Dream Bedroom Set is Closer Than You Think

By Sarah Frink, Brand Publishing Writer

Choosing a bedroom set can be a daunting proposition, but by paying attention to space, organization and style, you can create the tranquil and functional haven of your dreams.

Start by determining how much furniture the existing space can hold. Many of today's "pretty large" 12-by-16 master bedrooms allow for multiple pieces of furniture, says Janet Graham, an interior designer for Baer's Furniture, a family-owned group with 15 locations throughout Florida.

A master suite of this size could probably accommodate two dressers, two large nightstands, a king-size bed, a couple of chairs and perhaps even a side table, says Graham, who’s based at the Naples store.

One place to start is the bed, with particular mind to the headboard. The trends have moved toward higher, upholstered headboards, which allow for both space filling and greater comfort. “The higher the ceiling, the higher the headboard should be,” Graham says.

As for where to place the bed, newer South Florida construction often has already solved that problem. Typical master suites feature two windows on a wall, and the bed is intended to be placed between them with one nightstand on each side, Graham says.

Design experts agree that choosing the right nightstands is crucial, as they can help pull the room together. Although you might be able to mix and match other pieces in the room provided you’re adhering to a similar stain of wood, the nightstands should definitely be identical.

Moreover, they should be large enough in relation to the bed and the space at the side of the bed. One of the biggest mistakes people make, Graham says, is to choose nightstands that are too small. If you’re trying to center a small nightstand against a window, you’re probably going to create a space between the bed and the nightstand, Graham says.

“When people are buying a king-size bed, they often do not buy nightstands that are the correct scale,” Graham says. The correct scale would be 34, 38 or maybe even 40 inches wide, she says. And if you do have a tall headboard, you would want a nightstand that is at least 28 inches high.

Although storage space generally isn’t a concern in today’s style of master bedrooms, there are ways to incorporate more of it if needed, Graham says. Under-bed storage has become a lot more common. The beds usually contain two to four drawers in the base — and an added advantage is that the mattress doesn’t require a box spring.

Although storage space generally isn’t a concern in today’s style of master bedrooms, there are ways to incorporate more of it if needed, Graham says. Under-bed storage has become a lot more common. The beds usually contain two to four drawers in the base — and an added advantage is that the mattress doesn’t require a box spring.

You can also add a bench at the foot of the bed, which provides still more storage space, usually for extra blankets and pillows, she says.

When it comes to style and an overall look, think beyond the individual room. “Make sure the style is consistent with the rest of the house,” Graham says. “Usually the master bedroom doors open into a great room. Ensure that the colors flow, that there’s a similar style of furniture and flooring. You don’t want a cottage-style bedroom that opens up into a West Indies-style living room.”

One item you never want to include in the bedroom is a desk or any type of workspace. Simply seeing papers and a computer can make it harder to relax.

"You're going to spend more time in your bedroom than any other room in the house," Graham says. "It needs to be comfortable and serene, a room you enjoy spending time in."