21 Ideas For Creating A Sand-Sational Desert-Themed Room

Do you find yourself daydreaming about the warm, tranquil vibes of a desert landscape? Well, look no further, my fellow adventurer! We’ve rounded up 21 ideas for creating a desert-themed room that will transport you straight to the heart of the Southwest (minus the scorching heat and pesky sand).

So put on your favorite cowboy hat (or don’t, we won’t judge) and get ready to be inspired by our earthy color palettes, cacti galore, and animal-inspired accents that will have you feeling like you’re camping under the stars (sans the bugs).

Whether you’re a seasoned desert dweller or simply a fan of cozy, rustic interiors, these ideas are sure to give your bedroom the warm, inviting makeover it deserves.

Grab a cup of coffee (or margarita, we won’t judge that either), and let’s get started on your sand-sational desert-themed room.

How To Choose Your Desert-Themed Room Vibe

Before you dive into the fun part of decorating, it’s important to take time to consider the overall style and vibe you want to create in your desert-themed bedroom. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

Find your inspiration

Look to the desert landscapes themselves for inspiration. Spend some time researching and browsing photos of desert landscapes, and take note of the colors, textures, and patterns that catch your eye.

Decide on a desert-themed room style/mood

Desert-themed rooms can be designed in a variety of styles, from rustic to modern to bohemian. Consider what style suits your personal taste and the overall aesthetic of your home.

Choose a desert-themed color palette

As we mentioned earlier, earthy tones are a great starting point for a desert-themed room. However, you can also add pops of color inspired by desert flowers, sunsets, and wildlife.

Consider desert-inspired textures

The texture is key to creating a cozy, inviting space. Think about incorporating natural materials like wood, rattan, and woven textiles to add depth and warmth to your room.

Personalize it

Adding touches that reflect your personality and interests can make your desert-themed room feel more unique and special. Consider adding decor or accessories that reflect your personal style or hobbies.

Places To Get Desert-Themed Room Decor

1. West Elm: West Elm offers a variety of desert-inspired decor, from cactus-shaped throw pillows to Southwestern-patterned rugs.
2. Urban Outfitters: Urban Outfitters has a collection of bohemian and Southwestern decor that fits the desert theme. Think macrame wall hangings, rattan furniture, and lots of plants.
3. World Market: World Market offers a wide variety of global-inspired decor, including pieces that fit the desert theme. Look for warm-toned rugs, terra cotta planters, and Southwestern-patterned throw blankets.
4. Etsy: Etsy is a great place to find unique and handmade desert-themed decor. Keep an eye out for shops that specialize in cactus-themed artwork, natural fiber wall hangings, and hand-painted Southwestern-style pottery. Many of the ideas pictured in this article are Etsy finds!
5. Local antique shops and thrift stores: Don’t forget about local antique shops and thrift stores when searching for your desert-themed decor. You may be able to find unique, one-of-a-kind pieces that add character and charm to your space.

Creating a cohesive and personalized desert-themed room will require mixing and matching items from different sources. Don’t get too hung up on completely matching. Have fun with it!

Now that you have some helpful tips for choosing a direction, let’s spark that creative inspiration with some ideas for making your desert-themed room come to life.

Here Are 21 Ideas For Creating Your Desert-Themed Room

1. Use earthy desert tones

A good earthy tone color palette for a desert-themed room includes warm, natural colors that are commonly found in desert landscapes. Here are some suggestions:

• Sand: a light, neutral beige
• Terracotta: a warm, reddish-brown color
• Sage: a muted green with gray undertones
• Mustard: a rich, warm yellow
• Burnt sienna: a dark orange-brown color
• Cream: a soft, warm white
• Rust: a reddish-brown with orange undertones
• Camel: a medium, warm brown

You can mix and match these colors to create a cohesive color scheme that evokes the feeling of a desert-inspired landscape.

2. Cacti and Succulents

Adding some greenery is a great way to bring the desert indoors. Cacti and succulents are low-maintenance options that add texture and life to your space. You can choose from a variety of sizes and shapes, from tiny succulents to towering cacti. Here are some good options for your room:

1. Barrel Cactus: Barrel cacti are round and cylindrical with a spiny texture. They come in a variety of sizes and can be a statement piece in a desert-themed room.
2. Saguaro Cactus: Saguaro cacti are tall and columnar with a distinctive arm-like shape. They are a classic icon of the American Southwest and can add a dramatic desert touch to your space.
3. Aloe Vera: Aloe vera is a succulent with long, pointed leaves that can bring a touch of living texture to your space. Aloe vera is also known for its soothing properties, making it a great addition to a bedroom.
4. Echeveria: Echeverias are rosette-shaped succulents with a variety of colors and textures. They are easy to care for and can add a playful and whimsical vibe to your room.
5. Zebra Plant: Zebra plants are succulents with distinct zebra-like stripes on their leaves. They can add a unique and playful accent to your environment.

