racket or lacrosse sticks.

18. Trophy Case or Curios Cabinet

Like the preppy wall, a trophy case or curios cabinet can showcase trophies, figurines, and other special items that you want to show off.

Lighting Ideas

The right lighting is essential for any bedroom, and select lighting types can complete your preppy bedroom’s ambiance. Here are a couple of ideas:

19. The Classic Brass Desk Lamp

Nothing says "prep school study session" like a traditional brass desk lamp with a green glass shade. This timeless style is reminiscent of those found in historic university libraries.

20. Bedside Reading Light

Preppies are educated folks, so you’ll also want a bedside reading light so you can read in bed.

21. Classic Floor Lamp

Another classic lighting fixture for a preppy bedroom is a classic floor lamp. Look for styles with a glass lampshade or an adjustable arm.

A Prep School Dorm-Style Bedroom You’ll Love

Classic preppy style feels both polished and sophisticated yet also lived-in and comfortable. Combining traditional elements with quality modern-day furnishings and your own personal touches can create an environment that’s functional and comfortable while also being a place you love spending time in.