Creative Ways To Decorate Your Checkered Bedroom

Creating a stylish and comfortable bedroom is essential, as it is the place where you spend a third of your life sleeping. Whether you are working with a small bedroom or a large one, there are many ways to make the space your own. When it comes to designing your bedroom, consider the colour scheme, layout, and space-saving furniture. You can personalize your space with decor and accessories that align with your theme, whether it be Scandi, contemporary, boho-style, or shabby chic.

Choosing a colour scheme

Start with your preferences

Choose colours that you find calming and make you feel at home. Consider your favourite colours or colours that reflect your personality. If you have a particular bedspread, curtain, or piece of furniture you love, you can use these as a starting point and find colours that complement them.

Consider the size of the room

If your bedroom is on the smaller side, opt for lighter colours like whites, beiges, and pastels to make the space appear more spacious. Darker colours can make a small room feel more cramped. On the other hand, if you want to create a cosy and intimate atmosphere, darker colours can be a good choice.

Think about the style you want to achieve

If you're going for a modern look, bright and clean colours like white, grey, and beige are a great choice. For a traditional or classic feel, colours like navy, burgundy, and hunter green can add a sense of elegance and depth to the space.

Create a cohesive look

Try to choose colours that are in the same family or have similar undertones to create a cohesive and balanced look in your bedroom. This can help create a sense of harmony and make the space more inviting.

Use the 60-30-10 rule

A helpful rule of thumb for creating a well-designed space is the 60-30-10 rule. This means that your room should be decorated with 60% of the main colour, 30% of a secondary colour, and 10% of an accent colour. Typically, the 60% is the wall colour, the 30% is for large pieces of furniture or curtains, and the 10% is for accessories, artwork, or other accent pieces.

Don't forget natural lighting

Consider the amount of natural light your bedroom receives. Lighter colours can make a room feel airy and bright, while darker colours can create a cosy atmosphere. Think about how you want the space to feel and choose colours that complement the lighting conditions.

Selecting furniture

When selecting furniture for a bedroom, there are several factors to consider to ensure the space is functional and aesthetically pleasing. Here are some tips for choosing the right pieces:

Define Your Style

The first step is to identify your personal style. Do you prefer modern, minimalist designs, rustic charm, or traditional pieces? Your bedroom furniture should align with your taste to create a cohesive and harmonious space.

Consider the Bedroom Size

The size of your bedroom will dictate the type and amount of furniture you can accommodate. Take accurate measurements of the room, including any alcoves or recessed areas, to ensure the furniture fits comfortably without overwhelming the space. For smaller bedrooms, consider a full-sized bed or a bed with built-in storage to conserve space.

Quality and Durability

Investing in quality, well-crafted, and durable bedroom furniture is crucial. Look for solid wood frames and sturdy construction to ensure the pieces stand the test of time and daily use.

Color Coordination

Consider the color scheme of your bedroom when selecting furniture. Coordinating colors can create a visually appealing and harmonious space. You can either match the existing color palette or use furniture as an opportunity to introduce complementary shades.

Matching vs. Non-Matching Sets

You can choose to purchase a matching bedroom set, which provides a polished and unified look. Alternatively, you can opt for a non-matching set by buying individual pieces that showcase your individuality and unique style. Mixing and matching different styles, colors, and materials can give your bedroom a charming, eclectic feel.

Bedroom Furniture Essentials

The bed is typically the centerpiece of the room, so consider its size and style. Other essential pieces include bedside tables, a wardrobe, and drawer storage. If space allows, you may also want to include a dressing table, seating area, and a TV unit.

Additional Considerations

• Bedside Tables: Choose bedside tables based on available space, storage needs, and design preferences. Wall-hung options are ideal for small bedrooms, while traditional tables with drawers provide ample storage.
• Clothing Storage: Assess your hanging space and drawer storage needs. Consider the length of items you'll hang, and opt for modular wardrobes or chests of drawers to create customizable storage combinations.
• Dressing Table: A dressing table can be a valuable addition, even in a small bedroom. Consider the amount of storage needed and the width of the tabletop. A scaled-down design can still accommodate a mirror and makeup essentials.
• Bedroom Seating: Chairs, sofas, or upholstered stools can provide a comfortable space for reading or watching TV. If space is limited, consider a small sofa at the end of the bed or an occasional chair without arms.
• TV Unit: If you have a TV in your bedroom, consider adding a matching TV stand or entertainment center designed specifically for bedrooms.

