How To: Design A Bedroom

Even though the bedroom is a private space that will be seen by far fewer people than your living room or kitchen, it should be an equally stylish sanctuary. Whether you want a traditional design or an exotic retreat, you’ll find bedroom decorating ideas to create the room of your dreams in this collection of spaces from the archives of Architectural Digest. Best of all, you don’t need a complete remodel to bring new life to your bedroom. As these rooms prove, some well-placed art, bold wallpaper, or even a fresh coat of paint can make a space stand out.

Choose Subtle Color

                                                bedroom – subtle colors

Instead of bold primary colors, choose soothing shades and a restful palette of monochromatic tones. Remember color theory: gentle hues of blue, lavender, or green are considered calm and serene. Rich jewel-toned hues help set the mood of coziness and comfort. These might include toasty browns, deep pomegranate, or topaz. Use toned-down versions of your favorite colors in the bedroom.” That might mean choosing mauve instead of eggplant, or pumpkin instead of tangerine.

Don’t Overlook the Ceiling

                                             bedroom – ceiling design

The ceiling is the fifth wall in a room. When you lie in bed, do you see a bland, blank surface? Add a subtle pattern or soft color. Paint the ceiling a slightly lighter version of the wall color. This will help to visually lower the ceiling and give the space a feeling of comfort and intimacy.

Other solutions would be to stencil or wallpaper the ceiling, add architectural elements in the form of beams or moldings or use a decorative paint treatment. For ultimate luxury, silver-leafed bedroom ceilings, a canopy or tented bed with a dressing that hangs from the ceiling can envelop you in sensuality and warmth while adding texture, design, and color to the ceiling. Add a molded medallion and chandelier of crystal or delicate shades bringing color, pattern, and texture to the “fifth wall” above you.

Keep the Bedroom Simple

                                                bedroom – keep it simple

A bedroom should look cozy and simple, sophisticated, and elegant, regardless of what style of decorating you choose. For ease of movement, leave a minimum of three feet between the bed and side walls or large pieces of furniture and at least two feet between the bed and low furniture, like tables and dressers. If you have to walk around the bed to get from the closet to the bathroom, think of how you can move the bed.

Furnish your bedroom with only what you need. A bed, a bedside table or two, a dresser, and chair are necessities. Anything else is clutter. If you have room, place a chest of drawers in the closet.

Accessories should be kept to a minimum. Choose a beautiful piece of artwork, arrange some family photos, add flowers and candles, and leave it alone

Choose the Right Size Furniture

                                          bedroom – right size furniture

When you’re ready to buy bedroom furniture, start out with a floor plan and a measured drawing of the space. Furniture should fit the room it lives and this is particularly true for bedroom furniture. Don’t choose a heavy, large bed and dresser for a small bedroom. If the ceiling is high, a tall headboard will help to visibly bring it down to size.

If your bedroom is large, choose furniture that fits it, too. Add a chair and ottoman or place a piece of furniture at the end of the bed. Furniture and accessories that are too small will look lost in a large room.

Have Plenty of Storage

To add to the serene feeling of a bedroom, store things out of sight. The room will appear more calm and roomy.

• Choose a roomy bedside table with drawers or doors behind which you can hide books, lotion, and reading glasses within reach but out of sight. For more storage, choose a skirted table or a small dresser with drawers.
• Use a trunk or a storage bench at the foot of the bed to store extra sheets, blankets, and pillows.
• For easily-reachable books and accessories, use a headboard with built-in shelves or sliding panels.
• A custom-designed organization system can make maximum use of closet space.
• Place shallow boxes underneath the bed hiding them with a beautiful bed skirt.

Include a Private Nook

                                                 bedroom – private corner

Give yourself a special gift with a quiet place to sit and read. Create an intimate reading or lounging area with a comfortable chair and footstool at the end of your bed or in a corner.

If you have room, build a window seat under the bedroom window. Enjoy the view and the natural light.

Cover the Windows

                                          bedroom – cover your windows

A beautifully dressed window will help to frame the window and the view and provide other ways to add color, pattern, texture, and softness to a bedroom. If you love soft sheer curtains that filter light, combine opaque roller blinds that can be pulled down to maintain privacy at night and to block morning light.

For all draperies, include opaque blinds or drapery lining to keep out the sun when you want to sleep late.

Include Several Lighting Options

                                         bedroom – lighting

In a bedroom, it’s good to “layer” your lighting throughout the room. Ambient lighting light the whole room, small lamps can focus light for reading and other activities, and accent light helps to wash the walls in soft illumination.

To focus reading light where you need it, use a bedside lamp with a movable arm. Each light should be adjustable with a dimmer. Install a separate on/off switch for each light so that you can be selective and light only the area you want.