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Designing your bedroom


How to Decorate a Bedroom

By

Sarah Lyon

Sarah Lyon

Sarah Lyon is a freelance writer and home decor enthusiast, who enjoys sharing good finds on home items. Since 2018, she has contributed to a variety of lifestyle publications, including Apartment Therapy and Architectural Digest.

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Updated on 02/01/23

The Spruce / Marty Baldwin

Your bedroom should be a space you look forward to returning to at the end of a busy day. If you're not sure what to keep in mind when decorating your sleep space, we're here to help. Keep these key designer-approved tips in mind whether you're furnishing your room from scratch or just tackling some overdue upgrades.

Ensure Your Space Isn't Cramped

Sure, the idea of a large mattress may seem nice and luxurious, but not if it will make your entire sleep space appear teeny tiny as a result. "I would trade a king for a full any day if it gave me more floor space," notes Avery Cox of Avery Cox Design. You'll thank yourself later when you have room for nightstands on either side!

Cut the Clutter

Just as you don't want your bedroom to feel cramped with furniture, you don't want it to feel too cluttered with accessories and other belongings, either. Cox offers a few tips on securing storage even if your room is small. "Make sure your bedside table has a drawer in it, utilize bedskirts and under bed boxes, opt for a taller larger scale armoire or dresser to take advantage of vertical space, she offers. "Lastly, get as much up off the floor as possible," she adds. "I prefer wall hooks, large storage solutions like armoires, and high functioning bedside tables. Skip the basket on the floor and get yourself a proper drawer for your extra throw blankets, et. cetera."

Keep Colors Subdued

Your bedroom probably isn't the place in which to experiment with all things neon. "For bedrooms, I love to stick with neutral, calming, and more muted colors," states Cristina Lehman of C.Lehman Home. Introduce whites, creams, soft blues, and other soothing shades and you're golden!

The Spruce / Marty Baldwin

Make the Space Symmetrical

Lehman says that she always appreciates a symmetrical setup bedroom. "It adds to a calming feel by keeping things balanced," she says. For Lehman, this means matching nightstands with matching lamps or sconces. "Or if there's a window on one side of the bed, I like to add a similar sized mirror on the other side to visually balance the look," she adds.

The Spruce / Marty Baldwin

Add Some Extra Furniture

Your bedroom should be home to more than just a bed, dresser, and nightstands, of course. Consider other ways in which you plan to utilize the space and buy furnishings accordingly. "I love a bench or some sort of seating at the foot of the bed with a rug underneath the bed to ground the space," Lehman shares. "If space allows, I also like to have a comfy/cozy reading nook or a separate table for journaling, having coffee or an extra workspace." With working from home now more common than ever, you may wish to set up a small desk area equipped with a task lamp and computer monitor, particularly if you share a home with many family members or roommates and need your own quiet place to think.

The Spruce / Marty Baldwin

Hang Some Wallpaper

Go ahead and give those walls a little love! "Layering patterns make a room more inviting and interesting," says Ann Jackson of Ann Jackson Art. "Using wallpaper in a bedroom can add to this and elevate the space." Not up for covering all four walls? Try an accent wall behind the bed, which, according to Jackson, "creates a focal point, adding that extra element of pattern, color, and texture."

Stock Up on Sheets

By no means do you want to own just one set of sheets—in the event of last minute spills (we've all spilled water on ourselves right before bed!), you'll want to have at least one extra bedding set on hand. Plus, this will take the pressure off when it comes to laundry, visitors, and the like. If you find sheets that you love, grab a few sets and stash extras away in your closet or in an under bed bin,

The 13 Best Bed Sheets of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Prep For Changing Temps

On a related note, when you purchase your sheets, grab at least one set that's suitable for winter and others that are better for spring and summer if you live in a region that experiences all four seasons. Flannel is great for chillier months, while breathable linen will allow you to sleep nice and soundly on warmer nights.

Don't Forget Some Lamps

You'll want a few lighting options so that you don't have to solely rely upon your overhead light. Grab a table lamp for at least one of your nightstands (or hang up some chic sconces) and consider placing another on the dresser. These smaller light fixtures will come in handy as you wind down with a book or TV show before dozing off. Plus, you'll thank yourself when you don't have to get out of bed to turn the lights on or off—it's nice to always have at least one lamp within reach.

