A small bedroom can easily become cramped and untidy, making it impossible to relax. Ideally, your bedroom should be a calm, personal space to escape to, so we’ve put together some of our top tips for bringing it back to life, giving you somewhere to unwind and enjoy!

Reclaim floor space. Decide what the largest things in your room are – for most of us, the wardrobe and the bed take up the most space. Combine these two with a storage bed, which can hold your clothes and linen underneath, and ditch the bulky wardrobe to open the room out more. If you have the budget, consider investing in a memory-foam mattress – they’re incredibly comfortable and will ensure you get a good night’s sleep. Replace bedside cabinets with wall-mounted shelving, and keep other items on high-up shelves so that you still have room to move around.

Decorate. Brighter colours will instantly make your room appear airier and more inviting. You can contrast this with deeply coloured fabrics for curtains and bedding, to create a touch of luxury and an element of texture to the room. If the room is particularly plain, take a look at some wall decals - these give you the opportunity to personalise without sticking pins into the wall or making any permanent changes. For a real sanctuary-like feel, add some fairy lights to make the room seem warm and cosy in the evening.

Get comfy. Make your room more cosy and pleasant to spend time in by loading up on soft, comfortable bedding and furnishings. Throws and fleece blankets will make your bed nicer to relax on for reading and watching TV, while if you have the floor space a dedicated reading nook can be thrown together in no time with just a soft chair, a lamp and a small area to keep a pile of books!

Everyone deserves a good night’s sleep in a comfortable bed. We spend approximately a third of our lives in bed, so whether you’re looking for a single bed for young ones or a double bed or king-size bed for you and your partner, it’s important to choose the right bed and mattress for your needs.

Choosing a mattress

With mattresses, you tend to get what you pay for and scrimping on price is almost always a false economy. For example, if you think $1,000 is a lot to pay for a mattress, bear in mind that if you change your mattress every seven years as advised by The Sleep Council, it will cost you and your partner less than 40 cents a night for a good night’s sleep. Considering all the benefits that sleep brings, it’s a small price to invest in your health and well-being.

Different types of mattresses

The main types of mattresses available are:

• Open-coil mattresses/sprung mattresses
• Pocket-sprung mattresses
• Memory foam mattresses
• Latex mattresses
• Foam mattresses

Each type of mattress will suit different people. For example, if you suffer from allergies you may prefer a memory foam mattress or a latex mattress, whereas if your partner is significantly heavier or lighter than you, you may choose a pocket-sprung king size mattress with a high number of supportive springs over a cheaper open-coil mattress.

Mattress fillings

When buying a new bed, what you can’t see is as important as what you can see. A good-quality mattress filling will allow air to circulate and wick away moisture, which will stop you from getting hot and bothered in the night. Whether you choose pocket springs or memory foam, the key issue is getting great support from your mattress.

Back to bed

Many of us suffer from back problems at some point in our lives and an orthopaedic bed can offer the solution to a good night’s sleep. The best orthopaedic beds will give good all-round support. Don’t presume that you need the firmest bed available: it’s usually better to have a mattress that will support you rather than one that is too firm to mould to your body shape and size.

Sleep in style

Another consideration when you’re selecting a double or king-size bed is how it will fit in with the style of your bedroom. You may want to choose a bed frame or headboard to complement the surrounding décor, whether it’s smart traditional, cosy country cottage or contemporary chic. Match the fabrics or colours of your curtains and bed covers for striking effect. Or you could bring a touch of luxury into your bedroom with a leather bedframe, Egyptian cotton sheets and cushions with matching soft throws to keep you warm in winter.

With so many styles of bed on the market today, it can sometimes seem a daunting task to choose just one. When choosing a bed you should address what it is that you actually need from the piece of furniture in question.

For example, are you looking for a luxury bed to create a centrepiece in a large room? Do you wish to invest in a bed that utilizes space efficiently? Alternatively do you wish to make a fashion statement with the likes of a futon? Or is your bed there simply to provide you with a comfortable, supportive night’s sleep? Whichever option you choose, you can guarantee that there is a style to suit your every need.

The classic two-person bunk bed is probably the best space saving option as it encapsulates two people in one area. The bunk bed utilises height rather than width, which means you have the rest of the room to play with. There are now several variations of the bunk bed available; these include the likes of futon styles and also loft versions.

Loft beds are a great option for a smaller room, as you are able to utilise the space underneath the bed to your advantage. This space could be used for the likes of a seating area, a cupboard or storage. Many children’s rooms contain the above option and parents tend to place a desk beneath the bed. This space is a great option for a child, as he or she will feel like she has her own grown-up space to do her homework in!

Bunk beds are available in a huge range of different styles and materials. Many of the modern versions are available in metal, whilst the more traditional styles come in the form of pine or other painted or varnished wood.

As long as you team the style of the bed to the rest of the room, everything will generally tie in stylishly together.

