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Buying a New Home? 5 Things to Plan For Your New Bedroom

Even after spending countless hours researching online, poring over property websites, and having lengthy discussions with family members and close friends who have already navigated the property market successfully, finding the right advice tailored specifically to your unique situation often seems like an insurmountable challenge.

Buying a home can be an incredibly stressful and overwhelming experience, especially if you're a contractor or first-time buyer, as the requirements and documentation needed are significantly different from those with a more traditional employed status.

The mortgage process can feel particularly daunting, with various hurdles to overcome. However, once you've successfully gotten your finances in proper order and received that coveted mortgage agreement, here's where the exciting part of your journey truly begins!

Whether you're taking your first tentative steps onto the property ladder, making a calculated move up to your second home, or finally settling into what you hope will be your forever home, your bedroom arguably stands as the most essential room in the entire house. It's not just a space for sleeping; it's your personal retreat from the world.

It would help if you felt completely at ease and relaxed enough to achieve quality sleep each night. Your bedroom serves as a peaceful sanctuary, a private haven away from other household members – be they children, partners, or housemates – and it represents your own personal space that you can customise and arrange precisely according to your preferences and needs. This room should reflect your personality while promoting restfulness and tranquility.

It genuinely doesn't matter whether your bedroom is particularly spacious or more modest in size; there are numerous creative and practical ways to transform it into the room of your dreams whilst skillfully avoiding any potential design nightmares.

The most logical and prominent place to start this transformation is with the centrepiece of any bedroom.

The bed

The dimensions and layout of your room will play a crucial role in determining the size of the bed you'll be able to accommodate comfortably. Smaller, more compact rooms may necessitate a small double bed to maintain adequate space for movement and other essential furniture pieces, while larger rooms could easily accommodate a luxurious king or even an indulgent super king-size bed if that aligns with your preferences and lifestyle needs.

The next significant decision to contemplate is whether you'd prefer a traditional bed frame with a separate mattress or an all-in-one divan solution.

There are two primary considerations to weigh up carefully here – firstly, the overall aesthetic and ambiance you're aiming to create in the room, and secondly, which option provides you with the optimal comfort level for quality sleep.

You certainly don't want to invest in something that looks absolutely stunning but ends up causing you to have trouble sleeping or wake up with aches and pains. Equally important, you want to avoid choosing a bed that appears completely out of place or clashes with the rest of your carefully chosen bedroom decor.

These two aspects need to be planned meticulously hand-in-hand to achieve the perfect balance. Traditional bed frames often provide valuable space underneath, offering excellent storage solutions for shoes, seasonal clothing, and various small objects.

In contrast, many modern divans and ottoman beds come equipped with clever built-in compartments that can efficiently store spare bedding, winter duvets, extra pillows – or indeed anything else you'd like to keep readily accessible while maintaining a clutter-free environment.

Is a Queen size bed better than a King?

Here in the U.K., a queen size bed might be more commonly referred to as a small double or sometimes a three-quarter size, although there's often considerable confusion among shoppers about whether it sits higher or lower in the size hierarchy compared to a regular double.

This confusion likely stems from its rather grand and somewhat misleading title!

To clarify the specifications, a queen bed measures precisely 4ft (120cm) in width and 6ft 3in (190cm) in length, positioning it squarely between a single and double bed in terms of size, although it does lean slightly closer to double bed dimensions.

This size can be perfect for smaller rooms or single sleepers who enjoy extra space to spread out comfortably.

On the more spacious end of the spectrum, we have the King size bed, which perhaps more accurately lives up to its grand title when considering its generous dimensions. It boasts impressive measurements of 5ft (150cm) in width by 6ft 6in (200cm) in length, offering significantly more space for couples or individuals who prefer a more luxurious sleeping arrangement.

This additional width and length can make a substantial difference in terms of comfort and sleep quality, particularly for taller individuals or those who tend to move around during their sleep.

There are numerous plus and minus points to carefully consider for both small double bed and King size options, and your final decision should ultimately depend on your specific requirements, lifestyle needs, and what you hope to achieve from your bed, particularly concerning the delicate balance between available room space versus the actual sleeping area within the bed itself.

A small double bed will fit remarkably well into a more modestly proportioned room and proves ideal for a single sleeper who enjoys having extra space to spread out comfortably.

It's also an excellent choice for a child who's ready to transition from their single bed to something more substantial, or for furnishing a guest room where space might be at a premium.

