A Sunday morning sitting in bed with a cup of coffee and the papers (or a quiet half hour scrolling) is one of life’s simple pleasures. So how to plan a bedroom layout that delivers for that and so much more?
A calming sleep zone, a personal retreat, a practical dressing area, and plenty of storage. The average bedroom has many functions to fulfil, which makes a good spatial layout an essential first step. ‘Bedrooms inevitably have large, sometimes unwieldly, pieces of furniture to fit in,’ says Neptune design director, Fred Horlock, ‘so always try out furniture in different layout combinations before deciding where to position large pieces.’
Aside from the bed (of which more shortly), storage can tend to dominate a bedroom, which isn’t ideal. ‘Storage is often visually “hard”,’ explains Fred. ‘If you don’t have discreet fitted storage, then invest in a beautiful wardrobe and drawers that you’ll enjoy looking at, even if it means rotating your clothes and storing off-season outfits in another room.’
An architect will look at a bedroom footprint analytically and might suggest dividing the room with either a floating or full wall to create a separate dressing area which keeps the storage and clutter away from the sleep zone. If this isn’t an option, look to other ways you can utilise the room’s architecture. ‘Timber elements bring a warmth to a room, so consider exposed rafters or wooden floorboards softened with rugs,’ advises Fred. ‘And retain period elements like fireplaces where you can, bringing in freestanding furniture that feels like it belongs next to the original features.’
When it comes to bed frames, Fred suggests four-poster styles suit larger, high-ceilinged rooms – though the new Walton four-poster bed will work in a smaller space thanks to its lower silhouette. A timber frame suits a more traditional or cottage vibe, while a shapely, upholstered headboard like the Clemmie can work as a decorative focal point, drawing the eye upwards. ‘Treat the wall behind the bed as an extension of the headboard, be it with panelling, wallpaper or paint,’ adds Fred. ‘Decorating it to complement the style of the headboard will help widen the feel of the room while anchoring the bed securely and helping to make the room feel calm.’
Applying symmetry to the space will enhance that feeling of harmony so important for a good night’s sleep. You can achieve this by framing the bed between two windows or chimney recesses but also by using bedside tables and lamps on either side of the bed for balance. ‘Keep window areas clear,’ adds Fred. ‘That morning light is important so place heavy storage pieces on the opposite side of the room. A large rug under the bed will help the space feel wider and, if you have room, ground the bed with a sofa or footstool at its base.’
Finally, multiple layers of lighting are all-important in the bedroom. Fred suggests incorporating low-level bedside lamps and wall sconces which cast a diffused glow to keep the room feeling relaxed at night. For dressing, include some task lighting with a brighter, daytime light which will feel refreshing. And there’s your dream bedroom: practical by day, restful by night.
