I have often asked my students and clients to classify interior images according to style, theme, and color. This is very useful in helping them understand their personal style and implementing their design project. We use style labels such as cottage, modern, and eclectic. We use theme labels such as feminine, masculine, and romantic. We also use formal and informal.
A person’s life experiences will greatly affect their choices. What is formal to one person may seem informal to another person and the criteria for romantic varies from one person to another.
If you think romantic means only the most feminine of spaces, you are definitely wrong. If this is your personal taste, wonderful. However, if you are looking to create a different type of romantic space, you have come to the right place.
The good news is you can create a romantic space using any style or theme. Let’s look at the 7 Elements of a Romantic Bedroom.
A person’s life experiences will greatly affect their choices. What is formal to one person may seem informal to another person and the criteria for romantic varies from one person to another.
If you think romantic means only the most feminine of spaces, you are definitely wrong. If this is your personal taste, wonderful. However, if you are looking to create a different type of romantic space, you have come to the right place.
The good news is you can create a romantic space using any style or theme. Let’s look at the 7 Elements of a Romantic Bedroom.
1. The Bed
The most important element of any bedroom is the bed. It is the largest element in the space, the focal point, and its styles and coverings will affect the entire room. It is most important that the bed be comfortable. I also suggest that it be the largest size that you can afford and that fits into your space. You should have a nightstand or table on each side of the bed. They do not have to match.
2. Texture
The most successful spaces have a wonderful array of interesting textures such as linen, satin, velour and matelasse or polished cotton. The first texture you should consider is that of your sheets. Look for a high thread count. Trust me when I say you can tell the difference! Your other bedding, seating and window coverings provide many opportunities to fill the space with interesting romantic textiles.
3. Color
The comforter or spread that you select for your bed will probably be the basis of your color scheme. Romantic colors are soft and relaxing. If you were thinking of bright red, that is passionate ant that is a whole different type of room ;) White is also romantic. White comes in every color tint (blue, pink, purple, etc) and mixes well with other soft colors.
4. Lighting
Lighting is very important to setting the mood in your romantic bedroom. Overhead lighting, while important in other rooms, is much less desirable in the bedroom. Lamps on either side of the bed are perfect for soft light, reading in bed, and adding to the style of the room. (Pink light bulbs are very flattering and romantic, but not very good for reading.) Stick to white or ivory lampshades. In a larger space, a floor lamp may be perfect beside that romantic chaise.
Flickering candlelight is the ultimate romantic element. Never leave them burning if you leave the room. If you are nervous about open flame, consider the new battery operated candles. In low light, the better ones look real.
Finally consider diffusing the natural light coming in the windows. Shades and blinds are great for creating shadow, but there something special about light filtering through lace curtains. I see the most beautiful sunrises through mine in the mornings. Think of what I would miss if I had heavier coverings.
Flickering candlelight is the ultimate romantic element. Never leave them burning if you leave the room. If you are nervous about open flame, consider the new battery operated candles. In low light, the better ones look real.
Finally consider diffusing the natural light coming in the windows. Shades and blinds are great for creating shadow, but there something special about light filtering through lace curtains. I see the most beautiful sunrises through mine in the mornings. Think of what I would miss if I had heavier coverings.
5. Fragrance
How many old movies have you seen where the woman pours perfume on the lamp and covers it with a lace scarf only to have the lamp shoot sparks and the scarf catch fire? Please, let us stay away from this sort of thing. If two people wear fragrance, there is quite a bit of scent in the room without adding too much more. You can have fresh flowers, incense, or potpourri if you like. Here is a secret that is more subtle, pleasant, and very relaxing. Add 2 or 3 drops (no more) of Lavender essential oil to your fabric softener in the washer or dryer for your bedding. You will love it!
6. Pillows
Adding pillows to your bed is very important. The more pillows you have, the more luxurious and romantic your bed. It does depend on the size of your bed.
Basic sleeping pillows: If you have a full size bed, you need two full size pillows. If you have a queen sixe bed, you need two queen size pillows and two full size pillows. If you have a king size bed, you need two king size pillow, two queen size pillows and two full size pillows. It may sound like a lot, but think of the amount of furniture in a space. You are balancing the space on the bed.
Accent pillows come in several sizes. I commonly choose an extra large square, an 18-inch square, and small rectangles or neck rolls. If you have a regular bed, you would probably choose one of each. On a larger bed, a set on each side looks great. Here is where you can add great texture, style and color. Changing the pillows on your bed can change the look of the entire room.
Basic sleeping pillows: If you have a full size bed, you need two full size pillows. If you have a queen sixe bed, you need two queen size pillows and two full size pillows. If you have a king size bed, you need two king size pillow, two queen size pillows and two full size pillows. It may sound like a lot, but think of the amount of furniture in a space. You are balancing the space on the bed.
Accent pillows come in several sizes. I commonly choose an extra large square, an 18-inch square, and small rectangles or neck rolls. If you have a regular bed, you would probably choose one of each. On a larger bed, a set on each side looks great. Here is where you can add great texture, style and color. Changing the pillows on your bed can change the look of the entire room.
7. Accessories
So many people are afraid that an interior designer will come into your home and make you do away with all the items you cherish. This is simply not true. Accessories are the heart of our home. They are the personalizing stamp that makes our home uniquely ours. If you love photographs of your family, put them in coordinating frames (silver or cottage white are very romantic.) Use you accessorizing skills to display your treasures to their best advantage. Dressing tables filled with artfully arranged trinkets, bottles and jars, or shelves with a mix of books and cherished memorabilia are all very romantic.
Clutter, however, is not romantic. Mail, magazines, laundry and the like should be in other rooms. Nothing, absolutely nothing, can spoil a romantic room the way that clutter does.
As a final word, I often hear designers say that televisions do not belong in the bedroom. I think that is more than a little impractical today. They seem to be in the bedroom to stay. After all, what better place to cuddle and watch a romantic movie? So this leads to a very important accessory. The remote. The trick is in knowing when to use it to turn the television off.
Tell me about your romantic bedroom.