Choosing the right furniture for your bedroom can feel like an intimidating task. You want to stay within a reasonable budget, but you also don’t want to buy cheap, cookie-cutter styles you'll find at your local big-box furniture store. So how do you create the cozy, calm, inviting space you crave without spending more than you can afford? Here are some simple tips to help you design your bedroom.
Choose Your Decorating Style
One very important starting point is to decide what style you want in your room. There are beautiful pieces of furniture in every style, but if you want your room to have a cohesive look, then you'll want to choose an interior design approach. This isn't as intimidating as it sounds. Take a look at interior design blogs or magazines and note what catches your eye. Are you drawn to a sleek, minimalist, modern look? Or do you crave the cozy comfort of a casual-chic style?
Think about the feel of the room as much as the theme. A bedroom should feel serene, but what that looks like is different for everyone. While some people feel the most relaxed in an airy space with light colors, others want the cozy feeling of being wrapped up in rich tones and textures. Gather some examples of the style and feel that you love, so when you fall in love with a piece of furniture, you'll have an idea if it's the right one for the look you want.
Size of the Room
It's important to match your furniture to the size of the space. Furniture that is oversized for the room will give you a cluttered feeling, while undersized furniture can leave a room feeling cold and empty. To be sure there's enough space around your bed to be comfortable, try to maintain at least 24 inches of free area on each side of the bed. Try to leave about two and a half feet of room in front of a dresser, so you have enough room to maneuver comfortably.
If the spaces around your bedroom furniture seem too wide open, you can buy other pieces to add to the room. Consider a bench at the foot of the bed or bookshelves along the walls.
What Items Do You Need?
This may seem like a simple question, but it's worth it to take a minute to think about. Do you need a full bedroom set, with a bed, dresser, and nightstands, or do you just need a new bed or headboard? If you are replacing old furniture, ask yourself if the setup you have now is serving you. Maybe an extra dresser would provide the storage solution you need to declutter, giving your room a more serene feel. Consider different combinations of pieces, to find the design that meets your unique needs.
Could Other Furniture Add to the Room?
While giving you a relaxing place to sleep is the most important function of a bedroom, you can make it a sanctuary in other ways too. If you have room for a storage ottoman bench at the foot of the bed, you'll find that this simple addition gives you a comfortable place to sit and take off your shoes. Two accent chairs arranged in a seating area, with a table and lamp, provide a welcoming place to sit and read a book.
The bedroom can be a place to relax even when you aren't in bed. Since you're putting the effort into creating a bedroom that nurtures you, consider how else you can enjoy it.
Invest in Quality
Higher quality pieces of bedroom furniture are worth the money for many reasons. Not only will they pay you back by looking nice for years to come, but well-crafted furniture just feels better. The finish is smooth, the weight feels substantial, and the joints hold tight without wobbles or creaks. To truly build yourself a sanctuary, choose pieces of furniture that are sturdy as well as beautiful for your bedroom.
Accessories such as rugs, accent pillows, and blankets are an important way to add to the design of the room too. Not only do they contribute to the style and visual interest, but premium accessories contribute a lush pleasure. Soft textures are naturally relaxing and inviting, so something as simple as a plush rug or throw will give your bedroom an extra dose of comfort.
Color Scheme
Choosing the color scheme for your bedroom goes beyond picking your favorite color (although that's a good place to start). What is the feeling you want in your bedroom? Choose the colors that will give your bedroom the atmosphere you want to relax in every night.
Light shades of your favorite colors will open up a space, while darker, richer tones will make a room feel cozier. Don't be afraid to bring the colors you love into your bedroom but try to keep the overall palette of the room serene. Blues, greens and soft grays are very soothing, which is why they're such popular colors for bedrooms.
Ultimately, your bedroom should be your own personal sanctuary. Everyone's ideal bedroom will meet their needs in a different way. Decide what furniture will best fit your needs and your space and everything else will fall into place. With a little thought and planning, you can design the bedroom of your dreams with our 6 simple tips.