Designing a bedroom can be a challenge. It’s the most personal and intimate room in the house. If you share the space with someone, it has to work for two. If it’s a guest room, others need to feel welcome and comfortable
The same basic interior design principles apply to the bedroom as the rest of the house.
Design Tip: Every Room needs a focal point. In the bedroom, unless you have a beautiful view, the focal point is usually the bed. So when you are decorating a bedroom that’s the place to start.
Trend Tip: Upholstered headboards continue to be very popular. I would put it on my list of classic furniture items. The beauty is you can design one in any size, shape or fabric
Challenge: Design and make a fabulous bed for a client’s guest room without breaking the bank.
I found this dated (and rather ugly) triptych (a 3 panel art design) at Goodwill for $11.97. Its screen printed fabric is stretched over wood frames.
When laid side-by-side, the set was too wide for a twin headboard, so I decided to overlap them instead of cutting them down to size. Besides, I think the layered look is much more interesting.
I found a single drapery panel (on clearance). It’s silk, purple and has huge embroidered flowers. First I cut out the larger flower to make a pillow. Then I cut out the center section with the small flower off-set from center (more interesting that way). Finally I used the left-over fabric for the two side panels.
An upholstered headboard needs to be padded. Instead of purchasing new batting, I used a mattress pad. You just need something soft and thick. The more layers, the more comfy it will be.
The only tool you need is a staple gun. Since I use one all the time, I own an electric one. It’s easier on the hands. Clip the excess batting from the corners to get a nice neat fold.
Attach the headboard directly to the wall so it stays in place. I didn’t use any glue on the fabric in case the home owners want to widen the headboard for a bigger mattress someday.
There wasn’t enough purple for backing for the big pillow, so I used some left-over red fabric.
I cut out the design leaving a 1/2” seam allowance all around. Do the same for the backing fabric. With right sides together, sew the two pieces. Be sure to leave a section open so you can stuff it! Turn it right side out and fill it up with fiber fill or feathers.
I decided to stuff it loosely, but you could add lots of fill for a sturdy floor pillow.
I love how a bit of the red shows. It’s a color that I will introduce in other parts of the room for contrast.
Finally, I made a simple pillow sham from the same fabric as the bedspread with a purple flange.
The guests who stays in this room will be sleeping in luxury and never know it was created on a budget.
A high end look doesn’t have to break the bank.
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