Software
Houzz Logo Print
emillerslo

How to finish this bedroom?

4 years ago

I am in a love-hate relationship with my bedroom right now, and feel like it's not finished or is missing the "wow" factor. My initial thought is I need to finish it off with some decorative accents, maybe above the headboard or elsewhere, but I get frustrated at not being able to figure it out. I would consider swapping out the rug and coordinate accordingly, but get afraid I'll put myself in the same situation or not knowing how to finish the room. I'd really like to keep the high dollar items like bed, nightstands, bench, mirrors and draperies in place, and work around those. Believe it or not, this room is a result of working with a professional, so I just don't know anymore (and am leery to hire someone again... it's expensive for the uncertainty!). I would just like to love my bedroom. Any advice is appreciated!








Comments (43)

  • 4 years ago

    snazzy painting over the headboard?

  • 4 years ago

    The first thing I would suggest is to discover your style. In top HOUZZ search box, put in different styles (one at a time) in photos. Examples include: casual, transitional, rustic. There you will see pictures of the styles. Note what you like and don't like. https://www.houzz.com/photos/query/transitional-bedroom/nqrwns That is where you will get ideas! I like art.com for a print above the bed. They have a wide selection. Here is one example: https://www.art.com/products/p53775993922-sa-i10824946/tim-otoole-a-perfect-day-to-sail-i.htm?upi=Q1I9XWC0&PODConfigID=10551919&sOrigID=1833 I buy the print then have it framed in plexiglass locally (lighter and safer to hang).

  • 4 years ago

    Maybe consider a molding treatment on the walls or color on the bed

    https://www.houzz.com/photos/sims-hilditch-16th-century-manor-traditional-bedroom-phvw-vp~117993080

  • 4 years ago

    I would keep the rug and swap out the mirrors for artwork with some blue and a second accent color. Pick up that accent color in either new lamps, or just lampshades.

  • 4 years ago

    You need color! The rug appears to have some deep, jewel like, red/purple in it, like ruby or amethyst. I’d use that as the starting point. A big painting over the bed, that has mostly red/purple, with blue as the accent. A throw in the purple /red color. I’d move the plant elsewhere, I think it crowds the bench. A bowl on one night stand, in the red/purple, in glass.

  • 4 years ago

    I think it's a really pretty base, and you just need to add some personal layers and some texture. Maybe a family photo in a silver frame plus a decorative bowl on a nightstand. I also think the bench at the end of the bed is too small. Can you find another spot for your plant, maybe on a plant stand/pedestal in a corner? And you could add some fullness to your bedding--remove the small red pillow and add a long lumbar or else two or three euros.


    Your mirrors look nice and act like the windows in some of these images.








  • 4 years ago

    Bring the vintage-soft blue up onto wall, or for lamp or lampshade.

  • 4 years ago

    It's a good basis for a room, it just needs some artwork and accessories.

  • 4 years ago

    this drum shape is showing lately -

    Salento 4-Light Dual Mount, Persian White · More Info


  • 4 years ago

    I think the lamps are too small scale. Remember, chunky lamps with chunky bedside tables. That might be the spot for some shine, as in a brass base for the lamps.


    Pacific Coast Lighting Maison Loft Table Lamp · More Info



    Fortress Brushed Antique Brass Finish Contemporary 2-Light 160W Table Lamp · More Info



    However, the rug looks too small for the bed which is also visually very heavy. At least try pulling it further under the bed if you can. The pattern in it is also too delicate for the heft of the bed.

    And that brings us to the mirrors which are also too visually lightweight to work with the bed. If you could paint the white border darker they might have the presence to stand up to the bed. You need to continue with "chunky" or the bed will swallow up anything you add. There could be a nice masculine vibe to the room if you're willing to dive in. Paint the wall behind the bed (or the entire recessed area) in a rich color from a new, correctly sized rug. Maybe the white part of the mirrors could be painted that same color. Then add a pop of contrast in accessories. Here's the idea for a masculine bedroom. And the best addition would be new flooring instead of carpet.


    Bold, Masculine Master Bedroom · More Info


  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    Paint an accent wall - and simple pendant lighting -

    Cinq 3-Light Pendant · More Info


  • 4 years ago

    Sometimes ya see them grouped together -

    Teardrop Amber Lantern · More Info


  • 4 years ago

    For me what jumps out is the mirrors. The mirrors alongside the chunky bed to me give a hard look to the room. The bed is lovely. I know you said you wanted to keep the mirrors, so I wonder if you could place them somewhere else. I think as someone else said some artwork over the bedside tables would add tons of interest and soften the look.

  • 4 years ago

    Your room looks perfectly staged. Great for resale, but it is lacking color and personality.


    I don't often recommend an accent wall, but this may be the perfect case for when an accent wall might be a great answer. Bring some neutral colored baskets over the bed to provide something not square or rectangular. Add some art and a bit of décor that has the reds and blues in the carpet.


    I may also look for a different accent pillow - again something not square or rectangular.