The Spruce / Marty Baldwin

Purchase a Hamper

Purchase a sizable hamper and use it! It's all too tempting to toss clothes onto a chair or directly on the floor, but you want to keep your sleep space tidy, right? Whether you opt for a woven basket or cloth bag, pick something that complements your room's color scheme so that it feels like less of an eyesore.

How to design a bedroom – 10 steps creating your dream bedroom

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Looking for tips on how to design a bedroom? Well, we have you covered. When it comes to bedroom design, it's all about creating the perfect balance between style and function. It's not easy, so we've created a ten step guide for success so that you can design a bedroom yourself, that looks beautiful and suits your style but is a practical space too. After all, we spend an impressive third of our lives sleeping, it is so worth investing a little time and effort in this room, right?

We cover everything from layout to lighting, and from paint colors to flooring options. Just keep scrolling to start working your magic.

Want more inspiration and ideas? Check out our bedroom ideas page to get your transformation just right.

(Image credit: Little Greene)

It can be tricky to know where to start when designing a bedroom, and really you need to always bed considering all the elements that will ultimately create harmony in your space. BUT, if you want an easy jumping-off point we'd suggest start by creating a mood board. Get on Pinterest or flick through magazines and start collecting bedroom designs you like. You'll soon start to see clear themes come through – the same colors, styles and patterns and you can start visualizing how you would like your room to end up looking. 

Then you need to assess your actual space and think about what is realistically going to work. Look at how big your bedroom is, its shape, natural light levels and any features that you may need to think about a bit more carefully when you come to filling it with furniture. 

And then it's just a case of following our easy guide to how to design a bedroom to start making those Pinterest dreams a reality... 

1. Choose the best colour for your bedroom 

(Image credit: James Balston)

To create the illusion of more space, choose a light color scheme, while if your room is north-facing and a little on the chilly side, you may want to consider warm paint colors or even moody hues.

Color plays an important role in creating an atmosphere in your space. And so, painting your bedroom should be one of your first considerations when designing a bedroom – it's also definitely the first job to do before moving all your furniture in! 

Choosing the best color for your bedroom will ensure that you bring more natural light into the room, and that your color scheme promotes rest and relaxation, rather than overstimulating you before bedtime.  

(Image credit: Malcolm Menzies)

The choice of bedroom paint colors is vast, but consider veering on the side of caution and opting for a calm and muted color palette. And opt for muted toned down colors if you do want to bring in anything bold – for example a sage green over a vivid grass green.

'The bedroom offers so many opportunities to get creative whilst maintaining a relaxing and calming look.' says Judy Smith, Colour Consultant at Crown . 'To create a sophisticated look, use one single shade or tones of the same color: if you paint walls, skirting, doors, cupboards, radiators and even window frames in the same color, you’ll achieve a thoughtful and modern look. This works particularly well with soft greyed blues and greens as well as any neutral shade.'

A grey bedroom color scheme is still hugely popular and for good reason. It is soothing and elegant, and a little bit more exciting than white. Also we are big fans of pink at the moment and warmer toasty colors like plaster and terracotta are bang on trend too.

(Image credit: Boråstapeter)

While paint is an easy route to success, wallpapers and feature walls are also a great way to bring life to your space. Wallpaper an excellent solution for boring bedroom walls. It adds visual interest, texture, and warmth to any bedroom design, and is a particularly useful trick for making small bedrooms look larger. Choose a wallpaper with a delicate pattern to add dimension, or a bold design to make a statement with your bedroom walls.

2. Plan the best bedroom layout 

(Image credit: Kasia Fiszer © Future)

Deciding on the layout of your bedroom furniture is a vital step in bedroom design. You may have little flexibility, but it's worth drawing a layout on graph paper, paying attention to the direction natural light is coming from. 

Start with the position of your bed, organizing all other furniture around it. It is best to position your bed lengthways in a rectangular room, while larger bedrooms will allow for more creativity, and you may well want to position the bed in the center of the room. When planning the layout for small bedrooms, consider moving the bed into a corner to save floor space all round. 

