bedroom Archives - Page 10 of 20

A Match Made in Heaven

Mathematical calculation drawn in the sand for love

With Valentine’s day near, it can mean only one thing – love is in the air! And for us, that means celebrating the partnerships that stick together through thick and thin. In the world of furniture, there are many and our love for them is as strong as ever…

Armchair and side table

Is there anything better than sinking into the warm folds of an armchair after a long day or when you need to escape real life for a while? We think not, which is why the partnership between armchair and small side table is as strong as ever.

For an armchair to be truly useful, it needs its trusty sidekick of a side table or if space allows, a rustic coffee table to perch your feet, coffee cup or wine glass. One ties in with the other…

Dining table and chairs

… which is exactly how the companionship between a reclaimed wood dining table and chairs can be described. Both have their uses separately but they are better together. Whether you opt for wooden dining chairs or the plush fabrics of upholstered dining chairs, the chemistry between both is the ultimate love affair.

Bed and bedside table

No matter the dimensions of your reclaimed wood bed frame, without a bedside table it offers little apart from a place to lay your head. Taking care of everything from your alarm clock to bedside table lamp, this small but mighty piece of bedroom furniture has one of the biggest hearts and is a must in any bedroom. There is an undeniable connection between the bed and bedside table that is set to last for all eternity.

Kitchen island and pendant light

No man is an island, a saying that shows we all need some kind of emotional connection in our lives. The same could be said of the kitchen island and the relationship between it and the hanging pendant light. Casting light where there is shadow is its number one priority and catching the light when it falls is the kitchen island’s job. When you are working, eating or sitting at the kitchen island, you need light, something that our stylish pendant ceiling lights offer. The only problem is deciding which one…

Console table and mirror

Another couple that every could benefit from having it its life is the console table and mirror. Commonly found in the hallway, this must-have combination is so stylishly versatile it can lend itself to anywhere in the home. The slimline features of a narrow console table give it an elegant style and with handy storage solutions combined, it’s no wonder so many of us choose to have one in the home.

And with a mirror hanging above it, reflecting light in what can sometimes be a small space, you see how the two personalities complement each other.

Coffee table and rug

Both have a streak of independence but that makes their partnership even more wonderful. The rug provides the colourful, patterned platform that the coffee table needs to shine. And if there is one thing that makes any relationship a success, it is the mutual support that one offers the other.

Spread the love if you can you think of other furniture combinations that are perfect together.

How To Avoid the Floordrobe Effect

A rustic wooden bed with a matching bedside table and a table mirror

The floordrobe, the piling of clothes on the floor and in other areas of the bedroom, is more common than you think. And it is not just a phenomenon on the teenager’s bedroom either. Poor storage solutions and inaccessible storage solutions are the cruces of the problem so how can you stop this happening? Just what are the solutions?

Introduce a bedroom chair

If you research the original bedroom chairs, you will notice that they are far smaller than a ‘normal’ chair. A small armchair can be more easily accommodated in the bedroom whilst still being of use.

Don’t opt for a larger armchair as it will immediately become a dumping ground for clothes, despite your best intentions.

Make use of under bed storage

Easy storage solutions mean that you are more likely to stop storing clothes on the floor because you are able to reach and use the drawers quickly and easily.

Our Beam wood bed is possibly one of the most beautiful pieces of reclaimed wood furniture that you would come across. As well as being beautifully stylish with a strong rustic tone, it also comes with optional under bed storage drawers. From bedlinen to clothing, under bed drawers can be the tool that solves your floordrobe problem.

Hooks can work too

Not overcomplicating storage solutions is key. If there is one tool that is the simplest yet most practical of them all, it is the humble hook.

Hooks on backs of doors, a hook on the wall in different places in the bedroom and even a hook or two on the back of a wardrobe door can work wonders for keeping that the pesky pile of clothes off the floor.

Don’t dismiss shelving

Again, the simplest solutions can be the most effective. Reclaimed wood shelves in the bedroom in the shape of a bookcase or display unit can be useful for everything from hats to shoes, books and more.

