Finally, you’re about to move into your own place – at long last! You thought this day of freedom would never come! But then reality sets in, all of the decisions you have to make and how to decide? You begin to gather ideas of all of the options surrounding you; be it on-line via friends, blogs, and magazines or in-store.

Here are 5 key things to do before you make any decisions.

1) What gives you the most peace and comfort?

This is your home; so make sure your preferences are foremost. Not those of friends and family. Make a list of the answer to these questions:

  • What inspires you?
  • What do you like to do to relax?
  • Are you into reading or gaming?
  • Is your favourite relaxing activity watching a movie?

Get some inspiration from your favourite magazines and collect ideas that you like. Pinterest and Houzz are great sources of inspiration if you like to collect ideas electronically.

2) Now let’s plan the space.

For bedrooms, we need to address both sleep and storage options. Typically you will want to fit at least a queen size bed, maybe even a king size if space allows.

Beds come in the following sizes:

  • 30” wide beds are called Bunk size
  • 39” wide is referred to as a Twin size
  • 54” width is called a Double or “Full size”

Please note that these three are normally 75” in length. In some styles, manufacturers may offer them is other lengths.

  • 60” width is referred to as Queen size
  • 78” width is known as King size

Both King and Queen size are 78” in length.

Did you know that the average mattress size today (over 60 % of master bedrooms) is Queen and that the fastest growing size is King which is 78” X 78”? Yes, the leading size is indeed square.

Good to think about, after all you will spend a third of your life in this room so make it comfortable and cozy.

3) Measure to be sure.

So let’s get the room size down on a piece of graph paper so you will be able to see the possibilities. In most cases, you will want to place the head of the bed on the longest wall. Usually, that gives you the most storage possibilities. But, depending on doorways you may have to consider other options.

4) Storage Plan.

Let’s go back to the room planner as you answer the questions below.

How much closet space do you have? If your bedroom has a walking closet, lucky you! A bed and a night stand might just be enough for you. To keep your closet clutter free in between seasons, a storage or lifting bed will give you additional storage. You can then store summer clothes underneath your bed in the winter and keep your closet organized.

How much of your wardrobe will you hang? If you don’t have a big closet, you might need to fold more clothes. Consider buying a dresser, a chest or both if you have enough space. Sometimes two chests can work too and will give a different look to your room.

Is there space for a nightstand on either side of the bed? You get storage for a few precious things you need to keep close by.

Do you plan to watch TV from bed? You can mount from the wall or will need a taller style of chest.

Today more people are selecting taller styles of dressers leaving extra space in the bedroom for the largest possible size bed.

5) Make it your own.

Choose colours that make you happy and comfortable. Don’t be afraid to express yourself and bring out your personality. Use accents (tables, chairs, ottomans, consoles and more) and accessories (wall art, mirrors, vases, trays, decorative containers, lamp, rugs, and more) to add interest, creativity and change the entire look of your home. Don’t forget to change things around seasonally, so you don’t get bored and are always having fun.

Lastly, don’t be overwhelmed; have fun and do a little at a time … Rome wasn’t built in one day!

Lily, Your Furniture Expert

Note: Main Image Source: Alistair Bed from Universal Furniture