While the bedroom is in most cases tucked away out of sight, it is without a doubt the room where most of us tend to spend the most time. And not just any time, the most important time when we lie down, forget all our troubles, and recharge for the next day. This said the bedroom needs to be well decorated, bright, and cheerful. It ought to be a beautiful, calm, tranquil, and organized space. It should be ideal for resting, reading, or even recuperating when all our hard work gets too much for us to handle.
This is the last place you spend time in just before you go to sleep and the first room you spend time in as soon as you wake up in the morning and so it plays a huge part in setting the mood for the rest of your day; so don’t feel guilty if you need to splurge a little. Before I share some amazing bedroom makeover and decoration ideas on how you can transform your bedroom into the serene space it should be, I want you to think back to that night you stayed at that luxurious 5-star hotel.
Remember how well you slept and how rested you were feeling the following morning? What was it about that lavish hotel room? Was it the lights? Was it the organized and orderly décor? Or was it the fresh-smelling sheets? Or was it all of the above? Well, it might be a combination of all of the above. If you feel like it’s time your bedroom got a face-lift but you are a little hesitant to delve into the daunting process of transforming it into a small haven, don’t fret; this article will equip you with some great tips, from color choice ideas to furniture orientation. Plus some dos and don’ts you can follow to transform your bedroom, whether big or small, into a small haven
1. Simplicity is key!
You can never go wrong when you keep it simple, especially in your bedroom. Having too much stuff such as stacks of old books, unutilized furniture, and childhood memorabilia in your bedroom can be pretty unmanageable and it can bring on stressful vibes. To create a calm and relaxing ambiance in your bedroom, you need to only keep the essentials. This is a great way to ensure that your eyes and bodies only focus on sleeping and recharging which is the main purpose of your bedroom. So whether your bedroom is spacious or more on the cozy side, just be sure to keep it simple.
2. Always Keep It Organized
For your bedroom to feel like a haven, it has got to be a peaceful space. Having a clutter-filled room is not the way to achieve this. Maintain a clean and organized bedroom, free of clutter. When you have books everywhere and clothes strewn all around your room is a constant reminder of things that you still gotta do and only keeps your mind racing. So, ensure that your wardrobes and closets are always organized and under control. If you have the habit of leaving clothes all over the floor or on the chair, a pretty little hamper could be just what you need to combat this problem. Gorgeous woven baskets that you’ll love to leave displayed out in the open could also do the trick. Ensure your hamper or basket has a lid to keep the dirty clothes out of sight and out of mind.
You can use an extra basket to store spare pillows, throw blankets or books and magazines.
Also be sure to avoid having any manner of clutter, especially work-related under the bed as this can interfere with your sleep. This means doing away with all unnecessary objects, especially things that bring back bad times gone by. This means that even that comforter you love so much that your former boyfriend bought you and the heirloom furniture that you and your relatives have fought over for years, has to go.
If you have too much stuff you are wanting to hang on to, consider getting an ottoman bed or an ottoman bench to eliminate the excess clutter.
You can also install hooks on your wardrobe or cupboard door, to store umbrellas, purses, coat, etc.
3. Don’t forget the Feng Shui
According to traditional Feng Shui, your bed should ideally face the door leading to the room. This gives you a proper view of the entrance, and it innately makes you feel safer and more on top of things while you sleep. A Feng Shui belief encourages tethering the headboard on to a solid wall. This further enhances your sense of security, while reducing drafts and noise. If possible, also avoid setting your bed up beneath a window wall to prevent letting in cold drafts that can make you sick and mess with your sleep.
And because your bedroom is supposed to be a serene space where you can tune out everything stressful in your life, it is also important to avoid having work-related, stress-inducing materials and things like exercise equipment and TVs in your bedroom. If you don’t have enough room in your house and have to have some of these items in your bedroom, consider using a folding divider to separate your work area or TV stand from your sleeping space.
Pick the decorations and art you hang in your bedroom with care and as close as you may be to your kids and family, avoid displaying their portraits and pictures in your bedroom, and let all the focus in the bedroom be on yourself and your better half.
4. Always Anchor your bed
Typically, you should situate your bed along a wall. However, sometimes you might want to leave it floating in the middle of the room especially if you have a more open bedroom space. This would be the wrong move. Use a structural component or build a partial-height or full-height wall to hold your bed in position. This will serve to provide a sense of stability and security.
