After working off and on my current bedroom for 6 years, I thought it would be a good idea to look at things you can do to your bedroom to give it a retreat feeling.
Here’s my list of things to have in your bedroom.
Blackout Shades
For the most restful sleep, it’s so nice to make the room pretty dark, even if the sun is up. I used shades with light blocking liners to minimize the amount of light coming in the room when the shades are down.
Curtains
I really don’t think curtains are necessary in most rooms, but for a bedroom, I think they really add some softness and luxury to the room. It helps it to feel more like a sanctuary. I keep mine pulled to the sides of the windows, and only close the shades at night.
Meaningful Artwork
So much of artwork is mass-produced and lacking in imagination, and you don’t want that in your room. Try looking for art that doesn’t fix your colors, but art that speaks to you. I’m drawn to architectural prints, botanicals and portraits. I know it super easy to walk in a big box store and buy a piece of art, but you deserve something special. And the sources we shared are quite reasonable.
Rugs
A soft rug under your feet is super nice, and also can add some much detail to a room. I actually used 3 different rugs in my room. They are all shades of cream and blue.
Cozy chair and ottoman
If you have room, it’s great to have a chair and ottoman in your bedroom. If you have an ottoman there, you are much more likely to sit there. Enjoy your morning coffee there, read a book, or listen to music (or our podcast) there. It’s also important to have a place to sit for putting on shoes and so forth.
Lamps
It’s nice to at least have 2 lamps in your bedroom, but if you have room for more, even better. You can use one one nightstand and add them on tables or dressers other places in the room. The lamplight is so much more friendly than overhead light.
Your favorite things
I hope you have a place to display some of your favorite things in your bedroom, so you can see them as you are getting ready for bed, and when you get up in the morning. I display a favorite Spode tea set. It’s a petite set, so I’m not sure it was for a child or simply service for one.
Comfy pillows
Pillows are the perfect way to add color and personality to a room.
Lavender sachets
I put them in the dresser with my clothes, and when I pull out something every day, it smells wonderful!
I would love to hear your thoughts on what makes your bedroom special.
Love your bedroom. Where did you find your bedspread. Such a nice change from having a dust ruffle.
I was always taught to put things in threes. I am surprised then to find four botanical prints. How do I know what number to use?
Gwen, I think 3 is usually the best number. This set of botanicals came as a set of 4, so I like to keep it together as a set.
The majority of my home decor is contemporary and somewhat minimal, but since I’m old (77) and live alone, I can do whatever with my bedroom and it is quite feminine. Sheer gauzy draperies, white curly iron headboard with “gold” finials, wicker cushioned chair and ottoman, 1970s pastel artwork – you get the picture. I always wanted a “girly” bedroom and finally got one. I would so love to go really French in there, but need to be happy with what I already have since I live on a small income. Your bedroom is picture perfect to me, but I know you’ll keep adding, subtracting and editing to make it look even better. You truly have the gift.
You sound very wise Pat! Thank you!!!
Anita, your bedroom is just beautiful Just love what you have done! You have truly been blessed with a wonderful gift! Love your shop, too! Blessings!
Mary-Ann, you are so, so kind as always. I hope you are doing well!
Anita,
Love your bedroom!
One of my favorite comfort items for the bedroom is a great throw blanket.
I’m a napper. . .and I must be covered when I sleep.
Therefore, I have a great selection in a variety of weights.
Oh, my goodness. . .the floor lamp is stunning!
Thank you for always inspiring!
Pat
You are always so kind Pat. Thanks!!!
I am on the hunt for woven shades much like you have. Are they both cordless and pull down? Where did you find them?
Marcy, these are from Bali, they are cordless, the natural woven shades CABO PLACID.
Hi Anita. What color blackout material did you get for the back of the shades? TIA
I got white and a sand color on others.
HI!
Enjoy reading your blog. Very relaxing.
Love your bedroom decor. I share our master bedroom with my husband. So I do keep the fru fru to a minimum.
Your husband likes or doesn’t care.
Have a great day and enjoy the summer
He’s fine with how I decorate. If he’s not happy with something, we work out a solution. I’m glad you are taking your husband’s preferences into account, that’s great!!!
I am wondering where you got the beautiful bedside lamps in this bedroom. I would love to find something like them if at all possible – they are exactly what I have in mind.
These are from Aidan Gray. If they don’t have this style, they will have something similar.
Thank you for such a prompt response! I love your book (I have poured over it many times) and so enjoy following your blog! Like most others, we are staying inside these days and with time on my hands, I am finding inspiration in your decorating style/ideas. Since I can’t go out shopping, I’m following your advice and shopping in my home, trying to add little French accents here and there, taking pictures of my rooms, moving things around, picking up items and assessing whether or not it “looks French”, etc. I’m just at the beginning of this journey, although I have loved all things French since I was little – I just never had the confidence to think I could do it. I have a couple of antiques (a walnut settee with matching Mr. and Mrs. chairs) and hoping I can build from there. Here’s to using this time to making my home more “French”. Keep inspiring us! Monica
Monica, it sounds like you are doing a fantastic job. Yes, it’s a wonderful way to spend your time as we are all told to isolate and stay indoors. You are so kind to leave a comment. Thank you.
Beautiful bedroom, can i please know where to buy the iron bed in canada?
Hi Teresa, I wish I had a Canadian source for you, but I don’t. I am sorry! I hope you find one.
Hi Teresa, I wish I had a Canadian source for you, but I don’t. I am sorry! I hope you find one.
Looks great…I love the idea of 3 rugs. May I ask please where did you buy the large rug? It looks hooked which I usually avoid because of my cats nails but recently purchased 2 for my great room and so far so good. Thanks!
jan
Hi Jan, the post on that rug is HERE
Thank you for your very quick response. Did you purchase the Blue/Ivory or Light Blue/Ivory? It’s so hard to tell on computer screens.
jan
I don’t remember, but I think it was the blue/ivory.
Thanks Anita….Jan