I’m back with another decorating dilemma, this time with Christine with Decorum DIYer. She has a master bedroom that has her all frazzled, trying to figure out just what to do with it. It’s around 13 x 13.5’, so not a big room. You can also see those long and skinny windows are a bit of a challenge too. Christine and her hubby are not into “light and airy” and like moody, deep tone colors.
So, let’s see what we can do to help Christine with her decorating dilemma. I must admit, I’m not coming up with a lot off the top of my head, but Christine has already made a moodboard herself in Olioboard, so I’ll share that here as well. She has a great start already to getting the feel she wants, I think.
Here are those problem windows. In a room this small, it’s hard not to have the bed in front of the windows.
Both main walls have a row of windows. It’s really hard to make these windows appear bigger than they are due to how long and skinny they are. Ideas for Christine?
I think this is a door to the closet and the bathroom. She has an orange tone in the bathroom.
Ceiling fan must stay, but maybe a new style?
Christine’s own moodboard. I really like the colors she has and if she can bring this vibe into her room, she’ll have a warm and cozy space. Here’s what she said about the room:
- The furniture must stay for now, but I am open to painting furniture pieces. The night stands have been replaced with faux bamboo chests (which I love) and they must stay and I am really don’t want to paint them. I sort of dig the original, vintage finish.
- My husband is attached to the current wall color, but I am open to changing it, as long as the room stays in autumnal hues. We are not into ‘light and airy’. We gravitate to darker, moodier spaces with tons of worldly influence, particularly Asian inspired (this includes Japan, China, Indonesia, India, etc… – as in the entire continent of Asia).
- We want to paint the trim and doors and would like to add architectural elements to the ceiling and possibly paint it darker than the walls. The bathroom is currently orange, but we are open to changing that as well, but the tile is there to stay for a long time.
- The room is small for a master bedroom, roughly 13′ x 13.5′.
- As the home is a 1960’s rancher, the windows are wide and squat for privacy, but not my favorite.
- One wall is a bank of by-pass doors which function as both closet doors and the master bathroom’s door. I dislike the limiting access that by-pass doors present and dislike even more that my master bathroom’s privacy is dependent upon the closet door usage. Although the by-pass doors are space-saving, they are not attractive, nor ideal in terms of usage.
- Ceiling fan must stay (even if it is a different style), but needs to be more attractive.
- Master bedroom and master bathroom must relate. The room is a boring box, with no interesting detail, nor style.
Ok, let’s help Christine with her decorating dilemma. Feel free to chime in the comments with some ideas for her. I don’t have any great brainstorms right now, but I know all of you love to tackle this too.
Molly Tilson says
I wonder if having Plantation shutters in a wood tone in the windows would give drama and also gravitate toward the mood she would like. Perhaps a Roman shade? Paint the walls a coral/orange color with pops of the fabric for shams and accent pillows.
Christine@DecorumDIYer says
The plantation shutters are a nice idea, but I think they would convey a different feel and I am trying to eliminate the various wood tones in the room. I really like the idea of a roman shade and have been keeping an eye out for inexpensive ones. My odd windows are 72″ wide x 24″ high (inside mount) and 75″ wide to cover the molding for an outside mount. Therefore, any shade must be custom. (Same for any plantation shutters – very expensive.)
Sara D says
How about two smaller roman shades. Might be cheaper then finding one that covers the whole window. Or what about those wooden stick shades (can’t think of the name of them) and paint them a color you want. This way you can cut them to the length you want.
Christine@DecorumDIYer says
Yes, for some of the windows in our home (all of the bedrooms have these awfully awkward windows), I have employed two roman shades, side by side, or two cellular shades. Thanks for the advice!
Lisa E says
If you could find one of those regular inexpensive blinds to fit the width, you can custom fit the length you want. Then if you do a search there are tutorials to make it into a roman shade fairly simply and inexpensively, depending on the cost of the fabric you choose.