But – and this the only the caveat – whilst shelving can be useful, it can look cluttered, becoming an essentially different place for things to gather. Keep an eye on the styling and don’t let it become a place where useless and unused things gather.

Easy storage with a blanket box

The blanket box or blanket chest was an automatic staple of the bedroom at one time but as bedrooms decreased in size, it became a casualty.

But now, we are looking again to the versatility of the wooden blanket box. And for those of us who have an unfortunate habit of making use of the floordrobe, the wooden blanket box is perfect because all you need to do is open the lid, put things in and close the lid. Can you get any simpler than that?

Go for an open wardrobe

The open wardrobe can also be a wonderful addition to the bedroom. As well as being an uber-stylish solution, for those who struggle with hanging clothes or don’t have the patience to do so, this wardrobe is the easy to access piece that you need.

With a shelf for shoes and jumpers, this minimal piece with a welcome Scandinavian edge is ideal, no matter how big or small your bedroom.

What Potential Buyers Don’t Want To See In A Bedroom

A rustic wooden bed with white bedding in a bedroom

With the New Year comes new ambitions and plans, one of which may be to sell up and move on to another place to call home. Selling your property can be a minefield with all the things you think are delightful are actually off-putting to buyers. When it comes to the bedroom, a very personal and intimate, space, what is it that buyers don’t want to see?

1 Dark and dinginess

Firstly, you need to be confident that the décor and styling are appealing to buyers and if there is one thing that immediately puts people off it is how dark and dingy the bedroom appears to be.

Avoid a dark bedroom by;

Minimising window dressings to maximise light
Cleaning the windows
Adding layers of light with bedside table lamps, floor lamps and pendant lighting
Using mirrors, especially to darker corners

2 Clutter, clutter, clutter

Clutter doesn’t mean you are untidy (although it can be!) but what it certainly does highlight is lack of bedroom storage. Essentially, you need to declutter and then take a look at how bedroom storage can be improved from bedroom side tables to chest of drawers and more;

A small bedside table maximises floor space but make sure it has a combination of drawer space, shelving and/or cupboard space
Make storage part of the bedroom scene such as a wooden blanket box that complements the wooden double bed
Opt for a wooden wardrobe that is stacked full of storage solutions so there are no clothes and other accessories hanging around

3 An unmade bed

By making your bed in the morning, you have started your day by accomplishing an essential task.

If potential buyers are viewing your property, you want to show it off to the best of its ability and when it comes to the bedroom, making the bed is paramount. Why? It allows people to focus on the room and to admire your style. In other words, they will notice the beauty (and size) of your beautiful rustic double bed rather than the heap of crumpled bedlinen…

Make the bed
Add sumptuous layers such as throws and cushions to create the right styling vibe

4 Clear the clothes

We mentioned the importance of bedroom storage in an earlier point. Clutter, we said, was a giveaway as to lack of storage and so clothes hanging over bedroom chairs or the trouser press are also not what buyers want to see;

Make sure all clothes are cleared away, hung in the wooden wardrobe and folded in the chest of drawers
If you are struggling to fit everything in, it is time to recycle

5 Too many personal items

Buyers get that this is your home and they will expect your things about the place but spaces that are overly personally accessorised can be a little off-putting. Why? Because feel like they are trespassing in your home and they can’t see past these things to the bedroom as a whole.

Remove or reduce personal belongings

6 Smell

We all know the estate agent tricks of fresh coffee or baked bread, but what about in the bedroom? Scent is a key sense when it comes to selling properties and although you don’t want your bedroom smelling of a bakery, it is still an important consideration;

Throw open the windows to change the air
Use scented candles and diffusers to add a gentle wisp of perfume to the space

Reclaimed wood furniture is ideal in the bedroom and can really show potential buyers just how beautiful your home is. But if other things cloud their vision, they won’t be rushing to make any offers.

