I would start by posting pics of the space from further back so we can see the whole room. IMO bedrooms are for sleeping and as such can be quite dark in fact one of my faves is an all gray bedroom .I usually start with great bedding and yours definately needs to changed. You have 2 choices either find bedding now that works with the wall color or paint to go with the new bedding. I think a bigger bed would be a good idea too yours looks very narrow( could be the angle of the pic)This is avery pretty bedroom with navy walls and some dark pices like you have.

Part of the problem is that bare bulb that is casting a glaring light. Get a frosted bulb.

I personally prefer the feet of my bed to face the door, not the head.

I think you need some pattern in the room.

Why can’t your bed go on the opposite wall? It seems to me that the dresser would fit better on the wall with the quirky protrusion. (What is it, by the way? Can it be removed??). Your new closets might be painted white to lighten up the space. And I agree that better lighting, including lamps on bed side tables will help brighten up the space. I love the fabrics used in the photo posted by Patricia Colwell, above.

Putting in some white crown molding will help too. I agree that you should address the lighting situation. We installed ourselves some reading wall sconces next to our bed and improved our ceiling lighting. It's amazing how much that helped.

Is that the door to your bathroom between the wardrobes, with the entrance to the bedroom (from the hallway) being the other door? If so, I’d put the head of the bed on the opposite wall so that, when entering the room, I didn’t have to go around the bed to get to the bathroom. Time can be of the essence every now and then, if you catch my drift. 😉

Hi all, thanks. There isn’t space to walk round the bed if it were switched to the other wall, it’s less than ideal I know. I think your poor impressions of the bedding show that there is an overall problem in the room, granted they are creased by being sat on, but they are brand new 400tc white! I didnt bother staging the bed as I just included it for reference and I was hoping everyone would forgive us that it is an unfinished room. It is a king sized bed. I’ve taken the photos from as far back as possible, it’s just an awkward shape! I absolutely agree about the lighting. So what about what to do with that dark wall space??

I would address the lighting first and then see how the walls look afterward. I painted our bedroom ceiling and walls a lighter blue than yours and thought it was too dark. Once I addressed the lighting I thought the color was perfect.

Okay, now I see why you can’t flip the bed to the opposite wall: that bulkhead (from the staircase?) would create a pinch point with the foot of the bed.

I am not huge into feng shui but I do like some of the basic ideas and try to use them in bedrooms for sure .

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Not sleeping with your feet toward the door is fundamental in feng shui too, along with other don'ts, such as putting a mirror opposite the bed or sleeping under a chandelier or ceiling beams, or between two doors. ...

Paint with any gloss highlights all the irregularities in the wall. It's a good rule to always use flat or matte paint with these dark colors unless it's being applied to built-ins.

Unless you are prepared to break up the vast expanse of navy with drapery panels, bedding, rugs, and art to get some relief, I'd consider repainting.

Not a Pro.

I think with the right lighting and accessories, the room can be beautiful.

@BeverlyFLADeziner shows above. Add some great art work, drapes and accessories and and it will be beautiful.

More inspiration:

River North Condo - Guest Bedroom · More Info

I like the wall color. It's feeling oppressive because it's not broken up by white matted art or photos on the walls and there's not enough light. The blackout curtains should be withdrawn first thing in the morning. (Babies should never nap in the dark during the day. I have 6, lol.) Adding extra lamps will help. This will be very cozy! If you still hate it you can repaint, and you'll still be glad you had finished the room with lamps and art.

I think if the wall color feels oppressive (i agree) and there is no natural light...those are two good reasons to re-paint the room a light airy color...

Thanks for your advice about breaking up the expanse! Ok, I’ll try that, along with improving lighting. Once the clocks have changed and we’re settled, I’ll rip that damn blackout down!

My next question then, is how would you arrange things on that long wall? A painting above the chest, mirror to the left or right of that space, add a slim gold/glass console table In the space, one large or a cluster of framed prints in the big space? It’s this gap that’s the big pain in the butt.

I don't know your budget, but if it were me, I would put up poster board squares in the frame sizes Ikea carries in the colors I want, and map out an arrangement of 3 big tall ones, or 4, etc. and then put some favorite photos in there. But I have a small budget, you may not.

Hello Sarah, I would not put a painting above the chest. Instead I would put the art on the large wall. I would move the mirror that’s currently across from your bed. Is there somewhere else it could go? Then hang one very large artwork (atleast 40”x50”) or a grouping of 4-6. A grouping would probably be more cost effective. Look for artwork with a primarily white background so it stands out against your navy walls. Based on your photos, I don’t think you have enough space to add a console table. If you can fit one, that’s great and you could put the artwork above it.

Could you sketch a floor plan of the room, with measurements, and post it? I find the images a bit confusing regarding layout. I do agree you need artwork, and white frames or mattes would help, but don't buy art based on whether or not it coordinates with the room or has plenty of white. That is the worst way to decide on art. You won't be living with these colors forever and you want art that moves you, brings you joy, makes you smile or think, and that you love to look at. Pieces that do that for you can go with you anywhere.

I did see this recently and loved it. It’s 130cm2. Not a lot of white though. Yes or no?

Some other ideas...

Would you say a regular layout, or irregular as shown below (irregular photo just as an example, not necessarily those pictures)?

If you love it, that's the art for you. I'd say it will work.

As for arrangement of a gallery wall, I always prefer an organic mix of sizes and positioning, but your room might benefit from a more uniform layout. Check out this blog post on ways to layout a gallery wall: https://paperstories.co/blogs/news/how-to-create-your-dream-gallery-wall

By the way, I love that you made a bold color choice for your walls in this room. However, it is dark -- and you only have one window in there. I am wondering if there is a semi-transparent irridescent wash you could paint over it - just a thought.

Paint it. Caves are good for sleeping but I agree that is OPRESSIVE. One wall is too much of a dark color--I know as I allowed FAD to lure me into painting one small wall DARK GREEN in my kitchen. It will be repainted. The light sucking is INSANE.

Hi Sarah, If you found a piece of art that you love, then yes, absolutely try it. It has a good size and the white frame will help it to stand out against your walls. As the queen of tidying up would say, “If it sparks joy...keep it”

My husband has vetoed that art! He’s also very unhappy about me suggesting more work by repainting it! So I’ve agreed with him, as you’ve sensibly suggested, that I will sort lighting and pictures out, and if we still don’t like it next year we can repaint. He did show me something he liked that cost a fortune so I’ll take that as permission to have fun!

I would like to thank everyone who’s contributed so far. I appreciate the range of ideas and feel a lot closer to a solution.