Underconsumption core bedroom design: the “less is more” philosophy

Could less really be more? As the world shifts towards an eco-conscious mindset, is it time for us to all live more sustainably? 

If you like the sound of the idea but don’t know where to start, we’ve got a solution for you. Enter: underconsumption core.

This rising TikTok trend, which first gained traction earlier this year, is all about embracing sustainability, swapping unnecessary overconsumption for more intentional living.  

 In this blog, we’ll examine exactly what ‘underconsumption core’ means, what the benefits are, and how to apply the core principles to interior design. We’ll share our most practical tips on how to select essential items for your bedroom, and how to use neutral colours, natural materials, and minimal decor to foster a calming atmosphere and ultimately, live a simpler way of life. Sounds easy, right?

The underconsumption core movement embodies the ‘less is more’ philosophy. This means less impulse shopping, less buying into passing fads, and less spontaneous purchases all in the name of “retail therapy.”  

You may think this sounds like complete common sense. Perhaps you don’t even need a hand stripping back your shopping habits. In which case, gold stars for you! But in a world of fast fashion, social media ads, and influencers promoting tempting new products every single day, consumption is at an all-time high.   

A new TikTok trend, #UnderconsumptionCore, has recently emerged, aiming to tackle our excessive shopping habits. Unlike typical haul videos where creators show off their most recent trendy purchases, creators are proudly sharing their capsule wardrobes and most treasured items that they’ve taken care of for years, in a bid to raise environmental awareness and encourage others to shop more consciously.

@dainty.nugs

Some underconsumption tips ive been trying to follow this year, i am actually spending WAY less already than last year on material items and way more on experiences, traveling, hobbies and spending time with loved ones! #underconsumption #deinfluencing #underconsumptioncore

♬ original sound – speedz!

When we apply the underconsumption trend to bedroom design, it’s all about focusing on simplicity and intentionality to create a serene sleep sanctuary that prioritises quality over quantity. 

So, how do we do this? Well, following the three Rs of consumption is a good place to start: reduce, reuse, and recycle. Of course, this doesn’t mean you can’t buy anything new ever again; that’d be near impossible! Instead, try appreciating what you already own (and not giving in to new trends, no matter how tempting they are!), as well as shopping second-hand and enjoying the process of revamping old furniture, where possible. 

Below we’ll share our top tips on small ways you can adopt the underconsumption core trend in your bedroom design… 

1. Selecting quality over quantity

They say “buy cheap, buy twice.” One of the best ways to approach the underconsumption trend is by investing in high-quality furniture (such as your bed, wardrobe and bedside tables) that are built to last. Choosing durable materials for your furniture is key to ensuring longevity and maintaining a timeless look in your bedroom.  

For a contemporary bedroom design, we’d recommend a solid metal bed frame, in white or black depending on your colour scheme preference. If a traditional aesthetic is more your style, a wooden bed makes for a great foundation for a good night’s sleep – plus, wooden furniture offers endless styling options.  

Choosing versatile furnishings that serve multiple purposes is another great tactic for extending the lifespan of your bedroom design. Take our clever storage beds, for example. These nifty multi-functional creations are not only a great place to rest your head but provide ample storage space for tidying away spare bedding, clothes and any other bits and bobs, keeping your room clutter-free.  

Psst! For your peace of mind, our Bedcover Service Plan lets you rest easy about the looks, comfort and performance of your new mattress, bed or furniture for up to 8 years. So there are no excuses for ‘needing’ a new bed anytime soon!  

2. Neutral palette and natural materials that foster calmness

It’s important to think carefully about your colour scheme, especially if you want to stick with the same design for a longer period of time. Trust us, you may love that Barbiecore pink bedroom for a few weeks, but you may be itching for a revamp soon after…  

With this in mind, it’s best to stick to a neutral colour palette, such as white, cream, grey or beige. Neutrals have long been associated with class, calmness and sophistication; a perfect blank canvas for a beautiful long-lasting bedroom if you ask us. Plus, they’re extremely versatile too! It’s easy to regularly switch up elements of your neutral bedroom with new bedding, cushions, throws, ornaments and artwork without doing a complete bedroom renovation.  

Staying neutral? Check out our complete guide on how to use neutral colours in bedroom interior design.  

3. Minimal decor with maximum impact

Another way to avoid getting bored of your bedroom is through decoration. But remember – this is underconsumption core, so don’t get carried away with excessive ornaments and artwork. Instead, embrace minimal decor to foster a calming atmosphere while still allowing for personal expression through carefully curated pieces. We love hanging one large canvas above the bed, such as a peaceful landscape scene.  

