With fewer practical constraints than other areas of the house, once you’ve covered the basics – great bedroom storage ideas and a comfortable bed to sleep on – deciding on the romantic décor is the easy part.
Romantic bedroom ideas
If you are in need of romantic bedroom ideas for you and your significant other, we’ve come up with a host of delightful bedroom ideas that we think will inspire you to indulge in all your decorating fantasies. Find out how to create a hotel-standard romantic bedroom with our bedroom ideas for couples below.
1. Enhance a romantic bedroom with a mural
For anyone not in the know, a wall mural is any artwork that is either applied or painted directly to your walls or ceiling ideas. The beauty of wall mural ideas is that you can have a large-scale design on your bedroom walls, from a blousy floral to a contemporary painted design, a landscape or an architectural wonder that will have you gazing at it – in romantic wonder – for hours. ‘Over recent times, there has been vast growth in high-tech digital printing which has changed the game, allowing a huge amount of experimentation,’ explains Martin Waller, Founder of Andrew Martin (opens in new tab). ‘The choice is extensive, but it is a highly personal one, thoroughly dependent on the room, not to mention your mood and personality. Scenic murals have taken the interior world by storm in recent years, and frankly, anything goes when it comes to design.’ The key is to choose one color that’s used in the mural, and use it elsewhere in the space. It will become your base, then you can use it for the furniture too, if you want a cohesive look.
2. Put the focus on the bed
If you are hoping to create the ultimate romantic bedroom, then four-poster bed ideas are a must. ‘I have always slept in a four-poster bed – for me, it is my sanctuary within the bedroom,’ says William Yeoward (opens in new tab), interior designer. ‘A four-poster also gives the bedroom a point of focus which, of course, should be the bed.’ Decorating styles for private spaces take inspiration from the romantic, refined modes of 18th-century Parisian homes. To create intimacy and an aesthetic distinct from that of open-plan or family spaces, a four-poster bedroom with a delicate canopies will only serve to enhance the romantic nature of the room. For a truly intimate yet carefully-curated space, limit your space to just two bedroom color ideas. Here, a color combination of yellow and green room ideas are amongst the richest of spaces – perfect for adding warmth, and moody elegance, to a romantic bedroom.
3. Exude romance with a red color scheme
Red bedroom ideas can be a tricky color to pin down, but choose a shade with more traditional leanings and it will breathe life into any space. Country homes in particular lend themselves to this warming hue because it brings out the charm in elements like rustic wood, gilded frames and aged leather, and as red is known to stimulate the mood, it’s is ideal for your romantic bedroom ideas. Harmonize with soft creams and greys or make it beautifully festive with metallic or mirrored finishes. ‘This tone works perfectly in a scheme that is rather dark, or which suffers from a lack of natural light,’ says Elizabeth Hay, founder, Elizabeth Hay Design. ‘Not only does it inject a space with brightness and cheer, but it will also bring out – and highlight – any accent color ideas used elsewhere in the room.’
4. Set the scene with the right lighting
In a bedroom, different levels and types of bedroom lighting ideas can help switch the mood from practical – getting ready for work, say – to relaxing or reading before going to sleep. And it’s something that needs to be considered when designing a romantic bedroom. Never underestimate the quality of good lighting in the bedroom – it is just as important to your wellbeing and preservation of eyesight, as it is to aesthetics. ‘Good lighting is mood enhancing, making it perfect for romantic settings. The most important thing with all lighting is that it should be dimmable. Generally, I prefer low-level lighting, as it’s more ambient, flattering and atmospheric,’ says interior designer Sophie Ashby (opens in new tab).
5. Perfect the art of layering
The new romantic bedroom of the is all about layering – whether that’s tonal variations of color on different surfaces, a mix of patterns that playfully explore a particular palette or a dynamic blend of textures, as shown in these scheme by Katie Lion, an interior designer with Kitesgrove (opens in new tab). ‘Two or three variations of each is enough to develop a richly pleasing space that is the last thing you see at night and the first thing the next day,’ says Katie. Interior designer Katharine Paravicini agrees: The designer is adept at adding small points of visual intrigue to her schemes: ‘Interest and lots of subtle detailing are often used to create or enhance a romantic bedroom – with the use of trims on the curtains and also on upholstery.’
