How to Share Your Bedroom and Still Get Along
Bedrooms for two should be tranquil spaces that promote peace, love and harmony. Here’s how to keep them that way
If there’s one room in the home that should be clutter-free, carefree and comfortable, it’s the bedroom. And if you’re sharing your sleeping den with a partner, it should be all of the above and a little bit more, too. It’s really not that difficult to create a bedroom that works for both of you, even if your decorating tastes and storage needs are miles apart. Check out these 10 tips to keep you both smiling…
Find a duvet to fit
Once you have a good mattress, it’s time to find the right duvet. Whether you are fans of feather, wool or a synthetic filling (great for allergy sufferers), buying a duvet that’s a good size for your bed will enhance sleeping patterns for both of you. If you don’t have space for a king-sized bed, having a king-sized duvet on a standard double is a good compromise.
A tog rating of 10.5 is popular for year-round use, or you could go for a two-tog duvet, which is designed with two different tog ratings that can be used separately or clipped together.
Remember that experts recommend washing your duvet every 6-12 months to cut down on a build-up of dust mites and skin scales…
Read expert advice on choosing the perfect duvet and pillows
Once you have a good mattress, it’s time to find the right duvet. Whether you are fans of feather, wool or a synthetic filling (great for allergy sufferers), buying a duvet that’s a good size for your bed will enhance sleeping patterns for both of you. If you don’t have space for a king-sized bed, having a king-sized duvet on a standard double is a good compromise.
A tog rating of 10.5 is popular for year-round use, or you could go for a two-tog duvet, which is designed with two different tog ratings that can be used separately or clipped together.
Remember that experts recommend washing your duvet every 6-12 months to cut down on a build-up of dust mites and skin scales…
Read expert advice on choosing the perfect duvet and pillows
Make space for ‘you’
If you can, create a little corner just for you, because there’s nothing like a little ‘me’ time for relaxing and recharging your batteries. This might be as simple as your own armchair in the corner or, if you have the space and budget, go for something a bit more extravagant, like this hanging pod chair, which is perfect for reading a book or sitting and thinking about the day’s events.
Check out 10 inspiring solo spots to keep you cosy
If you can, create a little corner just for you, because there’s nothing like a little ‘me’ time for relaxing and recharging your batteries. This might be as simple as your own armchair in the corner or, if you have the space and budget, go for something a bit more extravagant, like this hanging pod chair, which is perfect for reading a book or sitting and thinking about the day’s events.
Check out 10 inspiring solo spots to keep you cosy
Maximise mirrors
These accessories are almost always a great addition to any room. In the bedroom, it’s important to either go for an extra-wide mirror that can cater for you both, or opt for two separate ones to avoid any clashes. A large mirror will magically make your bedroom grow in size and will let you and your partner get ready side by side. When hanging your mirror, remember to factor in height differences.
These accessories are almost always a great addition to any room. In the bedroom, it’s important to either go for an extra-wide mirror that can cater for you both, or opt for two separate ones to avoid any clashes. A large mirror will magically make your bedroom grow in size and will let you and your partner get ready side by side. When hanging your mirror, remember to factor in height differences.
Go for neutral décor
If you have divergent tastes, don’t fall out over decorating schemes and pattern clashes. Instead, head for the middle ground with a neutral colour scheme that you’re both happy with.
Pick out a pale backdrop of buttermilk, hessian and greige and layer with luxurious fabrics, such as silk, linen and fine cotton, to keep it interesting. Add some creative lighting that will cast shadows in all the right places.
If you have divergent tastes, don’t fall out over decorating schemes and pattern clashes. Instead, head for the middle ground with a neutral colour scheme that you’re both happy with.
Pick out a pale backdrop of buttermilk, hessian and greige and layer with luxurious fabrics, such as silk, linen and fine cotton, to keep it interesting. Add some creative lighting that will cast shadows in all the right places.
Create a holiday-at-home vibe
One sure-fire way to maintain a cheerful ambience is to create a boutique hotel-style bedroom and pretend you’re on holiday – because, let’s face it, everyone gets on while they’re on vacation.
The look is smart and luxurious with a few key features: crisp, fresh bed linen, classic bedside lamps and a day bed or chaise longue on which to relax at the end of a long day.
One sure-fire way to maintain a cheerful ambience is to create a boutique hotel-style bedroom and pretend you’re on holiday – because, let’s face it, everyone gets on while they’re on vacation.
The look is smart and luxurious with a few key features: crisp, fresh bed linen, classic bedside lamps and a day bed or chaise longue on which to relax at the end of a long day.
Work in lots of wardrobe space
A good way to avoid haggling over who has the least space to hang clothes and stash shoes is to have separate wardrobes entirely. This might mean two freestanding models, or a run of built-in cupboards if you have the room. Use any alcoves for additional storage, too.
Get tips on commissioning bespoke pieces of furniture
A good way to avoid haggling over who has the least space to hang clothes and stash shoes is to have separate wardrobes entirely. This might mean two freestanding models, or a run of built-in cupboards if you have the room. Use any alcoves for additional storage, too.
Get tips on commissioning bespoke pieces of furniture
Keep clutter at bay
A neat and tidy space is key to promoting peace, love and harmony – particularly in the bedroom.
So, if one of you is a tad on the messy side, or perhaps an avid reader with a growing library on the go, invest in some built-in storage to keep everyone happy. Perhaps a wall of shelves would be just the ticket. If that’s too ambitious, stick with a freestanding version, or even simply a large bedside cabinet for stashing away all your bits and bobs.
A neat and tidy space is key to promoting peace, love and harmony – particularly in the bedroom.
So, if one of you is a tad on the messy side, or perhaps an avid reader with a growing library on the go, invest in some built-in storage to keep everyone happy. Perhaps a wall of shelves would be just the ticket. If that’s too ambitious, stick with a freestanding version, or even simply a large bedside cabinet for stashing away all your bits and bobs.
Control your lighting
His and hers-style bedside lamps that can be controlled separately and pointed accurately are a number one priority for happy bedroom sharing. This way, late-night readers won’t disturb their sleeping partner. If you’re a particularly sensitive sleeper, you might even want to try out an eye mask.
His and hers-style bedside lamps that can be controlled separately and pointed accurately are a number one priority for happy bedroom sharing. This way, late-night readers won’t disturb their sleeping partner. If you’re a particularly sensitive sleeper, you might even want to try out an eye mask.
Pump up the snuggle factor
Above all else, your bedroom should be the most comfortable space in the house. Layer the bed with piles of plump cushions, snuggly throws and warm blankets – enough for two, of course – and let the winter hibernation season begin…
TELL US…
Do you have any tips for creating a harmonious bedroom experience? Please share them in the Comments below.
Above all else, your bedroom should be the most comfortable space in the house. Layer the bed with piles of plump cushions, snuggly throws and warm blankets – enough for two, of course – and let the winter hibernation season begin…
TELL US…
Do you have any tips for creating a harmonious bedroom experience? Please share them in the Comments below.
There’s nothing worse than squabbling over bed space, especially if one of you is a restless sleeper. The key is to buy big. If you have the space, go for a king-size or super king-size bed with a good-quality mattress that should be replaced at least every seven years.
It might seem like a big up-front cost, but remember, we spend almost a third of our lives in bed, so it’s an important investment that will promote a good night’s sleep for you and your partner for years to come.
In the market for a new mattress? Read this professional advice on choosing the perfect one