Include in your floor plan the location and size of doors, windows, closets, fireplaces, etc. Make scale drawings of furniture on a separate piece of paper. Measure the length and width of any large pieces of furniture (e. g. bed, dresser, couch). Cut these out and rearrange them in your drawing to see how much space you have to work with. Carry this plan and furniture cut-outs with you if go shopping or “dumpster diving”, so you know if you have enough space for something before bringing it home.
Before starting a project you find online, write-out the instructions and compile a list of materials, including tools. Gather together any tools or materials you need before beginning your project.
Clean out and organize your closet, under your bed, and other places in your room where stuff has accumulated. Donate any furniture, clothing, or electronics that are in good condition. A good rule of thumb is to donate or throw out anything you haven’t worn or used in the past year.
You want everything currently in your bedroom to fit comfortably before adding anything new, especially if you have a small bedroom. [3] X Research source Add a bed skirt so you can store things under your bed without them being seen. Switch-out a bedside table with one that has drawers for storage or several shelves to hold books.
Attach hooks or shoe bags to the back of doors. Use the vertical space in your closet to install high shelves as a space to store out-of-season clothes and accessories. [4] X Research source Decide what you want to place in each storage bin and label it. Use these labels to avoid throwing anything in a bin that does not belong. This will help you stay organized. Arrange storage bins on a shelf or the bottom shelf of a bookcase for easy access. If the bin is in a visible location, use a decorative canvas bin or wicker basket.
Do not place mirrors opposite your bed. Stimulate your other senses by adding lightly scented candles or spraying diluted essential oils. Lavender has been shown to decrease heart rate and blood pressure.
Look through your house for lamps that have LED soft white bulbs and swap them with bulbs from your bedroom. Most interior lamps use 40- or 60-watt bulbs, but check first before exchanging a light bulb from another lamp. Incorporate warm, bright colors as accessories (lamps, vases, pillows, etc. ), but do not make them the dominate color in your bedroom.
Look for furniture made from real wood that can be refinished. [6] X Research source Unless it is in good condition, avoid second-hand plywood, particle board, or laminate furniture. While these surfaces can be cleaned and repainted[7] X Research source , refinishing techniques such as sanding or sawing can release airborne pollutants such as formaldehyde. [8] X Research source
You are more likely to find things for free if you go later in the day, preferably after 12:00 p. m. [9] X Research source
You can also use wallpaper to line shelves or the bottoms of drawers.
Look for design inspiration in your own house. Use a painting, decorative pillow, piece of clothing, or floor rug as the basis for a new design theme or color palette in your room. [10] X Expert Source Angelica SavardHome Stager, Realtor, & Interior Designer Expert Interview. 30 April 2020 Ask permission from housemates before moving anything.
Make a ’no sew pillow’ by using two pieces of felt that are the same. [11] X Research source Place the felt pieces together and use scissors to cut 2 inch (5. 1 cm) wide by 5 inch long strips along the edges. Leave a square at each corner. Tie the strips together around an insert pillow or cotton batting. Use two t-shirts that hold sentimental value, but don’t fit anymore to make a pillow. Cut-out a square or rectangular piece (depending on what shape and size you want your pillow) from each shirt. Place the two pieces together and sew together three of the four sides. Stuff with cotton batting or even other t-shirts before sewing the final edge. You can also stuff a pillow with fabric scraps or use an old pillow as an insert pillow.
If you live in an area with a lot of light-pollution from streetlights, signs, car headlights, etc. , you might want to use darker fabric to block outside light. [12] X Research source Too much light exposure at dusk or at night can disrupt your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, known as its circadian rhythm. [13] X Trustworthy Source PLOS ONE Online peer-reviewed, open access scientific research journal Go to source Make your own curtain rings. Attach your curtains to the rod by tying hooks with fabric, rope, or ribbon. You can also dress-up cheap curtain wrings by wrapping them in different colored fabric. Use a bed sheet to make a curtain ruffle that can be sewed onto the top or bottom of your curtains. Use inexpensive small hooks, pegs or doorknobs to “hang” or tie curtains off to the side.
Make an arrangement of dried grasses and wildflowers found along the roadside. Cut the flower and at least 8 inches (20. 3 cm) of stem when they are in peak-bloom. Remove any leaves along the stem. Tie the flowers together with a piece of twine and hang them upside down in a dark, cool, dry place until completely dry, about 2-3 weeks.
Stylize a plain lampshade by wrapping it in metallic ribbon, wrap it in gauzy fabric, or cover it in old maps or pages from your favorite book. [14] X Research source Make a mobile of odds and ends to hang from the ceiling. Attach old keys or origami birds with string to a metal coat hanger. This adds a fun, whimsical atmosphere to the room.