6. Make a statement with the headboard
Headboard ideas can totally transform a romantic bedroom – but there’s much more to them than simply placing a padded board behind your bed’s head. ‘A headboard is not just about comfort; with a little thought it can transform a bedroom scheme by providing the perfect blank canvas to try out interesting color and pattern combinations,’ says interior designer Natalia Miyar. ‘I love upholstering headboards in bright, decorative fabrics that draw the eye to the focal point of the room, elevating the bed itself to a style statement.’
7. Use curtains and drapes for privacy
Privacy in the home is vital, and no more so than in a romantic bedroom, especially if your bedroom is at ground level. The requirements of window treatments and bedroom curtain ideas will vary from room to room, but they are all designed to provide levels of privacy, shade, soundproofing and warmth. In this three-bedroom Belgravia maisonette design by Gunter & Co (opens in new tab), the bedroom has double doors which lead out onto a patio. Wall-to-wall curtains were added in front, not only to help block out light and sound when the room is occupied, but by using heavy fabric floor-to-ceiling, the curtains will also help keep out any draughts. As well as these practical elements, the rich textures and deep folds of the Christopher Farr Cloth fabric in the curtains help to create a romantic atmosphere in the bedroom when drawn.
8. Chanel your favorite holiday destination
You don’t have to put your artistic nature to the test when it comes to picture walls. There are plenty of bedroom wallpaper ideas that are designed to do just that with trompe l’oeil illustrations that can quickly add an extra dimension even in small spaces. For a romantic bedroom scheme, turn to images of escapism, like this tropical pictorial wallpaper that evokes the memory of faraway shores. Complete the look by choosing bedroom furniture, bedding and cushions in earthy ochre and a pinch of ginger for a fully immersive design.
9. Take inspiration from a boutique hotel
A matching upholstered headboard and footboard may sound like an unachievable luxury bedroom idea, but is actually quite easy to do. You’ll need plywood for the board, wadding to pad the piece out, fabric of your choice, as well as trim or edging – plus a staple gun to bring it all together. Small panels with patterned fabric add a subtle amount of detail, such as in this framed bed, but it can be fun to play around with dimensions too. Consider creating an extra wide or tall headboard for dramatic effect, as it’ll bring the focus on the room straight to the bed.
10. Take a maximalist approach with plenty of pattern
‘I’ve always been a maximalist, a lover of ornamentation,’ says renowned designer, Matthew Williamson. ‘I want to create things that make others feel happy. I’ve never been able to get my head around minimalism or flat color. When I start a room design, I think about how I can make an empty space give joy and embody a sense of romanticism.’ ‘Wallpaper ideas brings personality, energy and whimsy to a space,’ her adds. ‘It can function as a focal point or as a backdrop. I prefer wrapping rooms as opposed to using a feature wall or papering a chimney breast.’ ‘I would advise less confident decorators to keep the color palette tight in a scheme for a calm overall result. Restrict yourself to half a dozen colors and try not to veer from them.’
How can I make my bedroom romantic?
‘Lighting is one of the most important elements, particularly in a romantic bedroom,’ says Sheena Murphy, partner, Nune. ‘A small or cozy bedroom can be incredibly inviting and considered lighting can take a room from feeling stark and pokey to sweet and intimate.’ ‘Our number one rule is to add dimmers to all light switches so you can adjust the mood, and having one decorative light overhead (no recessed lighting) and two bedside lamps – if space permits – is preferred, so again, you can amp up or soften the ambience, according to how you feel,’ adds Sheena.
What is the most romantic color for a bedroom?
The most romantic colors for a bedroom are the ones that make you feel happier at home. ‘We would usually lean towards quieter palette combinations in a bedroom, but darker shades can work really well within romantic spaces,’ says James Thurstan Waterworth, founder, Thurstan. ‘They create a perception of depth and lend a cozy, cocoon-like feel – welcome in every intimate bedroom. For the walls, we suggest a deep midnight blue or a petrol green, then lift this by layering careful accents of color, perhaps a burnt orange or a similar earth-toned hue – ochre, terracotta or a softer peach.’