Now consider how much room (and budget) you have for bedroom storage. Fitted bedroom furniture tends to be more expensive and formal-looking but will offer a more efficient use of space, especially in a small bedroom, or an awkwardly-shaped one, such as a loft bedroom. Unfitted furniture needn't match, but you should aim, at the least, for a dressing table and bedside tables. And if you don't have a separate closet you'll need to add in something for clothes storage too.

(Image credit: Rebecca Hughes Interiors)

If you are planning a loft conversion, consider the shape and height of your space, and whether it will fit any of your desired furniture and storage. 

If your bedroom is large and the nearest bathroom is on a different floor, you may want to consider adding an en-suite. An en suite bathroom can be added without planning permission, although it will need to conform to building regulations. 

Alternatively, additional bedroom space can be transformed into a dressing room – just check out our dressing room ideas for inspiration. 

(Image credit: Jemma Watts)

Choosing a bed isn't just about buying a good-looking bed frame. Rather, pick a bed frame that best suits your needs. For example, are you short on bedroom storage and would benefit from a divan with built-in drawers, or a bed that lifts up to reveal hidden storage in the base, or a bed with a storage headboard? Do you really need a king-sized bed frame, or could you save space with double bed instead?

What about the bed's style? It should complement your overall scheme but can be used to dictate it, too. For example, if your preference is for a streamlined, minimalist look with a Scandi edge, go for a simple, white-washed wooden frame; if you want to add a feeling of luxury or an injection of pattern or color, a bed with an upholstered, padded headboard will be perfect.

4. Pick the best bedding too 

(Image credit: Fiona Murray)

'Never underestimate the incredible difference the right mattress, pillow, super light duvet and super comfy topper will make. It can transform how comfortable we feel, eradicate neck and back pain, alleviate allergies, improve how well we sleep and as a result, how well we feel.  It’s also widely recognized that if you sleep on a pillow every night it should also be changed every 2-3 years.' says Chrissie Rucker founder of The White Company .

Crisp, good quality bed linen is key too. Make sure that your bedlinen lasts, choose a high thread count (at least 300) if your preference is cotton, and linen bedding that fully discloses its manufacturing source. Linen is also great if you have no time, or don't want to iron your bed linen, as it has a naturally distressed look. 

5. Invest in practical bedroom furniture

(Image credit: Interior Fox)

The first consideration in choosing bedroom furniture is whether to go for fitted units or freestanding units. The choice will partly be dictated by the shape of your bedroom: awkwardly shaped rooms (often the case in period properties) will benefit from a bespoke fitted solution.  More standardized spaces in newer properties will work best with well-chosen furniture sets or an eclectic mix of bedside tables, bedroom storage units, and a freestanding wardrobe. 

(Image credit: Katie Lee)

Freestanding options can be considerably cheaper than fitted units, and can be replaced every few years if you like to switch up your bedroom design. If you only have to follow one rule when choosing your bedroom furniture, pick pieces that double up as bedroom storage. Choosing items that have delicate or light-colored frames will avoid overloading the space visually, and should make the bedroom feel larger, less formal and brighter, too.

If you are designing a bedroom that's tight on space, a mirrored wardrobe is probably the best trick for visually enhancing the size of the room. 

6. Bring in small storage pieces

(Image credit: China Cooper)

Bedroom storage options should be easy on the eye as well as functional. Consider mixing and matching your bedroom storage, especially if you have a lot of stuff that needs sorting and tidying – and sufficient space for a variety of storage units. You can also choose a bedroom storage set, too, matching your bedside cabinets to your wardrobe and bed frame, and adding a bedroom storage bench or bedroom storage chest for maximum storage options.

7. Get your drapes right 

(Image credit: Future© Chris Snook)

You want to maximize the natural light coming into your bedroom during the day so it feels bigger and brighter. But then of course at night you want the room to be as dark as possible – it's a tricky balance. Shutters are a great option as you can adjust how much light comes into the room, however, they can be expensive, so our top choice for a bedroom is a light, floaty curtain, combined with a black-out blind.

You want to think about curtain length too, for a more luxurious look we'd recommend going full length, and hang them slightly higher than the window. 'Gone are the days of shorter curtains, they feel dated and can make a window feel small and boxed in. Instead opt for floor to ceiling curtains, ensuring there are no gaps.' say Jen and Marr founders of Interior Fox . 'This look adds height to a room, while keeping a clean a simple aesthetic.'