5. Pick calm Colors
Choosing the right color is pretty important in every room in the house, but more so when you are looking to create a relaxing feel in the bedroom. This could be the color of your walls, floors, bed linen, or even furniture. You should also consider picking one color as this gives your bedroom that cozy feeling we all yearn. Colors with light shades are known to reflect light, making them ideal for smaller, darker rooms. Dark shades, on the other hand, absorb light and are hence best suited for bigger, brighter rooms.
Also, various studies have proven that some colors such as blue, beige, and creamy white have a calming effect and tend to slow your heart rate and lower blood pressure hence you have more sleep as opposed to colors like purple which tend to arouse your brain and impede your sleep by as many as 2 hours.
So whether it’s on your bedroom walls, floors, or even the ceiling, always be sure to pick shades that either increase or decrease the size of your bedroom. So as tempting as those bright purple or red sheets might seem, swap them for delicate shades of white, blue or beige. Plain white colors can appear too harsh so use off whites instead.
Also, make sure you stick to one light color especially if you have a small bedroom to make it feel less cramped.
6. Bring in the sunshine
During the day, make sure that you let in as much natural sunlight into the bedroom as possible, after all, it is free! To effectively do this, draw the curtains, keep the windows open and remove any clutter from around them. This provides a nice warm atmosphere all over the house while at the same time increasing the perceived size of your bedroom, and will also save you some bucks when it comes to paying for heating.
And even when it’s not so warm outside, make sure you open the windows for 10-15 minutes daily to let out the stale air.
7. Do choose your Lighting with care
If you are keen on making a little haven in your bedroom, you cannot afford to neglect your lighting choice. The wrong lighting can ruin all your decorating efforts. Avoid bright or fluorescent overhead lights and if you can please avoid having just one overhead light. Try instead to go for bedside table lamps or even floor lamps with dimmers. Having different sources of light with different brightness helps create the perfect ambiance in your bedroom hence enabling your bedroom to serve multiple functions. For example, if you want to do a little reading before hitting the hay or have some work to finish in your home office, all you have to do is adjust the lighting.
Also, incorporate multiple different fixtures all around your bedroom, and as unusual as it may sound, go for a bedroom chandelier!
When choosing your lighting fixtures, ensure that you pick items that are in proportion to your bedroom. Here are some tips to guide you;
Chandeliers -Measure the length of your room, as well as the width in feet, then put the 2 numbers together. The result you get is the most suitable diameter for your light fixture. For example, if you have a 12×12 room, you need a 24″ diameter chandelier.
Sconces – Sit upright on your bed and ensure that the bottom of the shade is around chin level when you are in a sitting position. This will protect your eyes from severe light.
Also, remember to keep electronics out of the bedroom. This is because the blue LED lights can be distracting to your sleep.
8. Dress your walls and the ceiling
When it comes to decorating your walls, you’ll find that you will be spoilt for choice.
You can always give your walls an accent by incorporating a bold-colored backdrop. Extend paint from the walls up onto the ceiling to give your room extra cozy.
Or you can make use of statement wallpaper to transform the walls of your bedroom. Pick neutral colors if you are going for more long-term wallpaper such as hand-painted wallpaper as this will give you lots of flexibility so you can always swap the other colors in the room with ease whenever you want or install removable wallpaper if you are looking for a short-term commitment.
Try to create a one of a kind focal point for your bedroom by using unique pieces such as a vintage map to decorate your walls. You can easily find some distinctive pieces in thrift stores and they are very cheap!
You can also hang big pieces of art to transform your bedroom walls. Now we all know that big pieces of art can be quite pricey so if you can’t afford them, follow the rule of threes: take three picture frames of the same size, containing some simple artwork and hang them above your bed, side by side.
And last but not least, you can order a scenic mural for your walls. And I know this sounds expensive but it doesn’t have to be: you can now pick your style of choice from a wide variety of peel-and-stick landscapes and patterns.
Metal hanging frames are great for displaying photos in the bedroom as it makes it easy to swap in new photos, mementos, and artwork when you’re ready for a new look in your bedroom. And once again, according to Feng Shui, keep photos of your kids and/or family members out of the bedroom.
9. Beautify your bed
Start by adding a colorful headboard to your bed to make it feel intemperate and noteworthy. Headboards are so great because they come in various shapes, styles, and prices, to suit your likes and budget. And if you the type of person who easily becomes tired of things and so you are afraid of being stuck with a headboard you don’t like anymore after a few months, don’t fret; you can make a creative headboard out of curtains or colorful wall-hangings. This will give you room to refurbish your room to suit different moods and seasons.
