Modern Furniture

The natural focal point of the bedroom is the bed itself; this means the selection of the bed is important in establishing the overall design of a bedroom, particularly if the frame is unusually interesting. The variety of bed styles available ranges from a simple futon mat, to a traditional box spring and mattress, to a waveless waterbed, with variations and alternatives in between.

In the United States, standard sizes were established in the 1950s for bed frames and mattresses: King, 72″ x 84″; Queen, 60″ x 75″; double or full, 54″ x 52″; and single or twin, 39″ x 75″. Unless your bed is older than this, it will be one of these universal sizes, regardless of the type of bed frame. And although the sizes of American beds and bedding were standardized in the 1950s, the closest-to-standard sizes in pillows include: king, 26″ x 36″; queen, 26″ x 30″ and standard, 20″ x 26″. Other pillow sizes include French continental or eurosquare, 26″ x 26″ and the Russian pillow, 14″ x 14″.

Futons are ideal for studios and small spaces, as are Murphy beds. First introduced in 1905, the Murphy bed folds into a closet to open up more floor space when not in use. Some are hinged at the head and some hinge at the side.

Bunk beds and trundle bed styles are space-saving alternatives to an extra bed in the guest room. Bunk beds are stacked on top of one another, while trundle beds have a second bed that slides out from underneath the first bed. Bunk beds are primarily found in children’s rooms.

The primary function of a window treatment in a modern bedroom is to control light and provide privacy. The type of treatment you choose will affect how well you can control these elements, as well as influence the decorative style of the room.
Open-weave curtains and blinds bring a breezy, casual feeling to a room, while thick, elegant draperies and fancy top treatments, such as valances or cornices, have a formal influence in a bedroom.
The type of fabric or material, and style of curtain or drapery, will influence the overall effect of a window treatment on the room’s design. Sheer curtains filter light and provide privacy during the daylight, but they need a heavier curtain behind them at night to maintain this privacy.
Curtains are the most common and versatile type of window treatment used today. Many curtains that seem complicated and elaborate are simply variations of the common rod-pocket curtain. The looks that can be achieved by varying this style of curtain range from bishop sleeves to cafe curtains and valances.

Blinds, shades and shutters are also window treatment options for a bedroom. Blinds come in vertical and horizontal styles and an array of colors, sizes and materials. Louvered blinds can be opened or closed to let in light as desired.
Shades provide privacy, block light and conserve energy. Popular shade styles include: Austrian shades, which draw up into scalloped folds; Roman shades, which form neat horizontal folds; balloon shades, which form billows; and cloud shades, which create soft, cloudlike poufs.
Or combine curtains and draperies with coordinating blinds or shades to establish an entirely new look for a window.

Pillow covers, shams and cases add a decorative flair to a bed. They can create a look that’s trimmed and tailored, or fluffy and frilly. Bedspreads, quilts and duvets, or comforters, dress a bed in very different ways. Specialty sheets, such as satin or flannel, can be found in the linen departments. Sheets for specially shaped beds, such as round or heart-shaped, can be custom-ordered.

The bedspread was established by wealthy Americans who felt a properly made bed always included the blanket cover and the quilted bedspread that hid the bedclothes. The quilt evolved from the early American settlers. When the bedding they brought from Europe started to wear and fray, they would cut pieces of torn garments and patch it. Traditional American quilts have three layers; the top design, the batting or lining, and the backing.

The way a bed is dressed can establish the character of the entire room. An easy way to change your bedroom is simply to change the bedding. Creating a beautiful bed is easier today than ever before; practically everything you could possibly need is available in color-coordinated designer collections.
Many bedding collections feature sheets, bedspreads, duvet or comforter covers, bed skirts and pillows in all types of coordinating patterns, solids, stripes or plaids. Matching fabrics for window blinds, valances, bed skirts, canopies, pillow cases and cushions, as well as wallpapers and borders, are also available. These coordinating accessories make it possible to give your modern bedroom a whole new look without spending a lot.
New designer sheets alone can be used any number of ways to achieve a desired style when decorating a bedroom. The highest-quality and most expensive bed sheets are made of linen. It doesn’t soil as easily and doesn’t retain moisture as much as cotton does. This cool, smooth material is especially comfortable in summer. Today, color-coordinated designer bedding is made of linen, cotton and other blends.

When selecting a color scheme for your bedroom, let personal taste guide you rather than current trends. If the bedroom is predominantly one color, vary the textures to add interest; for example, combine a smooth, crisp chintz fabric with a textured linen.

Keep in mind that walls, floors and other elements in a bedroom also have textures that add to the ambience of a room. A smooth brass headboard contrasts nicely with a tapestry bedspread. Polished hardwood flooring provides a beautiful surface that sets off a plush area rug perfectly. Effectively combining patterns to create a desired bedroom decor can be a bit confusing and somewhat intimidating. Today, many textile manufacturers are making things easier for their customers by offering such coordinating elements as fabric and wallpaper together, to make the whole process easier.

One way to successfully combine patterns is to use one fairly large design and contrast it with a geometric pattern, such as stripes, a plaid, checks or even polka dots. The patterns should coordinate with each other through color or tone with subtle contrasts of scale or proportion. It is best not to use more than one large-scale design in a room. Try using several different small-scale patterns with a larger design.

Patterns are incorporated into design schemes in a few different ways. One way is to use plain, unpatterned walls, windows and furnishings with muted colors to keep the look simple. A Shaker motif would be one example. Another approach is to use pattern throughout, on the windows, the walls, even on the furnishings.
When mixing patterns in a bedroom, use only one bold pattern throughout so that it dominates the design. You can then begin adding smaller-scale patterns and prints. A third choice is to use patterns with plain color together for a balanced look. A larger pattern on a window treatment or walls gives the room a sense of balance if other items in the room, such as the blinds, upholstery, pillows or cushions, are kept as simple as possible.

Similar designs in the same colors work well together, as do similar designs in two different colors. An exception to the rule of not using too many patterns together can be made with patterns that have similar color and scale of design, such as plaids or paisleys.