In a bedroom, the bed is almost always the dominant focal point. Not only is it the largest item of furniture in the room, it’s the piece that defines the purpose and function of the space.
But, just because the bed is the focal point by default doesn’t mean you shouldn’t help direct the eye to it. If you don’t give your bed the prominence it deserves, you run the risk of having a weak focal point and a bedroom that just says, “Blah.”
To help you make sure your bed is the star of the show, here are some of our best tips for keeping the spotlight shining upon it. Figuratively, of course.
1. Get yourself a knockout bed It seems obvious, but splashing out on a showstopping bed is a sure-fire way to create a strong focal point in the bedroom. The good news is, statement headboards are having their MOMENT. Tall, ornate, colourful, patterned, upholstered—if it’s got something to say, it’s in.
One of our favourites of the statement beds is the Vineyard. This Canadian-made bed has a huge—we’re talking over 5 feet tall—headboard that’s button tufted on the diagonal for maximum interest and comfort. Can you picture yourself sitting up against this gentle giant sipping your coffee on a Saturday morning? Yup, us too.
The Vineyard is available as a bed with upholstered siderails and footboard, or as a standalone headboard that can be attached to your existing bedframe. The best part, though, is that it’s fully customizable in a range of fabrics, from mild to wild, so you can get exactly the right amount of “wow” for your taste and space.
2. Step outside your comfort zone… just a little. Even if you are more of a minimalist, an important headboard is a safe way to dip your toes into maximalism without stepping too far outside your comfort zone. Once the headboard in place, you can go right back to your minimalist ways and style your bed with simple, but luxurious linens and a textured rug underfoot.
A bed with a striking carved detail, like the Paxberry, will add instant personality to your room, without sacrificing your zen vibe. The boho inspired medallion design in dark wood gives this statement bed a look that’s both timeless and trendy.
3. Step outside your comfort zone… a little more. Taking that maxi-minimalist vibe to the next level means adding a few more special details into the mix. Even just a little well-placed lighting can take a bed from simple to showstopping a the flick of a switch.
The Maretto, above, combines a handsome deep espresso wood finish with warm metallic silvertone trim and the surprise of LED lighting to add a little extra sparkle. As well, this beautiful bed has a plush, channel stitched headboard for extra comfort when reading or watching TV.
4. Channel your inner diva. Here’s something for anyone who’s feeling a little extra and needs a way to express it. The glamourous Coralayne bed features a tall, wingback headboard with deeply-tufted plush upholstery, glitzy crystal accents, and, as if that wasn’t enough, double rows of shiny nailhead trim.
Complement this dramatic piece with grey and white bedding, posh accent pillows and throws, and shimmery metallic accessories for a touch of old Hollywood.
5. Add a big pop of colour. Want to make a BIG statement? Choose a BIG colour. This stunning, sapphire blue bed commands attention and requires little in terms of supporting characters. Look how great (and grown up) it looks with just white bedding and neutral accessories!
But what if you already have a neutral bed? No problem. Find a big, bold colour or pattern for your bedding and go all-out. The nice thing about this strategy is you can change your pop(s) of colour with the seasons or with your moods, and it won’t break the bank.
You can also take your pop of colour one step further by painting the bed wall your favourite bright or jewel-tone shade, or hang a stunning patterned wallpaper. Just be sure there’s enough contrast between your bed and the wall colour behind it to keep things interesting.
6. Hang some art. Hanging one or more pieces of art above the bed helps to clearly define the bed wall as your focal point, creates excitement and drama in the room, and can evoke a mood or emotion—especially if you choose something meaningful to yourself and your partner.
No matter the size of your bed, or whether you choose a single image or a gallery, a good rule of thumb is to keep your art or arrangement around two-thirds the width of your bed. For balance, align the artwork with the centre of the headboard, and ensure the bottom of the art is no more than 10-inches from the top of the headboard to avoid a floating look.
If your headboard is quite tall, or your bed sits under a window, consider hanging tall, narrow mirrors, pieces of art, or dramatic sconces on either side of the bed, rather than trying to squeeze something above.
Remember, there's no rule that says your “art” has to be a painting, print, or photograph. Mirrors, rustic signs, personal mementos, or even a beautiful piece of fabric or tapestry can be the perfect, focal-point worthy finishing touch for above the bed—even when the headboard is as beautiful as the Bolanberg's.
Just remember, whenever you are hanging items above your bed, always take extra care to secure them to the wall for safety. (If you are in an earthquake-prone area or close to train tracks, avoid heavy or breakable items entirely.)
7. Working with a secondary focal point. If you have a larger room with, say, a sitting area, the bed should still be the focal point, no matter how pretty your chairs are. (After all, if the bed wasn’t the most important part, we would call it the sitting room.)
While it might be tempting to make your lovely sitting area the focus of the room, treating it as a secondary focal point will help draw more attention to exactly where you want it—the bed. Try a set in understated or neutral tones that complement but don't compete with your beautiful bed and bedding, like the Abney chair and ottoman above.
8. Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize. Besides bedding, top-of-bed accessories, and the art above, the objects that surround the bed help to emphasize its importance and focal-point status in the room.
A pair of nightstands, for example, can act as bookends for your bed and help to create a pleasing triangle—wide at the bottom and narrowing towards the top—that draws your eye up, down, and then back into the center. It’s the perfect visual trick! To add a little more interest, top your night tables with beautiful lamps and accessories.
You might also want to add an area rug beneath the bed to help define the sleeping area, add warmth and texture, and to reduce noise. If you go this route, choose a rug that allows the entire bed, nightstands, and end-of-bed bench to sit completely on the rug, or pick a rug that sits under the lower two-thirds of the bed, leaving the area under the head of the bed and nightstands bare.
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