8. And invest in artificial lighting too

(Image credit: Malcolm Menzies)

While natural light is important when designing a bedroom, most of us will spend more time in our bedroom when it is dark, so maximizing the potential of artificial bedroom light with a clever bedroom lighting scheme is crucial to creating a cozy and relaxing space. 

Think soft, diffused light from dimmable bedside lamps or wall lights, or even a string of fairy lights arranged along your headboard. You may find that a ceiling light is unnecessary if you have integrated lighting in a wardrobe and good task lighting around your dressing table, for example, but in a high-ceilinged room, a chandelier or over-sized lampshade will create a focal decorative point. 

9. Don't forget bedroom flooring

(Image credit: Fiona Walker Arnott)

Choosing bedroom flooring is all about maximizing comfort and warmth. Unsurprisingly, carpet is the most popular flooring option for most bedroom designs, but solid wood flooring is another great option, as it can still be warm underfoot, especially if you add a rug. 

Solid wood is an expensive option, however, so consider an engineered wood flooring instead, which will be durable and virtually indistinguishable from solid wood, although slightly more affordable in most cases. If you are on a tight budget, consider laminate flooring or vinyl flooring, with higher quality options replicating the appearance of wood quite convincingly, or paint pine floorboards.

And if you aren't totally redesigning your bedroom but want to give your floor a refresh, a new rug can go a long way. 

10. Make your space your own with personal decor

(Image credit: Carmine & Teal)

In any bedroom design, large or small, a few finishing touches can make all the difference. How to choose accessories for the bedroom entirely depends on your tastes and budget: invest in a quality rug and see your bedroom instantly look more elegant; layer cushions and throws to up the comfort factor; create a gallery wall to add interest and color; display photos and pictures to personalize the bedroom; and use house plants to promote a healthy atmosphere.  

Style your accessories to create an attractive color scheme and a variety of textures. Sheepskin, cotton, and satin do wonder for softening up the look and feel of the space.

Design your ideal bedroom: ideas, design, interior

Bright and spacious bedroom with a view of mine

Content:

also subdued light and complete silence around.

It is these basic criteria that should be taken into account in the process of renovating or planning the design of an ideal bedroom, both for one person and for a couple.

It is not necessary to have a spacious apartment, because a cozy and stylish bedroom can be arranged even in a room whose area does not exceed 15 square meters.

Tip! In the process of planning an apartment, the most quiet and dark room should be chosen for the bedroom.

For example, if you live on the first floor of a high-rise building, and one of your rooms overlooks the courtyard, where a mighty and beautiful tree spread its branches, then this particular room should be equipped with a bed and assigned to it the role of a bedroom.

Don't pay too much attention to the technical equipment of your bedroom, because this is a place to relax and there is no need for huge plasma panels that cause headaches and eye strain.

The bedroom is a place to rest and sleep, which is why all modern technical attributes should be left behind its threshold. A powerful speaker system, a large-screen TV, game consoles and more - this is the lot of the living room, playroom or even the kitchen. With the bedroom you should have only one association - complete peace and absolute comfort.

Deciding on a color scheme

Silver shades in the design of the ideal bedroom

In the process of designing your ideal bedroom, you should focus on choosing a color scheme. The fact is that the colors around us can quite strongly influence our mood. Thus, giving preference to calmer tones, you contribute to the maximum relaxation of the body.

The best colors and shades to design your bedroom would be:

  • Pale lilac;
  • Light beige;
  • Ash grey.

Stylish bedroom in modern style

In order to avoid excessive boredom and dullness in the overall picture of the interior, you can consider the idea of ​​red blotches, for example. It is very important to find a balance and not overdo it, it will be enough to purchase a beautiful scarlet pouffe, a small lamp and choose a wallpaper with a red ornament for a small section of the wall in the bedroom.

Interesting shapes and accents in the interior of the bedroom

An ideal bedroom with natural light from large windows

There are quite a few rules for good design, one of which is dubbing. It consists in repeating the shapes or colors of at least one element, for example:

  • Natural beech used to create the bed structure will become an understudy of light linoleum;
  • The original wallpaper insert can be duplicated in the design of a wardrobe or dressing table mirror;
  • The forged element of the bed is successfully duplicated in the creation of the original door handles.