If you desire a more rustic feel, try repurposing old doors such as barn doors to make a one of a kind headboard.
You can even create a simple bed frame by simply marking a rectangle on the wall using a painter’s tape and a level and applying two coats of paint, and then peeling the tape away. And if you are feeling playful, don’t shy away from hanging a colorful crafty pom-pom garland. Remember it is your bedroom and you should be able to decorate it however you like.
Also, don’t be too quick to make your bed. I know an unmade bed may give your bedroom a disorganized look, don’t make it as soon as you wake up. Let your bedding air out for at least an hour to get rid of potential dust mites and excess moisture.
But make your bed, on a daily basis.
10. Do Choose your mattress carefully
One area you can’t afford to be frugal on is when buying your mattress. Go for one that looks great in your room, gives your back proper support, and keeps you cool. Some of the aspects you ought to pay special attention to when choosing the perfect mattress and foundation height include; your bed frame and headboard, as well as the height of your window sills and night tables.
Remember that using an old, saggy mattress leads to poor sleeping posture and can greatly impede the quality of your sleep as well as your overall health and wellbeing by causing backaches and pain from strained muscles.
According to experts, you ought to consider replacing your mattress after 10 years at most.
11. Do not forget about your pillow
Pillows keep your head properly propped and provide much-needed comfort and support to your head during sleep. Unfortunately, most of us tend to ignore our pillow, even after we’ve been using them for years. After all, throwing a clean pillowcase over it seems to automatically improve their appearance. This is a grave mistake because pillows collect allergens such as mold, dead skin cells, and dust mites. This said, consider changing your pillow, ideally every 18 months. When choosing your pillow, ensure you go for one that has soft stuffing, is firm and supportive, and prevents your chin from pointing towards your chest or the ceiling.
You can also consider getting a reversible sequin pillow: it not only adds some sparkle to your bed but also provides a soothing tactile exercise.
Add some throw pillows to further doll up your bed. This is an inexpensive and low-commitment way to try out different styles and materials. And you can save some bucks by keeping the same inserts and buying new pillow covers to exchange whenever you want a different look.
12. Lavish yourself with some new Bed linen
The bedding you choose makes a lot of difference. So if you have been using the same bed linen since college, it’s time to indulge in a new set of luxurious, high-quality bed linen to spruce up the room. Going for a soft print in earthy colors is a great way to make your bed a true focal point. And while you are at it, get at least two sets of comfy PJs as well; a silky cool set for the warm nights and a furry warm set to get you through the chilly nights.
When buying the linen, make sure that the sheets, as well as the duvet or duvet cover, fit your bed properly. Also, ensure you pick colors and patterns that have a calming effect and ideal for relaxing. And for a more inviting bedroom, try layering accessories such as throw blankets and delightfully colored throw pillows. This will instantly upgrade your sleeping space with a glamorous look and it will keep you cozy during those chilly nights.
And last but definitely not least, be sure to keep your sheets clean and fresh, always!
And if you are struggling with linen inception, try storing your folded linen, duvet cover, and extra pillowcases inside the other matching pillowcase. This will help your storage area look more organized and you will be able to find your linens with ease whenever you need them. If you don’t have a lot of wardrobe space for your linens, maybe you should get rid of the old set when you get a new one.
13. Spruce up your floors
The luster on most flooring tends to deteriorate with time. This can give a depressing look to your bedroom space. Painting them can help restore the lost luster. If you have white walls, try painting your planks bright blue.
Having a soft carpet for your bedroom floor is another fantastic way to spruce up the overall look of your space. They also prevent cold air from sipping in through the floorboards, thus helping your bedroom remain warm during those cold months. The first mistake most of us make when buying a bedside rug is buying one that is too small. Here’s a guide to help you choose the best-sized rug for your bed size.
Get a 6′ x 9′ rug if you have a full bed and an 8′ x 10′ rug for a Queen size bed. If you have a King size bed, a 9′ x 12′ rug works best.
14. Do Buy the Correct Sized Nightstand
This might seem like a trivial thing but whatever you do, please do consider the size of your bed when buying your nightstand. For most bed sizes, a 24″-27″ nightstand will do. However, if you have a twin, you have some leeway to go smaller and if you have a king-size bed, feel free to get a larger nightstand. Make certain that the height of the nightstand is within 5″ of the mattress (higher or lower) so that you don’t have to do so much bending just to grab something from your nightstand when you’re in bed.
