Decorating your bed is an important part of creating a beautiful bedroom. The bed tends to be the focal point of the room, so it's worth investing time in making it look good. There are several ways to do this, from choosing the right sheets to adding cushions and pillows.
Firstly, consider the sheets. These are no longer an afterthought and should be a key part of your bed design. Avoid plain white sheets and instead opt for colour and pattern. You could even buy two sheet sets and mix and match them.
Next, add pillows. For a double or queen bed, you'll need at least six pillows – two large ones and four standard. For a king-sized bed, add an extra large pillow. Don't be afraid to get creative with your pillow arrangement – try laying them on their backs or horizontally.
Finally, add cushions and a throw. For a uniform look, place one cushion in front of each standard pillow, or go for three across the bed for a more relaxed vibe. Finish with a large throw casually draped over the end of the bed.
What You'll Learn
Choose a colour scheme
Colour is a powerful tool when it comes to decorating your bed. It can be used to create a certain mood, make a small room feel larger, or complement the style of your bed and bedroom.
First, consider the mood you want to create. Do you want your bedroom to feel bright and cheerful, cosy and muted, or dramatic? Then, think about the amount of sunlight your bedroom receives and how your chosen colours will look under both natural daylight and lamplight.
If you want to make a small bedroom feel larger, opt for a white colour scheme. White will also brighten a dark room and serves as the perfect backdrop for a variety of styles. However, be sure to layer different textures and shades of white to bring depth and comfort to the space.
On the other end of the spectrum, dark and moody hues like black can create a cocooning atmosphere and work in rooms of any size and with any amount of natural light. Don't be afraid to use darker colours in smaller bedrooms—they can blur the edges of the room and make the dimensions less obvious.
For a serene and calming vibe, greens and blues are always a good choice. A light sage green paired with white and wood creates a lovely soft colour scheme, while a bold blue mixed with pops of vivid colours adds a vibrant feel.
When it comes to bedding, sheets are no longer an afterthought. Explore different colour palettes and mix and match sheet sets to create a unique look. You can also incorporate patterns, such as a dramatic leopard print sheet paired with a flat quilt cover.
Lastly, don't forget about the power of accessories. Throw pillows and cushions can add a pop of colour and texture to your bed. Play with different sizes, shapes, and arrangements to create a look that suits your style. Whether you prefer a more uniform look or a relaxed, boho vibe, there are endless possibilities to explore.
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Add texture with panelling
Adding texture with panelling is a great way to decorate your bed and create a dramatic effect in your bedroom. Here are some tips to achieve this:
Create a Floor-to-Ceiling Feature Wall
Wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling wood panelling is a stunning way to showcase the natural beauty of the material. It adds texture and interest, becoming an eye-catching feature that anchors the room. Vertical panelling can also create an elongating effect, making a small space feel larger. This is a bold choice that will draw attention to the focal point of the room – your bed.
Half-Wall Panelling for a Contemporary Look
If you're looking for a more subtle approach, consider half-wall panelling. This option gives a nod to classic wainscoting while maintaining a modern feel. It's perfect if you want your colour palette to shine while still adding depth and interest. Half-height wall panels are also ideal for a wooden headboard, creating a cohesive and sophisticated backdrop for your bed and side tables.
Enhance Alcoves or Bay Windows
Wood panels can add texture and symmetry to small spaces, such as bedroom alcoves. If your bed sits between two recesses, installing wood panels will enhance the room's overall symmetry. For a timeless look, opt for wooden peel-and-stick panels in a finish that complements your colour scheme. Oak and walnut woods, for example, pair well with earthy or pastel hues.
Think Outside the Box with Panelling
Don't be afraid to get creative with your panelling placement. Instead of the traditional placement behind the bed, consider putting panels above it to transform a blank space into a unique feature. You can even take it a step further and apply panels to the ceiling for an unconventional, modern look. For a cohesive design, try colour-matching the panelling with your palette or mixing and matching wooden finishes.
With these ideas in mind, you can use panelling to add texture and create a stylish and inviting bedroom.
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Use a mix of lamps and lights
When it comes to lighting your bedroom, it's important to create a mix of ambient, decorative, and task lighting. This layering of lighting is key to achieving the perfect balance of warmth, cosiness, and functionality. Here are some tips to help you decorate your bed using a mix of lamps and lights:
Layer your lighting:
Don't rely solely on your bedroom's overhead light as it can cast unwelcoming shadows. Instead, bring in multiple lamps and lights to create a serene and relaxing glow. Layering different lighting solutions, such as table and floor lamps with wall lights or ceiling lights, will give you flexibility and allow you to adjust the lighting to suit your mood.