However, it may prove slightly too cosy for a couple planning to share the bed long-term – perhaps best suited to those early honeymoon days when closeness is particularly cherished. After this initial period, the more generous proportions of a King size bed may begin to demonstrate their considerable merits.

If space within your bedroom is plentiful, there is absolutely no doubt that a king-size bed presents an outstanding option as far as sleep comfort and quality are concerned.

I'm quite certain that if given the choice, most of us would readily opt for as much space as possible to stretch out and sprawl comfortably, especially when sharing the sleeping space with another person who might also sleep in a rather expansive 'starfish' position.

It's also worth noting that the king-size bed offers additional length, which provides a significant advantage for taller individuals.

After all, nobody particularly enjoys the discomfort of having their feet dangling over the end of the bed, exposed to the chilly night air!

So, if you find yourself deliberating between small double and King sizes, it's essential to remember that one size certainly doesn't fit all situations. A large bed can easily dominate and overwhelm a smaller room, potentially making the space feel cramped and difficult to navigate.

Conversely, a smaller bed might appear somewhat lost or diminutive in a more generously proportioned room, failing to create the proper balance and proportion that good interior design demands.

Wardrobes and other storage

This consideration of space and proportion leads us naturally to discuss other essential storage solutions: wardrobes, bedside tables, chests of drawers, dressing tables, bookshelves, ottomans, and storage trunks. The available options are practically endless, and your final choices will again depend significantly on the space available within your room and your specific storage requirements.

Your bedroom may already feature built-in wardrobes, presenting you with an important decision to make. You might choose to retain these existing storage solutions if they suit your needs and aesthetic preferences, or alternatively, you may decide to remove them entirely and replace them with freestanding varieties – particularly if you have cherished furniture pieces from your previous home that you're keen to incorporate into your new space.

For those who possess considerable DIY skills and experience, there's also the exciting possibility of constructing bespoke bedroom furniture from scratch, allowing you to create storage solutions that perfectly match your specific requirements and available space.

In today's increasingly connected world, some form of bedside unit has become practically essential, with most people wanting to keep their various electronic devices and gadgets within easy reach during the night.

This modern requirement makes it particularly important to consider the strategic placement of electrical sockets around your bed and furniture pieces. Planning ahead for these practical necessities can save considerable frustration later on.

For those working with more compact spaces, multi-functional furniture pieces can prove invaluable. For instance, a well-chosen chest of drawers can effectively serve double duty as a bedside unit, providing both surface space for immediate necessities and storage for clothes that can be folded rather than hung.

Additionally, installing over-bed shelving can significantly increase your available storage space – though it's absolutely crucial to ensure proper installation to prevent any risk of items falling during the night or the shelving unit becoming unstable.

This consideration of space and proportion leads us naturally to discuss other essential storage solutions: wardrobes, bedside tables, chests of drawers, dressing tables, bookshelves, ottomans, and storage trunks.

The available options are practically endless, and your final choices will again depend significantly on the space available within your room and your specific storage requirements.

Your bedroom may already feature built-in wardrobes, presenting you with an important decision to make. You might choose to retain these existing storage solutions if they suit your needs and aesthetic preferences, or alternatively, you may decide to remove them entirely and replace them with freestanding varieties – particularly if you have cherished furniture pieces from your previous home that you're keen to incorporate into your new space.

For those who possess considerable DIY skills and experience, there's also the exciting possibility of constructing bespoke bedroom furniture from scratch, allowing you to create storage solutions that perfectly match your specific requirements and available space.

In today's increasingly connected world, some form of bedside unit has become practically essential, with most people wanting to keep their various electronic devices and gadgets within easy reach during the night.

This modern requirement makes it particularly important to consider the strategic placement of electrical sockets around your bed and furniture pieces. Planning ahead for these practical necessities can save considerable frustration later on.

For those working with more compact spaces, multi-functional furniture pieces can prove invaluable. For instance, a well-chosen chest of drawers can effectively serve double duty as a bedside unit, providing both surface space for immediate necessities and storage for clothes that can be folded rather than hung.

Additionally, installing over-bed shelving can significantly increase your available storage space – though it's absolutely crucial to ensure proper installation to prevent any risk of items falling during the night or the shelving unit becoming unstable.

Practical lighting solutions

Lighting represents a particularly crucial consideration when planning your bedroom layout and design. Generally speaking, you'll want to avoid overly bright or harsh lighting options, as this room primarily serves as a space for rest and preparation for sleep.

