Why Wood Can Create a Bedroom You’ll Never Want to Leave
A quick glance through the pages of glossy architectural and design magazines will reveal that stark minimalism, harsh lines, and shiny lacquered surfaces have been replaced with a whole new look—one characterized by warmth, personality, and, typically, natural materials. The movements shaping the return to materials such as solid wood include sustainability, health and wellness, and biophilic design, which seeks to merge indoor and outdoor living through the use of natural materials, shapes, textures, and imagery. To lend your bedroom a warmer, calming, mindful feel, the kind you get when you step into a forest, start by dreaming up ways to incorporate wood into your new design.
The Calming Effect of Wood
If you instantly feel a sense of calm wash over you when you see wooden flooring, you certainly aren’t alone. Wood has a unique natural and emotional impact owing to its visual, tactile, and olfactory qualities. Moreover, it has positive objective properties, including excellent contact comfort, improved room acoustics, regulation of indoor humidity, and reduced volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. Wood also introduces organic variation through its grain, knots, and natural imperfections. Studies have shown that environments rich in natural materials, particularly wood, positively affect people’s nervous systems, helping them process stress and even shortening patients’ treatment times in clinical settings.
Starting from the Ground Up
Wood can be as prevalent or discreet in your bedroom as you wish. To create a log-cabin effect in your space, start with flooring. White oak is a popular choice owing to its stain and moisture resistance and subtle yet stunning grain. For sturdiness, hickory, maple, and teak are good choices. For something a little more luxurious, walnut is ideal owing to its elegant, deep chocolate brown tones. For something more affordable, meanwhile, pine does the trick, though it is a soft wood that will show dents and a well-loved “patina” over time.
Wooden Furniture Items
Wooden flooring may set the tone, but the star players in a bedroom are undoubtedly the main furniture items. A solid wooden bed frame immediately introduces biophilic appeal to your space, whether you opt for the richness of walnut, the rustic beauty of reclaimed wood, or the clean lines of Scandinavian design. Complementing the bed with one or two wooden furniture items (not necessarily in the same wood tone) can create a cohesive look without making the room feel overly coordinated. Even one statement piece made of wood can make a big impact on the feel of your room. Ideas include placing a handcrafted bench at the foot of your bed, opting for a wooden dressing table, or incorporating a wooden shelf for plants and ceramics. In this space, it helps to avoid glossy textures and instead opt for curved furniture and decorative pieces that mimic the curves found in nature.
Showcasing Wood Through Carpentry
Beyond furniture, wood also looks fantastic when it is incorporated into a bedroom’s architecture. Slatted feature walls behind the bed are a popular alternative to traditional headboards. Ceiling beams, too, can add rustic appeal and draw the eye upward, even in a room that otherwise boasts a modern design style. For something more subtle, a small built-in wardrobe, window surrounds, and a decorative wall panel can all introduce subtle touches of natural texture without taking center stage. Even small items like wooden picture frames, mirrors, table lamps with wooden bases, or sculptures can noticeably reinforce the natural aesthetic. If you have various small items, spread them around the room rather than concentrating them in one space. Bring a couple of indoor plants into your room to up the appeal, placing them in wood or wooden-effect statement pots.
Wood is the perfect addition to modern bedrooms, aligning with today’s preference for nature-inspired interiors featuring furniture and flooring made from natural materials. You can embrace the beauty of wood in more obvious or subtle ways, starting with your flooring choice. Just one major wooden feature, such as a headboard or bed frame, can set a rustic, cozy feel. However, if you aren’t in the mood for a major renovation, choose small items, from wooden frames to sculptures, to create a room that invites the calm only nature can bring.
