How to Redecorate a Bedroom India Style

A simple canopy evokes Indian style.

Give a plain-Jane bedroom a bold look by redecorating in India style. The brilliant jewel tones, ornate trims and lavish textiles will transform your bedroom into an interior worthy of an Indian palace. The best aspect of decorating with Indian decor is that you can incorporate flea market finds, thrift store scores, heirlooms, handicrafts and souvenirs from world travels into the design scheme. Finish your India bedroom decor project by lining a shelf or decorating a niche with favorite Indian art and objects.

Things You'll Need

• Paint
• Stencils
• Furniture
• Textiles
• Trim
• Lighting

Instructions

1. Set the tone with a brilliant color scheme. Jewel tones such as ruby, emerald, sapphire and amethyst work well, as do saturated hues of cobalt, turquoise, purple and burgundy. Earth tones tend to be too drab for walls and textiles, but brighter or deeper nature-inspired colors such as saffron, tamarind, forest green and terracotta provide a dramatic backdrop.

2. Embellish your paint job with India-theme details. Paisley stencils, either packaged or homemade, allow you to paint wall trim, furniture frames or shelves with accents. Use gold, silver or copper paint for extra sheen. For a child's bedroom, glitter paint adds pop.

3. Furnish Indian bedroom decor with artisan pieces. Dark and medium-tone wooden furniture may feature embossed or engraved trim, or hand-painted scenes on doors. Hammered tin panels, ornate tilework, chunky metal hardware or mirror insets may adorn cabinets, bookshelves, headboards, dressers, desks and bedside tables.

4. Soften the look of your India-style bedroom with plush and patterned textiles. A vintage beaded sari may cover the bed, accent a wall, hang from the ceiling or serve as a window treatment. Scatter pillows of contrasting patterns in the corner or by a window to create a casual reading area.

5. Add trim to textiles to glam up your bedroom decor. Pom-poms, fringe, beading, embroidery, patches, small mirrors or tassels on blankets, throw pillows, upholstery and drapery make the space feel exotic.

6. Illuminate an Indian-theme bedroom with pendant lights, chandeliers, candelabras, saint candles or colorful paper lanterns to give the space some drama.

Tips & Warnings

• A mosquito net or lightweight canopy over the bed makes the room feel like a romantic hideaway.

• To avoid the mishmash look of a market bazaar, unify separate elements by using a similar background color or detail.

References

• HGTV: Dazzling Draped Indian Dorm Room
• Apartment Therapy: Archana's Eastern Sun