Similarly, you'll likely want to avoid the jarring experience of being awakened by stark, bright light in the morning, which can be particularly unpleasant and disruptive to your natural sleep cycle.

However, if you enjoy reading in bed – as many people do – you'll need to carefully consider your lighting options and determine whether this activity would be best served by an overhead light fixture, wall-mounted reading lights, or traditional bedside lamps.

Each option presents its own advantages and considerations, and your choice should be influenced by factors such as the size of your room, the position of your bed, and how well different light sources disperse illumination throughout the space.

The positioning of these light sources becomes particularly important, as you'll want to ensure optimal light distribution for your chosen activities while maintaining the overall restful atmosphere essential for a bedroom environment.

A dressing table area serves multiple essential functions in your bedroom, particularly for grooming activities such as applying make-up or styling hair. Therefore, it's absolutely crucial to incorporate appropriate lighting solutions into your overall bedroom design scheme.

The lighting requirements for these personal care activities differ significantly from general room illumination or reading lights, as they demand bright, even lighting that minimises shadows and accurately represents colours.

Consider installing adjustable lighting fixtures or a professional vanity lighting setup that provides consistent illumination from multiple angles, ensuring you can perform these daily grooming tasks effectively regardless of the time of day or natural light conditions.

Painting and decorating tips

The truly exciting phase of bedroom renovation arrives when you can finally express your personal style through decoration. When purchasing a property, it's relatively rare to find that the previous owner's design choices align perfectly with your own aesthetic preferences.

This situation presents both a challenge and an opportunity to transform the space into something that genuinely reflects your personality and meets your specific needs.

"Often, what adds the most value to a house isn't a full remodel but a series of small upgrades. A well-done painting job doesn't need to break the bank but can greatly enhance the value of your home," says Pete Mugleston of Online Mortgage Advisor.

This professional insight highlights the significant impact that relatively simple cosmetic improvements can have on both the aesthetic appeal and market value of your property.

Fortunately, basic decorative painting work is generally quite accessible to most people, whether you're an enthusiastic DIY decorator who enjoys spending weekends wielding painting tools or a professional decorating contractor.

The key lies in proper preparation, including thorough cleaning of surfaces, filling any holes or cracks, and ensuring adequate protection for floors and furniture before beginning the actual painting process.

The psychological impact of colour choice in bedrooms cannot be overstated, as it significantly influences both your perception of the space and the quality of your sleep. Scientific studies have consistently shown that certain colours promote relaxation and rest more effectively than others.

Gentle, soothing shades such as soft blues, calming greens, and warm, muted yellows typically create a more conducive environment for rest compared to bold, stimulating colours like dramatic reds, deep purples, or dark navy blues.

Grey continues to maintain its popularity as a versatile neutral option, offering a sophisticated alternative to traditional beige or cream tones while still providing a peaceful backdrop for sleep.

Soft furnishings to style

Once the fundamental elements of furniture placement and wall decoration are complete, the next crucial phase involves the thoughtful selection and arrangement of soft furnishings.

This stage requires careful consideration of window treatments, weighing the practical and aesthetic benefits of blinds versus curtains, or potentially combining both for maximum flexibility in light control and privacy.

The decision regarding decorative elements such as scatter cushions also demands attention – whether you prefer an abundance of plush, decorative pillows creating a luxurious, layered effect, or a more minimalist approach with carefully selected, high-quality bedding taking centre stage.

Colour coordination plays a vital role in this phase of decoration. You might opt for striking contrast colours to introduce vibrant energy and visual interest to the space, perhaps incorporating bold accent cushions or statement curtains that create exciting focal points within the room.

Alternatively, you could pursue a more refined approach by selecting furnishings in complementary shades within the same colour family, creating a sophisticated, cohesive look that promotes tranquillity and visual harmony.

Money-saving tips when purchasing a new bed

The significance of a quality bed in promoting restful sleep and maintaining good mental health is well-documented and widely acknowledged. However, this understanding often leads to the question: Is it necessary to invest an enormous sum to achieve optimal sleep quality?

While it's universally agreed that compromising on bed and mattress quality is inadvisable, given their direct impact on our daily well-being and long-term health, there are several strategic approaches to securing high-quality sleep solutions within a reasonable budget. Consider implementing the following practical suggestions:

Do Your Research

The contemporary mattress market offers an overwhelming array of options, each claiming to provide unique benefits and superior comfort. Given that individual sleep requirements vary significantly, it's essential to conduct thorough research before making any financial commitment.

