Create an ideabook for your next remodeling project!
Browse more than 1,000,000 photos from top designers and save your favorites
Accessorizing in Style: Traditional Bedrooms
Sprinkle in these 10 classic elements to turn a bare bedroom into an elegant, traditional haven
Houzz Contributor. Based in Cambridgeshire, U.K., Julia Pockett is founder Director of Sujiivana Design Ltd (http://www.sujiivana.co.uk), an on-line emporium of home accessories and of interior design services. Specialising in affordable design, Julia has worked on projects including full property refurbishments, individual room designs and home staging.
Houzz Contributor. Based in Cambridgeshire, U.K., Julia Pockett is founder... More »
You've finally chosen your color scheme and furnishings, and now your bedroom could stand alongside a five-star hotel room. But you don't want a hotel room — you want a home. This is why accessories are so important.
Accessories are seldom bought all at once. Often they are a mixture of new and old — they add character to your room and say as much about you as the colors and style you have chosen. However, don't underestimate their importance in styling or in practicality. A mismatched or incorrectly placed piece could destroy the look you have been trying to achieve or hinder your day-to-day use of the room.
If you have a traditional bedroom, think vintage-inspired accessories and textiles rather than chrome and high gloss. Go for crisp white cotton sheets with a statement throw and matching cushions, sparkling crystal and pretty flowers, vintage mirrors and lighting, and definitely some vintage rugs.
Accessories are seldom bought all at once. Often they are a mixture of new and old — they add character to your room and say as much about you as the colors and style you have chosen. However, don't underestimate their importance in styling or in practicality. A mismatched or incorrectly placed piece could destroy the look you have been trying to achieve or hinder your day-to-day use of the room.
If you have a traditional bedroom, think vintage-inspired accessories and textiles rather than chrome and high gloss. Go for crisp white cotton sheets with a statement throw and matching cushions, sparkling crystal and pretty flowers, vintage mirrors and lighting, and definitely some vintage rugs.
by Adrienne Chinn
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
1. A plush chair. If you have the space, make sure you have a comfy chair to retreat to when chaos reigns elsewhere in your home. I love the way the stripes used here reflect the light from the Venetian blinds.
Stripes are a good choice for traditional styling and neutral colors suit both men and women. Stripes and florals were made for each other, so add a pretty floral cushion in matching tones and you'll have a spot you both love.
Stripes are a good choice for traditional styling and neutral colors suit both men and women. Stripes and florals were made for each other, so add a pretty floral cushion in matching tones and you'll have a spot you both love.
|
by Elizabeth Reich
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| 2. Extra mirrors. Mirrors are a practical necessity in any bedroom, but try to think creatively when positioning them. The mirrors above the bedside tables here reflect the light from the window and will also look pretty when the bedside lamps are on. If your room isn't very wide, they'll also add depth. |
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| 3. A posy vase. No traditional bedside table is complete without a posy vase. Fill it with fragrant sweet peas or simple country garden blooms, and they'll be sure to lift your spirits when the alarm goes off. Here, the classic silver vase looks great, but I favor a simple glass vase, as it catches light beautifully and goes with anything. Flea markets and yard sales are great hunting grounds for bargain antiques. |
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| 4. Personal treasures. Your bedroom should be personal to you, so be sure to display some of your treasured keepsakes. The glass dome on the bedside here could be used for a favorite ornament, or maybe flowers from the first bouquet your sweetheart ever bought you. |
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| 5. Bedside classics. Bedside books are accessories in their own right. I'm not suggesting you only read attractive books, but stack a few old classics carefully chosen from a vintage bookstore, and you have a gorgeous arrangement. |
|
by Pottery Barn
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| 6. A structured wall light. Wall lights save space on your bedside table for that pile of classic novels. Remember to keep everything in scale, though — these would look lost on a big, blank wall above your bed. |
7. Above-the-bed artwork. Without a huge, ornate headboard or an architectural feature, chances are you will need something above your bed. Pictures are wonderful, but be sure they are themed. I like perfectly spaced symmetrical arrangements (rows of three work really well), which fit with traditional styling perfectly.
Random shapes, sizes and frame types also can look good, especially if you are going for a more rustic feel, but they're harder to get right. Just be sure to keep with a theme and keep the spacing equal.
Random shapes, sizes and frame types also can look good, especially if you are going for a more rustic feel, but they're harder to get right. Just be sure to keep with a theme and keep the spacing equal.
by Kim Armstrong
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
8. Something playful. I love to add a touch of humor to my styling, and accessories are the perfect vehicle. This fish cushion makes me smile. You could also use a framed picture that introduces an element of fun to your room.
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
9. Classic wall art. This English classic brings out the inner child in me and is a lovely accessory to the traditional bedroom.
| 10. A textured rug. A rug is a wonderful way to add texture to your scheme — especially with a hard wood floor — but choose carefully. This antique style is perfect for the traditional bedroom. When you have a room stacked with gorgeous architectural features, don't overdo it with accessories. This room strikes just the right balance. The beautiful wrought-iron balcony, paneled wall and chandelier need little other than the compulsory glass posy vase and stunning floral rug to produce traditional chic. |
Comments
Elizabeth Reich Thank you, Julia, for featuring one of my rooms!
9 months ago · Like
olldbobbi I like the part that says "Personal Treasures". In my bedroom I have my teddy bear that I've had since I was very young. Every time my brother sees it he says "you still have that!". Why would I get rid of it now, I've had it for 53 years!!!
9 months ago · Like
· 
1
1
Julia Pockett Hi Elizabeth - no problem, your room is gorgeous! I love a scheme which isn't too rigid, that mixes old with new to form a unique style and you've certainly achieved that - and I really do love those mirrors!
9 months ago · Like
· 2
2
brendaberry22 I love the addition of "something playful" mentioned here. I also have a gorgeous soft little teddy bear my husband gave me on my dresser that makes me smile!
9 months ago · Like
The Old Painted Cottage Great ideabook! We're thrilled to see our bedroom featured, thank you!
9 months ago · Like
· 1
1
Julia Pockett You're welcome! I love the combination of black and cream - it's so stylish!
9 months ago · Like
· 1
1
Ideabook published on Aug. 24, 2012.
What are you working on?
News From Our Partners
Latest Ideabooks
People found the photos in this ideabook after searching for:
View over a million photos:
