The interior designers’ insider buying guide for the bedroom
When interior designers curate a bedroom, they’re not just decorating a space; they’re creating a retreat, a sanctuary, and the most intimate reflection of their client’s lifestyle. Every choice, from the fabric on the headboard to the weight of the duvet, is deliberate.
Here’s what the most discerning designers look for when sourcing for the bedroom, and how you can apply their insider secrets to your own home.
1. Start with the Bedlinen, Always
The bed is the centrepiece of the bedroom, and the bed linen is its defining feature. Designers know that the feel of a sheet against the skin is just as important as the colour palette. They choose breathable, long-lasting natural fibres woven with precision, Italian cottons, pure linens, and refined blends that soften over time.
Designer tip: Invest in the highest quality your budget allows. Your skin will thank you night after night.
2. Choose a Cohesive Colour Story
Designers select colours that not only look beautiful but also support rest, soft neutrals, muted earth tones, and layered shades of white and cream. These hues allow for seasonal accessories and layering without clashing.
Designer tip: Use texture, not bright colours, to add interest. Subtle piqué weaves, quilted coverlets, and layered throws add depth without disturbing the calm.
3. Consider the Fill
Duvets, pillows, and mattress toppers are the hidden heroes of bedroom comfort. Designers specify natural down and feather for its temperature regulation, loft, and longevity, or opt for high-grade anti-allergenic microfibre when the project calls for it.
Designer tip: Think about weight as much as warmth. A well-balanced duvet will feel light yet insulating.
4. Layer with Purpose
Layering isn’t about piling on more; it’s about creating visual harmony and tactile comfort. Throws at the foot of the bed, an extra quilt for cooler nights, and a mix of cushions for both function and decoration make the space feel considered.
Designer tip: Every layer should serve both a visual and a practical role. If it’s not beautiful or useful, it doesn’t belong.
5. Don’t Overlook Scent & Lighting
Designers know that a bedroom’s sensory environment is as important as its visual design. A softly scented linen spray, warm bedside lighting, and blackout curtains for undisturbed rest all elevate the space from attractive to transformative.
Designer tip: Layer your lighting, bedside lamps for evening rituals, soft overheads for mood, and dimmers for flexibility.
6. Work with Suppliers Who Understand Luxury
The best designers have trusted relationships with suppliers who not only deliver quality but also understand the nuances of customisation, lead times, and service.
Designer tip: Look for a supplier who offers swatches, custom dyes, and hospitality-grade finishes, the kind of details that set a bedroom apart.
An interior designer’s bedroom is more than a place to sleep; it’s a space that restores, inspires, and delights. By focusing on quality materials, harmonious design, and sensory detail, you can create a bedroom worthy of the most discerning client, even if that client is yourself.
Woven in Italy. Crafted in Johannesburg. Lived in beautifully.