Top tips to bring Classic Blue into your Bedroom

Reclaimed wooden beam bed with classic blue bedding and a blue rug

As we head into a new year and a new decade, Pantone has released its Colour of the Year 2020. This year, it is luring us into a world of relaxation with a subtle hint of drama in the shape of Classic Blue. It’s a beautiful shade and one that has a place in every room, but for the bedroom, it is simply sublime.

How to use Pantone’s Classic Blue in the bedroom

Blue has a natural cool undertone, one reason why it is so popular. But this year’s colour of the year is a darker, dramatic shade and yet there is something tranquil about the hue too. If you are a fan of blue and what it brings to your home, then you will love this shade.

1 Team it with the rustic style

If there is one style that this colour suits it is the rustic furniture style. As a style, there is an elegance to it that makes it ideal for the bedroom. Essentially, you want to create a relaxed, luxurious backdrop to your bedroom, a calming space where you can unwind at the end of the day.

Classic Blue has the level of warmth you need but if you feel it will be too overpowering on the walls, add main accessories using this colour. For example, a rustic reclaimed wood bed frame with dark blue bedding would welcome your tired self at the end of the day. The dark blue shade of the recycled glass bedside lamp would also slot right into the rustic bedroom scheme and would look at home on other bedroom reclaimed wood furniture too.

2 Works with the Scandi and Nordic styles too

On one hand, you want the drama of this beautiful shade, but you’re worried it will feel too dark or oppressive.

The solution if you want the darker shades on the walls is to opt for lighter coloured wood furniture.

The Scandinavian and Nordic styles are ideal. Both are similar with only the smallest of differences between the two.

As well as a lighter coloured wood, Scandinavian and Nordic style furniture tends to be lighter in silhouette too. And so whilst rustic reclaimed wood furniture for the bedroom has a decisive and ‘present’ style, the leaner silhouette of these two styles lend themselves very well to creating a fresh, contemporary feel with all the warmth and cosines you want in a bedroom.

Against the backdrop of Classic Blue walls, opt for light oak bedroom furniture, including an opulent king size wooden bed frame. Opt for lighter shades of blue or grey bedlinen, perfect for complementing the wall colour with a layer of texture and cosiness.

It’s important to match the litheness of Scandi and Nordic style furniture in accessories too. And so a beautiful rattan pendant light would be ideal, along with lighter shades on bedside table lamps.

3 Layering is essential

Classic Blue lends itself to any style and no matter which you choose, it will be sure to work. But don’t forget to lift the room by adding texture, as well as colour. A bedroom rug is more or less essential in our style bible. A blue rug will bring cohesion and balance to the space, giving the room the ‘border’ and emphasis it needs. Opt for one large enough to frame the bed frame or opt for two smaller, identical rugs either side of the bed.

Create a bedroom to boost your wellbeing

A white bouquet of flowers on a wooden bedside table next to a white bed

With the New Year – and a new decade – upon us, our thoughts turn to how we can welcome healthier habits into our lives. From making better food choices to being more active, we want to make changes that benefit our physical and emotional wellbeing. Sleep is an important factor in both of these things but how can you create a bedroom that supports your wellbeing by promoting better sleep?

1 Calming colours

Calm colours – muted shades of green, blue, yellow and pink as well as neutral hues such as cream and beige – are perfect for creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere to a bedroom. Avoid colours that are stimulating and brash.

2 Choose natural materials

As well as a muted colour palette, surrounding yourself with strong hints of nature help to create a restful boudoir. Reclaimed wood furniture for the bedroom is perfect and so a wooden double bed such as an oak bed is a wonderful choice.

3 Create symmetry and harmony

A restful space is one that is pleasing on the eye and so as well as oak bedroom furniture and muted shades on the walls, you also want to introduce symmetry and harmony by using complementing pieces. Likewise, you also want the space to be functional and so bedside tables are a must, along with other essential items such as a dressing table with drawers and so on.

4 Think about lighting

With the room furnished, you now need to ‘set the scene’ and lighting plays a key role. Layer light so you have a functional option, essential for when you want to see what you are putting away in the large chest of drawers – but softer lighting when you want to bring the day to a close with restful sleep.

