Essential Elements of Bedroom Interior Design
We all want to have a bedroom space that is comfortable, stylish, cozy, and restful, but creating that kind of space isn’t always as easy as it sounds. It’s important to understand how to combine all the crucial elements of a bedroom with your personal style to make your bedroom a space that’s both comforting and uniquely yours. Keep reading for some of our favorite tips on how to use interior design to create your perfect bedroom space!
Understanding Your Space
Before diving straight into furniture and décor decisions, take some time to really learn about your space. Assess your bedroom’s dimensions, note where and how natural lighting comes in, and determine if there are any architectural details you want to highlight. You’ll keep these at the top of your mind as you choose furniture, colors, and other details for your bedroom. Having a strong understanding of the “canvas” of your bedroom will help you make sure your furniture selection and placement, color schemes, and lighting solutions work in harmony with the characteristics of your space.
The first step is to measure the dimensions of the space. Graph paper works well for marking measurements and maintaining scale as you begin to configure how your furniture will fit. Consider using a laser measuring tool for the most accurate measurements, and make sure to note where windows, doors, and any built-in elements are in the space, and the ceiling height. Spend some time thinking about how any architectural details like beams or built-ins can be highlighted in the space, and how natural light makes the room feel, since you’ll be choosing lighting based on this.
Lastly, feng shui isn’t just a catch phrase! The functionality and flow of the room are both important to consider. How do you want to move through the room? Do you want to have a lot of space, or do you prefer a more cozy, snug style? How much space do you need for a closet door to swing open, or to access windows or storage? Take some time to consider how you want the room to flow and how you want to feel when you’re in it. This will help you make intentional decision choices to create a balanced and inviting bedroom.
Choose the Right Color Palette
The color palette of your bedroom will impact every other decision you make, so it’s important to choose carefully. Color sets the tone for your bedroom, strongly influencing the mood of the space. Soft, muted tones like warm neutrals, pastels, or earth shades are fantastic for creating an atmosphere that feels relaxing and comfortable. That doesn’t mean everything should be neutral though! Don’t be afraid to add pops of color with an accent wall, your bedding, or décor items.
Your color choices will also have a psychological impact. Soft blues and greens tend to invoke feelings of tranquility, while jeweled tones like purple, gold, or emerald add a sense of luxury. To avoid going overboard with the colors, we recommend starting with a neutral base and slowly bringing color in from there. Layer complementary shades to add visual interest and depth, and choose colors that work well with the natural lighting of the space. Combined with lighter hues like pinks or yellows, natural light will enhance those colors, making the whole bedroom feel light and airy. If you don’t have great natural light, you can warm up the space by using deeper colors, like a navy blue or charcoal.
Find the Right Lighting Solutions
Lighting is one of the most overlooked but necessary pieces of bedroom interior design. A well-designed bedroom will typically have layered lighting options that include ambient, task, and accent lighting. Overhead fixtures provide general illumination, while bedside lamps or sconces are essential for reading and other activities. To add depth and warmth, incorporate accent lighting through LED strips, wall sconces, or even backlit headboards.
Again, don’t forget to consider the role natural light will have in your plan. Consider using sheer curtains to maintain privacy but still allow brightness. If you spend a lot of time in your bedroom, or have a seating/lounge area, dimmable lighting is a great option for adjusting the mood and ambiance throughout the day. Check out this article to help you get comfortable with some lighting basics!
Selecting the Right Furniture
The furniture in your bedroom should balance both function and aesthetics. Obviously the bed will be the focal point, so choose a frame and headboard that complement your style and fit with the architecture of the space. You can keep a classic look with wooden or metal frames, or upgrade to an upholstered headboard to add a touch of elegance and softness.
Make sure the other furniture you select, like nightstands, dressers, or seating options will fit in the space. (Remember that graph paper drawing you made of your space? Bring it out for this!) Measure the furniture selections you’re considering and use the graph paper to draw them in and see how they will fit in the space! If your bedroom is small, try to steer clear of oversized items, as they can overwhelm the space and make it feel too cramped. Multifunctional furniture, such as a bed with storage underneath it, or a nightstand with multiple drawers will help you maximize your space without compromising on design. If your space is larger, get items that will fill it, to avoid the possibility of it feeling incomplete. Bring in ottomans, side tables, even side chairs to round out the space.
Aside from just the aesthetics, consider the durability and quality of the items you select. Investing in well-crafted pieces made from solid wood, high-quality upholstery, or metal will increase the longevity of the items and can enhance the overall sophistication of your space.
Use Textures and Materials to Set the Mood
Textures bring depth and interest to your bedroom, making it feel more inviting. Mixing materials like plush rugs, high-thread-count linens, soft throws, and upholstered furniture creates a luxurious and layered look, and keeps the space from feeling flat or uninspired. If the design of your bedroom leans more toward warm neutrals, you could use natural materials like wood, linen, or stone to create more of a sense of organic comfort. Metallic lighting fixtures or hardware can be used to bring sophistication and elegance. Layering these accents or mixing a variety of textures – think soft fabrics, smooth surfaces, and organic materials or plants – will add visual interest as well.
Again, the decisions you make on this part of the design will be influenced by the mood and feeling you’re trying to create with your bedroom design. Being thoughtful and intentional in the selection and layering of the materials you choose will go a long way toward making your bedroom both visually appealing and physically inviting
Make It Your Own with Personal Touches
Your bedroom should feel like your safest space, as well as an extension of your personality. Don’t be afraid to bring in your own personal elements, even if they don’t *specifically* match the design. Framed photos, coffee table books, items from trips you’ve taken, or gifts you’ve received can all be displayed in your bedroom in a way elevates the design while also making it uniquely yours.
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If you want to redesign your bedroom, but you’re not sure where to start, or you don’t want to try to DIY it, reach out to Lofty Designs! We’re here to help you design the bedroom of your dreams (cheesy pun absolutely intended).