12 Buffalo Plaid Bedroom Decor Ideas You Will Love

I used to be obsessed with matching everything in my home. I thought 12 buffalo plaid bedroom decor ideas meant buying twelve things that looked exactly the same. That is a quick way to make your room feel like a tiny prison cell, and nobody wants that.

You are going to learn how to mix patterns, choose the right colors, and keep your sanity. I have fixed these mistakes in my own house, so I will show you how to do it right, without wasting your hard earned cash on trends that die in a month.

Mix Plaid with Neutral Bedding

The biggest mistake people make is going full farmhouse, everywhere. If you throw a plaid comforter on the bed, you do not need matching curtains, rugs, and lamps. Stop trying to win a prize for the most checks in one room. Keep it simple, and let the pattern breathe, by pairing it with crisp, white sheets.

White sheets act like a palate cleanser, for your eyes. They stop the room from feeling heavy, or like you are trapped inside a lumberjack shirt. Stick to high quality cotton, because cheap stuff pills, and nobody wants to sleep on tiny plastic balls. If you want a bit of texture, add a simple linen throw blanket, but keep the color solid, and plain.

Trust me, this keeps the room calm, and cozy. You want a bedroom that helps you sleep, not one that gives you a headache.

• Buy high quality white sheets.
• Avoid matching every single item.
• Use solid colors for balance.
• Let the plaid pattern pop.

Add One Large Plaid Pillow

People love to buy those tiny plaid pillows, that look sad on a big bed. Throw those away, and get one giant, lumbar pillow, instead. It makes a bold statement, without taking over the entire room. I like to put mine right in the middle, against the headboard, for a clean look.

Size really does matter here, so do not go small. A wide pillow looks intentional, and stylish, while a bunch of small ones look like clutter. Choose a thick, wool blend, if you live in a cold area. It adds weight, and feels expensive, even if you found it on sale.

Stop shopping for sets, and start hunting for individual pieces. That is how you get a room that looks like a designer touched it, even if you did it yourself.

• Go big with your pillows.
• Choose a thick, warm fabric.
• Center the pillow for symmetry.
• Avoid buying cheap pillow sets.

Layer a Plaid Rug Underfoot

Most people treat their floors like an afterthought, but your feet know the truth. A cold floor is the worst way to start your day, so get a soft, plaid rug. Place it halfway under the bed, so it stays put, and does not slide around when you walk. It grounds the room, perfectly.

I prefer a muted, grey and white plaid, rather than the loud red and black. You want the room to feel soft, and airy, not like a camping trip. If you already have wood floors, a rug protects them, and adds a layer of quiet to the space. It is a smart move, for any bedroom.

Just make sure you buy a good rug pad, so you do not slip. Falling on your own floor is a bad look.

• Use muted colors for rugs.
• Place rugs under the bed.
• Invest in a rug pad.
• Protect your wood floors.

Hang Curtains with Restraint

Curtains are expensive, and people always ruin them, by picking loud prints. If you want plaid, keep the print small, or stick to a subtle, woven texture. Huge, bold checks on your windows will make the room feel tiny, and dark. Avoid that mistake, if you want your space to feel big.

I suggest using solid, dark curtains, and adding a plaid ribbon tie back. It gives you the look, without the commitment, and costs almost nothing. You can change the ribbon, whenever you get bored, without buying new drapes. That is how I save money, while keeping the room looking fresh.

If you have small windows, hang the rod high. It makes the ceiling look taller, and the room feel grand. It is a simple trick, that works every single time, I promise.

• Use solid drapes for space.
• Add plaid ribbons for detail.
• Hang rods near the ceiling.
• Avoid huge, busy window prints.

Frame Some Simple Plaid Art

Art is the easiest way to bring a theme home, without going overboard. Find a simple frame, and put a piece of plaid fabric inside. It looks like high end art, but costs you less than a coffee. It is clever, cheap, and very easy to swap out, if you ever change your mind.

