Bring A Little Romance To Your Bedroom

Valentine's Day has been and gone, but there's no need to say goodbye to romance - check out these stylish and seductive decorating tips and keep the passion burning all year round.

While we often dress our bedrooms up for Valentine's Day, this usually amounts to a temporary change that would be impractical in the long term - rose petals strewn over the bed might be romantic, but it's hardly the kind of thing you can do every day. If you want to bring a lasting romantic atmosphere to your bedroom, you'll need to think of more fundamental ways to jazz up the space.

This room uses co-ordinated fabrics
for a seductive look

Use fabrics to create a sensual, dramatic feel

Flowing fabric is perfect for creating a sense of drama in a bedroom, so why not replace blinds or curtains with floor-length drapes in a soft, flowing material? If you have a four poster bed, then you can twist and drape a matching fabric around the posts and finials, and even hang a white muslin canopy for a really intimate feel. For a really romantic look, co-ordinate all your fabrics from curtains to bed-dressing to scatter-cushions and throws.

Use furniture to set the scene

If your bedroom furniture has seen better days, maybe it's time to pick a whole new set that will help to set a seductive mood. A four poster bed makes a great focal point, and for an extra sensual touch, a chaise-longue really makes an impact, especially when draped with a silky throw and a few scatter cushions. Bedside tables and occasional tables are useful for placing lamps, plants and ornaments on for a rich, opulent effect, while more functional pieces such as wardrobes and dressing tables can take away from the romantic effect, so it might be worth your while to convert a spare room into a dressing room so you can take full control over the style of the bedroom.

This room makes the most of simple touches

Lighting really makes a difference

No matter how romantic your decor is, the wrong lighting can totally kill the mood, so take your time to plan a lighting scheme. Dimmable switches are a must for main lights, and it's a good idea to have several lighting options, at different levels in the room - think a standard lamp in the corner behind a chaise longue, soft lamps on lamp tables in corners and alcoves, and stylish bedside lights that are bright enough to read by but not so bright that they make the room feel stark. It's worth getting a large bedside table, then placing a granite sheet on top so that you can light candles without damaging the wood.

If you want some more inspiration, check out apartmenttherapy.com's Romantic Bedroom Week feature, which has some really innovative ideas.

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How To Choose A Wooden Bed

No matter what style your bedroom is, whether traditional, contemporary, minimalist or eclectic, a solid wooden bed makes a beautiful centrepiece. Wooden beds have a character that will last for years, allowing you to hand down a treasured piece of furniture through the generations.

Wood is easy to care for, simply requiring the occasional wax or polish, and over the years it will mature, deepening its character and taking on a luxurious patina. If you'd like some advice on woodcare, check out this great article from the Telegraph.

The first thing to consider when choosing a wooden bed is the material - many woods are used in furniture making, and each has its own particular properties and characteristics that will influence how it affects the look of your room. Paler woods, such as ash, pine and oak, tend to look their best in contemporary surroundings, although oak can be given a traditional stain which brings out the reds and browns of its grain and places it alongside timbers such as mahogany and teak at the more traditional end of the spectrum. It's worth getting some wood samples to make sure that the wood you choose is right for your room.

This contemporary oak bed helps to
create a bright and breezy room

You also need to consider the style of bed - will you opt for a four poster or a traditional panel bed? do you want a low or a high foot end? A four poster can form a great centrepiece in either a traditional or a contemporary space - you just need to pick a design that complements the style of your room.

If your room is too small for a four poster, then it's a good idea to consider a simple framed bed that will not dominate the room, otherwise you could end up with more bed than room.

Once you've picked your bed, why not invest in some matching pieces, such as a bedside table, wardrobe or dressing table, to bring a sense of harmony to your room. If you're green-minded, then it's also a good idea to find beds that have been made with timber from sustainable forests, to make sure that you minimise you environmental impact.

