Design 101

The Ultimate Guide to Bedroom Furniture 

September 26, 2024
Bloomingdale’s

The bedroom is more than just a place to sleep. It’s an intimate retreat where style and comfort come together — a space that reflects your personal tastes and meets your every need.  


There’s no right or wrong way to decorate a bedroom, but the right bedroom furniture can make all the difference. Your practical, functional, and stylish furnishings should complement each other to create a space you'll love to be in.  


Whether you’re decorating from scratch or looking to refresh your current setup, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about bedroom furniture.  

What Furniture Goes Into a Bedroom? 

MINE

Every bedroom needs a mattress and a bedframe, of course. A standard bedroom furniture set typically includes a bed, nightstand, and dresser. But those are just the first pieces of furniture to think about.  


There’s so much more you can put on your list for the ideal bedroom setup:  

Mirrors  

Accent chairs 

Vanity 

Rugs 

Bookshelf 

Wardrobes

How to place a rug in a bedroom 

Rugs are often placed under the bed. This helps to further define the bed as a key focal point of the room. The rug can be centered under the bed, under the bottom two-thirds, or closer to the foot of the bed.  


Two smaller rugs can also be placed on either side of the bed to provide a comfortable space to step on. A runner rug or round rug at the foot of the bed is also a popular option to visually define the area around the bed.  

How to measure your bedroom for furniture 

Before purchasing bedroom furniture, know the dimensions of your room. Measure the length, width, and height of your space to determine what will fit comfortably.  


Beds tend to take up the most space — keep this in mind before you make measurements. The furniture you choose should leave enough room to comfortably walk around the bed.  

Choosing Sheets & Bedding 

To make the perfect bed, there are a few types of sheets you’ll need in your linen closet.  


First, a flat or fitted sheet that goes directly over your mattress. A top sheet between you and your blanket adds comfort and warmth. It also acts as a barrier, simplifying the cleaning process and reducing wear and tear on your comforter or duvet.  


A duvet or comforter is a thicker blanket that goes on top to keep you warm while you sleep. In warmer climates, some lightweight or temperature-regulating comforters and duvets can provide the same comfort with more breathable materials.  

Bedroom Organization Ideas

No matter the size of your bedroom, figuring out how to arrange bedroom furniture can quickly get overwhelming. Everything should be organized to maximize space, provide convenient access, and create an easily walkable and spacious interior.  


Here are a few ideas to make the most of your space:  

Start with the bed as a focal point, ideally placing it against the wall opposite the door or against the largest wall.

Go from big to small, arranging the bulkiest pieces first, like dressers and bedside tables, before moving on to shelves, chairs, and more.

Focus on convenience first, prioritizing the pieces that align with what you want or need in the bedroom.

Make sure there’s a clear walkway from one end of the room to the other, so you can explore the full layout with ease.

Bedroom Colors 

In the bedroom, every element plays a role in color balance, from the walls to the furniture. While there are no rules to choosing a bedroom color, it’s important to pick colors that complement each other — a color scheme.  


You can choose a color scheme from the dominant colors in the rest of your house or go for something unique to your bedroom. The color scheme you choose depends largely on your intentions for the space. Soft, warm colors can create a cozy and intimate feel. Cool hues, on the other hand, create a calming and refreshing atmosphere. Strong and saturated colors are more energizing.  


When in doubt, you can never go wrong with neutrals. Everything from off-white beige to soft gray can create a balanced, relaxed look. To keep the room from looking plain, you can always pick one accent color to incorporate throughout.  

Selecting a Bedroom Style 

The best bedroom furniture sets follow a personal design style, bringing the space to life. Whether you prefer a clean and modern look or a natural and rustic one, your bedroom furniture should align with your taste. If you can’t decide between styles, you can always mix and match elements to create your ideal look. 


Here are a few bedroom styles to inspire your furniture selection.  

Cottagecore 
In the enchanting world of cottagecore design, rustic charm and natural beauty come together. Look for furniture accessories like old-fashioned lamps, antique mirrors, handcrafted textiles, floral patterned fabrics, vintage vanities, and more.  
Mid century modern
The best mid-century modern bedroom furniture sets feature clean lines, organic shapes, and functional furniture pieces. Furniture often includes minimalist designs, tapered legs, natural wood colors, and retro looks that go back to the 1950s and 60s.  
Traditional 
Traditional bedrooms typically feature wood furniture, like a wood bed frame, dresser, and nightstand. Look for high-quality wood pieces with rich finishes, as well as furniture with antique elements or ornate details.  
Rustic
Rustic bedrooms embrace natural beauty with materials like wood and stone, as well as earthy color and texture. Look for robust furniture with a handcrafted feel and natural materials like wood, wicker, and rattan.  
Industrial 
Industrial bedrooms take rugged and old-fashioned elements and give them a modern spin. This style often features industrial furniture with an urban feel, like metal bed frames, reclaimed wood nightstands, and minimalist dressers. 
Farmhouse
The farmhouse bedroom aesthetic emphasizes a cozy, lived-in look. These furniture sets often feature distressed finishes and rugged textures, like barn doors, chandelier lighting, paneled wardrobes, and wooden benches.  

Furnishing & Decorating a Small Bedroom 

Thoughtful choices and a focus on multifunctional pieces make it easy to furnish a small bedroom. Start with space-saving furniture, like a bed with built-in drawers or storage benches. The more minimal and streamlined furniture you can find, the more space you’ll have. 


Another tip is to look for tall furniture pieces, like cabinets, dressers, and bookshelves that reach up to the ceiling. This design strategy moves the eyes up, making the room feel more spacious. 


To add depth without overwhelming the space, try layering textiles, like rugs, throw blankets, and pillows. 

Guest Bedroom Ideas 

The best guest bedrooms are comfortable, uncluttered, and feel just like home. Make sure you have all the essentials, like a bed, nightstand, and dresser. But you can always include extra furniture if you have the room, like a small desk for a workspace or a storage bench to stash luggage.  


If you don't have a specific design in mind, go for neutral decor. Each guest will have their own tastes and preferences — neutral colors and minimal decor make the room appealing to every visitor.  

Creating Your Sanctuary With the Best Bedroom Furniture

Creating the perfect bedroom isn’t something you can do overnight. Take your time, explore different options, and enjoy the process of selecting furniture and decor that reflects your unique personal style.  


With so many options available, finding furniture that perfectly fits your vision can make all the difference. Explore our selection of carefully curated bedroom furniture pieces and bedroom furniture sets to find just what you need to bring your dream space to life. 

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