Bedroom for dreams

After a long winter and a cold, wet spring, summer is finally here – which also means we are well into the home improvement season.

Fine weather and long, light days often inspire thoughts of freshening up our surroundings, usually starting with those rooms in which we spend most time.

For many people over the past year and a half, this room has been the bedroom, a space which is often disregarded for most of our waking hours but which, in numerous homes, has been pressed into daytime service to play a variety of roles.

So whether you plan to make your bedroom a permanent 24-hours-aday multi-tasking space or maintain it as a restful night-time sanctuary, few companies are better placed to help you create something special there than Hartleys, who have been transforming bedrooms for more than 30 years.#

“The way this room makes us feel is a major contributing factor to our overall wellbeing,” says Hartleys’ Sara Haggas. “Therefore it’s imperative that it is laid out in a way which promotes comfort and relaxation, whatever purposes we might be using it for.”

Five factors to consider when creating the ideal bedroom for your needs

Sara suggests five key areas to consider in creating your ultimate bedroom.

Build around the bed

Whatever daytime role it might play, the bedroom is primarily for sleeping and should reflect this. As well as choosing a bed which fits with the decor, it is important there is space around it to access the rest of the furniture.

“If the route to storage is hampered, you’re going to find it more tempting to pile your belongings elsewhere,” cautions Sara. “A clear pathway from door to bed is also recommended.”

Perfect placement

The layout of a bedroom directly affects the relaxation levels achievable, so avoid clutter and keep the room as streamlined as possible through functional furniture and space to move around easily.

“Furniture is best placed round the edges of the room,” says Sara. “Bespoke fitted furniture is ideal for this, working with the contours of the room whatever the space available.”

Focus on fixed features

Window, radiators, alcoves, sloping ceilings: all affect the design of a room. Maximise light by placing a dressing table or, if doubling as a home office, a desk by the window – and don’t forget the positioning of electrical sockets. Again, fitted furniture is the optimum solution.

Savvy storage

An untidy bedroom does nothing for night-time relaxation or daytime productivity, so carefully consider the amount of storage space required, especially if using it as a home office.

Personal preference

Whatever functionality you are aiming for, personal preference is the key factor. Make comfort and relaxation your main goal and follow on from there.

To book a home visit by a design team member, telephone 01756 700471 or go to www.hartleysbedrooms.co.uk

Whatever functionality you are aiming for, personal preference is the key factor.