Understanding and Decorating the Master Bedroom
The term “master bedroom” may seem outdated in today’s language, as we no longer commonly refer to “masters” or “mistresses.” However, the term doesn’t solely imply a gendered “master.” Instead, it signifies the primary or principal bedroom in a home, typically designed for adults.
A master bedroom is the main bedroom in a house, often featuring an en-suite bathroom, meaning the bathroom is directly connected and accessible from the bedroom. This space is frequently a sanctuary for solitude, reserved for those who share a close bond, such as married couples or partners. For those with children, the master bedroom often serves as the only private retreat in the house. Beyond its function, the master bedroom is as diverse as the meals people eat or the games children play, offering endless possibilities for personalization.
Decorating Your Master Bedroom
Decorating a master bedroom can be as varied as individual tastes, ranging from establishing a specific style to creatively displaying objects, pictures, or soft furnishings in an attractive manner.
Finding Your Bedroom Style
Before purchasing beds, planning storage, or tackling other practical aspects, decide on the aesthetic you want to achieve. Having a clear vision, even if you’re new to decorating, increases your chances of success. While many established styles can inspire your master bedroom, you don’t need to replicate them exactly. Instead, borrow ideas and adapt them to suit your home’s context. Here are a few suggestions:
- Cottage Style: Ideal for low-budget, compact homes, especially with small pane windows. This style emphasizes simplicity and charm without high costs. Paint walls white, use a subtle pastel color-wash, or opt for Laura Ashley-style wallpaper. Glowing pine furniture, iron, or brass beds fit well, paired with plain, patchwork, or pretty printed soft furnishings. Display china, family photographs, or eclectic artwork like botanical prints, seascapes, or landscapes.
- Farmhouse or Country Style: For larger, grander homes, a farmhouse look brings rustic warmth, even in urban settings. Use natural wood, a bowl of fresh flowers (daffodils, daisies, or mixed blooms), and honest textiles like calico, linen, or muslin. For a more elegant country style—whether English, French, Australian, or American—aim for a nostalgically romantic feel. Incorporate heirlooms, antiques, or a single standout piece like a chest of drawers or writing desk. A Persian or Oriental rug, or a simple kelim, can evoke a rich, tapestry-like ambiance.
- Oriental (Japanese) Simplicity: Embrace the “less is more” philosophy with a low-set pine bed, a plain cotton-covered futon, and matching curtains or blinds. If a futon isn’t your preference, use a thick cotton bedspread to conceal a conventional mattress. Avoid excessive ornaments, opting instead for a single picture, sculpture, or a minimalist floral display, such as a single flower or a sprig of cherry or apple blossom in a simple vase. Architectural plants, screens, or bamboo blinds complement this style.
What to Display (and What Not to Display)
When considering what to display in the master bedroom, start by ruling out what not to show—namely, dirty clothing, especially underwear or socks. If you have a doorless cupboard, ensure it stays tidy. Otherwise, keep clothes and personal items behind closed doors or a curtain. Thoughtful storage solutions make it easier to enhance the room’s aesthetic later.
Next, consider where to display items, as this influences what you choose. Blank walls offer opportunities for mirrors, grouped family photographs, favorite paintings, or prints. For a creative twist, consider displaying collections like vintage handbags or your grandmother’s tapestries.
Bedside tables are perfect for practical yet decorative items like lamps, a bedside clock, flowers, or a cherished photograph. A chest of drawers can showcase plants, photos, ornaments, or other treasures. Bookshelves are ideal for books, but a stack of books on a chest or flat surface can also add character. If you have a freestanding cupboard, its top can hold baskets, an old traveling trunk, or other decorative items.
Work with what you have and stay open to items that catch your eye. Avoid buying things just to fill space. The master bedroom is where you begin and end each day, so surround yourself with items you truly love and appreciate.