Janet O. says
Do you sew? There are a lot of tutorials for making roman blinds and the components are available at JoAnns’ and I’m sure many other places. That way you could pick your fabric. I think I’ve seen some that don’t require sewing, too.
Janet says
I would replace the sliding closet doors which she doesn’t like with Japanese style Shoji screen-type doors. With all the dark going on in the plans for the room, it would be nice to have a little light. And it would provide an Asian design element more suited to her preferences.
Christine@DecorumDIYer says
Shoji screens are a nice idea…, I wonder if I could paint a shoji screen effect or adhere paper to duplicate a shoji screen?
Lisa E says
I would definitely paint the closet doors and you could probably buy lattice strips inexpensively to stain and create the shoji screen effect.
PattyM says
I think it is going to be hard to duplicate the shoji screen effect. They usually provide privacy but are made from translucent paper so that light shines through. I don’t know how you would do that with a door behind it. You might be able to make your own, though.
Lisa E says
I think maybe her intent is to get the look without the actual replication of the transulence?
Lisa E says
*translucence
Amy Schwan says
I think chocolate brown for the mouldings and add frame molding to closet doors for interest and paint them cream. You could also install, pretty inexpensively, beadboard up to the windows to give interest and texture. Then you would have a compromise between keeping the wall color, but also adding some interest. The sky is the limit on what color you could do the beadboard! The fan could be painted same color at the mouldings…
Christine@DecorumDIYer says
My husband had mentioned painting the molding a darker brownish red color (like the color of the bed). Interestingly, I’ve been busy painting the molding in the room (windows included) in a light cream color, Valspar’s La Fonda Ecru.
Mikki says
I like the bed where it is below the two windows. What about creating a “headboard” type effect incorporating the windows? You could use a grass cloth or Asian influenced wallpaper to make the headboard. A few strips on moulding just on the wall outside of the bed posters would give it that headboard feel. Then, using some type of Asian inspired art like a long architectural piece or a trio of like items under the windows would tie that area in nicely. I would then use drapes on the sides to soften it all and make it a focal point. Something that tied the colors of the room together and weren’t really for function.
Christine@DecorumDIYer says
Yes, I prefer the bed under that window as well. We have tried to position the bed under the other window, and even though it provides room for furniture on either side, I just don’t like it there. I have a bit of an interest in feng shui, so where the bed is follows the ‘command position’ rules the best.
I like your idea for a faux headboard with grass cloth. That would really give some nice texture and interest.
Even more intriguing is that I have an Asian screen that I found at the thrift store. It is 70″ wide and 35″ tall, so it sill fit perfectly under the ‘non-bed’ window. http://decorumdiyer.wordpress.com/2013/01/31/thrift-shop-stop/
Lastly, I’ve been playing around with ‘wall to wall’ drapes behind the bed. I’d like to add a roman shade (darker wood bamboo, perhaps) for further function and light control.
Thanks!
Cecilia says
One thing I would do is paint the trim around the windows white. It would help soften the harsh lines around the windows. Then I would add a valance in the autumn colors to suggest height. Paint the closet doors the same color as the wall to help them blend in. Love the inspiration board!
Christine@DecorumDIYer says
Yes! I’ve actually just begun the trim painting process this past weekend, so Rhoda’s plea for help is quite timely. I’m painting all of the trim a cream color – Valspar’s La Fonda Ecru.
I agree about painting the closet doors the same color as the walls. What about adding detail with paint, like the moorish shapes on the doors in this photo? http://pinterest.com/pin/201606520791115059/
I’m not too keen on valances, but I agree with your notion of adding height to the windows to combat the width. How about roman shades hung closer to the ceiling line. When open, they would have the same look as a valance, but be more functional?
Pam Clark says
How about putting the bed on a diagonal coming out from the corner between the windows?
