Have you always yearned for a luxurious master bedroom but your budget or small space is holding you back? Take heart – all you need are two basic designer secrets, and you can have the sumptuous bedroom of your dreams. It’s as simple as this:
- make sure every piece of furniture you buy has a purpose, and
- buy pieces that can serve double duty.
Functional furniture can also be beautiful; the key is to make smart selections in the styles you love so that you make every dollar – and every inch of space – count.
Bedside Chests
Bedside chests are a great way to achieve both of those goals. Rather than using standard night tables on either side of your bed, bedside chests or bachelor chests combine the convenience of a night table with the functionality of a dresser. Wider than a standard night table, these pieces can eliminate the need for a dresser because they have three or four drawers each. So while you’ll still be able to put your necessaries conveniently on top of the chest, you can also use the drawers for your clothes. That saves both money and space, a win-win for a small bedroom.
Vertical Mirrors
You can also consider putting vertical mirrors up over the bedside chests. Not only can they be used when dressing, they also give the room added dimension. You can still use bedside lamps on your chests, but make sure that you create balance by putting a mirror over each chest and not over just one.
Closet Organizers
Another key is to make your closet interior work to its best advantage. By using closet organizers in the way that best suits your personal wardrobe, you’ll have more shelves, cubbies, drawers, and/or multi-level hanging rods where you can store your clothes in a neat, organized way. This also eliminates the need for a dresser or chest of drawers in the room.
Under Bed Storage
Still want more storage space without taking up more wall space? The answer lies with your bed. Consider a platform bed – some have built-in storage space underneath, so nothing crowds the room. Under-bed storage is particularly ideal for storing out-of-season clothes and accessories or items you don’t use too often.
Headboard with Storage
You can also opt for a headboard designed with open or closed storage space; some even come with built-in lighting if you enjoy reading in bed. The headboard naturally becomes the focal point of the room, so keep any open areas neat and attractive. On the other hand, a footboard is an unnecessary expense and takes up valuable space, so rather than investing in a needless option, instead put an attractive bench that provides storage at the foot of your bed and, if it’s not upholstered, top it with a color-coordinated cushion. Besides having another place to store things, you’ll also have a comfortable place to sit when dressing.
Turning a small master bedroom into a luxurious yet functional one is easy once you start choosing pieces with these keys in mind. You can find pieces in any style and add spark or softness with the colors in your bedding and wall décor. Most of all, have fun with the project!
Sheila Rich is the President and Owner of “Sheila Rich Interiors”
About The Author: Award-winning designer Sheila Rich, CID, has been creating beautiful interiors for over 30 years. Her work has appeared in numerous publications as well as on television and in hardcover books; examples of her interiors can be seen on her website (www.sheilarichinteriors.com) as well as on Houzz (http://www.houzz.com/sheila-rich-interiors). Sheila is part of an elite group of interior designers who have become Certified Interior Designers by the State of New Jersey. She has also earned the CAPS (Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist) designation from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), and her knowledge of “green design” helps her environmentally-aware commercial and residential clients make healthy, eco-friendly selections for their homes and businesses.