How to style your bedroom sanctuary

The foundation of a well-functioning bedroom is the layout of your space. Either working with the existing proportions – size, scale, and accessibility – or addressing issues through larger, structural changes.

Functionality is key. There may only be one way to position furniture but, if possible, ensure the bed is positioned for the best flow and unless you are forced to, a double bed pressed against the wall will make a room feel smaller. The space on either side of the bed is not only functional, it also creates emphasis for the bed, and by choosing the right sized furniture pieces you can avoid shimmying down the wall to hop in at night.

If you are working with a small room, or an older house without built in wardrobes, the vertical space can be beneficial for shelving. Consider beds with space beneath the mattress for baskets or trundle boxes to keep infrequently used items such as winter weight bedding out of the way and reduce visual clutter.

A rug can help to ground the room and anchor the space, particularly in conjunction with hard floors. If possible, frame the bed by extending rugs at least 30cm under the bed on all sides and incorporate patterned and textured rugs to provide contrast, interest, and a sense of depth and warmth.

Installing plush new carpet can elevate the cosiness of the room; choose the thickest underlay possible for a super-spongey feeling underfoot.

The bedhead can act as the feature element and personalise your space, amplifying your theme or adding much needed softness. There are so many designs and finishes available from industrial metals to antique wood, cane, modern timbers, and of course upholstered options which can minimise or maximise space.

Plush textures such as velvet and boucle can add richness, while linen or a natural weave feel minimalist and organic, and prints and jacquards in bold colour bring drama and encourage you to be brave. By using a slipcover bedhead allows you to update your palette to match the season, new bedding, or just a change in style.

Learn more about bedheads in our previous article.

Natural fibres are optimum for bedding. Duvet inners comprised of wool, feather, silk, or bamboo are best as they are natural insulators and temperature regulators. When it comes to sheets, 100% percent cotton, linen, or bamboo sheeting will provide that luxury feel and breathe against your skin.

Layer it up with sumptuous textiles that exude comfort by adding a variety of opulent and tactile throws or quilts – sheets provide an opportunity for a pop of colour without dominating the space so have fun here. Alternatively, if you are more of a minimalist, pick a simple bed cover that reaches (or nearly reaches) the floor. Covering the whole bed in a soft, natural linen creates a clean look and gives volume.

Learn more about bedding in our previous article.

Bedside tables enable you to personalise your room and ideally, they should align to the top of your mattress. You can think outside the box and mix and match styles, utilise a beautiful timber chair or stool, or even a stack of books. Bedsides with storage are great for hiding away essentials such as chargers, hand cream, and jewellery.

Identify useful items you love such as books, a lamp, scented candles, and add some quirk to your bedside tables with different coloured elements or styling placements. Freshly cut flowers or plants will add vitality and cheer to your space.

The sweet spot is between two and five decorative pillows depending on the size of your bed and how much time you have to make it in the morning! Decorative pillows come in many different sizes and provide a place to play with scale, so mix and match from Euros to bolsters in a variety of colourful textures, adding trims and fringing to hero cushions.

Natural feather inners are the best, the loftier the better, and always ensure you’re buying from an ethical supplier.

Learn more about pillows in our previous article.

A bedroom isn’t complete until the curtains are hung and you can draw in the day. With the vast array of fabrics available, we’re certain you’ll find something to complement your interior scheme.  

Consider sunlight and moisture before choosing your curtains and ensure you use the appropriate lining. Blackout linings are perfect to eliminate light and ensure quality sleep, offering acoustic properties and reducing drafts to ensure extra comfort throughout the winter.

Learn more about linings in our previous article.

We love Couture by Mokum for a luxe look or Laconia Air by James Dunlop for a delicate aesthetic. Consider incorporating a trim to coordinate with accessories or a contrast hemmed curtain to inject colour into your space.

Learn more about trims in our previous article.

If you are refreshing a compact bedroom space, Roman blinds are a great addition. Ideal for small or short windows, soft blinds stack compactly to optimise space and can also be backed with a thermal or blackout lining for light and insulation benefits. Additionally, they’re a great canvas for a pop of colour and pattern.

Whether you’re a fan of soft neutrals or rich warm tones, choosing colours that you naturally gravitate towards will impart a sense of calm in your space. Use light colours to make smaller rooms feel open and inviting or take a trip to the dark side for richness, depth, and dramatic effect.

Prints can bring colours together and work back with plains and neutrals to form a cohesive scheme. Add additional colour through artworks or create a gallery wall to increase interest and personality.

Learn more about colour and pattern in our previous article.

For the adventurous, wall to wall pattern can be extremely effective. If you love a maximalist look or a statement pattern, there are plenty of gorgeous options to choose from.

And for a more subdued aesthetic, there are plenty of textured or plain papers that can look beautiful, offering the gentlest of surface interest.

Learn more about wallpapers and explore our diverse range here.

Statement lighting, either modern or traditional, creates drama and interest while mirrors can bounce light around the room to create a sense of space. Try a dramatic sconce or a contemporary design leant against the wall. Hanging bedside pendants create a chic look without commandeering space on your coveted bedside tables.

Functionally, dimmers are a great way to control your main light source. Controlling your light at the bed allows you to read with minimal disruption to the rest of the room and diffused light will help to lull you into relaxation as you prepare for rest.