    A circle, a bolster or even something like these knots on Amazon.

    https://www.amazon.com/FUB-Pillow-Cushion-Decoration-Office/dp/B086JWCH79/ref=as_li_ss_tl?dchild=1&keywords=knot+throw+pillow&qid=1598594249&sr=8-5&linkCode=sl1&tag=deskdeck-20&linkId=6e99b076af82b6dcf6b915962d44d17a&language=en_US






  • 4 years ago

    I also agree you need more layering on the bed, and to me it’s the lamps and rug that aren’t working. Overall most of the accessories chosen look a little delicate compared to furniture. I think adding more texture to the room would help also. Since you have carpeting I think a hide rug at foot of bed would look great!

  • 4 years ago

    The only missing ‘wow’ part of your bedroom, in my opinion, is any dark and solid color, like dark blue, for your walls.

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    New day - the blue isn't 'matching the strength' of the bed - a hot royal type blue, maybe... doesn't have to be blue.

    Found one for ? shams?


    Nuloom Delhi 30" Ceramic Table Lamp · More Info



    Dreamland Cobalt Fabric, 1 Yard · More Info


  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    handmade rustic metal to strengthen bed's metal details--

    because mirrors are simple, they're good backing for lamps, and bed..... ??

    - Tall one for your nightstand, change? W 16.5" / H 37" / Ceramic, Steel, Hardback Fabric


    Laughlin Finish on Ceramic Table Lamp Brass Base Designer Fabric Drum Shade · More Info



    Deondra Gray Metal Table Lamp · More Info



    Korbel Table Lamp · More Info


    Reynolds 1 Light Table Lamp, Gray and Gold · More Info


  • 4 years ago

    When color or interest is needed… an easy game changer is an accent wall…paint the wall behind the bed to match the rug..

  • 4 years ago

    Do you own any art or pictures that you like?

  • 4 years ago

    You’re close! Some good suggestions above.
    Paint nightstands white and go with colorful lamps.
    Layer a blanket/ quilt at the end of the bed and two more colorful pillows.
    Have plant at end of bed in a planter that can be seen.

    emillerslo thanked mmc429
  • 4 years ago

    I think you have the start of a beautiful room. For my eye, just a few changes…..The lamps seem too short in comparison to the massive bed. I’d try to find similar lamps that are taller and center them on the mirror. I’d “lush” up your bed — lots of nice ideas in these posts. I prefer a few big Euro pillows, then bed pillows then a lumbar pillow. Easy to make up the bed and the Euro & regular pillows are nice when I want to read in bed. I’d add a big cozy comforter, folded down midway in the bed. Finally I’d put a throw on the bench, the color to pick up one of the pillows on the bed. The plant seems out of place. I’d move it. Perhaps the rug placement makes sense in the room but it seems like it should be tucked up closer to the headboard. Good luck! Suggest you take it one step at a time….I bet it will come together nicely.

    emillerslo thanked Sonja Suitor
  • 4 years ago

    What jumped out at me was scale and tone. The lamps are too small and too light. They would be better in a darker tone and larger size like the metal lamps suggested above. Also, pull the rug up towards the headboard more to help build off the bed which dominates.
    Maybe just my taste, but that perfect symmetry looks like a 200 room hotel rather than a home. Perhaps consider a mix like one mirror and one art piece in a slightly different size on the sides. Or two mirrors but different lamps. Even just ‘styling’ different things on each nightstand would enrich the look.

  • PRO
    4 years ago

    Add a large piece of Art over Bed and make it the focal point to anchor a room. Large original artworks are an excellent addition that gives character to any space. Good luck and enjoy decor !


    http://www.pooviartgallery.com




    Bloom · More Info






    There's Possibility · More Info






    Lost Somewhere · More Info






    Pieces Of Me · More Info





  • 4 years ago

    Thank you to everyone for all the comments, I now have a better idea of what I will do, and I especially appreciated the pictures and product call outs. Definitely will fluff up the bed and inject some color with more pillows. I also liked the suggestion of a colored lamp which will pull the colors of the rug up more. I will definitely keep my eye open for the right piece of art above the bed, although this is what I was struggling with all along- the right shape/size/color is tricky, and I think the piece that's meant to go above the bed will present itself at the right time. In the meantime, I'm off to order some pillows and throw!

  • 4 years ago

    I am not a fan of painted accent walls, but…it might be nice to bring a medium blue from your carpet up on to the wall behind the bed. Just that wall. You can see with the images of your bed dressed in blues, how bringing that color upward on to the Euro shams adds life to the room. You also might pick one more color out of your rug to weave into the mix. As a small throw pillow, or in your accessories. Art is very personal, so I never suggest anything specific. But your room has wonderful bones. Now they need to be fleshed out with color, texture, and life!

  • PRO
    4 years ago


    Breathe new life into your home with globally inspired art and vintage finds.
    ARTISTIC ELEMENTS

  • PRO
    4 years ago

    Once you install the right size table lamps, the mirrors begin to look a bit small but you could still work with them.


