How to Design and Decorate a Bedroom
It’s easy to neglect your bedroom, but it’s where you start and end your day, prepare for events, and contemplate life into the wee hours of the morning; so the way it makes you feel is really important.
Get a BIG Bed
Get the largest bed that will reasonably fit in the room. We spend roughly a third of our lives in bed, so the quality of our sleep directly affects our quality of life. This is your sign to get a king! Yes, larger bedding is more expensive, but how often do you buy new bedding VS how often do you sleep!?
COLIN + FINN | This expansive king bed is beautifully styled with pillows by C+F. Tonic Living is a great pillow source for Canadians!
Invest in Quality Bedding
Bedding should be natural and breathable. BANISH those polyester and microfiber sheets and get a set you love in cotton or linen! A thread count of 200-400 is great. You can try an “affordable luxury” online bedding company, or I always have luck at HomeSense, Amazon, and even Walmart. Bedding retailers like The Linen Chest are great too.
Centre the Bed
Whenever room size and layout allow, centre your bed on the wall across from the entry or ensuite door, whichever makes the most sense. There should never be a “bad side” of the bed — both equally accessible and furnished.
ALEXIS ALEXANDRA AUSTIN | This room looks beautiful and comfortable for two people with the large area rug, two of everything, and centred bed.
Bring in Two of Everything
To build on the above: main and guest rooms should have two night tables, two lamps, and outlets on both sides. If there’s only one outlet along the headboard wall, run an extension cord (or two) so both people can use a lamp, charge their phones, etc.
TIP: Check FBMP for affordable night tables and lamps, or try buying night stands in sets of two to keep costs down.
Add an Area Rug
An area rug will help ground and soften your space. This is especially true in bedrooms with hard floors, but even carpeted rooms look great with a rug! It should sit about 2/3 of the way under your bed, with at least 2 ft of rug showing around the sides and the end. This means at least a 7’x10’ rug for a queen bed, and at least an 8’x10’ rug for a king.
Look at what a difference an affordable rug made in this budget bedroom makeover!
Install Proper Lighting
Sometimes you need to SEE, like when packing for a trip or looking for your glasses. But most of the time, you want soft, adjustable lighting to help you get going in the morning and wind down at night.
Depending on the size of your room and the height of your ceilings, try installing a flush mount, semi-flush mount, or chandelier in the middle of your room with bright bulbs (e.g. 60W, 3000K) like these. For the rest of the time, gently light your room with table lamps, wall sconces, and/or floor lamps using softer bulbs (e.g. 40W, 2700K) like these. Better yet, invest in smart bulbs so you always have full control over the colour and brightness of your lights!
STUDIO MCGEE | A fun semi-flush mount ceiling light plus ceramic table lamps provide layered lighting in this island-inspired bedroom.
Create a Focal Point
Install a piece of art or a picture ledge above your headboard to define the room’s focal point. And make sure it’s big enough — your large piece (or grouping) should span 2/3 - 3/4 the width of the bed!
RELATED: All About Artwork: Size, Spacing, Height, Framing, Colours, and More!
STUDIO MCGEE | This large painting helps tie the bedroom together while creating a lovely focal point for the room.
Add a Full-Length Mirror
Install a full-length mirror somewhere in the bedroom, ensuite, or closet so you can see your entire outfit before heading out for the day. Large mirrors also reflect light back into the space, making it feel bigger and brighter. 👌
Install Proper Window Treatments
Every room needs proper shades, drapes, or a combo of both. Not only do they provide privacy and light control; they add interest, height, and dimension.
If custom treatments aren’t in the budget, you may have some luck on Amazon or Select Blinds. Cellular shades from the Home Depot are also a great option — just bring your measurements with you so they can be cut to size right in the store!
As for drapery, Ikea and Two Pages have great affordable options. Grab some curtain rings and pleater hooks to make your inexpensive drapes look beautiful and custom.
MARIE FLANIGAN INTERIORS | Woven roman shades are layered beneath white linen drapery. (Notice how the rod and rings match the bed, the drapes match the walls, and they’re hung near the ceiling to accentuate its height.
Incorporate Sentimental Items
Of all the spaces in your home, your bedroom should feel intentional and personal. Display a few photos and belongings you love! Avoid cluttering your surfaces, but a few sentimental pieces will really make your room feel like home.
Brass & Oak | For this bedroom makeover, the picture ledge and dresser were styled with my client’s belongings which made the space feel beautiful and special to her.
It is absolutely worth putting some time and effort into your bedroom, the place where your day begins and ends; where you sleep, and dream, and recover. I hope these tips give you some ideas for your next bedroom makeover!
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