5 Appeal to your sense of smell too

Scent plays an important role in helping the brain to slow down and switch off ready for sleep. Scented candles are a great addition to the bedroom as are diffusers, small reeds infused with a beautiful scent of your choice. Take care with candles in the bedroom as you don’t want to fall asleep and leave the candle burning on the dressing table with drawers.

6 Add a plant (or two)

There has been a growing trend of introducing plants to interior design, a popular choice for many of us. Plants are great in the bedroom because as well as being a welcome hint of colour, they also look great alongside oak bedroom furniture and other wooden furniture in the bedroom. An evergreen, easy-to-care-for aloe vera plant, for example, will be a great addition to the large chest of drawers.

7 De-clutter and stay tidy

With the right bedroom storage in the shape of reclaimed wood wardrobes, chest of drawers and a console or dressing table, keeping surfaces free from clutter should be easy. A clean and tidy bedroom is certainly a more welcoming one than one that is cluttered and too ‘busy’.

A calming, restful space promotes relaxation and sleep. Is this how you would describe your bedroom?

8 Bedroom Design Mistakes & How to Fix Them

A rustic wooden bed with matching bedside tables and white bedding

The bedroom should be a relaxing sanctuary but when styling mistakes are made, it can look cramped, cluttered and far from restful. Here’s how to set eight common bedroom mistakes straight from choosing a wooden double bed instead of a king size to adding bedside drawers…

1. Bed too big

A large king size bed can be the epitome of luxury, but when it swamps the floor space available, it sucks the life out of the room. Measure the room and measure the bed you are considering purchasing to make sure you have ample room to walk around it. It is possible to buy made-to-measure bespoke bed frames, such as our Beam bedroom collection, but remember mattress sizes are standard (unless you have a mattress made too).

2. Not enough storage

When you don’t have enough storage in a bedroom, you risk setting a scene of chaos and clutter. From clothes hanging off the footboard of the bed and the bedroom chair to boxes piled on top of wardrobes and things being lost, the need for storage is clear. Consider open shelving or bookcases for the bedroom for easy to access storage, but for when things need hiding away, you’ll need a chest of drawers or a dressing table with drawers. You may also want to consider hidden storage under the bed or even a wooden blanket box.

3. The radiator taking centre stage

You need it for warmth in the bedroom and so leaving it uncovered makes sense as the heat would be blocked otherwise. But that means the radiator can take centre stage which isn’t what you want. If this is the case, a radiator cover is an ideal solution.

4. The wrong level of lighting

From being too stark to being too dim, bedroom lighting is important to get just right. You need to layer light from the functional pendant light to the softer glow of a bedside table or floor lamp. Add a dash of something different by choosing materials such as stone, as in the rock pendant light, perfect for the industrial style bedroom.

5. Nowhere to sit

A lack of a small armchair will put you at a disadvantage. The truth is, there are plenty of low backed bedroom chairs that will become an instant hit in the bedroom. A yellow velvet armchair adds both colour and texture, whilst a specific style grey velvet armchair can add a statement to a bedroom.

6. Not cosy enough

Talking of textures, when a bedroom is devoid of different textures and shapes, it looks flat and almost clinical. Rectify this problem with cushions and blankets thrown across the bed or draped over the velvet bedroom chair. Add texture and warmth to the floor with rugs on either side of the bed (also great for adding a dash of colour!).

7. Cluttered bedside table

Not just a problem with the bedside table, we grant you, but when there isn’t adequate storage space, ‘things’ tend to gather on the bedside table. Opt for a bedside table with drawers and consider how other items of reclaimed wood furniture in the bedroom can be commandeered to offer the storage you need.

8. Electrical sockets deficit…

… and then they are never in the right place! Common in older properties, you need to think carefully about where you add more electrical points. Do this with a qualified electrician and not through messy and unsafe extensions and the like.

Wondrous Ways to Maximise your Bedroom Space

Reclaimed beam wood bed with matching sideboard and bedside table

If you haven’t got acres of space in the bedroom, you’ll need to think through carefully the items you include in the room, but also the layout, such as where to place items and so on. With these hints and tips, you’ll get the best layout for your rustic furniture that doesn’t cramp bedroom space or style.

