3 Designers Reveal Where to Spend and Save in a Bedroom Redesign
We asked three UK interior designers which elements they think are worth investing in for a good night’s sleep
A calm, well-designed bedroom can soothe and relax us; in fact, studies show that an ordered space really does help us sleep more soundly (which makes the rest of life so much better). However, our bedrooms can be bottom of the list when it comes to budgeting; we don’t always stop to consider where it’s smart to direct our cash, with kitchens, bathrooms and living rooms typically taking priority.
With that in mind, we asked three interior designers based in the UK for their opinions on where it’s worth splashing out in the bedroom, and where you can afford to be thrifty. Read on for professional advice from Gemma Hill of Bayswater Interiors, Caroline Nicholls of Slightly Quirky, and Natasha Burton of NB Interiors.
With that in mind, we asked three interior designers based in the UK for their opinions on where it’s worth splashing out in the bedroom, and where you can afford to be thrifty. Read on for professional advice from Gemma Hill of Bayswater Interiors, Caroline Nicholls of Slightly Quirky, and Natasha Burton of NB Interiors.
The official advice is to change our mattress every eight years. However, “If you can’t afford a new mattress, then get a new topper, as this can help extend the life of your mattress,” says Hill.
Pocket-spring mattresses will offer the greatest comfort, or look for memory foam options that mould to the shape of your body.
Find an interior designer or decorator near you on Houzz for expert advice on how to achieve the look you want for less
Pocket-spring mattresses will offer the greatest comfort, or look for memory foam options that mould to the shape of your body.
Find an interior designer or decorator near you on Houzz for expert advice on how to achieve the look you want for less
Save on: A great headboard
A lovely padded headboard covered in velvet or patterned fabric can easily become the star of your bedroom – and make reading in bed much more comfy. And the good news is, it doesn’t have to cost much.
“Old headboards can easily be re-covered: just pay for the reupholstery and some really nice fabric – you generally don’t need a large quantity,” says Nicholls. “We re-covered the headboard and matching bolster cushions here with green velvet for a luxe look.”
A lovely padded headboard covered in velvet or patterned fabric can easily become the star of your bedroom – and make reading in bed much more comfy. And the good news is, it doesn’t have to cost much.
“Old headboards can easily be re-covered: just pay for the reupholstery and some really nice fabric – you generally don’t need a large quantity,” says Nicholls. “We re-covered the headboard and matching bolster cushions here with green velvet for a luxe look.”
Spend on: Bespoke wardrobes
Most of us would agree that storage is key in bedrooms – ‘chairdrobes’, piles of shoes on the floor and overflowing chests of drawers are never a good look.
Most of us would agree that storage is key in bedrooms – ‘chairdrobes’, piles of shoes on the floor and overflowing chests of drawers are never a good look.
Our experts recommend investing in a custom-fitted wardrobe, if you can afford it. “I think good storage also adds value to your house, as it’s something people are looking for when they come to buy,” says Hill.
To clear clutter, “choose bespoke storage that makes use of every inch of space,” says Nicholls. “Have wardrobes designed to meet your individual requirements, such as accommodating long or short clothes or storing items such as belts, scarves, jewellery and shoes.”
Browse more beautiful contemporary Australian bedrooms
To clear clutter, “choose bespoke storage that makes use of every inch of space,” says Nicholls. “Have wardrobes designed to meet your individual requirements, such as accommodating long or short clothes or storing items such as belts, scarves, jewellery and shoes.”
Browse more beautiful contemporary Australian bedrooms
Save on: Bedside tables
“These can often be bought cheaply second-hand and upcycled by painting them and adding new handles,” says Nicholls. “It’s also a way to give old tables a new lease on life, so they’re not wasted.” The side table seen here was transformed in exactly this way.
“Your bedside table is really just a surface for a glass of water, a book or a lamp, so be creative,” says Hill. “You can easily repurpose something else. For example, if your style is rustic, offcuts of logs can work brilliantly as side tables.”
