Eight Easy Tips for Bedtime Bliss
I was once told you only need two things – a good pair of shoes and a good bed – because if you’re not in one, you’re in the other. Though somewhat simplistic in this modern world of abundance, this wise man did have a point.
Having a good sleep every night is imperative to both our mental and physical wellbeing, but making sure you get a good night’s kip is down to so much more than just the bed. The bedroom needs to be simple and soft, calming and romantic, yet all the while remaining practical.
Squeezing large, cumbersome bedroom furniture into the smaller rooms of the home, without compromising on usability and style, is no mean feat. So, when you have limited space and bulky furniture, how do you achieve a bedroom that is both practical and elegant? Well Strive for Design have put together eight easy tips to help you achieve bedtime bliss, no matter what your budget.
1 Wall-to-wall class
Simply changing the colour or texture of your walls can give your bedroom a totally different look. Consider a bang on trend Lilac for serenity or create a feeling of calm with a Slate Blue. For smaller rooms, leave the ceiling white or a lighter shade of the wall colour so it doesn’t feel too closed in. Painting the wall behind the bed in a deeper, richer colour like Midnight Blue will give the room a feeling of class, or try using a luxurious, textured, silk wallpaper in a lighter shade, which is sure to give your room the designer’s touch. For more information on this season’s colour trends have a read of our Colour Me Happy blog post.
2 Get arty
Adding a statement piece of artwork on the wall above the bed will create a focal point and give character to the room. To make the artwork pop, hang it on a dark-coloured wall like Midnight Blue and choose a calming and relaxing piece for the perfect bedroom ambience.
3 Add extra padding
A padded headboard is not only a ‘pretty face’ but also offers a comfortable support for when you're sitting up watching TV or reading in bed, so you can spend more time in bed relaxing. Source a padded headed board in a colour or fabric that complements your chosen scheme or go for a plush velvet to evoke elegance and romance. There are many pre-made headboards available to suit all budgets, but if you want something unique, you can easily make one yourself. All you need to do is layer plywood, foam and wadding and then wrap in your chosen fabric and staple at the back, et voila!
4 Fancy furniture
The romance and quality of French-style vintage furniture lends itself perfectly to any bedroom. You can continue the romance with soft, floaty fabrics or add vibrant colours for a modern twist. Although classic French furniture can be costly, you're sure to find some more affordable pieces in charity and second-hand shops, or have a search on the internet for bargain items. If you'd prefer not to splash any cash right now, think about upcycling existing furniture. Use a chalk paint in the same colour as your walls on wooden pieces. This will make the larger furnture blend in more with the room, giving the illusion of more space. Replace knobs and handles with a more eclectic option. A quick search online will present you with a plethora of choices to give your furniture a fresh new look.
5 Spread the love
Transform your bedroom from functional into comfortable by adding scatter cushions and throws. Use cushions of different shapes, sizes and textures to add interest and depth to the scheme. A full-size bedspread with layers of textured blankets and throws neatly laid on top will make your bed look much tidier and cosy, but be sure to stick to one or two patterns/colours that fit in well with the rest of your scheme or it could have the opposite effect. Keep the scheme fresh and practical by swapping out heavier winter fabrics and colours with lighter summer options so you can still layer up in the warmer months without compromising comfort.
6 Rug up
Extend the chosen scheme to the floor by adding small matching rugs next to the sides of the bed, or frame the bed with a large rectangular rug underneath it. This is especially effective on wooden or vinyl floors and also adds a little extra warmth to a room.
7 Mirror, mirror, on the wall
Splash out on some custom-made large mirrors to fit into nooks and crannies that you don’t otherwise use to give the illusion of more space and to reflect natural light around the room. For a more cost-effective option, go for smaller black-framed mirrors and fit them next to each other for a Crittall-style effect, which will complement both a traditional and modern scheme.
8 Let there be light
In reality, the ‘big’ light in our bedroom is rarely used, as we tend to favour the softer lighting of bedside table lamps, but as a predominant part of the room, it should not be ignored. Opt for a feature light such as a chandelier that will complement your scheme and buy based on look as the performance doesn’t really matter here. Add a matching pair of complementary bedside table lamps that will give you the relaxing ambience and light the bedroom requires. If you like to read in bed, search for multi-functional lamps that offer the warm comforting light with the option for a brighter reading light.
Leigh Hall from Strive for Design is an interior designer in Cambridge, so for more help re-inventing your bedroom or to visit our shop and studio for inspiration, please call us on 01638 622 688, send us an email or complete our enquiry form.