5 Tips for Creating a Romantic Bedroom Retreat

Romanticism was an 18^th century artistic, literary and intellectual movement originating in Europe. It was, in large part, a backlash against the grit, grime and stark austerity of the Industrial Revolution. Romantics tried to recreate the delicacy and refinement of Arthurian tales, incorporating an idealised version of the lost chivalry of the medieval period into their mannerisms, fashions and works. Creating a bedroom in the style of the Romantics means focusing on delicate furnishings, whimsical fabrics and muted colour palettes. To make your bedroom an enchanting ode to the beauty and elegance of the past, here are a few tips to help you.

#1 Decorate the Walls with Vintage Wallpaper

In keeping with the idea of dainty elegance, paper your walls with a delicate floral print or an artistic pattern depicting flora or fauna. There is something inherently romantic about vintage wallpaper, so it’s a brilliant way to imbue your bedroom with the right type of character. Just remember that rooms with patterned wallpaper call for moderation in accessories and a muted colour palette. 

#2 Install a Fireplace

Fireplaces are romantic and antiquated, which is exactly the look that you’re trying to create. Uncover and restore an original fireplace, or shop around for a modern replica. The rapid advances in technology mean that getting a fireplace in your room doesn’t have to be a huge project, so it’s worth considering. If you go for a more contemporary version, take care to choose one which is eco-friendly. You won’t require a chimney, making a modern version incredibly quick and easy to install. There is nothing which recreates the essence of the romantic era with more success than a roaring fire and a room illuminated by the red glow of the flames.     

#3 Get a Canopy Bed  

Canopy beds, with their stretches of translucent, lightweight fabric draped on a grand bed frame, are the epitome of the romantic style of decorating. Look for delicate frames and sheer fabrics, to reinforce the idea of a pretty, sugary-sweet elegance. Your bed will dominate the room, so it will play a large part in deciding the character of the space, meaning it’s important to get it right. If you can’t afford the price tag of a canopy bed, look for a pale, oak frame from a retailer such as Fortune Woods, and hang curtains from a narrow curtain pole fixed over the bed, pulling the canopy back with hold backs.

#4 Frame Your Windows

Window treatment sets the tone for the design, never more so than in a romantic room. Choose layered swoops and swags or delicate sheers for antique elegance. Choosing a window covering that filters in the light helps to reinforce the feeling of intimacy, allowing you to shut out the modern world for a while.

#5 Incorporate Shabby Chic Accessories

Pastel colour schemes and delicate floral patterns instantly add a romantic quality to a bedroom setting and, by chance, these two features are key elements in shabby chic arrangements, which means that you can use this style for inspiration. Vintage furniture, sweet pastel hues, flower prints, frilly bedding and feminine accessories will all make your bedroom feel like a set piece from Pride and Prejudice. However, make sure that you don’t go overboard; your bedroom should look delicately sophisticated, but excess wear and tear on your antique pieces and too many sugary accents will only succeed in making it look scruffy and nauseating.

To create a place to escape from the world, transform your room into a romantic haven by following these tips. Once you have a boudoir befitting a fairytale princess, turn off your phone, light some candles, climb into your canopy bed with a  good book in hand, and relax for awhile. 

*I am proud to bring you a series of guest posts on home decor. Since we just bought a house, these are great tips that I will have to follow!