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More than just a place to rest, a bedroom is where we go to unwind, let our guards down, and be our authentic selves. In fact, the quintessential bedroom perfectly balances comfort with aesthetics all while incorporating a flair of the owner’s personal style. However, with the plethora of design and style options available, it can be hard to know where to start. Luckily, Chairish has the perfect guide to help steer you toward the bedroom of your dreams! Keep reading to learn our tips and tricks to decorating a personalized bedroom with exciting pieces such as rare antique dressers, antique rocking chairs, and vintage dressers.

Design by Redmond Aldrich Design / Photo by Laure Joliet

Bed

To begin – the bed! Selecting the right bed for your room size and design goals depends on comfort and the size of your space. Once you have decided on a size, the bed frame can drastically alter the atmosphere of the room. Selecting a colorfully upholstered statement headboard is a great choice for a Mid-Century or boho room with vintage overtones, whereas choosing a simple platform bed frame would be better suited for a more minimalist environment.

Design by Summer Thornton / Photo by Werner Straube

Nightstands

Resting next to the bed, nightstands are a bedroom staple that are often overlooked! A good nightstand provides ample and easy storage space while also contributing to the overall design of the space. Use a simple, vintage nightstand with shelving to display eccentric lamps, unique clocks, or beloved books to add a more personal touch. Alternatively, you can select a wooden vintage nightstand with drawers to introduce an element of nature to a more modern space. Drawers can help keep things looking tidy and minimalist as well.

Design by Angie Hranowsky / Photo by Jeff Herr

Storage

After nightstands, dressers, armoires, and chests of drawers are the other storage places commonly found in bedrooms. Selecting additional storage for a bedroom depends on balancing your design with your room size and personal needs. A small antique dresser is a great addition to any Queen Anne-inspired bedroom while a towering vintage armoire might fit in better with an Art Deco-styled room.

Courtesy of Dana Gibson / Photo by Gordon Gregory

Seating

Incorporating seating into a bedroom can be a great way to encourage relaxation in a bedroom, while also further stylizing the space. For more traditional rooms, an antique rocking chair might be a sweet way to incorporate a more historical touch, whereas a Mediterranean-inspired bedroom would most benefit from a colorful rattan accent chair or brightly patterned chaise!

Extra Credit

Any bedroom would be more than complete with just the above pieces incorporated. However, a few additional furnishings can greatly up the function of a bedroom. Consider any of the pieces below to take your bedroom from a retreat to a full-out suite!

Becky Nielsen / Photo Credit: Marisa Vitale

Desk

Desks are a great addition to any bedroom, perfect for creating a small space to study or write. Generally, it’s wise to select smaller desks for bedrooms, such as a dazzling wood secretary desk for a traditionalist feel or a petite Victorian writing desk for a charming, old-world aesthetic. Modernists might consider a small lacquered Parsons design. Avoid large, sprawling executive desks or tanker desks to keep the space feeling comfortable, not cramped and office-like!

Photo courtesy of Angie Hranowsky

Movable Seating

While not necessary for every bedroom, movable seating is a great way to help a kid’s bedroom double as a play room! After all, small seating options can easily allow for lounging, reading, and more. Be sure to look for durability when browsing your movable seating options. Between make-believe play and study sessions, it’s likely these movable seats will endure some serious wear and tear. Also, keep an eye out for lightweight, soft seating options – after all, a bedroom, even a kid’s bedroom, is all about relaxation!

Shop Bedroom Furniture Essentials >>

Lead photo design by Angie Hranowsky / Photo by Jeff Herr

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January 9, 2022

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