Avoid those mass produced signs, that say things like sleep or rest. They are tacky, and honestly, we all know what a bed is for. Use vintage frames, for a bit of charm. The contrast between an old, ornate frame, and a modern plaid print, looks incredible on a bedroom wall.

Keep the colors linked to your room, so it does not look like a random scrap of cloth. It is all about balance, and knowing when to stop decorating.

• Use vintage frames for style.
• Keep the fabric art simple.
• Avoid cheesy wall signs.
• Match colors to your room.

Pick a Plaid Ottoman Bench

If you have space at the foot of your bed, a bench is a total lifesaver. It gives you a place to put on your shoes, or throw your robe, at the end of a long day. A plaid ottoman adds a touch of pattern, while serving a real purpose. It is function meets style.

I hate benches that wobble, so check the legs before you buy. If it feels shaky, walk away, because it is just garbage. Look for deep, rich colors like navy or forest green. They hide dirt better than white, and look more expensive, which is always a win in my book.

Keep the rest of your furniture simple, to let the bench stand out. It should be the star, not the background, of your bedroom space.

• Ensure the bench feels sturdy.
• Pick dark colors to hide dirt.
• Use benches for extra storage.
• Let the bench be unique.

Use Plaid for Closet Doors

If you want to be bold, try adding plaid to your closet doors. You can use removable wallpaper, which is a dream, because you can peel it off later. It hides boring, flat doors, and makes the whole room feel custom. It is a great way to add style to a rental, or a dull room.

I have done this, and people always think I hired a painter. The secret is taking your time, and using a smoothing tool, to avoid air bubbles. Do not rush it, because you will see every mistake. Start with just one door, to see how you like the look, before doing the rest.

It is a brave move, but it pays off. Your boring closet becomes a beautiful, decorative piece, that adds tons of personality.

• Use wallpaper for easy changes.
• Take your time during application.
• Smooth out all air bubbles.
• Start with a single door.

Try a Plaid Bed Skirt

Bed skirts are back, and they are not just for grandma anymore. They hide the mess under your bed, which is usually a graveyard for lost socks. A plaid bed skirt adds a pop of pattern, right where the eye naturally lands. It keeps the room looking clean, and put together.

Make sure you get one that hits the floor, perfectly. If it is too short, it looks like high waters, and if it is too long, it drags on the floor, collecting dust. Take a measurement, before you buy, and do not guess. Getting the fit right makes all the difference, in the world.

It is a small detail, but it ties the whole look together. Plus, it hides your storage bins, which is a major win.

• Measure the bed height carefully.
• Ensure the skirt hits floors.
• Hide storage under the bed.
• Select tailored, clean lines.

Update Your Light Fixtures

Light fixtures are where most people drop the ball. They buy boring, basic lights, and then wonder why their room feels flat. Use a plaid shade on a lamp, or a hanging light, to add a bit of texture. It warms up the light, and makes the space feel cozy.

Do not go too dark, or you will end up in the dark, literally. Pick a light fabric, that lets the glow pass through, and creates soft shadows. I love a linen shade with a plaid trim. It is subtle, but looks like you put a lot of thought into the room.

If you are handy, you can even make one. Just wrap some fabric, and use a bit of glue. It is much easier than it sounds.

• Choose light, airy fabrics.
• Try plaid trim for detail.
• Keep the room feeling bright.
• Make your own custom shades.

Mix Materials with Plaid

Mixing textures is the secret to a high end look. If you have plaid bedding, use a velvet pillow. If you have a plaid rug, use a smooth, leather chair. The contrast keeps the room from feeling flat, and boring. It adds life, to any space you are decorating.

I see people stick to one fabric, and it is a snooze fest. Add something shiny, like metal, or something soft, like a faux fur throw. Plaid looks best when it is challenged by other textures. It brings out the pattern, and makes the room feel rich, and layered.

Trust your gut, and play with fabrics. If it feels good to touch, it probably belongs in your bedroom. Just do not use too many things at once.

