Over the last 18 months we’ve spent more time in our homes than ever before. Having watched the same four walls day in and day out, it may be time to give your home a revamp now that some sense of normality has resumed. Our bedroom is most certainly the room in which we spend the most time, but it’s also the room where the décor can drastically impact our mood and wellbeing.

If your bedroom décor is looking a little tired or you feel you deserve a treat, there are ways in which you can give your sleep space a whole new look without breaking the bank. Decorating is one of those jobs many of us put off, often due to cost, but you may be surprised to learn that even with the smallest of budgets, much can be done to give your bedroom a new lease of life.

The Wall Way

You can completely transform the entire look of a room simply by changing the walls. A fresh coat of paint will instantly make the room look cleaner and brighter. Fancy something a bit different? A feature wall will elevate your bedroom interior and there are numerous ways in which you can create one. Paint one wall in a brighter and bolder colour than the rest of the walls or opt for a colourful mural to create a striking focal point. Self-adhesive murals are particularly easy to install, can be removed without causing damage to the wall’s surface and cost far less than the countless rolls of wallpaper you’d need to complete the whole room.

Before you go ahead and change your walls, think carefully about the colours you are going to use. Blues are most recommended for bedrooms as they promote calm and relaxation, however, you might want to take a more seasonal approach and use earthy shades to create a cosy atmosphere for Autumn and Winter.

Light It Up

A simple change in lighting can have a huge impact on the mood of your bedroom. If you enjoy relaxing in your bedroom, it’s well worth including various forms of lighting to suit different times of the day and different activities. Consider replacing a harsh centre light with a softer version, such as one which diffuses light over a wider area, or switch to bedside lamps which will allow just enough light for bedtime reading, whilst encouraging relaxation.

Candles and tea lights placed on surfaces emit an intimate, romantic light, perfect for a cosy evening. Contemporary hurricane lamps and holders look aesthetically pleasing too, and creative a decorative centre piece. Scented candles made with essential oils such as lavender will contribute to creating a calming and peaceful environment.

Dress to Impress

The way in which you dress your windows can also have a significant visual impact on your bedroom. The whole look of your room can be transformed simply by making a feature of your window. Dress with delicate voiles and muslins to allow the all-important natural light to flow freely through the room during daytime and opt for patterned curtains or blinds to add a splash of colour to an otherwise simply decorated room.

For a clean and contemporary vibe, try to keep your windowsill clutter-free. Feng Shui suggests that clutter interferes with the flow of positive energies, as will furniture placed directly in front of your window area. Keep items on your windowsill to a minimum by opting for a single sizeable floral display, house plant or ornamental item.

Mirrors and Shelfies

Besides painting and wallpapering, there is much you can do with your wall space which will alter your bedroom interior. Mirrors are great for reflecting light and making a space seem larger than it is. Make a stylish display by hanging a variety of sizes on one wall or opt for full length mirrors to maximise the illusion of additional space. If storage is an issue in your bedroom, fitted wardrobes with mirrored doors will be both a decorative feature and a place to store your belongings safely and efficiently.

Shelfies are hugely popular at the moment. A floating shelf adorned with contemporary art prints and lush green botanicals is a trendy and budget friendly addition to any interior.

Softly Does It

If you don’t fancy getting your paintbrush out, changing your soft furnishings can be just as effective as redecorating. Interior designers rely heavily on soft furnishings, playing a central role in décor themes with a vast selection of textures and finishes to choose from.

The key to creating a balanced yet stylish look with soft furnishings is to choose a family of fabrics, rather than just one or two. If you already have bold patterns on your walls, opt for smaller prints or plains for soft furnishings to avoid the room looking too busy. If your walls are plain, go as bold and as brilliant as you like with cushions, throws, rugs and curtains – just make sure they complement one another. Regardless of colour and pattern, maintain interest by using a variety of textures. Faux furs, teddy fleeces and chunky knits are set to be popular again this season and will certainly be appreciated as the temperatures start to drop now that autumn has arrived.

At Hartleys we offer a wide selection of furniture styles and finishes to complement any seasonal décor for bedrooms, home studies and lounges. Rich wood grains are popular at this time of year, creating a cosy, comforting appeal. If you prefer a lighter finish, or a more contemporary look with a two-tone effect, you can check out our natural ranges which immediately bring a sense of calm to a space. Call us on 01756 700471 to speak to one of our design team, or visit our website for plenty of inspiration.