There is nothing better than relaxing in your bedroom after a long day. Whether you are designing your bedroom from scratch, or simply wanting a refresh, here are my top tips for creating a haven that invites you to unwind.
What colour paint is it going to be?
The colour of your walls sets the tone for the entire room so it's a decision worth taking the time to get just right. In our bedroom, we used Lichen (No.19) by Farrow & Ball - a shade that is rich and cosy in the winter yet uplifting and fresh in the summer. To make your room feel more spacious, consider adding a large mirror - Love Antiques offers an excellent selection. The natural light will bounce off the mirror, revealing new tones of your wall colour throughout the day.
Light it up
Creating the right ambience with lighting is crucial. Make sure to use warm-coloured, low-wattage lightbulbs and dimmers, so you can set the right mood. Don’t be afraid to mix and match your lampshades - my husband has a lampshade from Pooky on his bedside table, while mine is a scalloped find from eBay.
Swapping lamps between rooms around the house is a fun and affordable way to refresh your space and introduce different heights into the room. A floor lamp is vital to create a cosy corner and as you may know, I love brass accents, so this antique brass floor lamp from Pooky is perfect. The bamboo design pairs perfectly with our faux-bamboo Piolo Chair and Pimlico Side Table, creating a lovely reading nook.
Add rattan to your room
I love having rattan furniture or accessories around the house. The natural colour and texture make it perfect to cosy up any space. In the bedroom, a bench at the foot of the bed is a must-have if you ask me. I usually top our Bunny Bench with magazines I’m reading or with the pillows that I like to keep on my bed during the day. Another rattan favourite is our Hadley Tray that I keep on my dressing table for organising my makeup, perfumes and some bits and bobs. Finally, spacious bedside tables are essential for your nighttime reads, a lamp - our handmade rattan Adeline Side Table is the perfect choice. If you are looking to save space or add a unique touch, consider using a chair as a side table. We have a lovely selection of antique chairs including a pair of hand-carved Victorian chairs available in the antiques section of our website so do have a look!
Consider your textiles
Rugs are not only functional but also play a crucial role in bringing the room together. The size and placement of your rug should be guided by the dimensions of your space to maintain a feeling of balance and harmony. In a larger room, placing a rug under the bed creates a grounding focal point while offering a soft landing spot for your feet each morning. For a smaller room, runners on either side of your bed or at the foot is a charming alternative. A circular rug works particularly well in smaller rooms, adding interest while opening up the space. I love hunting around on Etsy and eBay to find charming faded vintage rugs or runners without breaking the bank.
Just as with rugs, your choice of curtains should complement the room’s scale and style. In larger rooms, with a floor-to-ceiling window, you can afford to use weightier fabrics, like velvet and corduroy and busier patterns. Rose Uniacke’s Needle Corduroy fabric is thick without being too heavy. If you’re moving house and you can’t part with your previous curtains, consider elongating or shortening them to fit your new windows. For my bedroom, I used extra Vine Flower fabric from Penny Morrison to lengthen my curtains, with an invisible seam along the base that my curtain maker cleverly added - they turned out simply perfect. If this is not possible, consider adding a contrasting border, giving your curtains a new lease of life.
For smaller rooms, a light linen or cotton blind would be a great choice to let in natural light without overwhelming the space. However, don’t feel limited - blinds can be just as playful and unique. For my daughter’s bedroom, I envisioned the perfect mustard gingham and fell in love with Molly Mahon’s ‘Seed’ fabric. My clever friend and curtainmake Kath Groves, made the most beautiful ruffle heading, adding a little extra interest.
When it comes to bed linen, the same thoughtful approach applies. In smaller rooms, opt for plain, neutral, or block-coloured fabrics, like those Toulon Collection for The White Company, which I love. For larger rooms, a heavy quilt or a patterned duvet cover can add cosy richness. My favourite bedding is a Ditsy Print from Sarah K Designs - a pretty pattern without being too girly that’s just perfect for a master bedroom.
Unplug to Unwind
To create the perfect ambience in your bedroom, it’s essential to create a space where you can truly relax and unwind. Start by removing all digital distractions, as we know screens are not beneficial for sleep. Say goodbye to your TV and instead, bring in some of your favourite books. Swap out your digital alarm clock for an analogue one, or consider adding a sunlight lamp, like the ones from Lumie; they seem like the perfect way to ensure a gentle wake up in the morning - I am definitely adding one to my Christmas wishlist.
Plants are another lovely way to infuse calm into your space, but it's important to choose ones that benefit your bedroom environment. Aloe Vera is great as it releases oxygen at night while jasmine and lavender have soothing scents that promote better sleep. Orchids are also wonderful, as they improve air quality and help relieve stress. Our Pinet Pot is perfect for displaying your houseplants in style. Finally, set the mood by lighting your favourite candle - our Pomegranate and Patchouli candle is an evening essential.