“These can often be bought cheaply second-hand and upcycled by painting them and adding new handles,” says Nicholls. “It’s also a way to give old tables a new lease on life, so they’re not wasted.” The side table seen here was transformed in exactly this way.
“Your bedside table is really just a surface for a glass of water, a book or a lamp, so be creative,” says Hill. “You can easily repurpose something else. For example, if your style is rustic, offcuts of logs can work brilliantly as side tables.”
Spend on: Good-quality bed linen
It might be tempting to go for those bargain polyester-mix doona covers and sheets (especially if they’re pretty), but it’s a false economy to cut back on good sheets, blankets, doona covers and doonas, say our experts.
It might be tempting to go for those bargain polyester-mix doona covers and sheets (especially if they’re pretty), but it’s a false economy to cut back on good sheets, blankets, doona covers and doonas, say our experts.
“You can absolutely tell the difference between cheap and expensive bed sheets,” says Burton. “Opt for maximum luxury and indulge in some top-quality bedding.”
Natural materials such as cotton, linen or bamboo will keep you cool, feel nicer against your skin, and help you snooze soundly. Hunt for offers on sheets with high thread counts. Snap up pure-wool blankets and invest in cosy doonas and pillows made from goose down or duck feathers (as long as you’re not allergic).
If you prefer to avoid animal products, there are some great ‘vegan’ synthetic alternatives that mimic the comfort, luxury and warmth of natural feather down.
Natural materials such as cotton, linen or bamboo will keep you cool, feel nicer against your skin, and help you snooze soundly. Hunt for offers on sheets with high thread counts. Snap up pure-wool blankets and invest in cosy doonas and pillows made from goose down or duck feathers (as long as you’re not allergic).
If you prefer to avoid animal products, there are some great ‘vegan’ synthetic alternatives that mimic the comfort, luxury and warmth of natural feather down.
Save on: Bedroom accessories and decor
Burton says that many common details in bedrooms – mirrors, lamps and cushions – can be picked up relatively cheaply, so save your money for the headline items. “As cushions are purely decorative, for example, I’d spend your money on bedding and keep the cost of accessories to a minimum,” she says.
“You can find some fab purse-friendly full-length mirrors that do just as good a job as more expensive ones. And if you’re not spending a huge amount of time in your room with the lights on, you can source cheaper bedside lamps.”
Burton says that many common details in bedrooms – mirrors, lamps and cushions – can be picked up relatively cheaply, so save your money for the headline items. “As cushions are purely decorative, for example, I’d spend your money on bedding and keep the cost of accessories to a minimum,” she says.
“You can find some fab purse-friendly full-length mirrors that do just as good a job as more expensive ones. And if you’re not spending a huge amount of time in your room with the lights on, you can source cheaper bedside lamps.”
Your turn
What have you spent and saved on in your bedroom? Share your thoughts in the Comments, like this story, save the images to inspire your own bedroom redesign, and join the renovation conversation.
More
Curious how to spend and save on your home’s joinery? Find out here with this story: So You Want a Joinery Feature Wall? Here’s What You Need to Know
What have you spent and saved on in your bedroom? Share your thoughts in the Comments, like this story, save the images to inspire your own bedroom redesign, and join the renovation conversation.
More
Curious how to spend and save on your home’s joinery? Find out here with this story: So You Want a Joinery Feature Wall? Here’s What You Need to Know
This one is a no-brainer. “The one thing I’d always invest in is your mattress,” says Hill. “You spend so much of your life in bed, and sleep is essential to good health, so this is one area you should try not to scrimp on. Once you close your eyes, other things in the bedroom don’t matter so much, but a mattress really does.”
Good mattresses can seem eye-wateringly expensive, but, as Hill points out, “Many people will happily spend money on their car, for example, but not their beds, even though they spend more time in them”.
For couples who squabble over mattress firmness, she suggests it might be worth investing in one with different zones. “For example, [you can buy mattresses that are] medium on one side and harder on the other to suit both parties,” she says.