The first thing you want to consider when designing your bedroom is your style and your color scheme. There’s no magic number of colors you can have in any room. But in a bedroom you are looking for an overall feeling of tranquility. Start with a color palette that you love, and if your end result is looking too busy, eliminate colors until the overall effect is a soothing oasis of calm.
The largest piece of furniture in every bedroom is the bed, so it makes sense that it be the focal point of the bedroom and everything else circulate around it. You’ll want to locate the bed with the headboard on the largest expanse of wall the room has to offer and if possible, given the layout of the room, not to block a window. Next, decide if you want a headboard and if so, what style. Classic, boho, farmhouse, granny chic? If you don’t already have a headboard, you can DIY one. Here are 40 DIY ideas, including headboards. Or have no headboard at all, but use curtains or artwork behind the bed for visual interest. Here are 10 decor ideas for that wall above your bed.
Once your bed is placed, you’ll want to consider your bedding. Many designers start with two square euro shams in the back and graduate to smaller pillows moving forward, so that they can have fun with contrasting colors. This is called a layered bed. A layered bed with some texture added in the coverlet or duvet cover is always inviting. Pull the duvet or coverlet back to reveal a contrasting color or patterned blanket and sheets. For a final pop of color, toss a throw at the end of the bed that picks out one or more of the colors. Here are more tips to add a punch of color.
On the other hand, if you are minimalist, say, with a platform bed and single mattress, you will prefer a simple coverlet and two pillows laying flat, one on each side. You’ll want to keep your colors minimal as well, just one or two that are complimentary. The overall feeling will be Zen.
The next item up is bedside tables. Many designers prefer the symmetry of matching nightstands. It does give visual balance to the room to have tables of equal dimension to either side of the bed. More ecclectic stylists, though, will find this too matchy-matchy and boldly choose a different style table for each side. There’s no right or wrong, the key is to make sure that everything in the room is something you love looking at. Here are 22 bedside alternatives. Lamps can go on the nightstand (table lamps), over it (pendants), or be hung on the wall (sconces). But match your lighting to your tasks. Do you read at night? You may prefer a table lamp that you can adjust. On the other hand, if you read mostly from a backlit tablet the quality of the light that reaches the bed may not matter so much. You may find the drama of pendants or low-lit sconces appealing.
Another opportunity to add color is in your rug choice. The rug should be anchored by the bed, but does not have to go completely under the bed. You may choose to place it under just two feet of the bed.
Have a bedroom makeover you’d like to share? Tag us on Instagram @britandco. Come on — you know you want to!
(Photos via Getty)
