How to Decorate Your Bedroom in a Colonial Theme

Dark wood furniture works well in a colonial bedroom.

Give your bedroom decor a traditional look with colonial-style furnishings and accessories. A colonial decorating scheme lends the space a fussy formality, but also emphasizes soothing pale hues that make for a tranquil bedroom. You can update any bedroom by adding a Victorian antique or family heirloom, or invest more time and money in creating a full colonial bedroom redesign.

Things You'll Need

• Paint
• Furniture
• Textiles
• Accessories
• Lighting
• Plants
• Flowers
• Vases

Instructions

1. Paint walls with light, cool hues. Cream, pale stone gray, warmer rosy gray and light yellow are classic options. For more color, consider robin's egg blue or sea foam green, both of which create contrast with the dark woods classic in colonial furniture frames. Opt for a satin or semigloss finish to give the interiors a touch of shine.

2. Select furnishings constructed from dark wood such as cherry, mahogany or rosewood. If you have lighter wood, paint or stain it with a darker tint to re-create the colonial aesthetic. Dark wood floors and architectural elements extend the look.

3. Create a colonial centerpiece with the bed. A Victorian spindle bed reflects the colonial predilection for English antiques. A prominent wooden or upholstered headboard gives the bed greater prominence.

4. Use textiles and accessories to give colonial bedroom decor texture and color. An antique Oriental rug may introduce deep jewel tones of jade, turquoise, amethyst and ruby to the room, echoed in a solid jewel tone on window treatments. Antique lace runners on side tables and woven storage baskets add colonial flourishes.

5. Illuminate your colonial bedroom with a variety of fixtures. Flank the doorway or a large painting with curlicue brass or copper sconces with glass shades. Lanterns and candles provide ambient glow, while a glass chandelier creates sculptural interest.

6. Bring the space to life with flora and fauna. A matching set of crystal bud vases may hold wildflowers from the garden, or an antique china bowl may showcase a bouquet of rosebuds. A tropical fern or palm adds a touch of colonial plantation style.

Tips & Warnings

• Coordinate rather than match your textiles so that individual details can stand out.

References

• Apartment Therapy: Julie & Nate Channel the Colonial Aesthetic
• HGTV: British Colonial Style Tips