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Thoughtfully designing a bedroom is one of the most important tasks when decorating a home. Since we spend a third of our lives in our bedrooms, it’s essential that they act as a peaceful refuge for relaxation. Experts on sleep hygiene emphasize the importance of ensuring that the bedroom is a space designed to foster a good night’s sleep. After following these six steps, your bedroom will not only be comfortable, inviting, and stylish but will also encourage healthy sleep habits.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
First, consider the size of the room and the fixed elements it contains, like doorways, windows, and closets. Then, assess any furniture you already own to determine whether it fits with the room’s new look. Before beginning the design process in any room, it’s important to decide on a cohesive style to carry through the space. Search for inspiration and room decoration ideas online or in magazines, saving any images that have features you’d like to include in your own design. Consider downloading home design software or decorating apps to help you keep all of your bedroom decor ideas in one place. Once you’ve decided on a style, it’s time to start decorating.
STEP 1: Add color to the walls and ceiling.
Choosing a bedroom paint color is one of the key elements when it comes to setting the mood for the space. Cool-toned colors—like blue, gray, and pale greens and purples—create a serene and relaxing atmosphere. Cool-toned white paints have a similar effect. Warm-toned colors tend to be more invigorating, so those who need an extra boost of energy in the morning should opt for shades of pale yellow or warm white. It’s generally best to avoid bright or vibrant colors in the bedroom, though some recommend red walls to inject a sense of passion into the space.
Also consider alternative wall treatments like wallpaper or paneling. Since these features are more difficult to change, be sure to choose a style that’s timeless.
STEP 2: Choose furniture that fits.
Once the walls are painted, the next step is adding furniture. The bed is not only the most important piece in the space, practically speaking, but also acts as a visual centerpiece. Most people opt for king- or queen-sized beds in the home’s primary bedroom and guest rooms while single and double beds work well for children’s rooms. If the room has enough space, consider upgrading to a king-sized bed to provide more space and ensure a most restful night’s sleep. Choose a bed frame that fits with the room’s aesthetic.
While matching bedroom sets used to be a popular choice, today many opt to mix and match their bedroom furniture for a more visually complex look. Other key pieces of bedroom furniture to consider are nightstands and pieces for clothing storage like dressers and armoires.
STEP 3: Light it right.
Achieving the right balance of natural and artificial light is one of the most essential steps in decorating a bedroom. First, consider the amount of natural light that the space receives. To maximize the natural light, opt for sheer curtain panels. Consider investing in blackout curtains which block out unwanted outdoor light to create a more restful environment.
Overhead fixtures provide ambient light, but can be harsh and overly bright, so it’s important to include secondary lighting when decorating a bedroom. This is typically done by using bedside lamps in the form of wall sconces or table lamps. If possible, install dimmer switches in the bedroom or use smart light bulbs so that light levels can be customized to create a cozier effect at bedtime.
STEP 4: Invest in the perfect bedding.
To make a bed as comfortable as possible, it’s important to invest in high-quality bedding. After choosing a mattress, the next step is to choose the right pillows based on your preferred sleep position.
Once those key components are in place, it’s time to choose sheets, a comforter or coverlet, and a duvet cover if needed. Opt for natural materials like linen and cotton when shopping for bedding because these materials tend to be more breathable and durable. A down comforter may be a significant investment, but it’s a worthwhile one because down is light and airy but provides more insulation and warmth than synthetic fillers. Inject some color or pattern into the space with a printed duvet cover that can be easily switched out based on the season.
STEP 5: Ensure everything has a place.
One thing that can negatively impact the restful atmosphere of a bedroom is clutter. To prevent clutter from building up, ensure that everything in the bedroom has a designated place. Opt for nightstands with drawers so that medication, reading material, electronics, and cables can be stored out of sight. Include adequate storage for clothing so that it can easily be put away. Finally, make sure the laundry hamper is readily accessible to prevent dirty clothes from ending up on the floor.
STEP 6: Add a rug and select accessories.
Now that all of the key elements are in place, it’s time to add some style to the space. A rug not only provides comfort and warmth, but can also act as a bold visual centerpiece to anchor the room. Choose a plush, high-pile rug to make the bedroom feel ultra luxurious.
While bedrooms tend to be filled with practical items, bedroom decorations and accessories can add personality to the space. Accent pillows in the bedroom create a layered look and provide an opportunity to introduce trendy or seasonal elements. Decor for a bedroom can include decorative trays and containers that serve both a practical and aesthetic purpose, corralling items into a specific area to keep things looking tidy.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully after reading this article, you’ll feel equipped to embark on your own bedroom decorating project. By following these steps, you’ll ensure that your bedroom is comfortable, stylish, and encourages a restful night’s sleep.