3. Sand-colored walls

Although we touched on a color palette earlier, this one is important. If you’re looking for a simple way to evoke the feeling of the desert, consider painting your walls a sandy color. This will create a warm, neutral backdrop that will complement your entire desert-inspired decor.

Having a sand tone on the walls will make your other accents pop nicely, just like the actual desert!

4. Desert-Themed Room Wallpaper, Murals & Decals

Adding desert-themed wallpaper, murals, or wall decals can be a great way to create a striking focal point in your desert-themed room. Look for options that feature natural textures and patterns, such as sand dunes, cactus plants, or desert landscapes, to add depth and interest to your walls.

Textured wallpaper can create a tactile and inviting feel in your room, while wall decals and murals can provide a playful and whimsical touch.

Consider using these options on an accent wall, behind a bed or sofa, or in a nook to create a statement piece in your room. Remember to choose a pattern that complements the other elements in your space and fits with the aesthetic of the desert theme you chose.

5. Desert-Themed Bedding

Wrap yourself in the cozy embrace of a desert-themed bedding set! Bedding with prints of cacti, succulents, or desert animals can bring a lighthearted and fun atmosphere to your desert-themed room.

Plus, it’s an easy and affordable way to tie the room’s theme together. For a balanced look, consider pairing the bold pattern with neutral-colored sheets and blankets to create a calm and inviting environment.

And don’t forget to add some throw pillows in complementary colors and textures for an extra splash of comfort and style!

6. Natural fibers

Incorporating natural fibers, such as jute, sisal, or rattan, can bring a warm and organic feel to your desert-themed room. These materials are durable and sustainable, and their natural textures can add depth.

Consider using a jute rug to add a soft and textural foundation to your space, or a rattan chair to bring a bit bohemian to your seating area. Natural fiber curtains or shades can also provide a soft and inviting feel to your windows.

7. Desert-Inspired Wall Art

Let’s make those walls stand out with these desert-themed room wall art ideas.

1. Paintings: Paintings are an excellent way to bring an authentic desert vibe to your space. Whether it’s a stunning abstract that captures the colors of a desert sunset or a realistic painting of the rugged terrain, there are many options for desert-inspired paintings. Some examples of painting styles that can work well in a desert-themed room include impressionism, abstract expressionism, and realistic landscape paintings.
2. Prints: Prints of desert plants and animals are particularly popular for desert-themed spaces. You can find prints that range from realistic to stylized, so you’re sure to find something that fits your style.
3. Photography: Photographs can capture the desert’s raw beauty and stark contrasts between the soft colors of the sky and the hard textures of the rocks and sand. You can find photography prints that feature stunning landscapes, desert animals, and plant life.
   💡For a minimalistic approach, black-and-white photography is a great choice. Choose a photograph that captures the rough and subtle textures of the desert terrain. Black and white photographs of the desert night sky can be particularly striking.

8. Southwestern pattern Decor

Southwestern patterns are designs that originated from the traditional art and craft of the Native American tribes in the Southwest region of the United States, including Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.

The patterns commonly feature geometric shapes and bold colors, often inspired by the natural environment and landscapes of the Southwest, such as mountains, canyons, and deserts.

Including patterns commonly found in Southwestern design can help to create a cohesive look in your desert-themed room. Consider using a patterned rug, upholstery or throw pillow to add visual interest.

9. Woven Baskets

Don’t let clutter ruin your desert oasis Woven baskets can save the day by providing stylish and practical storage for all your odds and ends.

These baskets bring a touch of nature to your desert-themed room, thanks to their earthy textures and natural materials. Whether you choose seagrass, wicker, or another type of basket, you can be sure they’ll add a cozy-inviting feel to your space.

And don’t forget, baskets can be decorative too! Get creative with your displays by mixing and matching different sizes and shapes or hanging them on the wall for an art installation. No matter how you use them, woven baskets are a versatile and essential element of your desert theme.

10. Leather Accents

Adding leather accents create a rustic western feel in your room. Consider pairing leather with warm, earthy tones to complete the desert-inspired look.