Whether you are sleeping in, working or just chilling out, the bedroom might be the part of the house in which you spend the most time. This is also the most personal room of your home and the way you have furnished and decorated it mirrors your personality and should inspire a welcome and warm feel.

A romantic decor is often a popular choice to bring a warmer atmosphere to a room as it reflects this sense of peace and tranquillity. It is also very easy to bring some romance to a room by simply placing small additions throughout the room. Below are 10 creative tips to give you inspiration and turn your bedroom into a gorgeous romantic getaway that will bring peace and calm when you walk through the door.

1. Colour theme: Pale and pastel colours to get a successful romantic look. You can choose from a large palette of soft shades, from dusky pink and lilac through to lemon and periwinkle blue. You can also combine two colours that go well together, like cream and soft green, but most romantic decors tend to be produced with one colour associated with small sophisticated additions to keep an uncluttered feel.

2. Bed: The choice of the bed is important as it will generally make the main statement in your bedroom. Romantic style bedrooms are generally furnished with large sized dramatic beds that give a presence to the room, such as four poster beds and large ornate wrought iron bed frames.

3. Headboard: Considering the space most of us have to work with, a four poster bed is sometimes not the best option since this is an imposing piece of furniture. Complementing your bed with a headboard is then a great alternative, it will bring texture if you choose an upholstered or tufted model, plus they come in a large choice of rounded shapes. For example a Cavendish shaped headboard with rounded corners will add the right touch of romance to your bed.

4. Linens: White, smooth and soft fabrics such as silk and satin not only have an incredible feel to the touch but will add the right amount of luxury your bedroom needs to look cosy and romantic. You should choose soft and luxurious fabric for your bed linen and add some plush and fluffy pillows on top to create the best effect.

5. Nature: Floral additions are an important aspect of romantic decoration. They can be designed on a delicate fabric, featured in your wallpaper pattern, framed in a piece of artwork or simply arranged in a delicate bouquet. Animals such as birds and butterflies are also extensively used to create a romantic mood.

6. Feminine objects: Place feminine accessories throughout the room, such as perfume bottles, shiny jewellery and romantic articles like scented candles and feathers. These small additions will radiate a very relaxing atmosphere.

7. Mirrors: Mirrored objects are quite common in romantic decorating themes as they bring light. Hanging a framed mirror on the wall behind your bed or attaching small panels of mirrors on your walls will definitely add a touch of romance to your décor and liven up the natural lights creating interesting effects to work with.

8. Voiles: Draping voiles and lace panels do a great job at finishing a romantic style. You can wrap your four poster bed with light voiles or arrange a voile panel up at the head of your normal bed. Complementing your windows with long and light curtains that let the sunshine through is also a great idea to make the room cosier.

9. Light is the element you need to consider as there is no better way to set up a special atmosphere and add a touch of romance to your bedroom. Banish harsh lightings and instead go for light bulbs that soften the light. For a greater effect, you can go for a decorative lamp that filters the light to other colours such as soft red.

10. Accessories: The romantic style is often associated with accessories such as candles, fresh flowers vases, black and white picture frames, art deco pieces of furniture, decorative plates.

There are a lot of great ideas out there to create a romantic mood in a bedroom; accessories usually do a large part of the job so you can let your imagination wild. A word of caution though: keep it sophisticated but small in order to not clutter the space with too many additions.

About our Guest Blogger:
Camille is a home furniture enthusiast and is happy to share her decoration ideas with the community of interior design lovers. Camille is writing on behalf of Wedo, an online retailer specialising in stylish headboards for beds and bedroom furniture.

With some forethought and a little planning, it is quite easy to create a fantastic bedroom space from a loft environment. Loft spaces lend themselves very well to roomy and spacious bedrooms which be easily designed to be relaxing and stylish at the same time. Most people want their bedrooms to be of a tranquil and serene atmosphere but this does not mean that they also need to be boring! With a few well-placed pieces of furniture, appropriate window schemes and effective use of colour you can transform your loft into an enviably stylish and relaxing space.

Begin by choosing a colour scheme that promotes ambience and relaxation. The way to do this is by either picking neutral, earthy tones which can be complimented by colour accents in furniture and soft furnishings, or, by choosing one wall to make a bold statement upon and then subtly picking up on these tones in the landscape of the room. Take this further by turning your attention to the window scheme. Light, bright atmospheres are great for bedrooms and can be easily created by using Velux window blinds from Itzala. They are a sleek and modern way of decorating a loft window and are available in a huge selection of styles and designs to compliment any window!

Match the cool and modern look of your Velux window blinds by investing in some stylish pieces of furniture to enhance the look of the room. Start with a grand and unique bed frame like a sleigh bed to add glamour and comfort to the room. Embellish this with some retro-style bed covers and pillows for effortless chic. If you have gone with a neutral blind then go crazy with the soft furnishings as a muted backdrop is perfect for bolder furniture and dramatic fabrics. Alternatively, if you have chosen one of the many bolder and outlandish Velux blinds styles, then balance this with softer, earthy looking decor and furnishings.

