How to Create a Romantic & Dramatic Bedroom on a Budget

Warm lighting is inexpensive, romantic and dramatic.

Don’t let limited funds prevent you from decorating a dramatic and romantic bedroom. Decorating within a budget takes some planning, but you can get the look you want without paying big bucks. The key to adding drama and romance to a bedroom begins with working with the areas of the room that get a lot of attention.

Things You'll Need

• Paint
• Headboard
• Lamps
• Vases
• Chairs
• Decorative boxes
• Potted plants

Instructions

1. Paint walls a romantic, bold color. Paint is one of the most inexpensive ways to establish a mood, so go with colors you like. A rich red will turn up the warmth in your bedroom while a deep shade of blue creates a dramatic but soothing ambiance. Other color options include eggplant and ebony. Choose a welcoming color that does not make the room feel crowded. Paint an accent wall a dramatic color for a stunning effect if painting the entire room seems too much.

2. Add drama to the bed with a decorative headboard. Shop around for an upholstered headboard or make one from shutters or a section of wrought iron fencing.

3. Select functional gently used pieces such as lamps, chandeliers, vases and chairs that also add a decorative element. Look for colors that bring a bit of contrast. If you have red walls, look to add pops of green, black or yellow with a lampshade or the fabric in a chair. Orange brings drama to a purple room, and red adds spice to green.

4. Paint items to bring a fresh look to an old wooden chair or telephone table look. Paint picture frames or a folding table to match colors in the bedroom for a sense of unity.

5. Add lighting to enhance romantic moods. Candles or lamps add warm light necessary for a sensual bedroom. Hang a vintage chandelier over a cozy seating area. Put a lamp beside the bed and across the room in a corner. Install light bulbs with different wattages to create just the right mood.

6. Cover a stack of decorative boxes with bold, daring wallpaper samples or contact paper to create a night stand with lots of visual interest.

7. Add potted plants to make a dramatic statement. Inexpensive and earthy, plants add life to rooms as well as color.

Tips & Warnings

• Splurge on comfortable sheets and mattresses for a luxurious way to end the day.

References

• Country Living: Budget Decorating and Makeover Ideas
• Elle Décor: Designer Secrets to a Sexy Bedroom
• House Beautiful: 12 Romantic Bedrooms