Mastering The Large Bedroom: Decorating A Spacious 16 X 20 Retreat

Decorating a large master bedroom can be challenging. Interior designer Suzanne Kasler recommends creating discrete zones that visually tie together. Kasler, who has decorated many expansive master bedrooms, advises letting the architecture guide your decisions and scaling up the furniture to suit the room's size. She also suggests creating small seating areas to divide up the space and treating each area as its own vignette.

When it comes to the layout, consider creating a seating area at the foot of your bed, as seen in some of the world's best hotels. A settee at the end of the bed provides a perfect spot for reading or relaxing, while also serving as a functional space for setting down your belongings. Scale is important—use your bed as a benchmark when choosing the size of the settee and other furniture pieces.

To maximise the square footage, floating your bed can be a bold and effective strategy, especially in large, square rooms. Framing the arrangement with an oversized rug creates a visual pedestal, making the bed the focal point and lending a circular flow to the room.

Additionally, consider the colour palette and lighting. A neutral colour scheme, such as quiet neutrals or a simple combination of two colours, can create a serene and airy atmosphere. For lighting, opt for versatile options like swing-arm lamps that take up minimal floor space while providing adjustable illumination.

With these tips in mind, you can transform your 16 x 20 master bedroom into a stylish and functional space that reflects your personal style.

Create mini rooms

A large master bedroom can be a great opportunity to get creative with your space. One idea is to create "mini rooms" within the larger room. This can be a fun and economical way to add extra functionality to your bedroom, such as a cosy reading nook, a workspace, or even an extra bedroom. Here are some tips and ideas to help you create mini rooms in your 16 x 20 master bedroom:

Define the Space

To create a mini room within your master bedroom, you can use a variety of methods to define the new space. You could erect short walls or partitions to create a semi-private area, or go for a more permanent structure with full walls and a door. If you want to keep the sense of openness in your large bedroom, consider using room dividers or curtains, or even furniture placement to delineate the new space.

Choose a Theme or Purpose

Before you start designing your mini room, decide on its purpose and theme. This will help guide your design choices. For example, if you want to create a cosy reading nook, you might choose comfortable furniture and soft lighting. On the other hand, if you're creating a workspace, you'll want to focus on functionality and adequate lighting.

Furniture and Decor

When it comes to furnishing and decorating your mini room, be mindful of the space you have. Choose furniture that is proportional to the size of the room and avoid cluttering the space. Consider multi-functional pieces that can serve multiple purposes, such as a daybed that can double as a seating area or a storage ottoman that can be used for extra seating.

Lighting and Colour

Lighting and colour can be used to create a sense of intimacy and separation within your mini room. Consider using pendant lights or sconces to illuminate the space, and play with colour and accent walls to give the area its own unique atmosphere. Remember that light, neutral colours can make a space feel more open, while darker, richer colours can create a sense of warmth and enclosure.

Storage Solutions

In a large master bedroom, it's important to utilise storage solutions to avoid wasting space. Consider built-in storage options, such as shelves or cabinets, to maximise your mini room's functionality. If you're looking for a more flexible option, freestanding furniture with storage capabilities, such as chests or wardrobes, can also help to define the space while providing extra storage.

Get Creative

Don't be afraid to think outside the box when creating your mini room. For example, you could use unique materials like plywood or polycarbonate to construct your space, or get creative with upcycling and repurposing old furniture or decor. Remember, the key is to have fun and experiment with different ideas to make your mini room feel like a natural extension of your master bedroom.

Use a neutral colour palette

A neutral colour palette is a great way to create a calm and relaxing atmosphere in your large master bedroom. Here are some tips to achieve this look:

Choose a variety of neutral shades: Neutral colours include shades of white, cream, grey, brown, and black. You can use a combination of these colours to create a cohesive and elegant space. For example, you might opt for off-white walls, with creamy hues and warm neutrals in your bedding and draperies.

Add interest with texture: Layer different textures to create a sense of depth and make the space feel inviting. For instance, consider a mix of materials such as silk draperies, a woven area rug, and a velvet-upholstered bed frame. You could also incorporate natural textures like wicker or linen to add a soft and cosy feel to the room.

Play with patterns: Introduce patterns through bedding, draperies, or wallpaper to create visual interest while maintaining a neutral colour palette. Keep the patterns within a similar scale and colour family to ensure they complement each other. For example, a floral motif on the bedding can be paired with a striped rug or geometric curtains.

Incorporate warm tones: Opt for warm neutrals, such as buttery yellow or taupe, to give the bedroom a subtle warmth and inviting energy. These colours can be used on the walls, bedding, or through accessories like decorative pillows and light fixtures.

