Be open-minded: Think about your layout
Layout is a key aspect in any design scheme, and a contemporary bedroom layout should be bright, open, airy, and uncluttered. How this works for you will depend on your room and your personal taste.
You might have the luxury of having a separate room for your wardrobe and dressing table, meaning you can embrace an ultra-minimal look in your bedroom by only including your bed and a few other key pieces. Or, you may need to account for all your bedroom furniture within your layout, and so you’ll need to be clever about where you place things.
Whatever your situation, try to maintain as much open floorspace as you can. Keep furniture flush against the walls and look for clever storage solutions that maximise on space – check out our smart bedroom storage tips for more advice.
Think about whether you’re happy for your furniture to have legs or not. Bases that are elevated from the floor can seem like they’re encroaching on your space less. Floating bedside tables and cabinets fit the contemporary brief and feel as though you have more room to roam.
Make the most of natural light by keeping your windowsills clear. Fitting a full length mirror on the wall across from your window will encourage light to bounce around the room, which will help your space feel larger.
Bask in simplicity: Choosing the right bed
As the focal point of the room, your bed should epitomise contemporary style – try a plain headboard in a traditional rectangular shape with minimal detailing across the sides and feet. You can then dress it up with a statement-making duvet cover or bold pillows, while still holding onto that contemporary feel.
The Tokyo king-size bed has a low headboard and a sleek, unfussy design, with just enough of an edge to offer the perfect balance of contemporary flair. Similarly, the Alto king-size bed uses strong, sharp lines to create a sophisticated and simple shape, while the panelled headboard adds a touch of character.
When it comes to colour, choose a bed that will blend naturally into the rest of your contemporary scheme. Solid oak is always a timeless and versatile choice. If you want to make a bit more of a statement, consider a painted option, like the St. Ives grey king-size bed, which has an undeniably modern feel thanks to the matt grey finish.
Keep it sleek: Contemporary bedroom furniture
To give your bedroom a contemporary feel, choose simple furniture that employs clean lines across its design. Incorporating understated pieces creates a cool atmosphere, and you can also dress them up or down to suit your taste.
Look for bedside tables that will match the simple theme while adding a touch of creativity to your layout. The Alto, Bevel, and Mantis Light bedside tables each offer a different take on contemporary shapes, getting playful with the use of lines and spaces for an artistic yet versatile design.
When it comes to choosing additional furniture, like a chest of drawers or dressing table, again, opt for simple pieces. The Scandinavian-inspired Romsey range has an effortlessly simple design, making it easy to incorporate storage into your contemporary bedroom.
If you want to create more of an impact, the Mantis Light range takes contemporary design up a notch, using heavy shapes and bold angles to bring a creative twist to your layout, while still being simple enough that it won’t overwhelm your space.
Make friends with texture: Adding subtle layers
Contemporary colour schemes are notoriously stripped back, often using shades of white, cream, and grey to create an understated palette. Because these are cooler tones, you may find it’s important to incorporate different textures across your scheme to ensure the space still feels welcoming.
Get the look in your bedroom by being creative with your choice of furniture and textiles. Wooden furniture will instantly add a sense of warmth, while looking natural against a contemporary colour scheme.
Soften the look by adding layers, with a rug, curtains, pillows, and blankets that are finished in a soft, neutral tone – keep it simple with pearl-grey or embrace a Scandi-inspired look by choosing chalky pastels.
Splash your personality: Fun feature pieces
Any contemporary bedroom needs a statement-making piece that showcases your personal sense of style and adds a unique twist to your design. Hang a bold print above your bed, place an artsy sculpture atop your chest of drawers, or cover an entire wall in an artsy wallpaper – find something that suits your personality and go for it!
The essential accessories in your bedroom should also embody modern style – think geometric shapes, bright metallics, and interesting designs. The Philly lamp will bring style and functionality to your bedside table or dressing table, while the Tampere lamp is a great contemporary option for brightening up a dark corner.