Ever noticed when you look at designer spaces, it’s the abundance of upholstered items in a room that adds up to a luxurious feeling in many cases. I think extreme modern and contemporary decor is the only exception to this.
Master bedrooms are the most neglected room in the house. We decorate the children’s rooms (after all, it’s their personal space) and we decorate the living room or main areas of the house and the master bedroom is usually last.
So, instead of running out and buying the first matching bedroom set you can find (when you finally decide to bite the bullet and decorate this room). Get an upholstered headboard instead. You immediately add a luxurious note to the room, and then you can get almost any end table to look good beside them. Easy!
I have had my linen upholstered bed from Martha Stewart with the most wonderful white and mirrored end tables sitting in my master for months but I don’t have art in there yet. . . so I have not taken photos for my blog. Sigh.
Want to make your own upholstered headboard? Click here for detailed instructions.
How about an ottoman as a coffee table. So luxurious because it’s so comfortable and adds softness and colour too. Here another coffee table would have been required but the ottoman breaks up the seating as well as providing comfort and—have I mentioned—luxury! Love it!
I’m a huge fan of ottomans anywhere a TV is installed, so if that is your living and family room, it requires an ottoman. Don’t you want to put your feet up while watching TV? I certainly do.
Ottomans are also a necessity with an open console in an entry for example. Not only do they hide unsightly cords from lamps but they also provide a seat to slip your shoes back on.
It has an ottoman or two underneath it. Why place an ottoman here? Because it adds colour and comfort. Luxury again. I’m almost at the point where I don’t think you can have too many ottomans? There are so many places they can live happily in your house!
Love your photos… I loved upholstered things, makes a room look elegant plus I love looking at different patterns and textures.
But I do love decorating our master's bedroom, actually it was the first one we painted and bought furniture for… probably because I spend a lot of my time in there than any other rooms in our house.
Just love this inspiring, informative post. Thank you. This evening, I consulted in a mature, established neighborhood on Lake Washington. I arrived early and meandered under a leafy canopy and breathed in lungfuls of summer. The landscaping was incredible and so were the architectural details, but it was the upholstered pieces in all the picture windows that really sent me.
I love your photos! I also love the idea of an upholstered headboard, although how do you get it to stay there still without screwing it to the wall? Great post by the way. Everything you write is so informative!
I was shopping for a new bed today and was considering a linen upholstered bed from Pottery Barn. You mentioned that you have a linen Martha Stewart bed. Do you mind sharing the source for Martha Stewart furniture? I was also considering a seagrass headboard but was unsure, what do you think of seagrass headboards?
I made a post about bedrooms yesterday and ha the same thought. We always leave our bedrooms to be the last room in the house to be decorated, just because "no one sees it". I think it should be the opposite. I love an upholstered bed. I don't like everything made of wood in a room. It looks so heavy. You need to add color and texture with fabrics.
Love, love your pictures Maria! Especially the first one. I love working with ottomans too. They are also great to use for another 'tablescape' in the room. Have a great weekend!
Upholstered items trap dust which means major allergies for me! I have few upholstered items – just chairs. The sofa and ottoman are leather and wipe clean! I don't even have carpets I am so particular. BUT, nerdiness aside, I do love these photos. Especially the first yellow bedroom. I love Sarah's designs.
Question re. upholstered headboards: are you going to use a boxspring frame on the bottom or a metal frame to set the boxspring on? I'm switching out our wooden bed frame because it takes to much space up. Priced out the whole sets (headboard, frame set with sideboards) and it's pricey! But a headboard is doable. I have found that nailing the headboard to the wall is about the only way to keep it solid as attaching it to the metal frame creates a lot of wiggly room. Open to suggestions! Looking forward to your bedroom post, Maria — in process is good. We are all there!
I totally agree with you Maria. Upholstered items can make their own statement. The pics you've included are very inspiring!
Hope you do not mind me adding an additional link for creating an 'oversized' Headboard. Search: Isabella and Max Headboard Wall dated July 14th/2010. Instructions are pretty straight forward and include photos. (If printing them off I would suggest using 'legal' size computer paper. *Twelve sheets of paper, both sides.)