This investigative phase can involve various approaches, from extensive online research and participation in sleep-related forums to reading verified customer reviews and visiting physical stores to test different mattress types personally.

This preliminary research phase requires only an investment of time rather than money, but it proves invaluable in helping you identify exactly what you're looking for in terms of comfort, support, and durability.

Armed with this knowledge, you can then narrow your focus to specific products that align with your identified needs and preferences.

Determine the correct size

When selecting a new bed, it's absolutely crucial to carefully consider the dimensions of both your desired bed and the room where it will be placed. The frequency with which customers encounter issues related to bed sizing is quite remarkable, and these miscalculations can lead to significant inconvenience and unnecessary expenditure. A thorough assessment of your available space should be conducted before making any purchase decisions.

Many individuals find themselves captivated by the alluring prospect of a luxurious super king-sized bed, envisioning sprawling comfortably across its expansive surface during their nightly rest. However, this dream can quickly transform into a logistical nightmare if your bedroom's dimensions cannot adequately accommodate such a substantial piece of furniture. In such cases, a more practical double bed might be the sensible choice, ensuring both comfort and proper room functionality.

The financial implications of incorrect bed sizing can be particularly frustrating. Not only does one end up spending more than necessary on an oversized bed, but the situation often escalates to include additional costs. These may involve hiring specialist delivery companies to remove the unsuitable bed or arranging exchanges, which can incur significant fees. Moreover, the time and effort spent dealing with these complications could have been better invested in other aspects of your bedroom design.

To avoid such costly mistakes, it's advisable to follow these practical steps:

• Measure your room dimensions accurately, accounting for doorways and other furniture
• Create a floor plan, either on paper or using digital tools
• Consider the space needed for comfortable movement around the bed
• Factor in additional furniture requirements
• Account for storage needs and accessibility

Look out for bundle deals.

After successfully determining your ideal mattress type and appropriate bed size, you're ready to proceed with the purchase. Online shopping frequently presents the most cost-effective options, primarily due to the extensive range of choices available at your fingertips.

Many retailers offer attractive bundle deals that can significantly reduce your overall expenditure. These packages typically combine bed frames or bases with mattresses at discounted rates, often featuring reductions of around 20% on the mattress when purchased together.

The variety of bundle options available usually encompasses different styles, materials, and price points, ensuring that most customers can find a combination that aligns with both their preferences and budget constraints.

These deals represent excellent value for money, particularly when investing in both components simultaneously.

Check out the clearance section.

The clearance section, whether in physical stores or online platforms, consistently proves to be a valuable resource for cost-conscious shoppers. This section typically features a diverse range of products, including:

• End-of-line items that retailers are keen to clear from their inventory
• Display models with minimal wear
• Returned items that may have slight imperfections
• Products with damaged packaging but perfect contents
• Discontinued lines from premium manufacturers

The pricing in clearance sections reflects these various conditions, often offering substantial savings compared to regular retail prices. However, it's essential to carefully inspect the product descriptions and, when possible, view items in person to ensure they meet your quality standards.

Look out for money off coupons.

This strategy primarily applies to online retailers, who frequently distribute promotional codes to incentivise purchases. These coupons can offer significant savings, such as £50 off when applied at checkout. The availability and value of these promotional codes may vary throughout the year, with particularly attractive offers often coinciding with major sales events or seasonal changes.

To maximise your savings potential, consider:

• Subscribing to retailer newsletters for exclusive codes
• Following social media accounts for flash sales
• Using price comparison websites
• Checking voucher code websites regularly
• Timing your purchase around major sale periods

The importance of balanced decision-making

Buying a new home is an adventure, and styling the rooms is part of the enjoyment. It would be best if you took great pleasure in adapting the shell of a room to being your private pad and something to be proud of. Just remember, a bedroom is predominantly a room in which to get a restful night’s sleep, so this needs to be at the forefront of your plans.

Final thoughts

The process of furnishing a new home represents an exciting journey, with each room offering opportunities for personal expression and creativity.

The satisfaction derived from transforming an empty space into a personalised sanctuary cannot be understated. However, when focusing specifically on bedroom design, it's paramount to remember that this room's primary function is to facilitate restorative sleep.

Therefore, while aesthetic considerations are important, they should always be balanced against the practical requirements for achieving quality rest.