The original interior of the perfect bedroom, complete with stylish accessories

The same goes for the shapes in the exterior of your bedroom. That is, if straight outlines prevail in the room, then they should be followed further. If there is a rounded element of the interior, it must be duplicated in the form of a mirror or prints on the wallpaper.

Key elements of the perfect bedroom

Perfect bedroom interior with fireplace and large windows

By and large, the key element in any bedroom is the bed. It should be comfortable and convenient. It should be installed away from windows and doors so that the passage is accessible from both sides.

Beds made of natural wood will always be in fashion. Leather and forged designs are also popular.

Tip! It is best to choose a bed with a box under it, as this will save a lot of space.

The fact is that a bed with a void under the base, although it will cost much less, will become a hotbed of dust. Things are different with a bed with a built-in wardrobe, because you can put various gear, clothing or bed linen there.

Of course, a pull-out bed, plus a mattress and new linens will cost a pretty penny, but a healthy and restful sleep is absolutely worth it.

Do not place a mirror in front of the bed. According to Feng Shui philosophy, this arrangement allows the mirror to absorb your energy.

Perfect bedroom interior in a classic style

Of course, if the bedroom has a rather small area, a large mirror will be a key weapon in the fight to increase the visual space. However, in this case, you should remember that mirrors retain your energy for a long time, which is why you should not go to bed in a bad mood.

Space saver in the bedroom

Original space saving ideas for the perfect bedroom

Quite often in bedrooms of any size there is a struggle for extra square meters. Assistants in this difficult task are built-in shelves, beds, as well as wardrobes. You can use the space in the closet more rationally by dividing it into two parts:

  • For the first part, purchase special shelves on which you can put linen and small items of clothing;
  • The second part will be used for placing clothes on the coat hanger.

Ideal kids bedroom layout

Ideas for the perfect bedroom lighting

As mentioned earlier, the bedroom should not be burdened with a lot of light. This room is a zone of lower lighting. That is why you should consider the light sources built into the furniture, small sconces and a neat chandelier.

Ideal lighting for a bedroom decorated in soft colors

The appearance of an ideal bedroom should be discreet, moderate and completely balanced.

Night lighting for the perfect bedroom with a starry sky on the ceiling

You should take the advice of an experienced designer in order to competently and accurately place accents in your chambers. Only in this case the room will fully satisfy your tastes and needs.

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Bedroom design of your dreams - Interior design in Moscow and Tula, interior design project order cheap

Bedroom is one of the few rooms in which we spend a significant part of our lives. That is why it is so important to create an atmosphere here that allows you to feel maximum coziness and comfort for the owner. Although not every person wants to have a classic-looking bedroom, and in this situation, the design of bedrooms to order is the way out.

For many people, the design of their bedroom is very important. After all, this is the place where their time comes, the place of sleep, personal space, as well as awakening. Nevertheless, in a state of sleep, a person is least protected, and not only at the physical level. That is why he seeks to equip his bedroom so that the surrounding atmosphere is soothing.

It has been repeatedly proven that good bedroom design contributes to:

  • sound sleep;
  • fast falling asleep;
  • pleasant awakening;
  • as well as the quality of sleep.

That is why it is so important for any person.

It is worth noting that the soft and warm atmosphere of the bedroom is not to the taste of all people. There are many design directions that can be carried out in this room, so do not hold back on your imagination. Each person is different, so this must be taken into account.

Bedroom interiors

In fact, most of the design of the bedroom is its interior. It creates the functionality of the room, and also attracts the most attention in general. Therefore, it is necessary to carefully work it out, creating not only a beautiful picture, but also establishing a functional arrangement of furniture. That is why this item, as well as individual interior details, cannot be neglected.

For example, a wardrobe. This is one of the main details of a modern bedroom. However, this is not the main element, so its location should not only be convenient, but also not hinder free movement. It would be ideal to minimize the space it occupies by placing it compactly on the side. It is worth noting that you can combine the functionality of furniture. For example, the same wardrobe can be made with a glass door, thanks to which you can save space and win well in the visual perception of the room.

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