The really fun part then begins with picking out all the extras! Lamps, bedside tables and lockers, shelving, chairs, cushions, throws, wall hangings and indoor lighting can all work together to create a stunning and cleverly designed bedroom that not only promotes comfort and relaxation, but looks stylish and cool at the same time. There are also tonnes of storage solutions and handy multi-functional furniture pieces you can invest in to reduce clutter and give your belongings a home fit for a king. The only problem is, you may never want to leave!

As mentioned in a previous blog post, buying a bed is a large and significant purchase. The core tips discussed for choosing a bed will be remain the same and will do so for the foreseeable future.
However, unless you are lucky enough to live in a home with a spacious bedroom, the bed itself will take up a significant portion of the room. During the day this space is commonly unused. Wouldn’t it be great to transform bedrooms so they are truly multi-functional?
After attending a recent exhibition in the UK, we were presented with an innovative space saving bed which allows a bed to glide into the ceiling at the touch of a button. This opens up a number of functional uses for the room. At night it can remain a place to sleep but during the day it could be:
• A play area for your children
• A home gym
• An office
• A home cinema!

It’s certainly a cost effective solution compared to building extensions to your home or even moving home if you think your family has ‘outgrown’ it.

What do you think? Would you consider something like the Sleep Space system? Do you prefer traditional space saving ideas?

Wooden beds have long been a popular choice for the bedroom and continue to be bought by individuals who are looking for a durable and cost-effective sleeping solution. Wood is a renewable resource and for those with green concerns, it is worth noting that it is possible to purchase beds made exclusively from sustainable forests.

Wooden frames offer solid support to mattresses, providing both comfort and convenience due to the ability to disassemble frames when moving them from room to room, or even home to home. Though durable, in contrast to many modern metal counterparts, wooden beds can often be more easily repaired should a beam or support snap, or be broken in transit. Instead of sourcing a metal part or screw, you should be able to source or cut your own replacement beam at a low cost.

One of the most obvious benefits of choosing a wooden bed is the peace of mind provided by the fact your bed is likely to last for years to come. With this in mind, it’s worth selecting a bed that will service your needs for the duration. It is of course possible to alter the appearance of a wooden bed through staining or painting in order to fit with changing interior schemes, but if you buy a single bed for your growing child and they outgrow it before you would ideally like or need to replace it, you may regret your initial investment. It may therefore make more financial sense to purchase a three-quarter or queen-size bed that will see a child through their teenage years and save you the time and expense of an additional purchase in the long run.

The bed is always the focal point in a contemporary-style bedroom so proper positioning is everything! While a minimalistic platform bed was once only available in a few styles, today you can find them in a wide variety of colors, some open underneath, others closed off. They typically do not have a headboard but if there is one, it’s usually quite basic.

So, with how simple these platform beds are, how do they demand so much attention? It’s all about the position in the room! A bed in a contemporary room can be placed in the room’s center but most people find they appreciate the security of a wall behind them. When placed against a wall, it should be a large solid one that can house a nice piece of art. It really should never be positioned under a window or in direct line with the door and you absolutely do not want to have a bed under a beam. It is suggested that the weight of a beam overhead can cause headaches and disrupt sleep patterns.

Draw More Attention

If you really want to zoom in on the bed, turn tall dressers or shelving so they are positioned kiddie corner, this allows them to be on an angle facing the bed. As a last tip, contemporary styling is minimalist but it is all about balance so if you have a lot of sharp lines including your bed, dresser, television, etc., consider adding a round nightstand, piece of art, rug or even a bean bag chair to bring an equal balance to the room.

The proper headboard in a bedroom is like a fireplace mantel in the living room, they both create a focal point. Any properly decorated room will provide a fabulous area for the eyes to come to rest. Choosing the right headboard for your room is suggested to draw positive energy inward to help with quality sleep. Not to mention, they just look great!

• Creativity – For a real attention-grabber, stay clear of traditional flat panel headboards. There are incredibly unique and artistic pieces available today in wave, oval or many other shapes to bring a little creativity to the space.

• Material – You will find that most headboards are made from wood or metal (two important Feng Shui elements) however, that doesn’t mean you have to over look wicker, bamboo, quilting or you can even make one with a large canvas covered with fabric.

• Surroundings – Traditionally, the decor of your room is going to dictate the headboard you choose. Just because you love that contemporary black, curved headboard does not mean it will compliment your Victorian or country cottage room. Theme and color must both be taken into consideration.

Headboards provide you with a more secure feeling while you sleep, according to Taoist beliefs. It is also suggested to not hang or drop clothes from them as they are essentially pieces of art. After all, you wouldn’t hang a towel over a canvas in your living room would you?

“BEDROOM- AN ALL IN ONE SPACE
Sometimes we want our bedroom to be more than just a place to sleep. If we are multi task oriented, we desire to complete all our daily tasks before leaving the bedroom, and hence we can even convert it into a multi- purpose room.”