Decorating Guides
Where Designers Would Spend and Save in a Bedroom
We asked three interior designers which elements they think are worth a little more investment for a good night’s sleep
A calm, well-designed bedroom can soothe and relax us. In fact, studies show that an ordered space really does help us sleep more soundly (which makes the rest of life so much better). However, our bedrooms can be at bottom of the list when it comes to budgeting. We don’t always stop to consider where it’s smart to direct our cash, with kitchens, bathrooms and living rooms typically taking priority.
With that in mind, we asked three interior designers for their opinions on where it’s worth splurging in the bedroom, and where you can afford to be thrifty.
With that in mind, we asked three interior designers for their opinions on where it’s worth splurging in the bedroom, and where you can afford to be thrifty.
Save on: Great Headboard
A lovely padded headboard covered in velvet or patterned fabric can easily become the star of your bedroom — and make reading in bed much more comfy. And the good news is, it doesn’t have to cost much.
“Old headboards can easily be recovered: Just pay for the reupholstery and some really nice fabric — you generally don’t need a large quantity,” says Caroline Nicholls of Slightly Quirky.
See why you should hire a professional who uses Houzz Pro software
A lovely padded headboard covered in velvet or patterned fabric can easily become the star of your bedroom — and make reading in bed much more comfy. And the good news is, it doesn’t have to cost much.
“Old headboards can easily be recovered: Just pay for the reupholstery and some really nice fabric — you generally don’t need a large quantity,” says Caroline Nicholls of Slightly Quirky.
See why you should hire a professional who uses Houzz Pro software
Spend on: Decent Bedding
It might be tempting to go for those bargain polyester-mix duvet covers and sheets (especially if they’re pretty), but it’s a false economy to cut back on good sheets, blankets, duvet covers and duvets, say our experts.
“You can absolutely tell the difference between cheap and expensive bed sheets,” says Natasha Burton of NB Interiors. “Opt for maximum luxury and indulge in some top-quality bedding.”
Natural materials such as cotton will keep you cool, feel nicer against your skin, and help you snooze soundly. Hunt for offers on sheets with high thread counts. Snap up pure wool blankets and invest in cozy duvets and pillows made from goose down or duck feathers (as long as you aren’t allergic to them).
If you prefer to avoid animal products, there are some great “vegan” synthetic alternatives that mimic the comfort, luxury and warmth of down.
How to Create a Bedroom for Aging in Place
It might be tempting to go for those bargain polyester-mix duvet covers and sheets (especially if they’re pretty), but it’s a false economy to cut back on good sheets, blankets, duvet covers and duvets, say our experts.
“You can absolutely tell the difference between cheap and expensive bed sheets,” says Natasha Burton of NB Interiors. “Opt for maximum luxury and indulge in some top-quality bedding.”
Natural materials such as cotton will keep you cool, feel nicer against your skin, and help you snooze soundly. Hunt for offers on sheets with high thread counts. Snap up pure wool blankets and invest in cozy duvets and pillows made from goose down or duck feathers (as long as you aren’t allergic to them).
If you prefer to avoid animal products, there are some great “vegan” synthetic alternatives that mimic the comfort, luxury and warmth of down.
How to Create a Bedroom for Aging in Place
Save on: Bedside Tables
“These can often be bought cheaply secondhand and upcycled by painting them and adding new handles,” Nicholls says. “It’s also a way to give old tables a new lease of life so they’re not wasted.”
“Your bedside table is really just a surface for a glass of water, a book or a lamp, so be creative,” Hill says. “You can easily repurpose something else.”
10 Easy Ways to Refresh Your Bedroom
“These can often be bought cheaply secondhand and upcycled by painting them and adding new handles,” Nicholls says. “It’s also a way to give old tables a new lease of life so they’re not wasted.”
“Your bedside table is really just a surface for a glass of water, a book or a lamp, so be creative,” Hill says. “You can easily repurpose something else.”
10 Easy Ways to Refresh Your Bedroom
Spend on: Custom Closet
Most of us would agree that storage is key in bedrooms, with “chairdrobes,” piles of shoes on the floor and overflowing chests of drawers never a good look.
Our experts recommend investing in a custom closet system or wardrobe, if you can afford it. “I think good storage also adds value to your house, as it’s something people are looking for when they come to buy,” Hill says.
To clear clutter, “choose bespoke storage that makes use of every inch of space,” Nicholls says. Have storage designed to meet your individual requirements, such as accommodating long or short clothes or storing items such as belts, scarves, jewelry and shoes.
Check out our guide to get started on your home project
Most of us would agree that storage is key in bedrooms, with “chairdrobes,” piles of shoes on the floor and overflowing chests of drawers never a good look.
Our experts recommend investing in a custom closet system or wardrobe, if you can afford it. “I think good storage also adds value to your house, as it’s something people are looking for when they come to buy,” Hill says.
To clear clutter, “choose bespoke storage that makes use of every inch of space,” Nicholls says. Have storage designed to meet your individual requirements, such as accommodating long or short clothes or storing items such as belts, scarves, jewelry and shoes.
Check out our guide to get started on your home project
Save on: Accessories
Burton says that many common details in bedrooms — mirrors, lamps, cushions — can be picked up relatively cheaply, so save your money for the headline items. “As cushions are purely decorative, for example, I’d spend your money on bedding and keep the cost of accessories to a minimum,” she says.
“You can find some fab purse-friendly full-length mirrors that do just as good a job as more expensive ones. And if you aren’t spending a huge amount of time in your room with the lights on, you can source cheaper bedside lamps.”
More on Houzz
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Burton says that many common details in bedrooms — mirrors, lamps, cushions — can be picked up relatively cheaply, so save your money for the headline items. “As cushions are purely decorative, for example, I’d spend your money on bedding and keep the cost of accessories to a minimum,” she says.
“You can find some fab purse-friendly full-length mirrors that do just as good a job as more expensive ones. And if you aren’t spending a huge amount of time in your room with the lights on, you can source cheaper bedside lamps.”
More on Houzz
Read more stories
Browse photos for ideas
Find home professionals
This one is a no-brainer. “The one thing I’d always invest in is your mattress,” says Gemma Hill of Bayswater Interiors. “You spend so much of your life in bed, and sleep is essential to good health, so this is one area you should try not to scrimp on. Once you close your eyes, other things in the bedroom don’t matter so much, but a mattress really does.”
Good mattresses can seem eye-wateringly expensive, but, as Hill points out, “Many people will happily spend money on their car, for example, but not their beds, even though they spend more time in them.”
For couples who squabble over mattress firmness, she suggests it might be worth investing in one with different zones. For example, you can buy mattresses that are medium on one side and harder on the other to suit both parties, she says.
The official advice is to change our mattress every eight years. “However, if you can’t afford a new mattress, then get a new topper, as this can help extend the life of your mattress,” Hill says.
Pocket-sprung mattresses will offer the greatest comfort, or look for memory foam options that mold to the shape of your body.
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