How To Decorate A Bedroom

How To Decorate A Bedroom

How To Decorate A Bedroom Like A Pro! The rooms I find most overlooked in any client’s home are almost always the bedrooms.  People typically choose to focus their attention (and budget) on these rooms last since they are most likely the last rooms that guests will see. It’s certainly logical to focus efforts on the more “public” spaces in the house, but since you do spend 30% of your day in a bedroom, shouldn’t the bedrooms look just as awesome? Here are some simple steps you can take to decorate a bedroom in your home. Like anything else in life, there are 16 million different ways to decorate a bedroom. For every step I list I could add 3 different variations that would help you achieve the same goal. But to simplify, I’ve broken down my basic steps for decorating a bedroom.

This article is assuming there is a set of basic bedroom furniture to work with.  If I were decorating or staging a bedroom, I would plan on a bed (with at least a headboard), 2 nightstands, 1 dresser and 1 accent chair & small table so I’ll plan to use that as an example.

How To Decorate A Bedroom - Step 1: Choose The Bedding

Unlike most rooms, a bedroom has a default focal point. The bed. So first things first. Find bedding you love. Don’t underestimate the effect a beautiful, relaxing bed can have on your overall mood after a long day. Hotels spend thousands of dollars researching the most comfortable sheets, softest mattress and best pillows. Some have even gone so far as to license out these items so they can sell them. I know, because I’ve bought pillows after staying in an amazing hotel bed. 

How To Decorate A Bedroom - Step 2: Add Some Lighting

Creating a mood goes a long way towards loving the room you’re in. One of the best way to do that is by adding strategically placed lighting throughout the room. I’m a big fan of symmetry, so I will always recommend two nightstands on either side of the bed and lighting at those tables. The lighting could come in the form of table lamps or wall mounted sconces.  If you really want to have some fun, replace a ceiling fan or dome light with a chandelier over the bed. If your bedroom has space for additional seating, add another table lamp or a floor lamp next to an accent chair.

How To Decorate A Bedroom - Step 3: Hang Window Treatments

Window treatments provide not only privacy to a room but can also add a dose of much needed drama. Depending on your needs, you might consider blinds or shades for the windows themselves and then add curtains to complete the look.  Use your fabulous new bedding for inspiration when picking out the curtains. Find something that complements, but doesn’t match exactly. What does complement mean? If your bedding has light blue and tan floral pattern and your walls are khaki, maybe consider a light blue curtain. When hanging curtains, mount the brackets 10-12″ outside the window and as close to the ceiling as possible. 

How To Decorate A Bedroom - Step 4: Decorate the Walls

Plan to hang or install at least one mirror in the room. If you have a very decorative or tall headboard (something you’d consider a focal point), consider hanging a decorative mirror over the dresser. If your headboard is the focal point in the room, you may not need additional art over the bed. If the headboard is simple or low profile, a mirror on the wall behind the bed can look nice. On the remaining walls, hang art or a mirror over the dresser(s). I like to vary the sizes of artwork in a room, so I’ll often pick 1 large piece for an empty wall and a series of smaller pieces to fill remaining spaces.

How To Decorate A Bedroom - Step 5: Accessorize the Hard Surfaces

Final step! Add accessories to the nightstands and dresser to pull the room together and achieve a polished look. Put a jar candle on one nightstand with a couple of hardback books underneath it. On the opposite nightstand, add a decorative vase with flowers and a small clock. Always accessorize in groups of 3 or 5 (odd numbers). In this example, the lamp would be #1, the vase #2 and the clock rounds it out at #3. Put another larger floral vase on the dresser, next to a jewelry box and a small picture frame or candle.