Christine@DecorumDIYer says
I do like that look, but sadly, my master bedroom is too small to accommodate that arrangement. There would be no room for nightstands, nor any other furniture in that scenario. Also, I happen to know (from previous experience and experimentation with bedroom layouts) that my husband detests a bed in the corner. 🙁 Great idea though.
Trish @TheOldPostRoad says
Grasscloth walls. Maybe go towards orange bedding like Tommy Smythe here: http://pinterest.com/pin/132363676520168797/ . Stronger, fuller curtains – like maybe in a dark brown trellis or that dark trellis fabric you have shown. (see the curtains over on the edge of this photo: http://pinterest.com/pin/204562008046396047/)
Can add a low, narrow buffet-like chest or industrial set of shelves under window on far wall with a few punches of orange or green to tie into bedding and draw eye – to help eye forget about windows being short. The nice thing about a small bedroom- it can feel so cozy.
Christine@DecorumDIYer says
Yes, both great images and great ideas. Sadly, even a narrow buffet (or any other narrow furniture piece) would fit to the side of the bed under the window. The room is only 13′ wide and I have a queen-sized bed, so space is at a premium. There would be no space to walk between the bed and any furniture piece in that location. Also, the air vent is under the window where the bed is not, so placing furniture over that vent would inhibit air flow.
Trish @TheOldPostRoad says
I see- could you switch to a twin bed? Just kidding! The windows are not ‘that bad’ – the colors are just so blah that you really notice them, right now. I really think grasscloth would be beautiful. And some punch of color on the bed and a great 2-color pattern on the full curtains would keep anyone from noticing the short, wide windows.
Janet O. says
I know what you mean about size limitation–our rooms are about the same size. We do not have one uninterrupted wall. Decorating is hard in these 60s ranches! For privacy for the bathroom, consider drapes? That would be a pain for sure. Do you like bifold doors instead of pass through? Such challenges.
Betsy says
I would add bamboo blinds to the windows installed high up to meet the drapery rod. This will add instant texture. They sell them at Lowes for a good price and also on overstock.com.
I’m not sure what your budget is for a fan – but this one is really nice and updated – http://www.lowes.com/pd_198677-88854-LP8075LBN_0__?productId=3576600&Ntt=allen+and+roth+fan&pl=1¤tURL=%3FNtt%3Dallen%2Band%2Broth%2Bfan&facetInfo=
It might be too big for your space but it would certainly update the look.
Have you thought about moving the bed to the other window? I don’t know where the main door to your bedroom is.
Good luck!
Betsy
Christine@DecorumDIYer says
Yes, Betsy! You are reading my mind. I have several styles of dark, bamboo, roman shades (75″ wide, mind you) comfortably resting in my cart via Overstock.com. They are less than $80 a piece, but I have yet to convince the husband that they are necessary – very tight budget. Almost non-existent budget at the moment.
As to the ceiling fan, you are in my head! I have had that exact fan/light pinned for quite awhile (my living room board on Pinterest), but at $400, it is a no go.
I’ve tried the bed under the other window, and prefer the bed where it is for many reasons. The room’s entry door is in the corner directly opposite of the corner to the right of the bed in its current position.
susan maclean says
Use a mix of the tryout colours (above the bed in pic 2) for a patterned blind for each window, hung right up at ceiling height, so that they look as if they are covering half of a much taller window when retracted to expose the actual windows. Roller blinds are nearly foolproof, and if the right fabric is chosen (perhaps you can find a mix of the colours you are trying out) it may look like art for the walls! Whatever colour you choose for the walls, paint the window frames, doors and door frames the same colour to make them “disappear”.
Perhaps take the current colour green on the walls and paint your bathroom walls that colour, using it again to link to the bedroom with pillows/cushions and or the bedcover. Any chance at all that you can turn the bed so that it sits across the corner? I know it’s a small room but if you could, it would give you a space behind the bed where you could install a multi headed light fitting. Good luck!