Some ways to incorporate leather accents:

1. Leather headboard
2. Wrapped mirror
3. Ottoman
4. Pillows
5. Cabinet pulls

11. Desert-Themed Room Furniture

Choosing the right furniture for your room is very important. I would recommend sticking with warm-subtle earth tones and nothing too bright. Here are some tips when choosing furniture for your sandy haven:

1. Consider the size of your room: Pick furniture that fits comfortably in your space without making it feel cramped or crowded. Large, bulky furniture pieces can overwhelm a small room, while smaller pieces can get lost in a larger space. Be sure to measure your room and consider the size of your furniture before making a purchase.
2. Look for natural materials: Furniture made from natural materials, such as wood, leather, and woven fibers, can help to create the right mood. Using reclaimed wood or distressed leather adds a touch of authenticity to your space.
3. Stick to earthy tones: Desert-inspired furniture often features warm and natural colors, such as browns, beiges, and tans. These earthy tones create a cozy and inviting atmosphere in your room, while also complementing other desert-inspired decor elements.

12. Desert-Themed Room Lanterns

Lanterns are a great addition to a desert-themed room for several reasons.

First, the soft and warm glow of lanterns can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, reminiscent of sitting around a campfire in the desert. Additionally, lanterns often feature rustic design elements, such as distressed metal or wood, which can enhance the desired mood of your decor. The raw and unfinished look of lanterns can add authenticity and ruggedness to your space.

Some styles of lanterns that would be good to use in a desert-themed room include:

1. Moroccan lanterns: These lanterns often feature intricate cut-out designs and are made from materials such as brass, copper, or iron.
2. Woven lanterns: Lanterns made from woven fibers, such as rattan or seagrass can complement other woven textures in your room.
3. Metal lanterns: Lanterns made from metal, such as iron or brass, can add a touch of desert industrial (if you will)  to your decor. Look for lanterns with distressed finishes or vintage design elements for a more authentic look.

13. Desert-Themed Room Candles

Candles emit a soft and warm glow that can create a cozy and intimate atmosphere in your room, similar to lanterns.

styles of candles that would be good to incorporate in a desert-themed room include:

1. Pillar candles
2. Votive candles
3. Scented candles
4. Tealight candles

14. Desert Animal-Inspired Decor

Whether you’re into antlers and cow skulls, or leopard prints and snake terrariums, animal-inspired decor can add a touch of the wild and adventure to your space.

But don’t worry, you don’t need to start building a zoo in your bedroom! It’s best to ass just a few carefully chosen animal accents to create a warm and inviting atmosphere that is perfect for relaxing and unwinding.

Have a little fun and let your wild side out by incorporating some animal-inspired accents into your space.

You can get the cow skull picture at Wayfair

15. Vintage and Distressed Accents

The hot and dry climate makes us think of worn and distressed accessories. Using vintage or distressed accents can add a unique flare to your desert-inspired den. Here are some ideas to help you incorporate this decor element:

1. Distressed wooden furniture: Distressed wooden furniture, such as a bed frame or a dresser.
2. Vintage maps or prints: Vintage maps or prints of the Southwest can add a sense of history and personality to your room. You could also consider using a vintage map of the desert or a print of a vintage desert landscape.
3. Antique or vintage accessories: Antique or vintage accessories, such as old books or an antique lamp, can add character and point of interest to your room. You can also use these accents in unexpected ways, such as using an antique luggage rack to display blankets or an old suitcase as a bedside table.

Too many vintage or distressed pieces can make your room look cluttered and chaotic. Instead, choose one or two statement pieces that complement the other elements in your room.

16. Desert-Inspired Pottery

Pottery is a beautiful addition to your theme. It can be displayed in many ways and adds a sophistication that really ties the room together. Ceramics also have roots and a long history in Southwestern traditions.

Here are some types of pottery to use in your desert dreamland

1. Terracotta: Terracotta pottery is a classic choice for a desert-themed room. Its warm, reddish-brown color and rough, unglazed texture work very nicely together. You can use terracotta planters to showcase desert plants like cacti and succulents, or use vases to display dried grasses or wildflowers.
2. Adobe: Adobe pottery is a traditional type of earthenware used in many desert cultures. Its muted, earthy tones and handcrafted look make it a great choice for a rustic or bohemian-style desert-themed room. You can use adobe pottery as decorative accents on shelves or tabletops, or even as functional pieces like mugs or bowls or plates.
3. Talavera: Talavera pottery is a colorful and decorative type of pottery originating in Mexico. Its bright colors and intricate designs make it a fun and playful addition to a desert-themed room. You can use Talavera planters to add a pop of color to your room or use Talavera plates or bowls as decorative accents on your wall or display them in cabinets.

Pottery Barn and Crate&Barrel are great places to find your ceramic accents

17. Desert Scents