• Combine velvet and plaid fabrics.
• Add metal for a sleek look.
• Use leather for cool contrast.
• Avoid using only one texture.

Keep the Color Palette Tight

I cannot say this enough, so listen closely. Pick two or three colors, and stick to them. If you have blue and white plaid, do not bring in orange, or yellow. It will look like a chaotic mess, and you will hate it within a week. Keep the colors tight, to keep the room calm.

I always start with the colors I love, and then find the plaid. If you start with a crazy pattern, you will never find matching decor, and you will be stuck. It is much easier to shop for solids, than it is to find a matching pattern. Trust me, it saves so much time.

A tight palette makes a small room feel large, and a large room feel cozy. It is the golden rule of home decor.

• Pick only two main colors.
• Start with colors, not patterns.
• Keep solids in your palette.
• Create a calm, unified feel.

Edit Out the Excess Items

The final step is to take stuff away. Most people keep adding, and adding, until the room is full of junk. Look at your room, and ask if every piece earns its keep. If it is just taking up space, get it out, and clear the area. Your bedroom should be your sanctuary.

I walk through my room with a box, every month, and clear out the clutter. It feels amazing, to have less stuff, and more peace. If your plaid decor is fighting with your curtains, remove the least important one. You will feel better, the second the clutter leaves the door.

You do not need to fill every corner. Space is a luxury, so stop hiding it with things you do not even like.

• Remove items that serve nothing.
• Clear out your bedroom monthly.
• Value space over more stuff.
• Keep the room feeling light.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel ready to tackle your space now. Decorating should be fun, not a chore that keeps you up at night. You have the skills to make your home feel like a real escape, so stop worrying about what everyone else is doing. Just trust your eye, keep things simple, and enjoy your new bedroom. You have got this, so go get started on your 12 buffalo plaid bedroom decor ideas.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Buffalo Plaid Still a Popular Choice for Bedrooms?

Yes, it is still very popular because it feels so classic. If you keep your colors soft, it never goes out of style. Many people love it for its cozy, rustic vibe, which is perfect for a space where you want to relax after a long day.

Can I Mix Different Types of Plaid in One Room?

I would advise against it. Mixing too many plaids will make your bedroom feel like a busy store display. It is much better to choose one main plaid pattern, and then fill the rest of the room with solid colors, for a clean, professional look.

Are There Colors Other Than Red and Black for Plaid?

Absolutely, and you should definitely explore them. Grey, blue, or even green buffalo plaid can look very modern. Red and black can feel a bit loud, so picking softer tones will help your bedroom feel calm, airy, and much easier to style correctly.

Do I Need to Buy Expensive Furniture to Match the Theme?

Not at all. You can use your existing furniture and just change your soft decor. A new throw blanket, some pillows, or a rug can change the whole vibe. Never spend money on new furniture, until you see how the little things change the room.

Does Buffalo Plaid Look Good in a Modern Room?

It does, if you keep the lines simple. Use a very clean, neutral color palette to make it feel fresh. When you avoid the rustic woodsy look, and stick to crisp, modern colors, the pattern adds just the right amount of interest to a sleek space.

Should I Put Buffalo Plaid On the Walls?

Only if you are using removable wallpaper. Painting a pattern like that is a massive mistake, because you will eventually get bored. Removable paper lets you change your mind, which is the smart way to decorate, without ruining your walls or losing your deposit.

Will Plaid Make My Small Room Look Smaller?

It can, if you go too big with the pattern. For a small room, stick to small, tight checks. If you use huge, oversized patterns, they will overwhelm your space. Always keep the scale of the pattern in mind, when you are shopping for your decor.

Can I Use Buffalo Plaid During the Summer?

Yes, you just have to switch up the materials. Put away the heavy wool, and bring out light cotton or linen versions. Keep the colors cool, like blues or whites, and your room will feel fresh even when it is hot outside. It is all about fabric.