Want to know how to finish off your master bedroom?
Wondering what an interior designer would suggest you focus on?
This month I want to give you some tips on how to design your master bedrooms. Often at my design consultations people will ask me about how to ‘finish off’ this space, so let me give you some ideas…
A wonderful example by Arent & Pyke on ensuring ample space to move around the bed. Photography by Felix Forest.
1. Address the layout of your bedroom for best function.
CONSIDER..
Choose the best placement for your bed. This could be limited, or you might have options depending on the size of your room. Think about privacy and any views you want to enjoy to the outside.
Think about the placement of your doors and windows and how you’d like your bed to relate to these. Some people like to have the bed be the first thing you see on entry, others prefer it to be on the same wall as their entry (with the focus being on a chest of drawers with art or a mirror).
Remember the wall your bed will sit along needs to comfortably fit your bed and bedside tables. For a queen bed and a 500mm bedside table you will need approximately 2.9m of wall space, and for a king bed around 3.2m.
You need space to move around your bedroom comfortably! Use these measurements to help you plan your bedroom layout, or tweak it slightly so it flows better… Space at the end of the bed 800-915mm, space next to the bed 560-915mm, space from entry door to first object 915mm.
Dimensions for the minimum and maximum room wall length for a Queen bed with bedside tables.
Dimensions for the minimum and maximum room wall length for a King bed with bedside tables.
2. Choose the right furniture pieces for your bedroom design.
CONSIDER..
The right sized bed for your space. A queen bed is 1530mm wide, and a king is 1830mm. You can tweak the size of your bedside tables if you have enough storage else where in the room but keep in mind the overall proportion works! Bedside tables and chest of drawers are a great opportunity to bring in contrasting colour, material and shape into your bedroom design - so steer away from matching bedroom suites.
If you have the space, your bedroom is the perfect room to incorporate a reading/relaxing zone into. This could be as simple as a beautiful bench at the end of the bed for dressing or conversation.
For a well-equipped reading zone source a comfortable chair, side table for your cup of tea, floor lamp and optional ottoman. Remember to measure these individual items before buying them to check they fit your space. If they are crammed in it won’t be the relaxing oasis you hoped for!
Example of a reading nook that you just wouldn’t want to leave by Chamberlain Architects. Photography by Derek Swalwell.
Dimensions for the minimum and maximum room wall length for a reading zone in your master bedroom.
3. Use decoration pieces to style your bedroom.
CONSIDER..
Lighting. Natural light, dimmable down lights, table lamps or wall sconces and floor lamps if you have a reading zone are all important.
Art. Can be above the bed as one piece, a pair, set of four or gallery wall. Or instead place your art above a chest of drawers for a focal point from your bed.
Rugs. A must on hard floors, but can also be used over carpet for added interest. Think about the size, a 300 x 400mm rug is great for all furniture to sit on it, 250 x 350mm & 300 x 400mm works if you prefer the bedside tables off the rug, and 200 x 290mm & 250 x 350mm works for 3/4 or 1/2 way under the bed.
Wall and window treatments. Wallpaper, panelling, paint colour, sheers, shutters and blinds are all design statements waiting to happen.
Soft furnishings. Cushions, bedlinen and throws really do tie your bedroom design together and provide those vital finishing touches.
A powerful example of how decoration pieces work together to produce a truely finished bedroom. Design by Kate Guinness, photography by James McDonald.
Here is a simple rug size guide to help you choose the best size rug for your master bedroom..
Go with this rug rug if you like the idea of a cosy and lush feel where all the furniture sits on the rug (no chance for cold feet!)
Still a very luxurious look and a good size to still have ample softness under foot at the end of the bed.
A more affordable option and many rugs come in these sizes.
In closing…
I hope this summary of ways to finish off your master bedroom (or any bedroom) has given you the confidence to tackle your bedroom, I think you’ll be amazed at the transformation!
If you need more individualised help with choosing the perfect design pieces for your bedroom, or some advice on your specific layout then feel free to reach out to me here. We can jump on a phone call and I can learn more about what you need - I’d love to help.
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