When renovating and redecorating their home, most people focus on their living rooms, kitchens, and dining rooms. After all, those are the spaces that other people see – when visitors come, they will most likely spend time in one of these rooms.
Bedrooms, on the other hand, are fairly private. Because of that, many homeowners do not consider it necessary to spend too much time on its design. In fact, bedrooms often double as storage spaces, where people keep everything from clothes to various appliances.
But wouldn’t it be nicer to fall asleep and wake up in a comfortable, cozy bedroom that pleases the eye? We think so, and many interior designers agree with us. That is why we have come up with seven tips to help you transform your bedroom into a personal sanctuary.
1. Select Your Furniture Carefully
What’s the first thing you notice when you enter someone’s bedroom? It is, of course, the bed. Since it is the most important piece of bedroom furniture and the room’s focal point, you need to take particular care when choosing one.
Naturally, you should prioritize comfort over everything else. An uncomfortable bed can make your life miserable, considering you spend about a third of your day in it. But you should still take into account the way it fits into your room and its overall aesthetics.
For example, choosing a large, chunky bed is not the best idea if your room is on the smaller side. It will make your space seem cramped and cluttered, with no room for extra furniture. In such a case, it’s best to go with a lighter bed, minimal bed frame, and no headboards. Bigger, luxurious beds belong in high-ceilinged, wide rooms.
For the visual impact of your furniture, a bed in white can significantly brighten and open up the space. White furniture adds a refreshing touch to the bedroom, making it appear larger and more inviting. This color choice complements a wide range of color schemes and can be key in achieving the subtle, soothing atmosphere recommended for bedrooms.
Don’t forget to consider other furniture, though. Think about each piece’s visual weight and try to keep everything balanced. If your room is small, find bedroom furniture that’s minimalistic and light, or add a mirror to create an illusion of space. On the other hand, large master bedrooms could benefit from heavier pieces that fill up the space.
2. Choose Subtle Colors
Bedrooms are places of comfort and relaxation, and as such, they shouldn’t be visually loud. In other words, you should keep the colors neutral or muted to achieve that classy, soothing effect.
So, make sure to include whites, creams, and beiges, or opt for delicate shades of lavender, blue, or pink. When picking wallpapers for your walls or ceiling, go with subtle patterns and gentle colors.
That’s not to say you can’t add a dash of a bolder color here and there. If you feel that your bedroom is too plain, experiment with brighter colors. Fun pillows and blankets are always a good choice, and you can even include an eye-catching centerpiece above your bed or paint an accent wall a bold color.
3. Keep It Symmetrical
Most home improvement experts will tell you that symmetry is the key to good interior design. That is especially true for bedrooms – symmetrical bedrooms are particularly calming because of the balance between all their various elements.
So, if you have a nightstand on one side of the bed, you should get a matching one for the other. It is similar to lamps, sconces, and other small details but can also apply to larger elements. For instance, if there is a window beside your bed, you can add a mirror of a similar size to the other side. That way, you will achieve a visual balance.
4. Ensure You Can Move
Clutter is the enemy of peace and mental clarity, so you need to make sure that your bedroom is tidy and easy to move through. Avoid taking up floor space with unnecessary furniture such as coffee tables or bookcases. If your room is big enough, feel free to add them, but keep only the bare necessities otherwise.
Also, consider implementing extra storage spaces, such as drawers under your bed. That will take some load off your floor, and you will no longer have to use floor baskets for extra sheets and clothes.
5. Distribute the Softness
If your bed is the only soft point of your bedroom, the contrast between the focal point and the rest of the space will be too sharp. You may wish to balance that out by distributing softness evenly across your bedroom and adding several cozy spots.
So, what exactly does that mean? It means your room could benefit from a window seat covered with cushions and comfortable armchairs. If you do not have the space for such elements, consider adding area rugs or window drapes instead. That should be enough to make the room feel warmer and more inviting.
6. Add a Wallpaper
If plain walls don’t quite bring the look of your bedroom together, good wallpaper might. Wallpapers come in all sorts of colors and patterns, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding something that suits your tastes and the room’s aesthetic. Hang them up and watch your bedroom transform into your perfect little sanctuary.
If you don’t want to cover all your walls with wallpaper, create an accent wall behind your bed instead. That will add an extra element of color and texture, elevating the bedroom’s interior in a quick stroke.
Finally, don’t forget about the ceiling. It’s typically the largest unused space in the bedroom, and it can really bring all bedroom elements together when decorated correctly. Put some subtle wallpaper on the ceiling instead of the walls, and enjoy your room’s unique look.
7. Embrace Your Personal Style
Remember – the tips we’ve given you are guidelines, not rules. They’ll help you create a visually pleasant room and ensure comfort and coziness. But if you choose to paint your walls red or put various items on the floor, there’s nothing wrong with that either.
Ultimately, what matters is that your room reflects who you are and your personal tastes. If that means breaking a few rules of interior design, go ahead. After all, your comfort comes first!