Choosing the best size

The luxury of a king size bed is not to be underestimated (or super king bed!) but if this eats into the bedroom space too much, it can feel cramped. Of course, if you are willing to sacrifice floor space for a statement king size wooden bed frame, go for it!

But, bed size is important if you want to fit in other items of furniture in the bedroom and be able to use the space easily and comfortably, so you may wish to consider a twin bed or a double.

At the end of the bed, you need about half metre between it and the wall to be able to move past it with ease. At either side of the bed, you’ll need about 60cm. This allows free movement but also space for when you sit on the edge of the bed. It also means you can fit in a bedside table at either side of the bed, essential for storing items, as well as a lamp.

For two beds, a half-metre gap between the two is recommended, again for comfort and accessibility.

Styling tricks

Sometimes the things we add contribute to the bedroom feeling smaller than it actually is. Adding detail without clutter is key, which is why these stylish tips will help a bedroom feel bigger. Opt for reclaimed wood furniture such as an oak bed that has a low headboard. A large headboard ‘swallows’ wall space, something that will impact on how big or small the room feels.

Having said that, a tall chest of drawers could work in a space such as a small recess that would otherwise be unused, wasted space.

Measure and measure again – wardrobes

Choosing wooden wardrobes for smaller bedrooms can be problematic. On one hand, you need plenty of usable clothes storage but on the other, you don’t want a wardrobe that looms large in the room.

The minimum depth for a wooden wardrobe is 24 inches (2 feet) or around 60cms. This gives the clearance needed for clothes to hang without being cramped or damaged.

For smaller bedrooms, this can feel too big. If this is the case, consider fitted wardrobes. These can be designed around you and the space you have available. The solutions can be ingenious such as hanging clothes facing you rather than side on, as well as shelving space for bulkier items and so on.

Hideaway storage

The other issue is adding extra storage in a way that is unseen, but useful. When storage is at a premium, don’t be tempted to add too many boxes on top of wardrobes or on the floor as this simply closes the space down.

Consider adding drawers beneath the bed. For example, our Beam bedroom range comes with optional drawers. Under bed storage is perfect for bed linen and blankets. If you have room at the end of the bed, adding a blanket box that doubles as a seat makes sense too.

10 Simple Steps to Creating a Boutique Hotel Style Guest Room

A wooden tray with a croissant and flowers on top of a bed

Give your Christmas guests a stay they won’t forget by transforming your spare room into a boutique hotel bedroom with all the luxurious touches they could need. But be warned, they might not want to leave…

What your spare room needs to become a room with the hotel feel:

1. The bed

A good night’s sleep is never to be underestimated. As well as a sumptuous, comfy mattress and a stylish wooden double bed, bed linen is important too. From a super soft duvet to beautiful linen duvet covers and high-quality sheets and pillowcases, a warm bed to snuggle in after a long day is a must.

2. Bedside table

Second on the list is about adding style but also convenience for your guests. Bedside tables should have everything they need from a table lamp to an easily accessible plug to charge phones and tablets. They also add symmetry to a room, a detail that won’t go unnoticed.

3. Wardrobe or chest of drawers

You want your guests to feel at home so make sure they have all that they need including somewhere to store their clothes. Reclaimed wood furniture, especially wardrobes and a large chest of drawers, add all that a guest would need.

4. Dressing table

A dressing table with drawers is simply perfect. It gives your guests somewhere to sit to finish getting ready and, if necessary, can double as a work desk too.

5. Lighting options

Walk into any boutique hotel bedroom and you’ll notice the many lighting choices in the room. Easy and quick to add, as well as bedside lamps, consider a floor lamp too, perfect for casting light into a shadowy corner.

6. Mirror

There are two reasons to add a mirror (or two). One, they are an essential – who doesn’t need a mirror in the morning or as they dress? And secondly, as well as being decorative, they also reflect light in the room, something that every spare room should have plenty of.

