Many of my clients own a dark wood bedroom furniture set, however their bedroom accessories make their room look dark and dated.
These bedroom furniture sets are typically a classic traditional style and good quality, which is why my clients wish to keep their furniture but update the room styling.
Plus, the dark color of the furniture often compliments their dark wood floors.
They want their rooms to feel more light and bright while retaining the traditional classic style.
Luckily, there are many ways to freshen up these bedrooms and give them a completely new look and feel.
Rug
Even if you have carpet in your bedroom, you can also add a rug.
The colors in the rug you select can set the color scheme of your room.
Since the furniture is traditional, the rug should be a traditional style also.
Traditional rugs are typically oriental style, however you can also go with a seagrass or other natural fiber.
For a light and bright room, select a light and bright colored rug.
Make sure to select a rug that is large enough so that your entire bed and both nightstands can sit on the rug and not hang off.
Bedding
Select a light colored comforter, duvet cover, coverlet, or quilt that compliments the colors in your rug.
A light colored solid with a texture is a great option.
Avoid bedding with a busy pattern.
Simple white or ivory colored sheets work well in most cases.
Embrace simplicity.
Artwork
Select artwork for your bedroom that is traditional in style.
Avoid unframed wrapped canvas art. Artwork that is framed with a white mat in either a dark wood, ornate brass, or black traditional frame works best.
Typical art subject matter for traditional rooms include birds, 100+ year old buildings, formal portraits, and landscapes.
If you put artwork above each nightstand, each piece of art should be similar (but not identical), and should have the exact same frame in an exact same size.
Art above a nightstand should be the same width as the nightstand or up to 25% smaller width, but definitely not wider than the nightstand.
Decorative Pillows
Select decorative pillows for your bed in colors that compliment your rug and/or art.
If using solid colored pillows, they should either have a tone-on-tone pattern or interesting texture for more interest.
For a king bed, in addition to standard bed pillows placed closest to your headboard, use 3 euro pillows and an extra large lumbar pillow. A queen size bed can use 2 euro pillows and an extra large lumbar pillow. You might also want to use the pillow shams that came with your bedding behind your euro pillows.
Consider adding a throw blanket or bed scarf for more comfort and style.
Chandelier
For an added focal point to your bedroom, you can use a traditional chandelier.
Make sure to consider the height of your chandelier and the height of your ceiling to ensure that your chandelier doesn't hang down too far in your room. The standard hanging height of a bedroom chandelier is for the bottom of the chandelier to be a minimum of 7 foot above the floor.
If you absolutely must have a ceiling fan in your bedroom, then consider using a fandalier #ad (chandelier with a fan hidden inside).
Bedside Table Lamps
Bedside table lamps are important in a bedroom so you can control the lighting level.
Select traditional style matching lamps that are 25" to 30" tall, one for each nightstand.
Make sure to consider how the lamps look in relation to your artwork, bedding, and rug.
Accessories
Your bedside table should have decorative and functional accessories, however you should still reserve empty space to be able to set items.
Typical bedside table accessories include hardback books, a decorative box or jar, an analog clocks, cut flowers, a small plant, a small sculpture, a glass bowl to place jewelry or loose change, and a valet tray.
Walls
Select a color from your rug or art to be your paint color, but use a much lighter version of that color.
If your rug and art are very light, you can even consider using white wall paint.
Consider adding crown molding to your traditional bedroom for added architectural interest.
Items Used in This Bedroom
(click on the name to see the item online #ads)
Bed
Need Help?
If you would like interior design assistance in decorating your bedroom, please contact us. We would love to help!
