Redecorating a bedroom? The struggle is real, right? It gets overwhelming fast! Will the bedding and drapes coordinate? What paint color would be the best? Is my old furniture still going to work in the space? I’ve been there and after quite a few frustrations, I think I’ve finally came up with an easy method for how to decorate a bedroom.
Let’s talk about the boudoir today, shall we?
What are your thoughts on decorating it? Easy? Hard? Somewhere in the middle?
Our first bedroom makeover was definitely harder for me. Or I should say, it just didn’t come together as easily as other makeovers have. That could probably be why I changed it a little more than a year later.
Since then, I’ve figured out an easier method for decorating a bedroom.
Of course, this the “Jenna” way of decorating a bedroom – most definitely not the official way – but I fly my own freak flag.
Proceed with caution.
How to Decorate Your Bedroom
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Before you start anything, gather some inspiration photos. You can create a pin board of bedrooms you like or just save images to your computer. Also, make of list of any needs you have for the bedroom – what definitely needs to be changed or not changed? Keep those a priority as you work on your plan.
Step #1: Start with Fabrics
Top Left Fabric / Bedding / Leopard Pillows / Bottom Right Fabric
The first thing you want to do is select your fabrics for your bedroom. This includes bedding, accent pillows, window treatments, rugs, and any upholstered pieces such as a headboard or chair.
I know – you are wondering why aren’t we starting with paint.
Never ever ever start with paint.
It is much easier to first find fabrics you love, and then a complimentary paint color.
Trust me on this one.
For me, I like to have solid colored bedding and then throw in patterns with pillows and / or curtains. I also like to keep my larger pieces in a solid color – even neutral. This just makes it easier to switch up your decor whenever you want! My current headboard is a creamy beige and anytime I have changed things up in the room, I haven’t had to worry about changing the headboard. It works with anything.
I have found that buying fabrics online is much cheaper than in store…but I know its stressful picking out fabrics when you can’t see them in person. I have some tips here for how I buy fabric online without seeing it in person first.
Step #2: Evaluate Your Furniture
Gray Nightstand / Mod Rocking Chair / Cowhide Chair (I’m dying!) / Dresser / Chest
Take stock of your furniture. Do you need any new pieces? Would your current pieces look better if they were painted? Does your hardware need an update?
As you know, I am a fan of updating my furniture. Simply put – they don’t make furniture like they used to. Yes, it may be cheaper now, but 9 times out of 10 the quality is going to be poor. When I did our bedroom makeover, I most definitely wanted to keep our dresser and chest. However, the hardware was lacking. I gave the hardware a quick and easy makeover with Rub ‘N Buff. That stuff works wonders on hardware – and really anything.
What about chairs? If possible, I love to have at least one chair in a bedroom. Its just a nice little space for a reading nook or to put your shoes on. If its an upholstered piece, make sure the fabric will work with your other fabric selections you chose in Step 1.
Step #3: Select Your Wall Paint
It is much easier to select a wall color when you already have your bigger items such as fabrics and furniture selected. Get paint chips you love from your local hardware store and bring them home.
Do not try to select a paint at the hardware store.
Their lighting isn’t what the lighting in your bedroom will be. Trust me, it is totally different. I have made this mistake before.
Bring the swatches home and lay them out with your fabric selections in your bedroom with your lights on. Get rid of any ones that automatically scream, “This doesn’t work!”
Narrow your paint colors down to 2 or 3. Go get samples of those and paint small patches on your bedroom wall. Once dry, place your fabrics beside the colors and see which works best.
Step #4: Put It All Together
This is the easy step. You’ve made all the hard decisions – fabric, furniture, paint colors, etc. Now its just time to put it all together. Pull as much stuff out of the room as you can. Tape off your trim, cover up your flooring and any furniture and paint those walls! Go ahead and take the time to touch up trim if its needed.
If you are re-doing any furniture, do it now.
After you paint, bring it all back in. Start with your large pieces such as dressers, night stands and chairs. Work your way to your window treatments, bedding, and then accent pillows.
Step #5: Bring in Accessories
Gold Lion Head / Mirror / Lamp / Pocket Watch Clock / Lucite Box / Fitzgerald Quote Print
I am one of those people who believes that sometimes when redecorating a bedroom or any space for that matter, you have to pull all of those trinkets and accessories out of the space and do some heavy editing of what you had. Pull out all those lamps, pretty storage boxes, clocks, frames, vases, knick-knacks, etc. After you put all your big stuff in the space – furniture, bedding, window treatments – come back in and slowly add in your lamps, mirrors, etc. Sometimes you may just find that less is more. This was exactly the case in my recent dining room makeover. There was simply way too much crap in that space.
Do you have any great tips on decorating or redecorating a bedroom?
Need more bedroom inspiration? These might help…
14 Real Life Bedroom Ideas Anyone Can Do – real, doable ideas!
Well Traveled Master Bedroom Makeover – a master bedroom makeover with a “well traveled” vibe.
Masculine Bedroom Makeover – a masculine bedroom that’s still full of character.
You know you don’t wanna miss any of this crazy.
Patty says
Really great advice, that has always worked for me. As I have slowly but surly been re-doing our rooms I have been getting rid of a lot of stuff. I moved into this house and it was newer and smaller than my previous house, when I moved I had an auction and sold so many things I loved, but just wouldn’t fit or work in this house, but I didn’t put enough in the auction so now I’m getting rid of more stuff. I think as you get older you find you want to streamline and simplify your life, less stuff to dust and try to clean around. I used to think you had to fill a room with stuff for it to look like a home, but you are right sometimes less is more. Another thing I have come to realize is that it is easier to update a room with less stuff.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Yes, Patty – so much easier to update a room with less stuff! And I am becoming the same way – I am getting rid of stuff – I am over all the clutter!!!