Choose the right light fixtures:
Opt for a mix of table lamps, floor lamps, wall-mounted lights, and ceiling lights. Place a table lamp on at least one of your nightstands or hang chic sconces. You can also consider placing another lamp on a dresser or any other surface near your bed. Make sure these smaller light fixtures have soft, white bulbs to create a soothing atmosphere.
Make a statement with lighting:
If space allows, add a statement floor lamp or an oversized lamp to your bedroom. These can be striking and beautiful features that add a sculptural look to your room while providing functional lighting. Just be mindful of the ceiling height—anything too tall could dominate and disrupt the space.
Provide directional lighting:
Ensure you have directional lighting for specific tasks, such as reading. Anglepoise lamps or adjustable wall-mounted lights are great for this purpose. You can also add a task reading light to your bedside table if you find the existing light insufficient.
Create a cosy atmosphere:
To make your bedroom extra cosy, opt for lamps with linen or cream silk shades, which offer more sideways light. This type of lighting is perfect for creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, especially when paired with dimmer switches to avoid harsh lighting.
Consider lighting placement:
Think about the placement of your lights to create a well-lit and functional space. For example, you can hang pendants or ceiling lights vertically from the ceiling if you have limited floor space. Recessed downlights or LED strips inside wardrobes can also provide subtle accent lighting.
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Pick the right bed size
Picking the right bed size is crucial when decorating your bedroom. The bed is typically the dominant feature of the room and the focal point of your design. Here are some tips to help you choose the right bed size:
- Measure your bedroom: Before purchasing a bed, it's important to measure your bedroom space. This will help you determine the maximum bed size that can comfortably fit in the room while still allowing for other furniture and adequate walking space.
- Consider the room's layout: Think about the placement of the bed in the room. You'll want to ensure you have space for bedside tables on both sides of the bed, as well as room to move around it freely.
- Choose a size that suits your needs: Consider how you use your bed. If you share the bed with a partner, you may want to opt for a larger size like a queen or king to ensure comfortable sleeping space for two. If you're single or have a smaller bedroom, a full or double bed might be more suitable.
- Don't forget the headboard: If you plan on having a headboard, make sure to account for its size when selecting your bed. An upholstered headboard can add colour and texture to the room but also takes up additional space.
- Think about storage: If storage is a priority, consider a bed frame with built-in storage options, such as drawers or a lift-up base. This can help maximise your space and keep your bedroom organised.
- Create a balanced layout: Aim for symmetry and balance in your bedroom layout. A large bed in a small room can make the space feel cramped, while a small bed in a large room may look disproportionate. Choose a bed size that complements the proportions of the room.
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Add functional furniture
Adding functional furniture to your bedroom is key to making the space work for you. It's important to consider how you plan to use the space and buy furniture accordingly. For example, if you work from home, you may want to set up a small desk area with a task lamp and computer monitor. Similarly, if you enjoy reading, create a cosy reading nook with a comfy chair and a rug.
To make the space feel balanced, avoid placing all your large furniture along one wall. Instead, try to distribute the pieces evenly throughout the room. For instance, you could put your dressing table under a window to make use of the natural light, and then offset this by placing your wardrobe on the opposite wall.
When it comes to choosing furniture, opt for pieces that bring the space to life and make it feel like your own. These could be unique items with an interesting story or ones that reflect your personality and tastes. If you're short on space, look for multi-functional pieces that can serve multiple purposes. For instance, choose a nightstand with drawers to store books, chargers, and other essentials, or use bed skirts or valances to hide clutter under your bed.
Lastly, don't forget the importance of lighting. In addition to a main light source, include ambient lighting such as bedside lamps or a floor lamp to create a cosy atmosphere. You can also add indirect and task lighting, such as reading lights, to ensure the space is well-lit and functional.
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Frequently asked questions
You should have a minimum of six pillows for a double or queen bed. Two European pillows should go against the headboard, and four standard pillows should go in front of them. For a king-sized bed, you'll need three European pillows.
Take your duvet and fold it way down the bed. The top half of your bed should be on show, and the bottom half should be covered. You can either fold the duvet under itself or roll it forward.
Sheets are no longer an afterthought. Avoid white and start exploring other colour palettes. You should buy two sheet sets and mix and match them on your bed. Think about patterns, such as leopard print.
Consider laying pillows on their back on one side of the bed. This is called the 'horizontal stack' and it brings interest and variance to your bed styling.
Your cushions must have feather inserts. This is the only way to achieve the plump, karate-chopped cushion look. Aim for at least 50cm cushions on display in front of your pillows.