Christy says
I was thinking do away with the curtains on the windows and instead use bamboo blinds. Take the closet/bathroom doors down and make a wall of curtains as the doors . She has some great fabric choices on her board. Lastly, as much as I love 4 poster beds, I think this one makes the space too small feeling. Maybe she could use one of her fabrics to make a nice headboard. Good luck!
Christine@DecorumDIYer says
I’ve been considering no more drapes for the ‘non-bed’ wall, as they take up an additional five precious inches (grommet top) proud of the wall. I’m really leaning towards bamboo shades or fabric shades hung high on the wall – good suggestion.
I’ve had the same thought about the four poster bed. The bed is a carry-over from our previous home. An tall, upholstered headboard may be in order. I agree that it makes the space feel smaller, as it creates a cage or wall.
As to replacing the closet/bathroom door sliding/bypass doors with drapes, I have considered that, but don’t like the idea of my master bathroom only having a curtain for privacy. Having a small ranch style home, we only have one full bathroom (in the hallway) and one 3/4 bath in my master bedroom, so both are used well in our family of five and especially when we have guests.
shelly says
Christine,
I think the drapes on the closet doors would look wonderful. Keep one of the sliding doors for bathroom privacy. If you don’t want to see it you can slide it behind the curtains for the closet. When you want privacy just slide it over the bathroom.
Dianntha says
I have just a couple ideas. I would add molding to the windows to beef them up and look much larger. I have to admit that the windows behind the bed are unsettling but with some nice blinds I think they would be ok too.Right now it seems that a dark pumpkin color is so popular and I would go with it making the walls dark pumpkin and the trim a bedroom white (soft white). Change out the doors for a different style, that would make a huge difference in the room!
No curtains, just blinds…is there any way to take the tall spindles off the bed? The room would be much larger without those tall spindles in the air! Lots of pillows for a cozy feel! HTH
Christine@DecorumDIYer says
Thank you, all great suggestions. Yes, nicer molding would be nice. I’d prefer not to have the window behind the bed, but it is unavoidable in this small room. I love the dark pumpkin idea (like my bathroom), and even painted the wall behind the bed the same color – once. I campaigned for an entire pumpkin master bedroom, but was vetoed by my husband, after all, it is his room as well. Trim is being painted as of the past weekend (woo hoo).
The spindles are not removable, but I agree with you about the four poster bed.
Lisa E says
As somebody else suggested you can make your own upholstered headboard as this four-poster bed definitely takes up a lot of room. Or, if you or your hubby are really handy, you can modify that bed but sawing off those posts, and refinishing the tops or putting a small finial by drilling a hole to finish it off.
peggy says
I would consider moving the bed to the other window and paint that wall with an accent color that coordinates with the bathroom. Lots of throw pillows on the bed.
You might consider painting the bed as you stated.
Plantation shutters on the window and maybe change the sliding doors to shutters as well might bring the Asian look you desire in the room a bit more.
Change the fan to the kind that looks like palm leaves for the blades.
Love the colors you’ve picked. Will be beautiful. Hope you share the final pics!!! Good luck!
Catherine says
I think an accent color that is a shade of orange or gold to compliment her bathroom color as an accent wall behind the bed. Paint the trim the same color as the wall to decrease the boxy effect of the windows. Keep long draperies. Put wall lamps higher by the bedsides…trying to bring the eye up more. If not feasible to replace closet doors, paint them the same color as the rest of the walls…which should be light. Remove the artwork from the closet doors…just continues the boxy effect of the windows, cutting the room into halves horizontally. The colors she’s chosen. along with her idea board, show an inclination towards some Moroccan style which in small doses would be lovely. Need something tall in the corner…like three nice art pieces hung vertically. Love the colors of cinnamon, sage, and dark brown wood.