The good news is, you’re allowed to spend a few more pennies on your decor if it means investing in a piece of art that you will cherish forever. When picking out artwork, think about what resonates with you. After all, the bedroom is your personal sleeping oasis, so your decor must feel relaxing and inspiring to you, first and foremost.  

4. Embracing eco-friendly choices

Like most sustainability movements, underconsumption core is all about trying – where possible – to make eco-friendly choices with your bedroom design. And it’s not as scary as you may think! There are plenty of ways to incorporate sustainable practices into your renovation.  

Here’s some food for thought… 

• Get crafty: Try upcycling old furniture to give them a new lease of life. For example, sometimes all an old wardrobe needs is a fresh lick of paint. Or, why not have a go at changing the handles on your tired-looking chest of drawers? You may just enjoy the DIY… 

• Zero landfill: Worried about throwing out old large bits of furniture? Dreams to the rescue! As part of our ‘zero to landfill’ policy, we have a smart recycling service, which means we can come and collect your old bed or mattress to recycle it, ensuring no part goes to waste.  

• Choose eco-friendly products: There are many green products that you can use in your bedroom design to help the planet, such as eco-friendly paint, energy-efficient lightbulbs, reclaimed furniture and organic bedding.  

• Buy British: If you can’t find the right second-hand piece, at least try and purchase your furniture from the UK, to help reduce emissions and support British manufacturers. Did you know? Every Dream Team and Dreams Workshop mattress, divan and headboard is lovingly manufactured right here in the UK – so you can sleep easy.  

The most important thing is to not be too hard on yourself. Every little step we take towards improving our carbon footprint, be it through shopping independently, buying second-hand or upcycling furniture, makes a world of difference.  

Keen to dial up your sustainability? Check out our complete guide on how to create your own eco-conscious bedroom.  

5. Declutter and simplify

Another one for the minimalists! To create a serene space in your bedroom, try reducing your clutter. This means tidying away (or even recycling) any unnecessary trinkets, ornaments and books that you no longer need.  

Not only is this a good exercise for practising living a simpler lifestyle, but having a clutter-free bedroom helps to create a mindful space that encourages relaxation and well-being.  

Struggling to part ways with your belongings? Consider a handy storage solution such as a storage bed or a blanket box to tidy away your items. We won’t tell anyone…  

The primary benefit of underconsumption core is pretty simple: it’s good for the planet. By recycling, reusing and keeping our furniture for as long as possible, we can reduce waste and protect our ever-accumulating landfills. It also helps to conserve resources such as raw materials (e.g. wood, metal, plastic), and things like energy and water which are used to manufacture new furniture, all of which contributes towards lowering our carbon footprint. Happy days!  

But there are other benefits, too! Namely, it’s good for your pockets as well as the planet. Not forking out on expensive new furniture, paint pots and decorators every quarter will certainly save you a lot of pennies when you reserve your redecorating to once in a blue moon. 

Plus, when it is time to redecorate, it’ll be all the more exciting. You’ll savour the process of picking out a new colour scheme, shopping for new furniture and enjoying your new bedroom. You may just appreciate your possessions that little bit more, too – that’s always nice, isn’t it?  

Whilst both interior design trends share a similar ethos of simplicity and “less is more”, they have some key differences.  

Underconsumption core is all about slowing things down. The focus is on investing in high-quality, timeless (and eco-friendly, where possible) pieces so that you redecorate less often. Even though minimalism can indeed incorporate sustainable practices and investing in statement furniture, its primary focus is on aesthetics and functionality.   

This also means that the execution of each design trend is slightly different, too. Underconsumption core involves using existing furniture and reducing new purchases, whereas it’s not uncommon to purchase brand-new items to achieve a specific ‘clean’ minimalist look. 

Minimalism also has a distinct style involving neutral colours, clean lines and no-clutter spaces, whilst underconsumption core offers more flexibility on aesthetics because you’re working with what you’ve already got. So as long as you’re happy with having the same design for a long amount of time, you could still have a bright and bold dopamine bedroom whilst applying the principles of underconsumption core. A win for the maximalists!  

If you ask us, there are so many reasons why you may want to adopt the underconsumption core lifestyle. For one, there’s less pressure on homeowners to be constantly updating and keeping up with passing trends; your bedroom design is authentically you, and you’ll have more time to appreciate the changes you do make. Plus, it’s far more cost-effective to redecorate less often!  

By embracing underconsumption core in our bedroom designs, we can appreciate simplicity and slowly shift towards a more sustainable lifestyle.  

Interested in the minimalist design aesthetic? Check out our modern minimalist bedroom design ideas.