Want a calm, colourful or chic place to rest your weary head? We’re breaking down the 12 steps to designing your dream bedroom.

If you’ve been thinking about improving your bedroom’s aesthetics and function but don’t know where to start, KBB journo Charlotte Luxford has set out a step-by-step guide to creating the perfect sleep space from start to finish.

1. Measure up
2. The purpose and style of your bedroom design
3. The colour scheme
4. Bedroom flooring
5. Your bedroom layout
6. Storage
7. Bedroom lighting
8. The bed
9. Window treatments
10. Soft furnishings
11. Cosy bedding
12. The finishing touches

1. Measure up

Before you buy that dream bed, assessing the room’s dimensions is absolutely key to avoiding costly mistakes. “I would always take the measurements at least twice,” advises Ann Marie Cousins, founder of AMC Design. “Invest in a laser measure or purchase an 8m tape measure and run the tape along the edge of the skirting boards on the floor on each wall, working clockwise around the room.”

If you’re thinking of positioning furniture in a niche, such as an alcove or by a chimney breast, Ann Marie suggests remeasuring at 1.5m from the floor in case the walls aren’t straight – a common issue in older properties. She also recommends making allowances for high skirting boards, taking note of radiators in the room, and not to forget the door, considering what side the hinges are on and which way it opens.

2. Determine the purpose and style of your bedroom design

While the bedroom is ultimately a place for rest and recuperation, it’s also key to figure out if there are other factors at play. “Defining the room’s purpose will guide your decisions on layout, furniture and accessories,” says Peter Kennedy-Lane, creative manager at The Fine Bedding Company. “Once you’ve done this, pick a style that reflects your personality, whether that’s modern, rustic or luxurious, and consider how you want to feel in the space, as well as how the décor fits with the rest of your home.”

3. Establish your colour scheme

A good rule of thumb is to start off by selecting a dominant colour and the desired mood for the room, choosing shades that make you happy and relaxed. To keep it cosy, Ruth Mottershead, creative director at Little Greene, suggests avoiding a traditional white ceiling and woodwork, and instead opting for a ‘double drenching’ approach, using different tones of the same colour.

If you’re unsure on what shades to use where, or how many, adopt the 60-30-10 rule. Your primary colour will be allocated to 60% of the room. Then, a secondary hue will cover 30% to add interest. The last 10% is a bold accent shade used sparingly to add a pop of colour and bring the space together.

4. Shop for bedroom flooring

Just like your colour scheme, your flooring choice will very much determine the vibe of your bedroom design, but it’s also important to balance aesthetics with comfort and practicality. “Classic and cosy, carpet is a solid choice as it provides warmth, softness and sound insulation, perfect for comfort-focused bedrooms,” reveals Paul Brewster, trends expert at Flooring Hut.

Naturally, wood is also a popular option that adds plenty of character, as well as being timeless and adaptable, pairing with almost any interior style. However, Anthony Scott, global product and innovation director at Havwoods, suggests layering wood flooring with rugs, to create a softer look and for added insulation.

If you’re worried about dents and scratches, a wood-look luxury vinyl (LVT) would be a better option, ideal for kids’ bedrooms or homes with pets.

5. Plan your bedroom layout perfectly

When arranging the layout, it makes sense to start with the bed, as it’s typically the focal point of the space, and one of the largest pieces of furniture. Due to windows, doors and other architectural features, you’re usually left with one of two walls where a bed can go, but there’s often one that will feel more ‘suitable’, perhaps away from the door or facing a window with a view.

Storage will be the next big thing to consider. It’s important to try not to overwhelm your floor plan with furniture, allowing for plenty of breathing space and room to walk around. Symmetry will also create a visually pleasing scheme; it’s worth considering the proportions of objects in relation to each other so as not to throw the scheme off balance.

6. Invest in streamlined storage

Whether your bedroom is big or small, there are clever ways to maximise storage for a clutter-free space. “If your wardrobe storage is considered, not only will you fit everything you need in your closet, but your favourite items will be easily accessible and perfectly hung,” says Allison Lynch, senior design consultant at Roundhouse.

Allison also suggests adding lighting to clearly see all your clothing and putting wardrobe doors on 180° hinges to save walkways being blocked, which can be backed with tall mirrors.