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Stylish Contemporary Bedding Ideas

Creating a stylish, inpiring contemporary bedroom doesn't stop when you've chosen the decor and picked out the furniture - in fact, one of the most striking elements of a bedroom design can often be seen as an afterthought. Bedding has the ability to change the atmosphere of a room quickly and simply, and by having several alternate bedding options, you can create a variety of looks.

Buying bedding online can be significantly cheaper than on the high street, so search your favourite online stores for discounts. mydeco.com has a great selection of contemporary bedding available, so why not explore their site?

The important thing to consider when selecting your bedding is the colour - a badly chosen duvet cover can create clashes that ruin the relaxing qualities of your bedroom, while a well chosen set can make your bed even more inviting and create a sense of calm and restful elegance. However, choosing a colour isn't always straightforward, and some concrete guidance is often useful. If you need help to decide on your colour, why not check out the BBC's interior design colour wheel, which helps to sort calamitous clashes from complementary accents.

If you need some expert colour advice, head
over to the BBC's Interiors site, and try out
their interactive colour wheel.

One way to avoid the problem of colour clashes is to choose a monochrome colour scheme for your bedroom, with a white painted bed and bedside cabinet. This classic look is hard to get wrong, and can result in a fantastic room that is both invigorating and relaxing, such as this one, designed by Sir Terence Conran:

A monochrome look is always stylish

If you like Sir Terence Conran's design, you may be interested in reading this interview with the man himself, conducted by mydeco.com

Of course, as well as colour, there are other things to look out for. First among these is the feel and texture of the fabric - do you like velvety soft brushed cotton, or do you prefer the crisp and refreshing feel of expertly spun Egyptian cotton? This is a situation in which online retail can fall short - it's hard to get a sense of the feel of a fabric from a photo on a website. What you can do, is to visit the high street and check out the feel of the various materials avaiable. Then, armed with this knowledge, you can scour the web for the best deal.

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Bring A Little Romance To Your Bedroom For Valentine's Day

With Valentine's day fast approaching, it can seem like a desperate rush to get your presents, cards and romantic plans in order, but in all that bustle, it can sometimes be easy to forget the little things that really help to create a romantic atmosphere. Check out these handy tips to turn your bedroom into a romantic getaway, and let the one you love know that you really care.

1 Set the mood with some seductive lighting

Nothing creates a romantic atmosphere like soft, low lighting, so it's worth taking a little time out to make sure that your lighting options fit the mood - If you're limited to a bedside light and the main bedroom light, why not invest in some free standing dimmable lighting, such as paper-shaded floor lamps, to really set the scene.

Chocolates are always a hit, especially
when they're kept next to the bed!

2 Use bedding to add to the romantic atmosphere

One way to make Valentine's day special is to break out some new, sumptuous bedding to bring your bed to life, either in cool, crisp Egyptian cotton or silky and seductive satin. Bedding will also provide an inviting look to the room.

3 Get your music choices ready ahead of time

Music is the food of love, so it's a good idea to pick some romantic choices and get them set up in a playlist ahead of time - after all, you don't want to spoil the mood by having to fiddle with CDs or an iPod. Choose soft music that won't get in the way of conversation - if you really want to create some romance, why not line up a playlist of classical music, such as Chopin, whose Prelude in E Minor is a long standing romantic favourite.

This room is perfect for a Valentines Day to
remember - check out the soft lighting

4 Don't forget the details

Once you've got the basics in order, think of a couple of extra touches that will really show your partner that you care - why not set a some champagne in an ice bucket on the bedside table, with some expensive chocolates or other nibbles to share.

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Bedding Tips For Traditional Bedrooms

There are many different traditional looks that can bring a touch of time-honoured warmth to a bedroom, from a classic country cottage style that emphasises space, unfussy practicality and pale, natural wood tones to a more opulent feel, with flowing curtains, dark-stained furniture and luxurious soft furnishings, and if you're redesigning your bedroom, you'll want to make sure that you choose the right bedding to really get the look that you're after.

Bed dressing can have a dramatic effect on a room - Even the most beautifully designed four poster bed will seem lacking without a sumptuous bed covering.

