Bed Placement

Hi Christine,

I have read many of your posts regarding bedrooms.  I know that the headboard wall is the focal point and that the headboard should ideally be placed on a wall without doorways or windows.  I am getting ready to buy new bedroom furniture and am finding it very difficult to figure out furniture placement.  We live in an older home with big windows and zillions of doors; there are no walls without openings!  I am attaching a floor plan in hopes that you will be able to help me figure out where to place our queen bed.

Thanks,
Ann

(photo from houzz)

Hi Ann,

Good question, with two answers. 

1.  Put your bed on the wall that has symmetrical windows.  Having windows on your headboard wall is not a bad thing, but having asymmetrical windows is what I would try to avoid.  Yes, your room is small enough that the headboard won't fit between your windows, (like the photo above) as might be more ideal, but it will still look good, even if your windows are covered a bit by the bed.  I found a few pictures to give you the idea.

(photo from havenandhome)

Having the bed on this wall,  you maintain balance, which is more important than the little bit of light you'd lose, or the view of your headboard from outside.

(photo from 6thstreetdesignschool)

I liked this room a lot.  What a fun and bold combination of colors and patterns without getting obnoxious.  Again, the headboard overlaps the windows a bit, but still definitely better from a design standpoint than placing your bed on a less symmetrical wall.

The one thing I really regret is that the door to the bathroom is placed such that you will have a hard time fitting a night stand on that side.  Make that you husband's side, and give him a floor lamp with my apologies. (or go with option 2)

2.  From a more practical standpoint, say your husband really wants a night stand, you will have to go with the wall with one window.  If money is not an issue, simply add a second window to that wall, giving yourself the symmetry that is ideal. 

If your budget can handle a curtain more than it can a contractor, hang a drape behind the bed, disguising the awkward window placement.  (Make sure the curtain is lined with blackout lining for best results.)

(photo from hgtv)

Make sure your curtain is wide enough to cover your non-existent symmetrical window.  Does that make sense?