Joanie says
I painted the ceiling fan blades in my bedroom to match the ceiling, and the metal parts from bright gold to brushed nickel. How about a darker accent color on the wall behind the bed? Full length mirrors (think Target) can be placed on either side of the bed behind the lamps to reflect the lighting. Hang them so the lower edge of the mirrors is just above the table height. Or, consider hanging mirrors lengthwise ABOVE the windows to give the impression of a larger window space. The closet doors may benefit from some moulding for interest, or use wallpaper, or some fabric attached using spray starch (it’s removable) in the same color family as the bathroom paint. Ceiling moulding could provide interest but may be too busy. I like the idea of blinds rather than the long curtains. Have fun with all of the inspiration everyone is giving!
Christine@DecorumDIYer says
Thank you for your ideas.
You have echoed much of what I have considered and what others have suggested – sounds like we are on the right path!
I have also considered your mirror suggestion, both as to behind the nightstands and below the windows, horizontally. I actually have mirrored, closet doors in storage in my basement. I’ve thought about mounting them under the windows (horizontally, of course), but my husband thought I was nuts.
Beth Morrow says
Some great ideas. I would agree with the ceiling to floor drapes and would do that to both windows, but would drape the entire wall that the bed is on. Then i would lose the bed frame and use only the bed on a frame. Hang some mirrors above the bed on top of the drapes. Mirrors will help to enlarge the room. Hang the moroccan lights on each side of the bed and eliminate Lamps. Since the room is so small and adjoined by a bath, I would carry the same color in both rooms. Try to stay w one color theme and add texture for interest. I love your rug choice and since that color is already in the bath i would stay w it in the bedroom. Dark rich colors can add depth to the room and make it appear larger rather than smaller. Good luck!
Christine@DecorumDIYer says
Wow! Thank all of you for your helpful suggestions. See? I’m not the only one that struggles with this room. Between the odd windows and the bank of three sliding doors that serve as both closet doors and the only door to my master bathroom, I’ve been stumped.
All of you are wonderfully supportive and creative. Keep the suggestions coming!
Sara D says
I would find shades that fit inside the windows just to help “save” space. Then if you could find a long skinny dresser/table to put along one wall. Also, the fan I would just spray paint to colors that match your end result. Everything on it would be easy to spray paint.
Sara D says
Oh and if you don’t like the bulkiness of the sliding doors use your curtains you already have there.
Sheila says
I love the color palette Christine has chosen for her master bedroom. Very warm and cozy. As far as the windows, I think it’s a mistake to try and make them look like something they are not. Long drapes only make them look more long and squatty than they already are. The key would be to work with the windows as they are. Instead of drapes I would say the best treatment for those long skinny windows would be nice, well made roman shades in a complementary fabric or even some nice bamboo shades would go well with the color palette she has chosen. Perhaps rice paper shades would work well. They let in some light but still provide privacy. If she just has to have drapes I would say, use black out drapes and keep them closed, tricking the eye into believing there are ceiling to wall windows there.
Sheila says
Meant to say “tricking the eye into believing there are ceiling to FLOOR windows there.
Kristen says
I have a similar long, high window in the living room of my ranch style house. It doesn’t suit my more traditional, less mid-century style. I got shutters, painted them the color of the window trim, and attached them to each other, and then mounted them on the wall. (Think of this sort of like a headboard.) The shutters overlap and conceal the window sill, but let in full light from the window. I have drapery panels that go to the floor and conceal the edges of the shutters and the edges of the existing window trip. This creates the optical illusion of plantation shutters covering up the lower part of a better proportioned window. She might try this.
Also, I would consider painting those closet doors the same color as the walls, so they would blend in.
Becky in 'Bama says
I have skimmed through most of these comments. Is the bed king or queen? Of course, if changing out the bed is not in the budget, then I agree with most: eliminate the bed frame itself. Like you said, it has the feel of boxing off the room – a cage effect indeed. I also agree with painting the closet doors the same color as the walls. Do you use the ceiling fan for air circulation? if not, then nix it. Not a fan of having them in the bedroom (no pun intended). 🙂