On top of purchasing the right-sized nightstand, consider how much storage space you need for all the little things you like having around you while you sleep such as books, journals, hand lotion, a bedside lamp, a mask, a soothing scented candle, etc. Be careful not to turn your nightstand/bedside table into a dumping ground for unnecessary stuff. Do a little spring clean to declutter your nightstand, every now and then.
A great way you can spruce up your bedside table is by swapping out the old knobs and incorporating a couple of elegant pulls.
15. Swap out your nightstand for sconces or floating shelves
A lot of modern rental houses are often smaller than we’d like them to be. In case you don’t have a lot of room in your bedroom for nightstands and table lamps, then get some wall sconces. They will save you a lot of space. And even if you have ample room for the nightstands and table lamps, scones will help you free up more space on the bedside table for more of your necessities such as your favorite books, drinks, etc.
When purchasing a sconce, be sure to look one that has extendable arms (long enough to clear headboard hindrances) or one with a rotating neck. This will help you steer the sconce into the right position. Also if you can, pick for fabric shades over metal ones as they tend to spread out light in a more even fashion.
You can also swap out your nightstand for a couple of floating shelves. They make great bedside tables and are big space-savers.
16. Create some room for a Bed Bench
Having a bench at the end of a bed is not only stylish and functional, but they are also perfect for keeping your knees safe from bruises caused by sharp bed frame edges because you have to walk around the end of the bed as opposes to brushing by it.
As you purchase your bench, be sure to keep scale in mind and get a bench proportional to your bed size.
The scale is also important when getting a bench. An ideal one should be about 3/4s the length of your bed.
17. Move your furniture around every now and then
Playing around with the arrangement of your bedroom furniture is an easy and effortless way to change the overall look of your room. So experiment with the room’s focal point or move your bed to a different spot in the room to give your bedroom a brand new look and feel. Just remember to choose an optimum position for your bed in accordance with Feng Shui that is against the wall diagonally across from the door. Don’t position the bed directly opposite the door and not under a window.
18. Do make a statement with your curtains
Windows not only serve to block light and provide much-needed privacy, but they are also pretty vital in creating the right ambiance in your bedroom. Think of your bedroom windows like the eyes to your bedroom soul. We can’t neglect the eyes, now can we? No, we can’t. The way you dress your windows can be just what your bedroom needs for the perfect, homey feeling we are looking for. That is why you should dress your windows to impress! How you may ask? By splurging on a layer of sheer curtains that go from window to floor combined with a blackout layer for maximum room darkening.
Try roller or roman curtains that are custom-sized for your windows, and then include a sheer curtain on top to filter extra light and for privacy and softness. If you think this sounds a little on the pricey side, relax. After all, you don’t change curtains every day and a good quality set can serve you for a couple of years at least, till you are ready for your next bedroom makeover.
Be sure to pick curtains at least twice as wide as the width of the windows and whatever you do, completely avoid mini blinds and heavy curtains or big saggy droops that tend to collect dust.
And while curtains are great, why not try ditching them in the summer and position your bed directly beneath your windows, especially if they are big, to let enjoy the natural light and warmth as you wake up in the morning.
19. Do Consider Symmetry
While having matching furniture in your bedroom is not a must, and a lot of people might find it dull and unimaginative, it does help make decorating a little easier. And this doesn’t just apply to your furniture; consider symmetry when choosing other bedroom decorations such as wall hangings if you can. This will not only eradicate additional design decisions but will also have a complementary effect on your bedroom.
20. Do Bring in the Mirrors
Mirrors have a magical effect on your room. They give your room a unique look while creating the illusion of extra light and space. Mirrors come in all shapes and sizes and eliminate dark corners by bouncing light around a room without a window or one with a small one. They are also pretty affordable and you can hang them or simply brace one up against the wall.
21. Do Splurge on some scented candles to Refresh your room
Refreshing your bedroom helps in preventing your bedroom from drying out. Actually, according to some studies, aromatherapy is one of the most effective ways to manage and relieve stress. These findings are based on the theory that holds that some explicit scents can have calming effects on the emotional center of the brain. Some fragrances you can consider include lavender, jasmine, and vanilla. These not only have relaxing effects but also improve your sleep quality.
