The bedroom is one of the most important rooms in the house, even though some owners don’t realise it. This is a place you should call your own, your personal sanctuary where you can relax, read a good book and have a good night’s sleep. Even if you’re the most outgoing and social person, you’ll need a place to zone out once in a while.
When you’re creating your bedroom, you focus mainly on the big things such as the bed, storage, comfortable bed covers and type of carpet. But there are other things that can lighten up the room and make it a cosy place to be. Sometimes the small things make a big difference.
Headboards
A headboard is one of the first things that catches your eye when you enter a bedroom. Sometimes it may be hard to choose the right one when there are so many materials and styles. But if you know what you’re looking for and what the overall design of the bedroom is, it should be a simple decision.
Among the large variety of headboards for bed, there are some that add interest to the room more than others. A fun way to do it is to choose headboards with some texture, or those that are slightly rippled. Fabric-covered buttons will also give a nice accent. Metal nails and ribbons can sometimes complement the bedroom. A bed head’s colour can make a big difference. Black can be a great focal point, but a neutral one will fit in perfectly with the rest of the interior.
Headboards can be functional as well. A lot of people use them to rest their backs while reading a book or watching TV. If you do this a lot, choose one that is tall enough, sturdy, has good cushioning and comfortable material to lean on. If you’re more into rustic, vintage designs, go with wooden ones and use a pillow to support your back.
When it comes to size, the headboard has to match the size of the bed. Proportion is crucial. If you have a large, king-size bed, a tall headboard will look right. If you have a smaller bed, opt for a shorter one so as not to overcrowd the room. Style is also important. If you have a modern bedroom choose a clean, straight-lined headboard to complement it. If you have a cute feminine-styled room, go for curved, subtle shapes that will fit perfectly with the overall design.
Another option to consider if you’re a creative person is a DIY headboard. This way you can express your personality in the best possible way and put an emphasis on your personal style. You can add shelves and storage space as much as you need. One last thing to keep in mind when you buy headboards for bed is to choose materials that are easy to clean and maintain. No one wants a stained or dusty headboard above themselves while they sleep.
Lighting
Before going out and buying random chandeliers and lamps, think about the lighting priorities. The most important thing to remember is comfort and relaxation. Good lighting in a bedroom is layered lighting. This gives you plenty of options for many tasks you might do. Start with the main source, the so-called overhead lighting, and then focus on the smaller options.
You can place accent lighting at your bedside. This can be practical because you won’t have to stand up to turn the light on or off. Some people prefer to skip these light sources and have just the task light and the main source. If the main light is your only source you can go for something more decorative, and if not, choose something subtle that will spread lighting in every direction. If your bedroom is high, choosing a semi-flush mount will be great, but if it’s shorter go for a flush mount.
This will add proportion to the room and make it cohesive. Ceiling fans are not a bad idea as well. Cooling, heating and lighting all in one, now that’s a perfect combination. If you have a bigger bedroom with side tables get some bedside lamps. If you have limited space, sconces above the bed are the perfect solution. One important feature you shouldn’t overlook is the dimmers. They give you control over the lighting options to create an atmosphere you’ll enjoy at every moment by customising it as high and as low as you want.
Wallpaper
If you decide to add wallpaper to your home, especially your bedroom, there are certain rules you should follow in terms of style, colour and pattern. First, think about the mood you want to set. Calm, relaxing colours and patterns are the way to go in the bedroom. Choose smaller scale patterns that will be easier on the eye and won’t stimulate your brain before bedtime. Large prints can look dramatic and overpower the whole space.
If you want to go for a timeless appeal trailing designs will do the trick. Thin vertical lines can extend the room visually which works best in lower ceilings. If you want to go with large prints, experts recommend doing just one wall. This helps accent the wall and makes it look like an art piece. Whatever you choose, go with your style and personal preferences.
Curtains
Curtains can influence your quality of sleep a lot. When the sunlight wakes you up every morning before your alarm clock it can seriously disrupt your circadian rhythm. Curtains should hang 10-15cm above the window frame. This is a rule that you should follow.
Nowadays, there are standard lengths that may not fit your room. But you can always have them custom-made. When it comes to material, cotton may be the best choice. This is a breathable material, easy to maintain and very light. Silk, on the other hand, is on the more luxurious side, will look elegant but it’s harder to maintain. Plus, it’s more expensive. Velvet is a great insulating material. It’ll keep the cold and warmth from coming inside from the windows because of its thickness.
But velvet can accumulate dust very quickly if you don’t maintain and clean it regularly. Polyester is budget-friendly and easy to clean, but it’s odour absorbent and flammable so keep it away from candles and lighters. The curtain rod and fixtures need to be cohesive with the room as well. If you have silk or satin, go for wood or wroth iron fixtures. If you have linen, choose wooden or metal finishes.
