Designing Your Bedroom: A Guide To Aesthetics And Comfort

Designing a bedroom is a highly personal endeavour, as it is a space that should reflect your unique style and personality. It is a sanctuary where you can truly be yourself and express your tastes, whether that be through colour choices, art, or decorative pieces. While designing a bedroom, it is important to consider both style and functionality, creating a space that is not only beautiful but also practical and comfortable. From lighting and layout to paint colours and flooring, there are many elements to consider when bringing your dream bedroom to life.

Choose a colour scheme that promotes rest and relaxation

When designing a bedroom, it's essential to consider the colour scheme carefully as it plays a crucial role in creating the right atmosphere. To promote rest and relaxation, opt for a calm and muted colour palette. Choose softer, toned-down colours instead of bold ones. For instance, a sage green is preferable to a vivid grass green.

Neutral shades, such as soft greyed blues and greens, are excellent choices for a serene and modern look. You can also paint the walls, skirting, doors, cupboards, radiators, and window frames in the same colour to achieve a thoughtful and contemporary aesthetic. Grey bedroom colour schemes are popular as they are soothing and elegant, offering a touch more excitement than plain white. Warmer colours like plaster and terracotta are also on-trend and can add a cosy feel to the room.

If you want to incorporate bolder colours, consider using them as accents rather than the primary colour. For example, you could add hints of gold and yellow to a neutral palette, as seen in a design by Anna Maria Sokołowska, to create a chic and modern space. Purple is the colour of royalty and can turn your bedroom into a lush retreat. Green is also a versatile decorating colour, creating the perfect backdrop for a tranquil bedroom.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different colours and combinations to find what suits your taste and promotes the restful atmosphere you desire.

Plan the layout of your furniture, starting with the bed

Planning the layout of your bedroom is an important step in designing a space that is both stylish and functional. Here are some tips to help you plan the layout of your furniture, starting with the bed:

Firstly, consider the position of your bed. The bed is typically the focal point of the bedroom, so it's essential to organise the other furniture around it. In a rectangular room, it's best to position the bed lengthways. However, if you have a larger bedroom, you may want to get creative and place the bed in the centre of the room. If space is limited, consider pushing the bed into a corner to maximise floor space.

Next, assess your storage needs and budget. Fitted bedroom furniture tends to be more expensive and formal-looking, but it can be a great way to efficiently utilise space, especially in smaller or awkwardly-shaped rooms. If you opt for unfitted furniture, you don't need to worry about matching pieces, but aim to have at least a dressing table and bedside tables. If you lack a separate closet, ensure you include sufficient clothing storage in your layout.

When choosing bedroom furniture, consider pieces that double as storage solutions. For instance, you could opt for a divan bed with built-in drawers or a bed with a storage headboard. If space is limited, a bed with a lift-up base can provide hidden storage without taking up additional floor space.

Don't forget to consider the style of your bed. It should complement your overall design scheme. For a streamlined, minimalist look, a simple, white-washed wooden frame could be ideal. If you want to add a touch of luxury or introduce colour and pattern, a bed with an upholstered, padded headboard is a perfect choice.

Finally, remember that the layout of your furniture should also take into account the direction of natural light. By paying attention to the natural light sources, you can ensure your bedroom feels bright and airy during the day and cosy at night.

Pick a bed frame that suits your needs and complements your scheme

When choosing a bed frame, it's important to consider both your needs and the design of your bedroom. The bed frame is the main support system for your bed, so it needs to be sturdy and durable. It should also complement the style of your room.

Firstly, consider the size of your current mattress and the size of your bedroom. Your bed frame should match your mattress size for a proper fit. If you're buying a new mattress too, measure your available space and decide on the bed size that best suits your room. Ideally, you should have 2 to 3 feet of space around the bed on the sides and the end.

The next step is to choose the type of support you want for your mattress. Platform beds provide built-in support, so you don't need to use a box spring. They usually sit lower to the ground than traditional bed frames with a box spring.

You can also choose between integrated bed frames, which have a more finished look, and separate frames, which are typically simpler in design and can be paired with a separate headboard. Integrated bed frames often include decorative elements, such as wooden frames with painted, clear, or stained finishes, or upholstered designs along the side rails.