Remember to refresh not only your room but your bed linens too, for a more relaxing environment. Just pick your favorite scent and enjoy some of that aromatherapy, in your own bedroom! There is a wide variety of air fresheners and sprays that you could consider, which come at very affordable prices. And if you are allergic to certain scents, don’t fret: there are some pretty stylish essential oil diffusers that you can try out. I personally love the stylish wood grain ones!
And if you are looking to give your sheets and other bed linens a quick freshening up, just spritz some lavender linen and room spray to enjoy a great, relaxing fragrance. And if you have insomnia, the scents are just what you need to easily go back to slumberland in case you wake up in the middle of the night. Other sleep-inducing scents include chamomile, jasmine, rose, sandalwood, and bergamot.
22. Bring The outside inside
According to research findings and various wellness experts, incorporating some greenery into your bedroom can do wonders for your mood as well as your health. They also have a great transformative effect on the overall look of your room. Having potted plants in your special space can help reduce anxiety and blood pressure, and increase your general satisfaction while giving the bedroom some fresh focal points. Some plants are said to have many benefits that can help you sleep. For instance, snake plants, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, produce oxygen at nighttime. So, go on and bring in some fresh greenery you’re your bedroom and enjoy their vast benefits.
23. Get an arrangement of your favorite flowers
Flower arrangements are a delightful thing to look at first thing in the morning and they freshen up your room immediately. You can place your vase filled with flowers on your vanity, nightstand, or windowsill. If you can’t readily access fresh flowers whenever you need them, try using a floral painting or pillow.
24. Add some spring accents
Breathe some life into your bedroom and give it a spring feeling by adding some floral touches and imagery of nature. You can also add little objects you collect during nature walks in places such as the beach and if you are a water lover, you can hang a watercolor painting on your wall. Just be sure to pick your accessories with care so that the look you achieve is not too quaint.
25. Incorporate different textures
Looking at four painted cold hard walls before going to sleep can be depressing. Try incorporating different textures to create a warm, soothing atmosphere in your bedroom. This is also a great way to indulge both your eyes as well as your sense of touch. You can try covering your walls with grasscloth, or add exposed brick, fabric lampshades, wooden beams, wood molding, or even natural woven window shades, fabric lampshades, and coarse textiles to enhance rich tactile qualities and add warmth to your bedroom.
26. Avoid Stuffing your bedroom with Large Furniture
You may be tempted to stuff all your excess furniture in your bedroom but trust me, having too much large furniture in there is not the way to create a peaceful bedroom. All the excess furniture does is add to the clutter. Reduce walkway room for you to move around . It also takes attention away from the appealing features of your bedroom. Carefully consider what you need in your room and just have that. Toss the rest out, or put it in storage or better yet, donate it to goodwill, for some good karma!
27. Have a designated work area
While a lot of designers discourage the idea of working in your bedroom that is not always possible. If you have to work from your bedroom, create a specific work area, ideally as far from your bed as possible so that you don’t feel torn between finishing up paperwork and jumping into bed.
28. Buy some noise-canceling headphones
For your bedroom to be a safe haven, it needs to be a calm and quiet place. Now I know we would all love to soundproof our bedrooms to keep out the noise especially on those Sunday mornings when all you want to do is sleep in or read your favorite book and relax but soundproofing a room can be quite complex, not to mention expensive. The next best thing is to get noise-canceling headphones so you can enjoy your space.
29. Don’t leave your wires out
Cables and wires lying all over your bedroom floor is an unseemly sight, not to mention a hazard as you can trip on them. Get some cord clips and attach all the cables and wires behind your bedroom furniture. You can also conceal power extensions and plugs in a shoebox. You can decorate it to give it a more personal touch.
30. Do let the Beautiful shine!
If you are looking to simply update your bedroom as opposed to giving it a total makeover, you need to find the great features your bedroom already has, and then highlight them. Maybe your bedroom has beautiful floors or large appealing windows or fantastic ceiling height. Turn the spotlight on to your bedroom’s best feature(s). For example, if your bedroom has large high windows, accentuate this fabulous feature by adding steps and seats underneath the windows. It helps create one-of-a-kind platforms with a view instead of elevating the floors.
Conclusion
Transforming your bedroom can greatly impact the quality of your life. Always remember that your bedroom should be the calmest and most peaceful space in your home. Don’t leave any room for stress.
To create a calm and safe environment, avoid leaving any doors in the house ajar when you go to sleep. This goes for your ensuite and closet doors too.
A few simple changes will often do the trick and, you don’t have to sacrifice your personal style to turn your bedroom into a haven. What’s more, you don’t need to break the bank to do it!
