Designer Approved: Expert Tips for Furnishing a Big Bedroom

When it comes to creating a personal sanctuary in your home, no room is more crucial than the bedroom. For those fortunate enough to enjoy a generous bedroom space, the potential for creating a luxurious and comfortable retreat is vast. However, with great space comes great responsibility, particularly when it comes to choosing and arranging furniture. This is where the expertise of interior designers can provide invaluable guidance.

If you're the proud owner of a sprawling sleeping space and are looking for advice on how to best furnish it, you're in the right place. In this post, we’ll share expert tips on how to make the most of your big bedroom, from carefully selecting the right pieces to arranging them to maximize both space and style.

1. Proportion Is Key

Furniture can easily look lost in a big bedroom if it's not appropriately sized for the space. Large rooms require big furniture to anchor the space and maintain a sense of balance. When you're choosing pieces, particularly large ones like a bed, dresser, or armoire, consider their proportions in relation to the room size.

Not sure where to start? For a king-sized mattress set, you’ll want to add nightstands that are at least 24 inches wide to maintain a balanced look. Similarly, with a dresser, opt for a longer piece to keep the visual weight low and provide ample storage that won't leave the room feeling top-heavy. Remember, you want to create a space that feels both inviting and functional.

2. Consider Flow and Function

A spacious bedroom offers the luxury of having distinct areas or activities within the same room. Perhaps you can incorporate a reading nook by the window or a vanity area adjacent to the bathroom. This is where considering the flow of the room becomes critical. Walk around your room, envisioning how you'll move through the space and what activities you'd like to accommodate.

Arranging the furniture with the function in mind is equally important. For example, the bed is typically the focal point of any bedroom. Even in a big bedroom, keeping the bed as the centerpiece can help maintain a cohesive look. Place larger pieces of furniture, such as the dresser and armoire, against the wall to open up the center of the room and create clear paths.

3. Layer Your Lighting

To create a cozy atmosphere and ensure that every corner of the room is adequately illuminated, you'll want to incorporate multiple sources of lighting. Layer your lighting with a mix of ambient, task, and accent lights. Use bedside lamps to provide reading light and a chandelier or ceiling light for overall illumination. For larger elements, wall sconces can provide a soft and elegant touch. In areas dedicated to specific tasks, such as your vanity or home office area, task lighting is essential.

Dimmer switches are an excellent addition to any lighting scheme. They allow you to adjust the brightness of the room to match the time of day or your mood. In a room meant for rest and relaxation, the ability to control light levels is a game-changer.

4. Textures and Layers

In an expansive space, layering textures can add depth and interest to the overall design scheme. This could mean a mix of materials for your furniture, such as a metal dresser against a wooden bed frame, or it could involve incorporating varied soft furnishings like rugs, pillows, and throw blankets.

To avoid a clinical, overly spacious feel, consider the tactility of the surfaces within the room. This could involve introducing a plush rug to the hardwood floor or adorning the bed with a variety of comfortable fabrics. These tactile elements can soften the overall look of the room and create a more inviting space.

5. Wall Decor

A big bedroom often means you have lots of wall space to decorate, but it also leaves the potential for large expanses to go unadorned. Balance is key here, just as it is with furniture. Incorporating oversized artwork or creating a gallery wall can help add visual interest to the room and prevent the walls from looking bare. However, resist the urge to fill every inch of your wall space. Leaving some areas blank can be just as important as filling them, allowing the eye to rest and preventing the room from feeling cluttered.

6. Personalize the Space

Lastly, remember that your bedroom is a reflection of your personal style. Make it a space that makes you happy and feels like it belongs to you. Whether that means incorporating a favorite color, displaying family photos, or arranging a collection of items that hold personal significance, don’t be afraid to infuse the room with your personality.

Furnishing a big bedroom is a unique opportunity to craft a haven in your home. It allows for a blend of comfort, style, and function in a way that smaller spaces typically don’t. By following these expert tips, you can ensure that your big bedroom becomes exactly what it should be — a luxurious and functional retreat within your home.