Corners can be maximised with L-shaped hanging rails, and taking your cabinetry right up to the ceiling helps provide storage for out-of-season wear close by. A walk-in wardrobe, now a hot must-have, could sit behind a partition wall- turned-headboard if tight on space. If your bedroom is super snug, tall cabinets either side of a bed can be used for clothes.

7. Don’t forget about bedroom lighting

Lighting should be considered in the early design stages to allow for the seamless integration of wiring and placement of light sources. “A successful lighting scheme includes a mix of ambient, task and accent lighting. This combination offers versatility for different moods and activities,” says Hanna Walter, creative manager at Heathfield & Co.

According to Hanna, you should start with ambient lighting as your base, using ceiling fixtures such as chandeliers or recessed lights. Then, add task lighting in areas where specific activities take place, such as reading lights beside the bed or desk lamps if there’s a workspace.

Finally, integrate accent lighting to highlight key elements, such as artwork or architectural features, adding depth and drama to the space. Hanna also suggests opting for dimming controls for flexibility.

8. Select your hero piece – the bed

“Choosing an upholstered bed is a great way to make a statement,” says Hannah Rosman, marketing director at Willow & Hall. “If you’re short on space, divan or ottoman storage beds can be used to store everything from out-of-season clothing to spare bed linen and towels.”

Hannah recommends opting for the largest bed you can fit into the room to get the best night’s sleep possible. “Measuring carefully is a must, to ensure you can open doors, wardrobes – and storage drawers if you have opted for a divan storage bed.”

The mattress often comes down to personal taste, but look for designs with different tension options – a firmer mattress is best for back sleepers, whereas a more standard or soft option will suit side or front sleepers. For both comfort and firmness, a pillowtop mattress will provide a soft top layer with firmness underneath.

9. Decide on window treatments

“When choosing window dressings for your bedroom, consider the kind of environment you’d like to create,” advises Lisa Cooper, head of product at Thomas Sanderson. “Do you prefer complete darkness for the perfect slumber or waking up to natural light? Are you looking for colour and texture or a simple, timeless look?”

If your bedroom is overlooked, Lisa suggests a Roman blind to protect you from prying eyes without compromising on style – adding a thermal lining to your blind or curtains will also help keep the heat in during chillier months.

Curtains are very much back on trend and can add drama and softness to the space. Shutters are classic, too, providing flexible control of privacy and light levels.

10. Incorporate soft furnishings

Textiles and soft furnishings are key to creating a stylish yet cosy bedroom. “As the bed is often the focal point, it’s best to start here, layering up coloured bedding with patterned or textured bedspreads and throws, along with decorative cushions for warmth and texture,” says Molly Woodward-Moor, interior designer and creative director at Stone Superstore. An upholstered headboard also creates a statement, either in a striking colourway or bold pattern that informs the rest of the scheme.

Curtains and blinds introduce colour and pattern, whether that’s dramatic full-length velvet curtains or patterned blinds that tie in with other furnishings in the space. Don’t forget upholstered ottomans, storage benches, occasional chairs or even fabric-lined wardrobe doors and wall-hung tapestries to add further texture and interest.

11. Choose cosy bedding

“The right bed sheets, duvet covers and pillowcases can transform how well you sleep,” reveals Emily Attwood, co-founder of Scooms. “Your bed linen will be against your skin all night, so always pick bedding that is breathable, temperature regulating, lightweight and supple.”

Emily recommends opting for high-quality Egyptian cotton or linen, which are both breathable and durable. Consider the duvet and pillowcases, too.

If you’re a side sleeper, you may need a slightly thicker, firmer pillow to help maintain your position. If you’re a back or front sleeper, a softer or memory foam pillow that can mould to your neck and head is best.

As for the duvet, a 2.5-4.5 tog is advised for summer, with a 9-13.5 tog for winter. If you want a duvet to use throughout the year, opt for an all-seasons duvet, usually made up of a 9 and a 4.5 tog, to be used separately or fastened together for the chillier months.

For the duvet filling, natural feather, down or wool will be soft, breathable and have good insulating properties, while synthetic duvets are better suited to allergy sufferers as they are often hypoallergenic, plus they can be washed more regularly.

12. Add the finishing touches

Don’t forget the all-important finishing touches when styling your bedroom. Decorative accessories add character and personality, so choose items that bring a smile to your face – perhaps something sentimental, like a family photo in a contemporary, textured frame.

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