Lighting

Task lighting is the most functional type of lighting. It should complement the space visually without being overpowering. For example, if you read in bed, a bedside lamp or pendant light can serve as task lighting. Alternatively, an arm sconce is a good option for reading, and it's convenient to have independent switches for each side of the bed. Wall sconces, floor lamps, and directional spotlights are also useful for specific tasks such as applying makeup or ironing.

Decorative lighting is like the "jewellery" of the bedroom. This could be a bold chandelier or sculptural table lamps on nightstands.

Ambient/general lighting is also important. A central pendant light or natural light from windows or skylights can provide an even light throughout the space. However, you may want to use a lower-watt bulb and a dimmer switch to avoid making the room too bright. Recessed lighting can also be used, but it should be placed carefully to avoid creating an overwhelming effect.

When choosing lightbulbs, opt for a soft white bulb or an amber glow, which creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. Avoid bulbs above 2700 Kelvin, as these can be too bright and disrupt sleep.

Finally, consider the scale of your lighting. Bedside lamps should be between 1/3 and 2/3 the width of the nightstand, and overhead lighting should hang around eight feet above the floor. If you have high ceilings, a large statement light fixture can work well, while smaller spaces may require a more compact option.

Bedding

Colour and Pattern

The colour and pattern of your bedding can set the tone for your bedroom's overall style. If you're drawn to a particular pattern or colour scheme, consider making it the focal point of your room. You can also mix and match patterns and colours to create a unique look. For instance, floral patterns can add a delicate touch, while bold stripes can make a statement. If you're looking to create a cosy and intimate space, darker tones are a great choice. On the other hand, lighter colours with pops of accessories can make the room feel loftier and brighter. Neutral colours like white, grey, and cream are versatile options that can be paired with various patterns and styles.

Fabric and Texture

The fabric and texture of your bedding can add to the overall comfort and aesthetic of your bedroom. Soft and luxurious fabrics like Egyptian cotton, silk, or velvet can elevate the space and make it feel like a 5-star hotel. Layering different textures and fabrics can also create a cosy and inviting atmosphere. For example, pairing quilted pillows and a throw with layered coverlets can make your bed extra inviting. Additionally, consider incorporating organic textures like rattan and driftwood for a natural touch.

Seasonal Considerations

Choosing the right bedding for the season is essential to ensure your comfort. Flannel sheets and wool blankets are ideal for colder months, while breathable fabrics like linen, cotton, and cotton-blend sheets are perfect for warmer nights. You can also add extra blankets and comforters for a cosy finish.

Practicality and Maintenance

When selecting bedding, it's important to consider practicality and maintenance. Choose bedding that is easy to care for and fits your mattress well. Opt for bedding that is machine washable and made from durable materials. Additionally, consider investing in a few sets of sheets and bedding to allow for regular changes and laundry days.

Complementary Decor

To create a cohesive look, ensure your bedding complements the other design elements in your bedroom. Consider the colour palette of your walls, furniture, and accessories, and choose bedding that either blends seamlessly or adds a pop of colour. You can also use bedding to tie the room together by incorporating similar colours or patterns found elsewhere in the space.

Window dressings

Windows are a key feature of any bedroom, and the right window dressing can make a huge impact. Curtains are a popular choice, adding a sense of luxury and elegance to the room. When choosing curtains, consider the length and opt for floor-to-ceiling curtains if space allows. This adds height to the room and gives a more luxurious and clean aesthetic. If you have high ceilings, you can also consider extending the curtain rod above the window frame to create the illusion of taller windows. For a more relaxed and airy vibe, go for floaty and gauzy fabrics, while velvet or similar heavy fabrics lend a sense of opulence and richness.

If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option that's easier to maintain, blinds are a great alternative. Well-fitted blinds, including some excellent blackout options, can help you get a good night's sleep. You can also layer your window treatments by adding a blind underneath a curtain to better control the light coming into the room.

Another option is to use a combination of curtains and blinds, especially if you want to play with lighting levels at different times of the year. Double or triple curtain rods give you the flexibility to mix and match, allowing you to let in the summer sun or shut out those cold winter nights.

Don't forget the importance of natural light when choosing your window dressings. If your bedroom gets a lot of sunlight, consider how the colours of your curtains or blinds will look in both natural daylight and lamplight. Lighter colours can help brighten up a dark room, while darker colours can add a sense of drama and intimacy.

Lastly, consider the functionality of your window dressings. If you want to ensure privacy while still letting in some natural light, sheer curtains or light-filtering blinds are a good option. For bedrooms that face the street, you may want to choose a window treatment that provides more privacy, such as opaque curtains or blinds.

Frequently asked questions