How to guides

How to create a cosy bedroom

There’s more to a sleep space than a bed and a wardrobe.

Bowbrook, Hartlebury - Haddenham - Bedroom

Get a good night’s sleep with a snug, restful bedroom

If you want your bedroom to feel calm and relaxing, take a look at these ideas for making the room as tranquil and cosy as possible.

Go head to head

Who doesn’t love a bedtime read, or a lazy cup of tea on a Sunday morning? If you’re partial to either of these, a headboard is key. A surface behind the pillow will allow you to sit back comfortably and relax in bed.

To make the space even more snug, go for an upholstered headboard in cotton or velvet – and for a budget-friendly option, try making one yourself.


Bristol Kings Copse, Gloucester - AltonG - Master bedroom

Layer the lighting

The way in which a bedroom is lit can have a huge impact on the feel of the space. An overhead pendant is necessary for ensuring you can see everything you need while getting ready, but in the evening you only really need ambient lighting.

Make sure you include bedside lights to create a cosy atmosphere, and also to illuminate the space for reading. These should give off a warm light that’s not too harsh, but that is strong enough to make reading comfortable.

 

Bristol Kings Copse, Gloucester - Gosford - Bedroom

Treat yourself to textiles

An instant way to cosy up a room is with fabric, make the most of your bed by layering it with soft textiles. Include a few cushions and a throw to display on the bed.

When choosing cushions it’s a good idea to go for a combination of plain and patterned fabrics. For the throw, choose a matching plain fabric, or go for another hue from the same colour spectrum.


Wynyard Manor, Wynyard - Lavenham - Bedroom

Clear the clutter

It’s important to ensure your bedroom is clutter-free to be able to relax – and the key to success is storage. But don’t just buy any storage items you see, it pays to be a little more strategic.

Stick to the rule of decluttering first and then allocating storage, in order to make sure you have a place for everything. Decide which items you want to keep and throw away - once complete, you should be able to work out the exact storage you need. 


Newton Grange - Crofton - Bedroom

Dress the windows

You can create a cosy, restful bedroom by controlling light coming in from outside. Hang blinds or curtains at the window to block out any street lamps at night, and to prevent early morning sunlight waking you up before you’ve had a weekend lie-in.

For the best results, choose fabric with black-out lining, to ensure no light protrudes into the room while you’re trying to sleep. A lined fabric will also help the space to feel warm, adding extra points to the room’s snug-factor.


Kings Wood Gate, Monmouth - Mappleton - Bedroom

Soften your steps

We often walk barefoot in our bedrooms, so a soft, warm floor is vital. The best way to ensure your bedroom floor is snug is to lay a luxurious carpet - choose a silky finish, to give a soft feel underfoot.

If you prefer wooden or laminate flooring, it’s easy to cosy up the space with a rug or two. Lay one at the side of the bed, for when you get up and perhaps another near the wardrobe to stand on while getting dressed.


Wheatfields Manor, Codsall - Wilton - Master bedroom

Be clever with colour

Soft colours generally feel more cosy and relaxing than bolder shades, but that doesn’t mean you have to go for a completely neutral palette. Choose a couple of complementary hues to create a feeling of harmony in the room.

In this bedroom, for example, the cool blue wall is balanced by warm coral shades in the artwork, textiles and lamp shades. There’s enough colour in the room to add interest, but the tones feel calm and understated.


Scholars Chase, Stoke - Gifford - Shelford - Bedroom