This room uses bedding for a hazy, relaxed feel

Start with the duvet, as this will be a very personal choice that reflects the way you like to sleep. If you like to snuggle up in bed under a thick blanket, there's nothing warmer than Siberian goose down, although this can be a bit heavy for the summer months. One solution is to get an 'All-seasons' duvet- essentially this is two duvets, one four tog and one eight tog connected with buttons to make one thick twelve tog duvet. This allows three levels of warmth and should keep you cosy and comfy all the year round.

Next it's time to select your duvet cover. For maximum comfort go for fine Egyptian cotton in the design of your choice, although it's best to make sure that you pick a pattern that accentuates the style of your room, and for traditional bedrooms, there are many options. You can go for the full traditional valance, sheet, duvet cover and blanket/throw look, with carefully matched fabrics creating a sumptuous and opulent look. If you want the look but want to keep it simple, then go for a full set in white cotton, which is perfect for a spacious, airy cottage bedroom feel.

If your bed, wardrobe and other items of bedroom furniture are made of solid wood, it's a good idea to choose colours that reflect the natural qualities of the wood. Order fabric samples and hold them up to the timber to see how well the fabric can enhance your furniture's appearance.

If you need some more inspiration, check out this great feature from channel4.com

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How To Give your Bedroom A Contemporary Twist

If you're on the lookout for some stylish ways to revamp your bedroom in a contemporary style then check out these handy ideas, and create a cool, sophisticated haven that you will love to relax in.

The first thing to consider when designing a contemporary bedroom is how to create a feeling of space. Contemporary style is defined by its creative use of space, so this is a chance for you to flex your imagination and come up with something uniquely stylish that really expresses your individual personality.

This bedroom may be a bit too modern for some

Let's start by stripping the room right back - no fussy picture rails, wainscoting or other room features, remember, the watchword is simplicity. If your room is small, you face your first creative challenge, in selecting a colour and decoration scheme that will create the illusion of space. Pale colours such as ivory, white or even lemon yellow reflect light around a room, adding to the feeling of space. Choose curtains in plain colours that can be pulled right back to maximise light. You could also consider painting the floorboards for a Parisian-style feel.

Once you've got the room in order, it's time to furnish it. If your room is small, you may want to consider using a spare room to house your wardrobe, dressing table and chest of drawers, so that the bedroom can be dedicated to sleeping.

The bed is the most important part of any bedroom, and it's worth taking some time to consider your options. Even though your room is contemporary, a solid wooden bed can really help to introduce some warmth as well as some variation in texture.

For more great bedroom ideas, check out casa sugar's feature on the top bedroom trends for 2010

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Double or King? How To Decide On The Size Of Your Bed

Choosing a new bed is a serious commitment - it will be your partner for years to come, and if you're going to get on well, you'll need to make sure that you choose carefully. The first decision to make is on the size of your bed - will you go for a double, or opt for a king size?

It may sound obvious, but the main consideration in this case is the size of the room, although it is not as simple as it may seem. Even if your room is huge, you may have different ideas for the space - by going for a double over a king, you may be able to fit an extra wardrobe or a stylish and seductive chaise-longue into your room plan, or, conversely, you can minimise the furniture in a small bedroom, relegating wardrobes and dressing tables to a spare room, and dedicate the whole space to the bed.

If you have the space, a king size
bed can be luxurious and inviting

The difference in sizes between a double and king is not much, but it makes a difference in room design - a double bed measures around 4'6 in width, while a king size comes in at 5', but that six inches can mean the difference between having a bedside cabinet on either side of the bed and either you or your partner having nowhere to put their bedtime drink.

Minimise furniture to maximise your bed!

As well as the size of your room, another important consideration is your sleeping habits. If you and your partner both need your own territory at night, and fight over space, then a king could give you both plenty of room to toss and turn. If you're the kind of couple who like to sleep close, you may want the cosy feeling of a double, which can be just as luxurious and romantic, providing you select some beautiful bedding to complement it.

