IKEA: 10 essentials for your new bedroom

10 essentials for your new bedroom 

As newlyweds, both of you deserve a truly special space to spend time together, but how do you create this magical place? 

Your new bedroom is meant to be dramatic and inspirational, yet calming enough to for adequate rest and sound sleep. At the same time, it must provide maximum utility value. As a couple, it must also represent your joint choices, which means a merging of styles, tastes and even habits. 

The formidable task of fulfilling all these is best achieved by noting the essentials.      

Romance 

This is your private, personal space, so pay homage and highlight some of your favourite memories together, with pictures of your wedding, honeymoon, or holiday. 

Romantic décor is not restricted to pink, pastel, floral or feminine elements. A chandelier, an ornate headboard, a floor lamp, scented candles, exotic art, silk or velvet curtains and wooden flooring are  some of the things that can help you build a romantic nest. 

Style tip: Suspend sheer curtains or attach a canopy from the ceiling for an ultra-romantic look   

Bed 

A bed is crucial piece of furniture so make no compromises on buying one that is spacious and comfortable. 

The bed will also form the centrepiece of your bedroom, so consider the suitability factor if you are relocating old furniture. For instance, a four-poster bed will look odd in a modern chrome setting. If you are starting from scratch, aim for naturals and neutrals – they will blend well with almost anything – in styles that are specified as classic, modern or fusion. 

Colour 

The universal male-female discussion about colour is sure to come into play when you plan your new bedroom, and the best example is peach or pink versus black or brown. The best option is to blend your styles to make the bedroom look like it belongs to both of you. As the colour of passion, red works well as a basic colour, while pastels and neutrals are calming.  

No, every single thing does not have to match. Work in subtle contrasts through accents and accessories, or use shades of the same colour in different materials. 

Mattress and pillows 

There is really no reason to suffer sleepless nights when modern mattresses can regulate body temperature, address medical issues, and even combat snoring. 

Match the size of your pillows to the size of your bed, but make individual choices in texture, depth, and curvature. The right pillow is as important as a good mattress, and one of the best places to make your personal selection is at an IKEA showroom. Their comprehensive range includes pillows for side, back or stomach sleeping, available in memory foam, feather, down or polyester, and in firm, medium or soft styles. Additional pillows or throw pillows will add personality to the bed, while accent colours can offset the décor.        

Mirror 

Mirrors can add glamour to utility. The placement of a mirror can also make a big difference to tasks like applying make-up, fixing a belt, or checking yourself before you face the world. If you are short on space, affix a full length mirror on the door or the inside of a wardrobe, while decorative mirrors can be used to create focal design points.      

Style tip: For a dramatic design element, consider placing mirrors on your ceiling, but do seek professional help.  

Bed linen

The bed is the star of your bedroom, so ensure that it is well dressed, at all times. When buying sheets, plan on having one set on the bed, one in the laundry, and one to be used as a spare. Typically, a full matched set of bed linen is a flat or fitted sheet, duvet cover, and pillow cases. Cotton is comforting, linen is cooling, sateen is luxurious, and the higher the thread count, the softer the fabric. 

Comfort 

Among the many small things that can bring you great joy are decorative rugs, comfortable throws, matched bed-stands, dress hangers, and coat hooks. A couple of chairs, a chaise longue or a loveseat is ideal for day time resting, or for reading.

Duvet 

Everyone enjoys the warm cocoon of a duvet or quilt, but when the two of you share one, the happiness can double as it becomes a fuzzy, snugly envelope for sleep. Chose between warm and cool weight in textures like down, feathers or lyocell, or buy two and swap between summer and winter. 

Storage 

Keep clutter to a minimum by ensuring you have enough storage. Consider some of IKEA’s many practical solutions like under-bed boxes, drawer compartments and dividers, expandable wardrobes, open storage systems, wall shelves and brackets, and bedside tables and headboards with built-in storage. A highlight is their NORDLI range of modular chest drawers, which can be used in isolation or in combination, for a storage solution that is just right for your bedroom. 

Make some divisions of space in your cabinets, closets and wardrobes to improve functionality.      

Lighting 

While serving a functional role, lighting is also an easy way to create theatre in your   bedroom, especially if you combine artificial and natural elements: sheer and blackout curtains, matched bedside lights, two-way switches, light dimmers, and string lights used as accessories.

Avoid using only white or fluorescent lights, or lights built into the ceiling; warmer lights and lamps create a much softer look.