Accessorizing in Style: Traditional Bedrooms
Sprinkle in these 10 classic elements to turn a bare bedroom into an elegant, traditional haven
You've finally chosen your color scheme and furnishings, and now your bedroom could stand alongside a five-star hotel room. But you don't want a hotel room — you want a home. This is why accessories are so important.
Accessories are seldom bought all at once. Often they are a mixture of new and old — they add character to your room and say as much about you as the colors and style you have chosen. However, don't underestimate their importance in styling or in practicality. A mismatched or incorrectly placed piece could destroy the look you have been trying to achieve or hinder your day-to-day use of the room.
If you have a traditional bedroom, think vintage-inspired accessories and textiles rather than chrome and high gloss. Go for crisp white cotton sheets with a statement throw and matching cushions, sparkling crystal and pretty flowers, vintage mirrors and lighting, and definitely some vintage rugs.
Accessories are seldom bought all at once. Often they are a mixture of new and old — they add character to your room and say as much about you as the colors and style you have chosen. However, don't underestimate their importance in styling or in practicality. A mismatched or incorrectly placed piece could destroy the look you have been trying to achieve or hinder your day-to-day use of the room.
If you have a traditional bedroom, think vintage-inspired accessories and textiles rather than chrome and high gloss. Go for crisp white cotton sheets with a statement throw and matching cushions, sparkling crystal and pretty flowers, vintage mirrors and lighting, and definitely some vintage rugs.
2. Extra mirrors. Mirrors are a practical necessity in any bedroom, but try to think creatively when positioning them. The mirrors above the bedside tables here reflect the light from the window and will also look pretty when the bedside lamps are on. If your room isn't very wide, they'll also add depth.
3. A posy vase. No traditional bedside table is complete without a posy vase. Fill it with fragrant sweet peas or simple country garden blooms, and they'll be sure to lift your spirits when the alarm goes off.
Here, the classic silver vase looks great, but I favor a simple glass vase, as it catches light beautifully and goes with anything. Flea markets and yard sales are great hunting grounds for bargain antiques.
Here, the classic silver vase looks great, but I favor a simple glass vase, as it catches light beautifully and goes with anything. Flea markets and yard sales are great hunting grounds for bargain antiques.
4. Personal treasures. Your bedroom should be personal to you, so be sure to display some of your treasured keepsakes. The glass dome on the bedside here could be used for a favorite ornament, or maybe flowers from the first bouquet your sweetheart ever bought you.
5. Bedside classics. Bedside books are accessories in their own right. I'm not suggesting you only read attractive books, but stack a few old classics carefully chosen from a vintage bookstore, and you have a gorgeous arrangement.
Wyatt Sconce
6. A structured wall light. Wall lights save space on your bedside table for that pile of classic novels. Remember to keep everything in scale, though — these would look lost on a big, blank wall above your bed.
7. Above-the-bed artwork. Without a huge, ornate headboard or an architectural feature, chances are you will need something above your bed. Pictures are wonderful, but be sure they are themed. I like perfectly spaced symmetrical arrangements (rows of three work really well), which fit with traditional styling perfectly.
Random shapes, sizes and frame types also can look good, especially if you are going for a more rustic feel, but they're harder to get right. Just be sure to keep with a theme and keep the spacing equal.
Random shapes, sizes and frame types also can look good, especially if you are going for a more rustic feel, but they're harder to get right. Just be sure to keep with a theme and keep the spacing equal.
Classic Pooh XI Vintage English Framed Print
9. Classic wall art. This English classic brings out the inner child in me and is a lovely accessory to the traditional bedroom.
10. A textured rug. A rug is a wonderful way to add texture to your scheme — especially with a hard wood floor — but choose carefully. This antique style is perfect for the traditional bedroom.
When you have a room stacked with gorgeous architectural features, don't overdo it with accessories. This room strikes just the right balance. The beautiful wrought-iron balcony, paneled wall and chandelier need little other than the compulsory glass posy vase and stunning floral rug to produce traditional chic.
When you have a room stacked with gorgeous architectural features, don't overdo it with accessories. This room strikes just the right balance. The beautiful wrought-iron balcony, paneled wall and chandelier need little other than the compulsory glass posy vase and stunning floral rug to produce traditional chic.
Stripes are a good choice for traditional styling and neutral colors suit both men and women. Stripes and florals were made for each other, so add a pretty floral cushion in matching tones and you'll have a spot you both love.