Houzz Logo Print
klmcdonald731

Rental bedroom help!

5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago

I just moved in one week ago, which would explain how bare and boring this room is currently!


Looking for budget friendly ideas for artwork and additions to this bedroom. The layout is strange since the window is in the way, which makes centering art over the bed difficult. This is also why we opted for a simple platform bed without a headboard.


I also plan on changing the lamps, mismatched side tables, and window treatments so would love suggestions there! These large lampshades don’t work against the window. The window treatments are difficult as well with the window being in the way, so might need to go with blinds or roman shades.


Comments (16)

  • PRO
    5 years ago

    I would consider curtains on the whole wall. Than you could go back and add a DIY head board .




  • PRO
    5 years ago

    The other option would be to hang something over the the other end table to kind of balance the look and possibly hang two, say idea plug in pendants over the nightstands instead of eating up the space on top of the small end tables. https://www.homeconcept.com/products/0-000488-1-light-plug-in-swag-pendant-lamp-white-shade

  • 5 years ago

    The bed doesn't work on the other wall? What don't you like about your current nightstands and what are wanting instead?


    A desk lamp would have a smaller footprint and can serve very well as a beside lamp if it provides light at a height you need if you read in bed.








  • 5 years ago

    The other wall has the same problem with another window. The two nightstands are just a little too high and the heights are different so the lamps on top are at different heights. I’d like smaller and lower ones

  • PRO
    5 years ago

    could you corner the bed?

  • 5 years ago

    At an angle, RL? I was thinking the same. You can get an interesting screen as a headboard and use the space behind for out of season storage or extra blankets.



    Historic Caretaker's Wing · More Info


  • 5 years ago

    I love the idea of cornering the bed! How would I do side tables with that? I always like a lamp and a few items in reach.

  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    Some good news - with side tables that aren't wide we're able to position the bed so the window isn't in the way. That way we can more easily center something over the bed. (Also planning to swap out the current gray/green curtains for white and positioning the curtain rod higher)



  • 5 years ago

    The British have always liked short curtains while it seems to be anathema currently in North America. Although in this instance, short curtains seem too busy in a very small, very busy room. I'd probably go with matchstick bamboo blinds or Roman shades; I've had good experience with the relatively inexpensive Roman blinds at blinds dot ca (the Canadian arm of blinds dot com).

    You can get plug-in (vs hardwired) wall sconces, which might be what you need. Urban Outfitters carry some,

    https://www.urbanoutfitters.com/pendant-lighting-sconces

    The shorter lamp on the left is pretty much useless if the person on that side of the bed likes to read, or wants to avoid eyestrain. And if you find a headboard more functional and comfortable, I'd get a headboard. The window/bed placement is what it is, plus it's a rental. I wouldn't compromise function or comfort for however long you're in here. It can still look nice : ) .

    I would get a large piece of art for the wall and center it on the wall, not the bed; again, the window placement is what it is. Find something you like, at an art fair or Etsy, or have a favorite photo enlarged and printed on canvas.

  • PRO
    5 years ago

    looking great!

  • 5 years ago

    Looking good! Absolutely love your vacation photos framed like that. Fantastic low-cost idea that's perfect for a bedroom. Where did you find the frames?


    What do you feel like having on the other wall? Is it screaming for something? It can be hard to gauge from pictures. It's your bedroom and its views should please YOU. When you walk in, what do you see first? When you're lying in bed, do you wish for something on that wall or is the wall facing the bed interesting enough? I wouldn't consider putting something on a wall simply because it's empty.

  • 5 years ago

    The frames are from Target by Project 62! 11x14 prints and 16x20 frames. I don’t think the other wall necessarily needs something.

    The wall across the bed is my next project where I need to add a dresser!

  • 5 years ago

    Great find. Really liking Target's Project 62 offerings I see on their website. Wish we still had Target in Canada. :( Good luck wth your dresser hunt. If you need help searching online, we're here for you. :) If you have any consignment shops nearby, you can often find quality pieces at good prices there.

  • 5 years ago

    Found a dresser that we love for the other side of our bedroom, but now need some styling ideas! I don’t love how symmetrical it is with the mirrors so want some items to offset that.

  • 5 years ago

    Love it!! Also love the symmetry of the angled mirrors but if you don't, do you need to keep both there? Could you place one of them in another spot (behind the door maybe?) As for styling a dresser, I don't see much point because horizontal surfaces become (temporary) dumping grounds in my house. :P That said, how about pretty trays and trinket boxes for jewelry, perfume, etc.? Anthropologie, Pier1, HomeSense/HomeGoods have loads of affordable options.