Decorating Large Bedrooms: Styling A Sleigh Bed Space

Sleigh beds, with their distinctive curved headboards and footboards, offer a timeless appeal that can suit a variety of bedroom decor styles. Their large size makes them perfect for spacious master bedrooms. Decorating a sleigh bed is a unique opportunity to blend traditional elegance with modern flair, creating a stylish and inviting bedroom centerpiece. Here are some tips to help you decorate and style a large bedroom with a sleigh bed.

Choose the right bedding

The choice of bedding can dramatically alter the appearance of your sleigh bed and your entire bedroom. Here are some tips to help you choose the right bedding to complement your sleigh bed:

Material

Opt for high-quality, luxurious materials such as Egyptian cotton, silk, or linen. These fabrics offer both comfort and a visually appealing texture that enhances the sleigh bed's grandeur. They also provide a durable option that will last for years to come.

Colours and Patterns

Decide whether you want your sleigh bed to stand out as a bold statement piece or blend harmoniously with your room's colour scheme. If you're aiming for a calm and sophisticated atmosphere, consider a monochromatic palette. On the other hand, if you want to inject energy and personality into the space, go for vibrant patterns.

Layering

Start with a fitted sheet, add a flat sheet, and then layer a duvet or comforter on top. For added texture and interest, fold the top layer at the foot of the bed to expose some of the sheets below. This not only showcases the quality and design of your bedding but also invites you to snuggle up.

Bed Skirts

If you wish to add a bed skirt to your sleigh bed, choose a tailored or pleated design instead of a heavily ruffled one. Install it so that it hangs behind and beneath the footboard and side rails, ensuring that the decorative rails remain visible.

Bedding Placement

Avoid using floor-length bedspreads or comforters with ruffled edges or jumbo welts, as these can compete with the stylish rails of the sleigh bed. Opt for a comforter, quilt, coverlet, or duvet cover that hangs no more than 2 inches below the rails on each side. Tuck in the foot and sides of the cover behind the footboard and rails for a neat and tidy look.

Pillow Shams

Pillow shams can be used to dress up your sleigh bed elegantly. Choose smaller rectangular pillow shams designed for your mattress size and stack them flat on the mattress at the head of the bed. You can also lean them against the headboard at a 45-degree angle for a more relaxed look. Avoid large shams, as they can hide the headboard.

Decorative Pillows

For additional accents and a pop of colour or texture, add a row of decorative throw pillows in front of your pillow shams. Mix and match different sizes, shapes, and patterns to create depth and interest.

Add fabric detailing

Adding fabric detailing to your sleigh bed is a great way to incorporate a touch of softness and preserve the room's subdued feel. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Choose the Right Fabric

Select a fabric that complements the sleigh bed's timeless appeal. Consider high-quality materials like Egyptian cotton, silk, or linen for a combination of luxury and durability. These fabrics will offer both comfort and a visually appealing texture that enhances the bed's grandeur. Opt for fabrics with solid colours, stripes, or small- to medium-scale patterns to ensure everything blends well together.

Retrofit with Fabric Panels

If you can't find a sleigh bed with fabric detailing that suits your taste, consider retrofitting a standard sleigh bed with fabric panels. You can add a touch of soft blue fabric to the headboard and footboard, similar to the Tucker & Marks design, or choose a plush textile like velvet or suede for extra sumptuousness. Don't be afraid to consult a furniture professional to explore your options and ensure a seamless integration.

Upholster for Comfort

Upholstering your sleigh bed in a classic colour like white and accenting it with nailheads is another way to add fabric detailing. This approach, exemplified by Jessica Bennett Interiors, not only accentuates the bed's curves but also provides a comfortable surface to lean against. You can even add custom cushions and bolsters to transform the bed into a sofa-like space during the day.

Create a Canopy

Take your fabric detailing a step further by creating a canopy for your sleigh bed. This addition, as suggested by Tucker & Marks, provides a double layer of luxury and gives the bed a regal aura. Drape the canopy fabric loosely for a casual, effortless look, or choose a fabric that contrasts with your bedding to make a bold statement.

Slipcover for Softness

Sleigh beds typically don't lend themselves to bed skirts, so consider a slipcover to add a touch of softness. This cost-effective solution, as mentioned by Studio Nato, is also perfect if you want to refresh an old bed frame without resorting to paint or other permanent alterations. Choose a fabric that complements the overall style and colour scheme of your bedroom to create a cohesive and inviting space.