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Must Have Items For Your Bedroom

If the new decade has inspired you to jump feet first into modern life, then check out our run down of the bedroom essentials that will help you rest, relax and be entertained and inspired, and transform your bedroom into an up-to-the-minute sleeping space, perfectly in tune with the needs of modern life.

In a modern bedroom like this, practicality meets style

Alarm clock

Sadly, every good night's sleep must come to an end, but modern technology offers a host of ways to say hello to the new day. Digital radio alarms let you wake to the sound of any one of hundreds of stations, while more unusual options, such as the Flying Alarm Clock from firebox.com which flies around the room until you get up and catch it, let you take control of your sleep patterns in more creative ways. Check out The Independent's guide to the top ten alarm clocks, and prepare to be surpirised by some of the quirky selections.

The flying alarm clock makes
oversleeping all but impossible

Bedside Lamp

There's nothing more relaxing than settling down in your bed with a hot drink and a good book, so it's important to get the lighting right - not too bright, but not too dim. You'll also really want to have something stylish for your bedside table. You might think that bedside lamps couldn't change much, but there are a surprising range of far-out lighting options, including the Mathmos Airswitch, available from gadgethub.co.uk, that can be dimmed and brightened by the movement of a hand, letting you set the mood with the minimum of effort. For more ideas, you could also check out Living Etc's gallery of the best bedside lamps on the market.

iPod Dock

Whether it's to set a romantic atmosphere, to get you in the mood for a night out, or just to unwind after a long day, the bedroom is the perfect place for music, but you don't want to have a bulky stereo ruining the calming, relaxing atmosphere. That's why an iPod dock can help - choose a slimline designer dock that will continue the look of contemporary elegance, and you'll have your whole music collection at your fingertips. Make sure you pick an option with a remote so you can listen in bed without getting up. Some docks also function as alarm clocks, allowing you to combine two devices in one, but be careful - alarm clock iPod docks rarely have the same standard of sound quality as a dedicated dock, so you may want to stick with separate units for now. Check out The Times' list of the top ten iPod docks, and see which will fit into your room's style.

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How To Create A Rustic Bedroom

There is nothing more welcoming and relaxing than a delightful, rustic bedroom, filled with the colours of autumn and spring. With a little planning, you can create a stunning rustic look that will totally transform your bedroom, so check out this handy guide to decor, furnishing and accessories, and bring a little countryside charm to your sleeping space.

To get that great rustic look, start by considering your decor. You'll want to get a classic farmhouse style, but be warned, it's easy to go too far and end up with a room that is a caricature of the rustic style. Check out the picture below for an example of a room that is certainly rustic, but not exactly pleasant.

This room takes the rustic theme too far

When it comes to selecting your furniture, pick a bed and matching wardrobe, blanket box and bedside cabinets made from an appealing natural timber. Oak is the best choice for the traditional farmhouse look, with its deep grain and distinctively rustic colouring. Ash and elm can also be used to bring a rural tranquility to your bedroom.

If you're in need of a bit more inspiration, then why not check out countryliving.com's brilliant guide to farmhouse style interiors, and plan your room's new look.

This rustic bedroom combines great
design with beautiful furniture

And if you're on a budget, remember that a rustic style can be accessorised with free, natural found objects, so why not venture out to the countryside and see if you can find some interestingly shaped branches and wildflowers to place in large vases. You can use bowls of pine cones to decorate the top of a chest of drawers, and decorate the walls with framed photos of your favourite countryside spots.

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Worst Bedroom Designs

The public areas of our homes - our living rooms, halls, kitchens and dining rooms - often receive more attention than the more private areas like the bedroom, but if you neglect your bedroom, you are only neglecting yourself. Because they are not on public display, bedrooms can be more of an individualistic expression of our personalities, and while this can result in some stunning rooms, it can also see the creation of some real monstrosities (check out the first example to see a literal monstrosity in action). As well as misguided attempts at capturing a style, some bedrooms are ruined by sheer neglect, untidiness or poor planning, so read on to see some of the worst bedrooms in existence and learn how to avoid making the same mistakes.