    Here are some other rugs for inspiration along with pillow selections. The bed is large in scale. The pillows have to be large in scale also.






  • PRO
    4 years ago

    This wow for me






  • 4 years ago

    I would wallpaper the back wall but I am always looking for another place to add wallpaper ;) I think maybe Schumacher toile cloud or Cole and Sons nuvolette would be so pretty (these are wildly expensive but I bet you could find something similar that is cloud like) or farrow and ball aranami could work well with the rustic vibe of your furniture. Maybe sandberg’s Raphael. I think I am leaning into those because of how geometric the bed is — those organic, flowy wallpapers would give contrast and soften the lines. more pillows. lots of variations but I do 2 kings, three euros, and then just put a body pillow across so you can be done with it :) then for layering bedding, have your duvet, a quilt in an accent color or different texture, and at least one throw blanket (I almost always Just choose a nice wool or cashmere). The rug needs to be at least 9x12 I think for a king bed (maybe it’s 8x10? You can Google it). I am partial to Persian rugs — look on revival or old new house for vintage ones which will add character. if you want to keep the current one, you can layer a sisal/jute underneath. I would go light colors — like ivory, taupe — maybe not even do Persian but something simpler because the bed and nightstands are very heavy. the bench also doesn’t look long enough to me — you can Google the correct length for a bench at the end of the bed. I understand not wanting to get rid of anything but maybe it could be used somewhere else? Then the lamps aren’t doing much for me either — I would do clear glass gourds to provide contrast to the heavy wood and again soften the lines. Knickknacks on the nighstand — keep it simple like a bowl for jewelry, vase of flowers, plant. Then maybe a piece of art work — seascape or landscape over the bed. I think what is not working is that everything is very geometric and harsh lines and needs softened.

  • 4 years ago

    Maybe a grass cloth paper. I think figuring out a style is helpful but maybe more so is how do you want it to feel — moody, airy, relaxing, etc.

  • 4 years ago

    My own room is waiting to be finished (furniture delays) but here is what I mean by a body pillow — just make sure long enough. Then you don’t have to deal with a thousand throw pillows :)

  • 4 years ago

    I also think my light fixture might work in your room (I think I like the capiz with the rustic vibe I am getting) or this one to soften

  • 4 years ago

    Raphael and aranami — there are different colors of these too. I have aranami in my WC — is so pretty with wood. The color of the wallpaper— stiffkey blue is my all time favorite shade of blue. But it’s lovely and just maybe needs a little tweaking!

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    I wonder if you like the idea of exotic, or transitional pendant lights, to "show well" in front of mirrors. It'd add height and drama.

    I think your recessed lights could be used for small chandelier/pendants, by a pro.


    Master · More Info


    Modern Pendant Lighting, Elegant Drum Shaped Shade With Golden Finish · More Info


  • 4 years ago

    Height is Adjustable from 22.5 - 67.5 inches"


    Benton 3-Light Black Wire Cage Modern Industrial Pendant Light White Linen Shade · More Info


  • 4 years ago

    With light bedding, curtains, bench! sort of bright, everybody? :)


    Madeline 35" Curved Glass Table Lamp · More Info



  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    This is what I mean by the bench not being long enough — see how this one is almost the entire length of the bed? Also like the painting (some kind of seascape/landscape) above the bed for you. Also see how they have nightstands with curvy legs and a curvy lamp and then a square headboard? You can find other ways to bring in the curves like with the lamps, nighstand accessories, overhead light fixture, wallpaper etc



  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    If you want to go moody, Hague blue is also so so beautiful. It has a Jsut barely a touch of green to it — there is no other paint color like it and is one of those colors that I doubt could look bad anywhere lol and has a "wow' factor. I have it in my entry.


  • 4 years ago

    And fwiw, I am very eclectic in many ways, but I love symmetry for nightstands, lamps, etc in the bedroom but there is no right or wrong. I think where yours falls a little flat is that there is a lot of symmetry and then the nightstands also seem to match the headboard. My first instinct was to tell you to paint them like another poster but I’ve painted tons of furniture and it’s such a PITA. I think you can make it work by doing some of these other things mentioned above :) and this is just my opinion, but you want your nightstands to relate to the headboard but not feel too matchy matchy. For example, my room I that I posted the pic of, I have curvy ivory/light wood modern nightstands that will be next to an arched navy upholstered headboard that is modern but also feels traditional — transitional I guess. They are different materials and colors but relate to each other because of their curviness. Then I will have a plaid Roman shade to bring in some geometry and the lines on the body pillow. Then I knew because I had more modern nightstands I wanted an antique dresser in a warm wood to contrast with the lightness and modernity of the nightstands. (I like to mix but it is def tricky and this is where I also use a moodboard!!). you can download an app for moodboards. I like to make sure I am getting the right mix of styles and curvy vs linear, etc. and so much easier with moodbaord. then I always use my favorite colors — but there are of course so many ways to do things and styles!!