7. Candles and diffusers

A room that appeals to all the senses is the one that guests will fall in love. Surround them with the opulence of oak bedroom furniture or rustic furniture, along with stylish attention to details, including the gentle scent from candles and diffusers. They will instantly relax and unwind, feeling better than they do at home.

8. Bedroom seating

Often forgotten or left out due to space constraints, a chair in the bedroom is perfect for draping clothes at the end of the day, for sitting on to pull on shoes or to relax and read…

9. Rugs

A rug is perfect for adding texture. You could opt for a large oversized rug under the bed or, for an extra hint of luxury, add two smaller rugs, one on either side of the bed to give feet an extra treat as they get up in the morning.

10. The small extras

And finally, the little extras are always welcomed by guests. Tissues, a water jug with glasses, a clock, towels… all these small things add the finishing touches that let your guests know you are looking forward to their stay.

Where Does Reclaimed Wood Come From & How To Care For It?

Man walking on wooden railway in the middle of a forest

Reclaimed wood furniture is a phrase you will often see and not just across our website but others too. When manufacturers, retailers and suppliers talk of ‘reclaimed wood’ what are they referring too? And, when you invest in a piece of stylish and beautiful reclaimed wood furniture, such as a reclaimed wood desk, how do you care for it so that it gives you many years of service and joy? These are questions we hear all the time and love answering!

Reclaimed wood is timber that has been given a new lease of life, serving another purpose to the one that it had done previously. Most reclaimed wood furniture is hardwood, a timber from slow-growing trees such as oak.

Hardwood is very dense and strong, which is why it was favoured for all kinds of different purposes from furniture to wooden beams that formed part of the structure of a property. But when these items and structures are no longer required, the wood was often either thrown on landfill, used as firewood, or even left to rot.

As you can imagine, a lot of these options are wasteful as hardwoods have a lot more to offer, despite their age. In fact, it’s the age that gives it a uniqueness that new wood simply can’t compete with. With assessment as to its inner strength and skilled crafting, what was once an English oak beam can become a stunning and reclaimed wood oak dining table, like our Hoxton Oak Farmhouse Dining Table , that will last a lifetime.

And it’s not just dining tables either. Reclaimed wood can be used for all kinds of pieces, from home office desks to display units, drinks and coffee table with storage, even beds like the Beam Henley Reclaimed Wood Bed.

Where is reclaimed wood found?

As we’ve already touched on, wood is found in many older structures. Today, in modern builds, the frame tends to be made of steel with concrete infills, a fast and efficient way of building. However, old industrial buildings will often have wooden beams, for example, and wood is often reclaimed as railway sleepers, in old barns and factories. Even old hardwood floorboards have a new role to play too!

Other reclaimed materials

Other materials can also be reclaimed and reused in furniture, including scaffolding boards. Used to provide a platform to safely climb up tall buildings in need of repair and similar projects, these heavyweight planks of wood have a working life of approximately 25 years. Although no longer used by scaffolders, it is possible to re-use these boards for tables, chairs and an office table, such as our Oldman industrial desk.

How to look after reclaimed wood furniture?

Tough and hardy it may be, but your reclaimed wood shelves, dining table, coffee table, office desk and so on will need a little care from time to time.

As do most special pieces of furniture, it appreciates being kept clean, but a simple wipe with a soft cloth is all that is needed. Some reclaimed wood items are coated with oil or varnish to nourish the wood, so heavy scrubbing would wear this away.

You can also use coasters for hot drinks and dishes on your reclaimed wood dining table to prevent ring marks in the varnish or stain, but because of the natural imperfections of the wood, further scuffs only add to its beauty.

It’s worth bearing in mind, that as a natural product, wood will ‘breathe’. Wood reacts to moisture in the air. For example, during warm months there tends to be higher humidity which can cause wood to expand, but in cold weather, wood can contract. And it will continue to do this even in the confines of your home.

Reclaimed wood furniture adds a unique character and warmth to a home. And with the hidden story behind it, it has a wonderful hint of romance that will be loved for years to come.