Your bedroom may not be the first place guests see when they enter your home, but that’s no reason to put a bedroom remodel on the back burner.
Step 1: Choose a new bed or headboard.
Style: A platform bed with clean lines and an upholstered headboard can be an easy bedroom upgrade if you are more of a minimalist at heart. If you’re looking for something more extravagant, a large, standout canopy bed may be the way to go.
Size: Measure the width of the wall you wish to put your bed against first, then go from there when determining just how large you can go. Give yourself at least three feet of walking clearance on all sides of the bed. If you enjoy the big-and-bold canopy bed look, you may be worried about ceiling height. You only need around one foot minimum of space between the top of the bedframe and the ceiling to avoid making your room feel cramped.
Material: Selecting a material for your new bed or headboard is all about finding a balance between your design preference and lifestyle. If you tend to go for the organic modern look, wood tones are a great way to add extra warmth, dimension and a natural touch to your space. If you prefer a contemporary or industrial feel, metal is simple, durable and easy-to-maintain. If you want to bring a bit of softness and texture into your bedroom retreat, upholstery may be the way to go.
Step 2: Update your supporting pieces.
Nightstands: When choosing a nightstand, consider whether an open or closed nightstand is right for your room. Open or smaller nightstands, can give a light, airy feel to a space and are perfect in guest spaces where storage isn’t a necessity. Incorporating a basket to corral any extra items can create additional storage. Larger closed nightstands are ideal in primary bedrooms or in kids rooms where substantial drawer and surface space is needed.
Dressers: Consider both practicality and personality when choosing a dresser. When placing your pieces, there should be enough room in front for drawers to open fully, and if you are planning to place or mount a TV above the piece, the dresser should be wider than the TV.
Benches and Accent Chairs: Adding a bench or accent chair is a great way to utilize the extra space at the end of your bed. A bench can serve as a convenient place to tie your shoes while also adding texture, color and interest to your design. Pairing two accent chairs in this spot is another unique way to personalize your bedroom and elevate your level of functionality in this space. Adding a small table between your accent chairs can increase coziness and comfort levels while providing a bit of added storage.
Step 3: Swap out accessories.
Varying shapes, heights, colors and textures can add personality to your bedroom remodel, while keeping to the rule of three can keep your space from feeling cluttered. The rule of three states that grouping items in odd numbers—specifically three—is more appealing and achieves the perfect balance.
Lamps: Table lamps are an easy way to change your space’s style at any given time. Wall sconces also are a great option, though they do require some extra hardwiring. Sconces add bedroom lighting while being easily accessible and freeing up your nightstand surface area.
Accessories: Combining something sculptural with a small bowl for holding jewelry and a vase for fresh or faux florals can easily dress up your nightstand. If you enjoy reading, a couple of your current books stacked on top of one another with a jewelry dish make for a great nightstand topper. Placing art or a mirror above or near your nightstand can coordinate well with larger design opportunities around your bedroom.
Rugs: A rug is an easy, inexpensive way to add an immediate pop of color or pattern to your bedroom. Layering rugs can add both texture and interest to your space—just be sure that your top rug is one or two sizes smaller than your bottom rug.
Scout & Nimble is a retail site and blog that aims to make expert design accessible to all. Follow at blog.scoutandnimble.com.