What are the warmest finishes for interiors? Well, we think wood wins the prize in this department. Wood can take on the form of many characteristics, such as raw finishes, original beams and solid furniture made either look well-kept or worn – the latter seeming to take preference for most wood enthusiasts.
Be it contemporary wood versus country-style, there are more unusual ways to introduce these characteristics to embody your own personality in the bedroom.
We have decided to put together a few ideas that could get your creative juices flowing towards a more nature-based effect in your own space.
What are the warmest finishes for interiors? Well, we think wood wins the prize in this department. Wood can take on the form of many characteristics, such as raw finishes, original beams and solid furniture made either look well-kept or worn – the latter seeming to take preference for most wood enthusiasts.
Be it contemporary wood versus country-style, there are more unusual ways to introduce these characteristics to embody your own personality in the bedroom.
We have decided to put together a few ideas that could get your creative juices flowing towards a more nature-based effect in your own space.
Simple changes
A simple wooden bedside table and chair that shows its wear are the details that count in the bedroom. And in case you were wondering, un-matching finishes aren’t necessarily a problem – they certainly add to the charm. Actual age is not compulsory. This look can be achieved by painting, then sanding back certain areas of the surface to give the look of age and wear.
Blending it in
Use natural notes to a scheme that is contemporary, like a mango wood wardrobe and headboard, contrasted with contemporary lighting hanging off the wall alongside the headboard. Add a splash of contemporary artwork with warm colours to finish off this well-balanced contrast.
Another idea for a headboard is broad width vertical planks that create the illusion of a larger bed. It’s also easier on the eyes and it illustrates a spacious rather than compact setting. This also goes very well with wooden flooring.
Keep it bare
Lucky enough to have exposed beams in a bedroom? To maximize their warming benefit, keep the finish natural and step away from white paint or dark stains. If you’ve inherited dark beams, however, take care in stripping old finishes.
Avoid aggressive removal measures that can damage them or leave them looking less than lovely. Chemical strippers can help, but always check they’re suitable for the job, and try a test in an area that won’t show first. It’s a bit of trial and error but worth a bit of experimenting to get the right balance.
Step back
Original features can provide the wood that warms. Imagine converting an old stable block into a cottage, the internal partitions could be refurbished for a room that blends the old with the new.
Stripping back also let the features in your home make their presence felt, coupled with a contemporary look that remains sympathetic to the cottage’s period. Be careful of removing the character from wood though if you’re making a link with the past. Small dents and marks are part of the history, so perhaps avoid repairing them.
Al naturale
A more natural look could be a wooden base with legs that look as if they’ve come straight from the forest, and a headboard that swaps straight edges for a gentle wavy top like a rustic coffee table. Fusing some up-trending styles for bed linen with the rustic character of the headboard could blend beautifully.
Using wallpaper?
Replacing wallpaper with wood veneers from floor to ceiling, covering the feature wall the bed is against gives the element of depth, and can create regular patterns, standing in for wallpaper where intricacy’s required.
Go with the grain
As with the afore-mentioned, instead of using full-length mirrors in place of veneers – floors and doors create opportunities to introduce wood to bedroom scheme. This shows off beautifully the grain through the reflection in the mirror. A gloss finish to flooring can up the look-at-me index even further.
Individual woods have distinctive grain patterns, so check out generously sized samples before settling on a timber.
Inside out
Wood is not just a warming addition because it’s natural and isn’t cool to touch. A rich chocolate tone for paneling does its bit alongside a blush shade of bed linen. Dark wood such as Walnut fairs well against wide windows inviting the natural surroundings into the room.
Last, but not least
A feature wall paneled in wood can transform a room, with featheredge cladding, or weatherboard-style wood arrangement (horizontal overlapping boards), are an unusual take yet effective in creating the illusion of a wider room.