How to set up your bedroom furniture.

One of the biggest challenges that you face when, purchasing a new home or new furniture, is how to make it all work. If you happen to be into Feng Shui, then you have some pretty clearly outlined rules. However, if that is not your thing, then you are left to your own discretion for how to coordinate each room.

Setting up the solid wood furniture in your bedroom can be particularly tricky because it is likely to have some of the larger pieces, such as your bed, a big dresser, etc. Each room can be a unique case depending on variable placement of doors, closets, windows, etc. That being said, there are some basics to bedroom set up that you can use as a starting point to build around.

Choosing a location for your bed.
This is often step one when looking to set up your bedroom. The bed will obviously be the largest piece of furniture in the room and should play a central room in positioning all other components to your bedroom set.

When the space allows for it, the general rule for a double, queen or king bed, is to place in center along the wall opposite of the main door to the room.

Avoid placing your bed under a window, as the early morning light and drafts can be disruptive to your sleep.

Selecting nightstands.
Choose bedside tables that match your bedframe for a more unified and uncluttered look. You also want to make sure that you select nightstands that fit comfortably with the room you have.

Keep in mind the functionality you want to have when looking at bedside tables. Will you use it for storage and require drawers? Is the top large enough for a lamp, books, remote, etc? Many bedroom sets come with some variables when selecting matching nightstands, so choose ones that will suit your needs.

Choosing and placing dressers.
The key to keeping a great look in any bedroom is to eliminate the clutter. One of the ways to do this is to ensure that you select a dresser or dressers that will meet your storage needs. Many bedroom sets come with select styles and sizes of dressers that you can coordinate with.

When space permits, place your longest dresser along the wall that runs beside your bed. If a closet, door or window prevents this, than you can look at the wall opposite your bed, as long as your room is deep enough. Always be sure to allow a comfortable pathway between each piece of furniture. When setting this path, stand in front of the dresser and open several drawers all the way. This will give you the true width needed to access your storage comfortably.

With no two rooms the same, it can be difficult to know which of these rules will work best for you. A good starting point is to try to draw your room and place furniture with as close to a proper size ratio as possible. We have provided a few example layouts to help you drum up ideas.

A few ideas on how to set up bedroom furniture if various room styles.

Home Décor Trends in 2013

While there are many different home décor trends that have been present so far in 2013, they almost all fall within one consistent general category; classic. Naturally, there may be some exceptions to this, however even a lot of the images being shared on sites like Pinterest, harken back to previous eras. There is definitely a growing love for creams, soft pastels, antique pieces and retro inspired accessories.

To quote interior designer, Miles Redd, “life in the 21^st century means taking the best of history and making it work for you.”

Here is a closer look at some of the key 2013 trends in home décor.

Spa like, neutral colour pallet
Many people have designed their most used spaces, such as bedrooms and dining rooms, using a soft and very light pallet of colours. Using off-white paint and wall papers, cream coloured linens and beige accessories, you can easily create an oasis that resembles your favourite spa retreat.

There are a few variations on this trend that can add a bit of personality to an otherwise neutral room. You can add pops of colour using accessories around the room. Popular choices this year have been yellow, deep violet, emerald green and aqua blue. This can be added with pillows, vases, flowers and other décor items.

Our Southhampton collection, beautifully accented with hints of metallic aqua blue.

Elegant design elements
This year has seen a continued rise in classic, element design pieces used throughout a room. These can be seen in wallpapers and fabrics (pillows, curtains, etc.) that boast a classic floral or regal style print with hints of gold and cream. Previously spotted in your grandmother’s home, these prints can take on a very modern-classic blend when paired with the right décor.

“Enough with the plain. I think people want pretty, and I predict a surge in demand for classic fabrics.” —Interior Designer, Leta Austin Foster

Classic & timeless accessories
Fitting in with the classic look is the use of vintage, or made to look vintage accessories. Many interior designers have reported the increase in the use of brass and gold in the form of items such as lamps, bowls, vases, ceiling fixtures, etc. These décor items add an element of old Hollywood glam and blend nicely into the overall classic theme.

Our Lorraine collection, decorated with antique frames and brass lamps.

Antique furniture
As makers of classic solid wood furniture, this trend is a little closer to our hearts. Where as the previous trend was to fill your home with modern furniture, homeowners are now moving towards pieces that look as though they have been passed down through generations. Furniture stay trends are showing more antique finds and solid wood pieces that have a more tradition feel to them.

Should you choose solid wood furniture or veneer furniture?

 

When looking at furniture for their home, many people arrive at one key decision: whether or not to purchase solid wood furniture. With many lower-end, veneer, metal or plastic options available, many customers are left evaluating if the extra cost of solid wood is worth it.

Solid Wood Furniture

Few can deny the fact that solid wood furniture looks beautiful. It can bring a feel of classic and quality décor to your home. However, it is also a more costly initial investment.

Well-built, solid wood furniture is incredibly durable and designed to last for generations. It can withstand the wear and tear that comes from daily use and often requires minimal maintenance. However, with durability comes weight. For those who may move often, solid wood furniture can be far more difficult to maneuver.

Throughout the generations, if a solid wood piece does start to show its’ age, it can be beautifully restored. Due to the durability, solid wood can be refinished. The same can’t often be said for other furniture choices.

There is also a major benefit in the sustainability factor of buying furniture from a company who uses ethical sources for their building materials. While plastics and veneers can be heavily processed and filled with chemicals, solid wood can be sourced from replenishing North American forests and manufactured in a way that is much more natural. This is particularly true when looking at a line of furniture that is manufactured in Canada or the US.

Veneer Furniture

An alternative to solid wood furniture is veneer furniture. Veneer furniture often a much lower investment to purchase. It is more readily available in the budgets of many people, specifically first time homeowners.

Due to the fact that it is manufactured instead of harvested, veneers can be designed to give the appearance of a wider variety of wood finishes. You can often find pieces that have been made to look like a more exotic species of wood that may not be available in many solid wood collections. Veneer also can provide a more uniform finish and be easier to match to when adding pieces to a previously decorated room.

That being said, the problem lies with what is underneath the veneer. Many manufactures use a combination of MDF, particleboard and other materials as the core of their furniture. These materials are mixed with chemicals and glues to be formed and provide strength. While this core makes them lighter and easier to manage, it also makes them more susceptible to damage that often cannot be repaired.

Conclusion

If price is the main factor for a consumer, then choosing veneer may be the short-term solution. However, as time goes on, solid wood furniture proves to offer more durability and a longer life. With lasting beauty that can be shared within your family, solid wood can prove to be much more economical in the long run.

While lower-end choices may have a smaller price tag, the problem remains that much like many other products, cheaper options can result in some sacrificed quality. What you save in the short term may end up costing you more in the future when pieces need to be replaced.