The height of the bed frame is another important consideration. If you or your partner have mobility issues, a higher bed is usually easier to get in and out of. On the other hand, if you prefer to stay low to the ground, a platform bed or a low-profile bed frame might be a better option.

The material of the bed frame is also crucial. Wood and metal are the two most common options, each offering sturdy support. However, consider which material works best with your room's existing decor and style. For a traditional and warm look, wood platform beds are an excellent choice. Metal frames, on the other hand, can add a modern and sleek touch. If you're looking for a luxurious feel, upholstered frames come in a range of fabrics and colours to complement your space.

The presence of a headboard is another factor to think about. Headboards provide support for activities like reading or watching movies in bed. They also help prevent wall damage and can aid in temperature regulation. However, if your bed is not against a wall or you want to save space, you may opt for a bed frame without a headboard.

When choosing a bed frame, also consider the support system, durability, storage options, sustainability, craftsmanship, assembly, and maintenance. Ensure the bed frame has strong slats that don't bend easily, and consider the number of slats and their spacing. Look for high-quality materials and craftsmanship to ensure your bed frame withstands the test of time.

By carefully considering these factors, you can choose a bed frame that suits your needs, complements your bedroom's style, and provides the comfort and support necessary for a good night's sleep.

Display art to show off your style

Displaying art in your bedroom is a great way to showcase your style and personality. It adds interest to your space and can be a focal point of the room. Here are some tips to help you display art and showcase your style:

Choose Art That Resonates with You

Select artwork that appeals to you and speaks to your interests. Opt for pieces that have personal meaning, spark a memory, or evoke a sense of peace and tranquillity. Your bedroom should be a calm and cosy sanctuary, so choose art that enhances this feeling.

Consider the Size and Format of the Art

Determining the right size and format for your artwork can be challenging. As a general rule, go for larger pieces to maximise their impact and choose art that takes up about two-thirds to three-quarters of the wall space. Consider creating a gallery wall with several pieces by the same artist or in the same colour palette to add visual interest.

Get Creative with Display Methods

Think beyond traditional hanging methods. You can stand, prop, or lean artwork against a wall or on a shelf. Layer and overlap pieces to create a relaxed and flexible display. Play with different arrangements and consider mixing in other objects like ornaments or candles.

Choose the Right Frames

The frame of your artwork should complement both the piece itself and your room's decor. For example, a simple black frame suits an abstract work, while a traditional landscape may benefit from a natural wood or gilded frame. Consider using the same style or colour of frame for multiple pieces to create a cohesive and balanced look in your bedroom.

Position Artwork Correctly

When hanging artwork above your bed or a piece of furniture, position the bottom of the frame about 20-25 cm above the top of the headboard or furniture. In other locations, hang artwork so that its centre is at eye level, which is generally between 145 and 152 cm from the floor.

Don't Overdo It

Remember that less is more. Keep a balance between art and empty space to create a relaxing and uncluttered bedroom. You don't want the artwork to be overwhelming or to compete for attention.

Add greenery to make your room look more luxurious

Adding greenery to your bedroom can instantly make it feel more luxurious. Houseplants add colour, texture, and life to your space, making it feel more inviting and luxurious. You don't need to be a plant expert to enjoy the benefits of greenery. Start with easy-care plants that are low-maintenance and thrive in indoor environments, such as snake plants or spider plants, which are also fairly easy to care for.

Consider the size and variety of plants you bring into your room. A single large fern can make a statement, or you could opt for a few small potted cacti or succulents. If you're looking for something more delicate, a bouquet of fresh flowers can add a touch of elegance. Keep things simple and avoid turning your space into a wild, vibrant jungle, as this will look messy and be difficult to maintain.

In addition to potted plants, you can also incorporate natural elements such as wood and stone through decorative pieces. Try using wooden picture frames or stone candle holders to add an organic feel and elevate the overall look of your bedroom.

Not only do plants add visual appeal, but they can also improve your well-being. Bringing nature into your bedroom can create a relaxing and refreshing atmosphere, promoting a good night's sleep. So, if you're looking to add a touch of luxury and create a soothing sanctuary, consider adding some greenery to your bedroom.

Frequently asked questions