How To Decorate Your Master Bedroom

Whether you've just moved into a new home or it's been a long time since your home's master bedroom had a lick of paint, you know when it's time to change things up. Your room is the last thing you see at night and the first thing you see in a morning, so can play a big part in setting your mood for the day ahead or the quality of night's sleep you get.

However, even if you know that what you currently have doesn't work, it can be difficult knowing where to start with your changes.

A good place to begin is to understand your own sense of style and get some ideas of what you like. Flicking through home magazines and websites is a great place to start, as they are full of inspirational photography. It may be a useful to create a scrapbook or digital 'look book' to fill with images that appeal to you. This is great to refer back to when it comes to buying furniture and fittings.

Understanding the opportunities and limitations of the bedroom is crucial. For example, if there's a focal feature – such as a fireplace or large window – you'll want to factor this into your planning and make sure you're getting the most from it. Likewise, if space is at a premium or the room is an unusual shape, you may have to consider what furniture will make it feel bigger and more spacious.

Choosing your colour scheme should be next. You may want something that makes the room feel light or you may prefer a warmer feel. By identifying the type of ambience you want, you can decide on a colour palette that informs the decisions you make about wallpaper or paint, carpets or flooring and your furniture.

As well as colour, the biggest features of a master bedroom will be the furniture you opt for. There are plenty of choices, from real wood to flat-pack MDF. If you do opt for real wood, you then have to choose which type you like. Pine and solid oak are two of the most popular, so it may boil down to taste and budget. Pine wardrobes, for example, are often a little cheaper and can be bought with a painted or natural finishes; whereas solid oak wardrobes may cost a little more and can deliver a warm, rustic appearance.

Once you've chosen your colours, furniture and focal points, your final step will be to add the finishing touches – such as bedding, wall hangings, rugs, and curtains. These will add character to the room and help it feel like a room you're happy to go to sleep and wake up in.