Create a focal point: Use a statement piece, such as a dramatic chandelier or a large, plush headboard, to draw attention and add a touch of luxury to the space. A neutral backdrop will allow these pieces to stand out while maintaining a calm atmosphere.

Symmetrical arrangement: Arrange your furniture symmetrically to create a pleasing visual balance in the room. This can be emphasised by hanging fabric panels or artwork behind the headboard to create a focal point.

By following these tips, you can create a beautiful and relaxing master bedroom with a neutral colour palette that reflects your personal style.

Make the most of high ceilings

A high ceiling can be a blessing, but it can also be a challenge to decorate. Here are some tips to make the most of those soaring ceilings in your 16 x 20 master bedroom:

Add Architectural Features

One way to make a statement and draw attention to your high ceilings is by adding architectural details. This could be in the form of exposed beams, beadboard, or trim details such as board and batten or crown moulding. These features will help to create a focal point and make the room feel more cozy and connected.

Paint the Ceiling

If adding architectural details isn't your style, consider painting the ceiling with a bold color or a contrasting color to the walls. This will help to draw the eye upwards and make the room feel more intimate. Even if you stick with a neutral color palette, painting the ceiling a different shade than the walls will help to define the space and make the ceilings feel lower.

Hang Curtains to the Ceiling

Window treatments are a great way to add drama and fill vertical space in a room with high ceilings. Hang your curtains as close to the ceiling as possible, even if your windows don't reach that high. This will help to unify the wall and ceiling, creating a sense of grandeur. Opt for solid-colored, floor-to-ceiling curtains in a material and color that complements the rest of the room.

Choose the Right Furniture and Lighting

When it comes to furniture, think taller. A high ceiling can accommodate a taller headboard or armoire. Look for pieces that are vertically oriented, such as a tall bookcase or floor-to-ceiling drapery. Consider adding decorative elements like baskets or blankets to the tops of your furniture to increase their height. As for lighting, a statement light fixture, such as a chandelier, that hangs down rather than a flush mount will help to fill the space and draw the eye upwards.

Hang Artwork at the Right Height

When hanging artwork, it's important to hang it at eye level, which is typically considered to be 58-60" from the floor. However, in a room with high ceilings, you can play with scale and hang larger pieces of art or create a gallery wall that spans higher on the wall. Just be sure to keep the center of the artwork at eye level to avoid feeling off-kilter.

Add a seating area

A master bedroom with a seating area is a great way to create a multifunctional space where you can relax and unwind. Here are some ideas to add a seating area to your large 16 x 20 master bedroom:

Choose a Focal Point

Select a focal point for your seating area, such as a fireplace, a large window, or a piece of artwork. This will help to anchor the space and create a distinct zone within your bedroom.

Opt for Comfortable and Stylish Furniture

Choose furniture that is both comfortable and stylish, complementing the overall design of your bedroom. Consider a plush, curved loveseat or a pair of armchairs that invite you to relax. If you have a fireplace, a couple of comfortable armchairs or ottomans will create a cosy spot to unwind by the fire.

Create a Separate Space with an Area Rug

To define the seating area within your master bedroom, use an area rug to anchor the space. This adds texture and comfort while also separating the different functions of the room.

Include a Table for Convenience

Add a side table or a C-table for convenience. This provides a place to set down drinks or books while still being easy to tuck away if space is limited.

Ambient Lighting for a Cozy Atmosphere

Ambient lighting can make your seating area more inviting and intimate. Consider table lamps or wall sconces for soft, direct lighting, as well as pendant lights or chandeliers for overall brightness.

Don't Overdo It

Remember to keep the size of your seating area in proportion to your available floor space. You don't want your bedroom to feel cramped or overcrowded.

Use a mix of lighting

Lighting is an important element in any room, but especially in the bedroom, where it helps with tasks like reading before bed and getting dressed in the morning. A combination of multiple fixture types and layers of light is ideal.

Overhead Lighting

Overhead lighting is a great way to provide general illumination to your bedroom. Some options for this include:

• Ceiling fans with lights
• Chandeliers
• Flush mount fixtures
• Recessed lights

Bedside Lighting

Bedside lighting is essential for providing ambient light and task light, such as for reading before bed. Some ideas for bedside lighting include:

• Table lamps
• Wall-mounted lights
• Hanging pendant lights
• Headboard-embedded fixtures

Statement Lighting

Statement lighting can be a great way to showcase a part of the room or itself as the main attraction. Some options for statement lighting include:

• Floor lamps
• Ceiling light fixtures
• Adjustable light fixtures

Smart Lighting

Smart lighting is a popular trend that allows you to switch between soft and brighter light when needed. It can be controlled by voice and customized for different areas of the room and different people.

Natural Light

Don't forget about the power of natural light! If you have large windows, make the most of the sunlight during the day to illuminate your bedroom.

Frequently asked questions