Bedroom Makeover: Tips & Tricks for a Beautiful, Functional Space
I recently gave my bedroom a makeover and I love the way it turned out. Having a bedroom retreat that is both beautiful and functional has been a game changer and serves as an example of how thoughtful room design can have a huge impact.
My refreshed bedroom space is what inspired today’s post and if you are looking for help with your own bedroom makeover, I’m excited to share my tips and answer some questions about bedroom design!
How do I figure out the best layout for my furniture?
Bedrooms, unlike other rooms in our homes, serve a defined purpose and thus require a specific set of furnishings and layout. I always encourage my clients to think about how they will use a particular room. In addition to sleeping, take into consideration the other functions this room might serve. Do you need a place to work, watch TV, or practice yoga? This will help you determine what furniture pieces you should incorporate into your design. The basics are a bed frame, nightstands, and a dresser, but if space permits, you can also incorporate a desk, a cozy chair for reading, or a bench at the end of the bed.
If you are redesigning your bedroom and want to purchase new furniture, I cannot stress enough the importance of measuring your room first! Take note of wall dimensions and structural elements like doors (and which way they swing) and windows. A rough sketch on paper is fine, but did you know that Urban Barn has a digital room planner you can use? Once you have the dimensions you are working with, you can start selecting the furniture pieces that fit your room, style and budget.
The size of my bedroom is pretty generous so in addition to the basics I was able to fit in a comfy lounge chair, a bench at the end of the bed as well as a desk and chair.
Designer tip: to be extra sure about the dimensions of a furniture piece, use painters tape on the floor to help visualize how much space it will take.
How do I make my bedroom furniture cohesive?
While there is nothing wrong with selecting matching pieces from the same collection (for example, I love the Hewitt Bedroom Collection!), I like to mix and match different pieces to create visual interest. Combining an upholstered bed frame with wood nightstands or a dresser is a simple option. Another way to mix and match is to choose wood pieces in complementary finishes. For example, the dark black finish of the Renton Collection pairs nicely with the black detailing in the Fairmont Collection. Pay attention to the undertones of the pieces you are putting together.
Choosing timeless materials and finishes for the bedroom
While shapes and styles may change, upholstery and wood are two materials used in bedroom furniture that have been around forever and stand the test of time. An upholstered bed frame is cozy and adds warmth to a bedroom. Plus, it’s the perfect surface to lean back on while reading or watching TV in bed! When it comes to storage furniture like dressers and nightstands, wood is the perfect material because it’s durable and long-lasting.
Optimizing storage space in the bedroom
You can never have too much storage, especially in the bedroom! Organization and tidiness promote relaxation, so having a place for everything is of the utmost importance. When it comes to your dresser, opt for the largest one your space can accommodate. You can also optimize storage by incorporating nightstands with drawers and a storage bench at the end of the bed. Complete your bedroom storage with baskets and decorative boxes provide a home to smaller items like jewelry, remotes or skincare items.
Choosing the right nightstand for your space
With so many stylish nightstand options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to find “the one”. The most important detail to consider is size. Start by measuring the space on either side of your bed so you know how wide your nightstands should be. In addition to width, it's essential to consider the height of the nightstand. You'll want to avoid it being too short or too tall compared to your bed. As a general guideline, aim to have the nightstand level with the top of your mattress.
When storage is priority, a nightstand with drawers should be your first choice. Otherwise, you can play around with style and have fun with a side table that is visually interesting, like the Eliseo Recycled Metal Accent Table. Using a side table with open shelving provides a styling moment for decorative books and décor – the Dundas Side Table is a beautiful choice.
Designer tip: A current trend in bedroom furniture design is a charging nightstand with a built-in USB port!
Nightstands
Pulling your bedroom together with décor
Last but not least, décor is how you bring your bedroom to life and make it look pulled together. Finish your bedroom makeover with rugs, lighting, throw pillows, mirrors and wall art. Since styling elements are typically less expensive than furniture pieces, this is the place to take risks and embrace trends!