Paint the bed frame

Painting the bed frame is a great way to give your sleigh bed a unique twist and make it the focal point of your bedroom. Here are some tips to help you achieve a stunning result:

Choose the Right Paint

The type of paint you choose will depend on the material of your bed frame. For wooden bed frames, alkyd oil-based paints are a good option as they harden over time and are resistant to scuff marks. You can also use chalk paint, which is commonly used for painting furniture and minimises prep work. If you're going for a bold, modern look, consider using a glossy paint to add a sheen to your bed frame. For a more muted finish, opt for satin paint, or go for an eggshell colour with a low sheen.

Prepare the Surface

Before you start painting, make sure the bed frame is clean and free of any dust or debris. If the bed frame has an existing finish, you may need to sand it down first to create a smooth surface for the new paint to adhere to. If you're using chalk paint, you can usually skip this step as it adheres well to most surfaces.

Choose a Colour

When it comes to colour, you have endless options! If you want your sleigh bed to stand out, choose a bright, unexpected colour like dove grey or a bold hue that complements the rest of your room's decor. You could also opt for a darker, more traditional shade, such as mahogany or walnut, to give the bed a classic, elegant look. If you're feeling creative, consider using more than one colour or adding stickers for a unique touch.

Painting Technique

When painting the bed frame, use a paintbrush or roller to apply the paint evenly, making sure to get into all the curves and crevices of the sleigh bed design. Follow the directions on your paint can for the best results, and be sure to allow adequate drying time between coats.

Finishing Touches

Once the paint is dry, you can add a layer of wax or sealant to protect the finish and enhance its durability. This will also give your bed frame a nice sheen. Reassemble any parts of the bed frame that you had to remove before painting, and then style your bed with luxurious bedding and accessories to complete the look.

Use decorative pillows

When it comes to decorating a large bedroom with a sleigh bed, pillows can be a powerful tool to elevate the space. Here are some tips to help you style your bedroom using decorative pillows:

Mix and Match Pillow Sizes

Combining different-sized pillows can create depth and visual interest. Opt for a mix of large euro shams, standard pillows, and smaller decorative pillows. This variety allows you to play with textures, colours, and patterns, adding a stylish and inviting touch to your sleigh bed.

Arrange Pillows for Function and Aesthetics

Start with larger pillows at the back and layer forward, decreasing in size. This arrangement not only looks inviting but also serves a functional purpose, supporting various activities like sleeping, reading, or lounging in bed.

Express Your Style with Accent Pillows

Accent pillows are where you can truly showcase your style and personality. Choose bold colours, interesting textures, or unique patterns that speak to you. These pillows will add a personal touch to your bed and make it the focal point of your large bedroom.

Don't Forget the Bedding

When working with a sleigh bed, it's important to select bedding that doesn't overwhelm its distinctive curved headboard and footboard. Opt for bedding that hangs just a couple of inches below the rails to showcase the bed's elegant contours. You can also fold a blanket or quilt across the footboard for an elegant finishing touch.

Play with Patterns and Colours

Consider the colour palette and patterns of your pillows to complement the overall aesthetic of your bedroom. You can either choose pillows that blend harmoniously with your room's colour scheme or opt for bolder, vibrant patterns to inject energy and personality into the space.

Decorating a large bedroom with a sleigh bed offers a unique opportunity to blend traditional elegance with modern flair. By incorporating decorative pillows in creative ways, you can elevate the space and make it a stylish and inviting retreat.

Create a cosy ambiance

To create a cosy ambiance in a large bedroom with a sleigh bed, consider the following:

Area Rugs

Place a soft, plush rug under or near the bed to add warmth and texture to the room. This will not only provide a comfortable surface for your feet when you get out of bed but also contribute to the overall inviting atmosphere.

Lighting

Soft, ambient lighting can help set a relaxing tone, perfect for unwinding after a long day. Opt for warm-toned bulbs in bedside lamps or choose classic table lamps with intricate details to match the traditional elegance of the sleigh bed. A statement chandelier or pendant light can also enhance the ambiance, adding a touch of glamour and sophistication.

Wall Decor

Enhance the cosiness of the room with artwork, mirrors, and framed photos that reflect your personal style. Choose pieces that create a sense of warmth and comfort, such as modern art, vintage prints, or serene landscapes.

Bedding

Luxurious bedding is essential for a cosy ambiance. Opt for high-quality linens in elegant colours that complement the wood tones of the sleigh bed. Layer your bed with plush throws and decorative pillows in varying textures to add depth and a sense of indulgence. Fold the top layer at the foot of the bed to expose the sheets below, inviting you to snuggle in.

Colour Palette

Consider a neutral colour scheme for your walls, bedding, and accessories to highlight the natural beauty of the sleigh bed, especially if it is crafted from rich woods like mahogany, cherry, or oak. Soft whites, greys, or beiges can create a calming and cosy atmosphere that allows the sleigh bed to shine.

Frequently asked questions