10 Tips For Designing Your Bedroom

Do you dream of a new bedroom design but don’t know where to start? Here are 10 tips which should help set you on the right path to creating the bedroom of your dreams.

1. Do some research to figure out your style.

Before making any bedroom design decisions, jump onto free websites like Pinterest, Instagram and Houzz to figure out what bedroom styles you are drawn to. Crucially it also helps you to rule out styles that you don’t like which can lead to avoiding costly mistakes.

Traditional Neutral Master Bedroom — *Image Credit: Neonbrand*

2. Choose subtle colours, unless you don’t...

Bedrooms should be a calming environment and choosing delicate and pale colours are the best options to help you achieve that. Think soft whites and creams for starters. If you really love a particular colour such as purple, then go with a light lavender shade. You could also introduce pops of your favourite colour such as pale pink cushions and throws, or greenery through some bedroom-friendly houseplants like the Sansevieria plant.

Of course, if you really want to paint your bedroom black, just go for it. You can always soften it with a light coloured floor, white ceiling, pale bed linen etc., and at the end of the day it’s only paint! Check out a navy bedroom here and see how we softened it.

White Luxurious Bedroom — *Image Credit:* *www.stylemepretty.com*

3. Give yourself some space.

Make sure you don’t clutter your bedroom with unnecessary items, and that you can move easily around the room. According to interior design principles, ideally you should have a minimum of 75cm of space between furniture to freely move around. Make sure wardrobe doors and drawers can open fully. If your bedroom is small, then think about clever storage ideas such as drawers under the bed or overhead storage.

Navy and Orange Bedroom — *Image Credit: Chastity Cortijo*

4. Stare at the ceiling.

Did you know that the ceiling is known as the ‘fifth wall’? Feel free to experiment with it - after all you’re looking at it when you lie down. Don’t be afraid to put a pretty wallpaper on the ceiling, or even some panelling. It brings a whole new dimension to your bedroom design and will catch the eye of any budding interior designer.

Bedroom Ceiling Panel — *Image Credit:* *www.lifeonvirginiastreet.com*

5. Measure your furniture.

Before you go off buying a new dressing table, a tall patterned headboard or gorgeous bedside lockers, measure your space. There’s nothing worse (there is, but that’s for another day) than buying a piece of furniture, having it delivered and realising it’s too big and bulky for your room. Check the measurements of the item with the store (it’s usually on their website), and measure it out at home before you take the plunge.

Neutral Bedroom with Wood Chest of Drawers — *Image Credit:* *www.shegaveitago.com*

6. Storage is your friend.

Choose roomy bedside lockers if you can (remember tip no.3 on space), have drawers or storage boxes under the bed, place an ottoman at the end of the bed, or make use of clever headboards with built-in shelves. You will always get more storage space from built-in wardrobes rather than free standing furniture as joiners or good carpenters will be able to make use of awkward nooks and crannies.

Hanging Rail — *Image Credit: James Hollingworth*

7. Get the lighting right.

Don’t just rely on beside lamps on their own or a ceiling light on its own. Think about your various lighting needs and plan based on the three main lighting categories - general lighting such as recessed spotlights or a pendant or chandelier ceiling light, task lighting such as bedside lamps for reading or a mirror light at a dressing table and ambient lighting such as LED strips over the top of the wardrobe or under shelving.

Pink and White Bedroom — *Image Credit: Sidekix Media*

8. Add soft touches.

Typically your bed is the focal point of the room and looks soft and cosy. However, it’s very easy for the rest of the room to be left feeling overly hard by comparison. Add soft touches such as a rug, cushions and throws, and dress your windows with a soft Roman blind or luxurious curtains.

Navy and White Modern Bedroom — *Image Credit: Spacejoy*

9. Treat yourself to luxury bed linen.

If you can afford it, choose luxury bed linen with high thread counts, or 100% cotton for example. You spend over third of your life in bed, so you deserve to curl up into a soft, cosy sanctuary at night. Irish brand White & Green have a gorgeous collection of super soft organic bed linen and frequently offer discounts.

Luxury Bed Linen Ireland — *Image Credit: Rhema Kallianpur*

10. Consider a nook.

If you have the space, consider creating a small area within your bedroom which can give you a private, relaxing space to read a book or just take time out. A window seat, a swivel armchair or a cosy seat and footstool will do just the job.

Bedroom Swivel Chair or Nook — *Image Credit: Hutomo Abrianto*