It's easy to go over the top
when furnishing a child's room

This child's bedroom was obviously planned with the best intentions, but instead of being an exciting, inspiring place, the effect is nightmarish as well as impractical - after all, when the occupant of the room starts to grow up, will they still want to sleep in a Tyrannosaurus Rex's mouth?

This room is dark and uninviting,
but it doesn't have to be this way!

It's always a good idea to co-ordinate patterns on textiles and walls, but the owners of this room have gone too far - check out the duvet and the border at the top of the wall. By overdoing the matching pattern, the room becomes dark and unwelcoming, and the heavy, poorly-chosen dark wooden furniture does nothing to lighten the mood. If your room is small and dark, avoid large, heavy beds and pick a well designed modern bed that will help you to maximise your space.

If all these horrendous bedrooms have left a bad taste in your mouth, take a moment to check out the simple, elegant room below, with its carefully co-ordinated textiles and beautiful stripped-back wall. The owners of this room have focused on comfort and simplicity and created a sleeping space that is truly inviting and relaxing. If you want to create a similar effect, keep furniture to a minimum, co-ordinate your textiles and make the most of your room's more unusual features. To really make the most of your space, turn a spare room into a dressing room so that you can avoid clogging up the bedroom with wardrobes and dressing tables. This will also give you the opportunity to create a beautiful space where you can dress in tranquility and peace.

This room combines simplicity, comfort
and style for a truly elegant space.

If you feel you need a little more inspiration, check out the BBC's great selection of bedroom decoration tips and ideas, and transform your room into a welcoming haven.

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Tips to Make the Most of Your Bedroom

A bedroom is a place for rest, relaxation and indulgence, whether you're sleeping off the day's stresses or simply enjoying a lazy Sunday morning lay in with the newspaper and a delicious breakfast in bed. That's why it's so important that you make your bedroom a place that inspires restful feelings, where you can really get away from it all. This handy guide offers five tips that will help you to get the most out of your bedroom, so dive in and get inspired.

1. Make sure your bed is pulling its weight

The bed is the most important part of any bedroom, so it's worth your while taking a little time to make sure that you get the right option for you. Start with the frame, making certain that you pick one that is appropriate for the room - a four poster is great, but only if you have a high ceiling and enough floor space for it. If you make one investment in your bedroom, make it the mattress, as nothing else will have the same impact on your sleep and rest.

This beautifully dressed bed makes this
room inviting and relaxing

2. Get your entertainment options sorted

Sometimes, after a hard day, nothing's better than having an early night and watching one of your favourite films in bed, so it's a great idea to bring some unobtrusive entertainment to your room. Go for a small flatscreen TV, and mount it on the wall so that it doesn't take up floorspace. You can install an extendable bracket so that you can angle it closer to the bed when you want to use it, then fold it away when you don't.

3. Do you have enough storage?

If your bedroom suffers from an excess of clutter, then you may want to consider either storing some of your items elsewhere, or if your room is large enough, investing in some new storage solutions. If you can never find a place for spare blankets and pillows, try keeping a linen chest at the end of the bed. This not only provides great storage, but makes a great place to put a breakfast tray when you've finished with it.

4. Get the arrangement right

It doesn't matter how attractive your furniture is or how well decorated the room, if your bedroom is not arranged well, then it will never look its best. The BBC has a really handy guide to planning the layout of your bedroom, so if you're struggling to come up with ideas, it's well worth a look.

Even though this room is small, the
arrangement gives the illusion of space

5. Maximise your space

Often a bedroom can become overcrowded with furniture, as you cram a bed, bedside tables, wardrobes, chests of drawers and linen chests into the same space. If you have a spare room, why not try using it as a dressing room, so your bedroom can be stripped down to the essentials, helping to create a spacious, tranquil atmosphere where you can dream in peace and quiet.

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