FT NEWS

Sanctuary from the world? Definitely. Decorated to please only you? Of course. Comfortable? Naturally. But what else does the perfect bedroom require? Take inspiration and introduce the extras that will help transform your space from fine to sublime.

A bedside pendant

This is an idea worth considering if you’re planning to repaint or redecorate your sleep space in the near future.

Wired-in lighting – in the form of pendants, as seen here, or wall lights – will free up your bedside table. That extra space generally feels more luxurious. (You can enjoy artfully styling your table for maximum tranquility, rather than balancing reading matter, phone and water glass around a lamp base.)

Another benefit is having controls on the wall permanently close at hand. No more scrounging (for some of us) for switches on dangling wires just out of reach down the side of the bed.

A proper breakfast tray

As rare as breakfast in bed may be, for those special days, a tray with legs is a boon, avoiding the need to balance a flat version across your legs or, worse, juggle plates and cups. Go for a tray with folding legs and it won’t be a storage hog when not in use.

Of course, these are quite handy for holding laptops and tablets too, but the experts say these devices should stay out of our bedroom for better sleep, so save your tray for croissants, juice and coffee.

An upholstered cube

One (or more) of these is a multitasking marvel for any bedroom, and it won’t take up much floor space. Use an upholstered cube as a seat when pulling on your jeans, team it with a dressing table and you can tuck it out of the way, or swap it in as a simple bedside surface.

The ones seen here are rugged in leather, but there’s a world of patterns and colours from which to choose.

A bookshelf

Bedroom book nooks are the place for about-to-reads, favorites to which you’ll always return or (whisper it) the volumes you’re not willing to lend out.

Even a small bedroom can accommodate one if you opt for over-the-bed shelving like this, which won’t impinge on the floor area. (Over the door is another good use of dead space.)

Alternatively, built-in shelving along one side of the room can work in bigger spaces, while a display opposite the end of the bed makes for a pleasing view when you’re tucked in.

Pillow and throw stash space

Extra pillows and throws are the daytime layers that dress up a bed, but discarding them sideways at bedtime isn’t a good or relaxing look.

A storage ottoman or blanket box isn’t a novel idea, but dedicating it to the pieces used for styling might be. The end of the bed can be a convenient position, or use the space under the window instead.