Smart ideas for bedrooms
Is your sleeping space in need of a re-think? These simple ideas will have a big impact.
More than any other space in the home, your bedroom is the one place where you want to feel completely relaxed, comfortable and rested. Whether you're after quick tricks that you can pull off in an afternoon, or are in need of ideas and inspiration for a complete bedroom revamp, we've come up with a host of bright ideas that we think will inspire you.
Light it up Swap table lamps for hanging pendants to free up valuable bedside space. Opt for fabric shades to minimize glare and choose a lively accent colour that ties in with your bedding.
Mustard lampshades, £12 each, By Sainsbury's range; All over Geometric double bed linen set, £20 all Sainsbury's.
Make pattern a feature Break away from safe neutrals and upholster the bed in a bright, playful fabric that will make it the star attraction. For added impact, paint the wall behind in a bold co-ordinating shade.
Sophie bed upholstered in Design Lab Occipinti Wisteria White and Purple, £1,045, Sofa.com.
Home from Home For polished, boutique-hotel chic, key elements are a statement headboard, glam wallpaper, simple white bed linen and pillows arranged in perfect symmetry.
Heritage President Supreme bed set with Victoria headboard upholstered in Tweed White, £3,927, Hypnos.
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Try a tonal scheme Create a calming, restful look with an all-grey colour palette. Use varying tones, from charcoal to dove grey, and introduce textured weaves on the headboard and a rug to add depth and interest.
James Harrison King-size bed, £1,299, West Elm.
Put up a panel Replacing an old headboard is one of the easiest ways to give a bedroom a new look. Try a row of decorative fretwork panels painted inky black in place of a regular headboard- it'll make a dramatic backdrop for the bed and showcase luxe bed linen beautifully.
Miramar double duvet cover in silver, £105;
Oxford pillowcases, £20 each; Periwinkle cushion, £50; Periwinkle knitted throw, £150; all 1951 range, Bedeck.
Swap linen seasonally The easiest- and most inexpensive- way to ring the changes in a bedroom scheme is to decorate with bed linen. All you need is a plain, neutral backdrop and you can indulge yourself with flamboyant patterns in seasonal colours that give your room an upbeat feel
Tranquil Rose double duvet cover, £99;
pillowcases, £35 for two; all Christy.
Work the walls Take your cue from the Shakers and use peg rails for extra hanging space. Run lengths of pegs wall-to-wall and use them to hang everything from clothes and bedding to pictures. Paint in a pale shade to blend with walls and keep the look uncluttered.
Kubis racks with seven hooks, £9; Nyponos quilt cover and four pillowcases, £30; Vardo bed storage boxes, £25 each; all Ikea.
Explore the dark side Don't shy away from using a dark wall colour in a bedroom; it can instantly make a space feel more intimate and cosy. Dark walls are also great for showing off a display of favourite objects - try a deep shade of blue as a backdrop to vintage lighting, antique prints and bric-a-brac.
Connie pendant light in glass and brass,
£100; Stanley wall light in Petrol Blue, £45; both Pooky.
With fewer practical constraints that other areas of the house, once you've covered the basics - ie, great clothes storage and a comfortable bed to sleep in - deciding on the décor is the fun part. Will you be adopting any of these smart bedroom design ideas?
Tamara was Ideal Home's Digital Editor before joining the Woman & Home team in 2022. She has spent the last 15 years working with the style teams at Country Homes & Interiors and Ideal Home, both now at Future PLC. It’s with these award wining interiors teams that she's honed her skills and passion for shopping, styling and writing. Tamara is always ahead of the curve when it comes to interiors trends – and is great at seeking out designer dupes on the high street.
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