Decorating a Large Bedroom

A large, expansive bedroom is nothing to complain about – a lot of people only dream about having one. But if you are one of those people lucky enough to move to it, you might be challenged in decorating and furnishing it. The abundance of space may tempt you to fill it with furniture and accessories, or you might just be overwhelmed and clueless what to do with the space. Large bedrooms, especially master’s bedrooms, are meant to be relaxing and cozy. But if it’s under-decorated, it might feel cold and oppressive. Here are some ideas for decorating your large bedroom properly:

1. Go big and grand.

If you already have a bed before, you might just relocate it into your new large bedroom. But if it’s too small for a large space, consider upgrading the size of your bed and mattress in a full, queen, king or California king size. Bring in new sheets, blankets, and pillows for an upgrade. Keep furniture scaled-up to suit your room’s size, from the headboard, draperies and the seating. Talking about the seating, don’t be shy to go grand, pick a wingback chair or an oversized ottoman for the feet of your bed. If the place is really large, go have your own sofa or a chaise lounge, and a cocktail table.

2. Stick to a tight color palette.

Before you go on shopping for items to put in your bedroom, stay consistent with using to a color palette of just two to three colors, typically a neutral and two accent colors. Decorating a large bedroom can be overwhelming, and the variety of choices can be dizzying, so sticking to a tight color palette can really help you work with your space easier. If you already have your walls in your accent color, then go for a neutral headboard. When choosing draperies, look for the ones that match the color of the walls. If you’re searching for the perfect bedside lamp, choose from those in either your neutral color or accent color, but as much as possible, let it differ from your wall color.

3. Have a soft and eye-catching headboard.

3. Have a soft and eye-catching headboard.

The bed is the automatic focal point of any bedroom, so glam it with an upholstered headboard. Upholstered headboards are one of bedroom design’s biggest trends, and it’s fitting to be included in a large bedroom. These are chic – it looks great in shapely styles and details like borders and tufting. These are also cozy – it’s super comfortable when you’re up late reading your favorite novel. If you have a high ceiling, get a high headboard, too.

4. Use wallpaper.

Putting up wallpaper can easily make a large space feel cozier and smaller. Large bedrooms look more elegant in wallpapers with big, bold and delicate patterns. It brings a sense of opulence that paint can’t match. But if you want a more streamlined and contemporary design, go for wallpapers with graphic patterns. To prevent visual clutter, balance a bold and vibrant wallpaper with neutral furnishings. Or, do a dramatic take and apply wallpaper only on the wall where your bed rests and paint the other walls. IT also helps to coordinate your headboard and bedding with the wallpaper to make the look more cohesive.

5. Create zones.

The first to figure out when placing furniture in any bedroom is the bed. Now, because you have a big room, figure out where anything else must go by coming up with a floor plan. If you are working at home and your bedroom also serves as your office, add a room divider to create the impression of a smaller room without stopping the flow of your room. Add a chair and a small coffee table near the window to make a conversation zone. You might as well add an area rug on your conversation zone to define the area.

6. Have a canopy bed.

Since you have the space, why not get yourself a canopy bed? The height of a canopy bed can just make your room look grand. Add some draped fabric on either side of the bed, or along the back and the top. A canopy bed would help you feel cozier with your big bedroom.

7. Try an unconventional layout.

A bedroom doesn’t always have to be at right angles. You may place the bed diagonally against one corner while putting a folding screen or a faux wall against the headboard. This makes a bit more room to the other side, and it easily separates zones.

8. Don’t forget the textiles.

With your furniture in place, consider your window treatments. It’s better to put drapes instead of blinds on a big bedroom as it adds a vertical element. It adds softness and a soothing feel to the room. Add into that some thick rugs on the bed area, layers of beddings on your bed, and throws on your bedroom couch. Textiles help make a big room feel more comfy and warm.  Be sure to check out throw rugs on sale for great options. 

9. Add contrast.

If you’re more of a solid-color person than a pattern fan, consider painting your walls with dark colors. These colors are great for making large spaces look more manageable, plus, it’s eye-catching too. Pair it with bright white headboards, white lampshades, and white bed so the dark backdrop would pop out more. Then, get some rugs and beddings that have a little bit of the dark color to tie the look together.

10. Embrace symmetry.

Placing two nightstands on either side of the bed balances out the look, especially if your bed is really big. Observing symmetry is one of the oldest tricks in interior design, but it still works because it makes a room perfectly pulled together. It will also reduce the shopping decisions you have to make. If you want a more modern look, use small end tables with the same style that suits your room and the same color, but not identical. You can add identical accessories like lamps and draperies, but never do it with artwork. Two identical pieces of art placed on one room just doesn’t look right. It’s better to choose two pieces of art of the same theme or same frame.

11. Provide additional lighting.

Overhead lighting gives room-wide light, but for a large bedroom, it wouldn’t suffice. Add ambient lighting like sconces and lamps to make the room more relaxing. Bedside lamps don’t always need to be identical, but they must be at the same height, with the bottom of the shade around 45 inches from the floor.

12. Keep the desk away from the walls.

If you work in the bedroom, place your desk at the foot of your bed to fill that extra space. Or, instead of placing the headboard against the bed, just use a desk. There must be at least three feet of distance from the wall to the desk to make room for comfortable “office” seating.