Choosing bedroom furniture starts with a clear plan. First, measure your room carefully – note the length, width, and height, and mark where windows and doors are. Next, decide on your style (modern, rustic, boho, etc.) so everything feels cohesive. With these basics set, focus on essentials like a comfortable bed and storage pieces that fit well. This approach ensures your bedroom will be both functional and visually pleasing.
Measure and Plan
Before you buy anything, create a layout. Measure every dimension of the room (length, width, ceiling height). Include doorways and hallways too, so you know a new dresser or bed can be delivered without trouble. Mark windows, closets, and outlets on your floor plan. This helps you visualize the space and avoid overcrowding. Also consider how you use the room: do you need a desk, extra seating, or more open floor space for walking around?
- Use a tape measure on all walls: record length, width, and ceiling height. Don’t forget doorways and windows.
- Sketch a simple floor plan: note where doors and windows open so you leave clearance for them.
- List the room’s functions: for example, if you need a small workspace or extra storage area, make room for that in your plan.
Define Your Style
Your bedroom should reflect you. Start by choosing an overall style or mood that feels right. Think about the atmosphere you want: calm and minimalist, warm and rustic, or bold and eclectic. Designers recommend exploring various styles (modern, traditional, vibrant, etc.) before deciding. Look through home décor magazines or browse online galleries to see what aesthetics resonate.
- Pick a theme: Identify a style (e.g. Scandinavian, farmhouse, contemporary) that matches your taste.
- Gather inspiration: Save photos of rooms and furniture you love. Note recurring colors or shapes.
- Set a color palette: Choose a few complementary colors or finishes (wood tones, whites, pastels) that all your furniture can share. This keeps the look unified.
Select Essential Pieces
Your bedroom needs a few key pieces. Start with the bed, then add storage and surfaces:
- Bed (the centerpiece): Choose a sturdy, comfortable bed that fits the room. The bed is often the focal point of a bedroom, so pick a size and frame style that work. (A king or queen for larger rooms; twin or full for small rooms.)
- Nightstands: Place one on each side of the bed (or at least one) to hold lamps, books, and an alarm clock. Nightstands add symmetry and bedside storage.
- Storage (dresser/wardrobe): Select a dresser or chest of drawers to keep clothes organized. Make sure it fits the available space and matches your style. If space is tight, consider a combined wardrobe-and-dresser unit or a bed frame with built-in drawers.
- Extras (optional): If you have room, add a bench at the foot of the bed, a chair, or a small desk. Multifunction pieces (like a storage ottoman or a desk that doubles as a vanity) maximize utility without cluttering.
Each essential piece should be the right scale for your room and needs. For example, a very tall dresser in a low-ceilinged room would overwhelm the space. Measuring and planning (above) helps you choose pieces that balance size and function.
Prioritize Quality and Color
Investing in well-made furniture pays off long-term. Look for frames of solid wood or metal and joints that feel tight. High-quality pieces can last for decades, whereas cheap particleboard items often sag or break. Examine finishes and hardware in-store – drawers should glide smoothly and surfaces should feel sturdy. Good construction means your furniture won’t squeak or wobble as time goes on.
- Durable materials: Prefer solid hardwoods (oak, maple, walnut) or metal frames over flimsy pressboard. This ensures longevity and even becomes an heirloom.
- Craftsmanship: Check that drawer joints use dovetails or screws (not just glue), and that paint or varnish is applied evenly. These details enhance durability.
- Color and finish: Choose furniture colors that complement your room’s decor. Neutral woods or painted whites/beiges are safe bets. You can add one or two accent colors (via pillows or a chair) for interest. Coordinating finishes (for example, matching wood tones) helps different pieces feel like a set without being identical.
Mix and Match for Personality
You don’t have to buy a matching “set.” In fact, designers note that matching bedroom sets are “from a bygone era”. Instead, mix different pieces for a curated look. Combine textures and materials: a wood bed, a metal lamp, a woven chair, and fabric pillows can all share a neutral tone to tie them together. This layered approach adds visual interest and warmth.
- Skip identical sets: Blend styles and finishes for character. For example, a midcentury dresser can sit next to a farmhouse-style bed and still work.
- Unifying theme: Keep a common thread – maybe a paint color or a wood hue – so the mix feels intentional. Even if furniture comes from different eras or stores, a shared accent (brass knobs, white surfaces, or similar leg shapes) pulls the look together.
- Vary textures: Introduce materials like rattan, leather, or chunky knit throws. A soft rug, a wicker basket, and smooth metal all in one room create depth. Adding one bold piece (like a patterned chair or wall art) can also break the monotony and show off your taste.
Bring It All Together
By measuring first, choosing a consistent style, picking quality essentials, and mixing elements thoughtfully, you’ll create a bedroom that looks coordinated and feels comfortable. Take time in each step – the right bed and storage will become daily companions, so it’s worth choosing them carefully.
Ready to find furniture that fits your vision? Visit Big Ben Furniture’s bedroom collection to browse quality beds, dressers, nightstands, and more. Their curated selection makes it easy to shop high-quality bedroom furniture that matches your style and space. Your dream bedroom is waiting!
