By Rosemary Sadez Friedmann
McClatchy-Tribune
The bedroom is a haven we go to at the end of the day to rest, relax and rejuvenate. Shouldn’t it be well appointed, as well, so we get not only a good night’s sleep but it’s also a visually pleasant atmosphere to be in?
Your master bedroom may be doing well in those areas. But you might need to address other sleeping options in your house. If you lack space but need extra beds for guests or for a growing family, read on. Let’s explore some ideas.
Think creatively. Sometimes a separate room designated for a bedroom just isn't available. If there is a staircase, there is room under the stairs for a bed. Interesting? It can be a wall bed, often called a Murphy bed. During the day it just seems like part of the wall under the stairs but when needed you have an instant bed for guests.
Bunk beds are a great idea for getting more sleeping space out of a lesser floor area. And bunk beds don't have to be just for kids – though they are great fun for kids. The wall bed can be used here too if a room is needed for other things most of the year but necessary as a bedroom one or two weeks out of the year. A shallow wall panel can act as the holding dock in which two twin beds (one over the other) can be folded away when not in use.
A trundle bed is another space saving idea. And there are two ideas here. A regular bed with a trundle under it or build up a platform that will be elevated floor space with two steps going up to it. Under the platform, slide a trundle bed. During the day, the platform can be used as desk space or just a small sitting area. Even when the trundle is being used, the platform still serves its daytime purpose.
Natural light will make any room feel and look bigger so the more windows the better. If a room is very tiny and the only good place for a headboard is up against a window, choose a headboard that is see through such as an open wrought iron one. This way the light can flow through and open up the space.
The right color on the wall helps open a room; the lighter the color, the more spacious the appearance. Take that a step further by painting the ceiling the exact same color as the walls. This trick will serve as an illusion so the eye will not be able to see where the room's parameters start and end, thereby making the room seem more spacious.
Install wall sconces instead of placing lamps on bedside tables. Installing wall sconces on the wall can create a unique look and create a focal point while providing task lighting on each side of the bed. Remember to measure carefully and hang them low enough so you don't have to get out of bed to turn them off.
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