Also I might suggest to someone who suffers from allegies but may wish an upholstered headboard; they can always consider having a slip-covered one which can be cleaned and/or laundered. Though it would not necessarily be tufted, the addition of piping/welting to its seam lines though suttle, can greatly enhance an otherwise plain one. The key is to have a good fit and a design for easy removal.
THANK YOU for the DIY headboard link that you gave as I've added it to my personal files. -Brenda- P.S: I apologize for being so long-winded.
I totally agree with you Maria. Upholstered items can make their own statement. The pics you've included are very inspiring!
Hope you do not mind me adding an additional link for creating an 'oversized' Headboard. Search: Isabella and Max Headboard Wall dated July 14th/2010. Instructions are pretty straight forward and include photos. (If printing them off I would suggest using 'legal' size computer paper. *Twelve sheets of paper, both sides.)
Also I might suggest to someone who suffers from allegies but may wish an upholstered headboard; they can always consider having a slip-covered one which can be cleaned and/or laundered. Though it would not necessarily be tufted, the addition of piping/welting to its seam lines though suttle, can greatly enhance an otherwise plain one. The key is to have a good fit and a design for easy removal.
THANK YOU for the DIY headboard link that you gave as I've added it to my personal files. -Brenda- P.S: I apologize for being so long-winded.
Me, me, me! I want luxury! Can't wait to see your bedroom, Maria. It sounds divine!! Sigh – if only I hadn't purchased my bedroom furniture 8 years ago. And there are other priorities before I change that out.
That last image is stunning – I'm more of one for color but all of that white is great. And I've been neglecting our master big-time. It's on my list and now I'm going to prioritize an upholstered headboard!
I love the examples you've provided, Maria. Upholstered stools, in particular, tucked beneath tables or positioned beside coffee tables, add layer and texture. They create warmth and interest in a room, and are such versatile pieces, too. Great post!
Maria, This is a great post for ideas! I would love an upholstered headboard in our bedroom but I don't know how we could do it since we have a four poster bed.
I'm so glad you showed the photo of the upholstered ottoman that looks like a cushion atop a coffee table. (The round one.) I will have to try that. I've been seriously considering making my own. You know me. :o) We have almost a U shaped couch for the whole family to sit on while watching TV. Our square coffee table gets used for feet..all the time. We keep putting throw pillows on it. Sounds like a big cushion is over due.
I can't imagine adding anything upholstered to our kitchen or dining. We just aren't at that 'stage' in our life.
On the other hand..in our office we are planning to get rid of some desks..children moving out (at least one more) soon… I had been wondering what in the world to put at the beautiful picture window in the office..and suddenly the idea of a 'bench' seat or something might be perfect. Your post made me think of that.
Now I'm so excited! It's giving me a new 'vision' for a room that has gotten way too functional..if you know what I mean. :o)
I so agree — there just isn't anything that says luxury the way beautiful upholstery does. Well, maybe my first love — window treatments — fights for that position, but it's really about the warmth of a lot of fabric in a space, I think. It hugs you and gives you visual eye candy.
Hi Maria – wonderful post! I love re-upholstering sad, old sofas and other items to bring them back to life. I love the cimplilation of upholstery that you have here – it's very inspiring…giving me lots of ideas and projects to start. Thanks, as always!
It is totally amazing the difference that upholstery can make. We just swapped out our old upholstery on our couches and got it reupholstered. It made our living room look as good as new! Also, I love the patterns and pictures that you posted of those bedroom sets! Absolutely beautiful!
It’s true – there’s just something about upholstered items that make a room seem luxurious. Even better when you can get upholstery fabrics for cheap and do it yourself to the same effect!
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Love your photos…
I loved upholstered things,
makes a room look elegant
plus I love looking at different patterns and textures.
But I do love decorating our master's bedroom, actually it was the first one we painted and bought furniture for… probably because I spend a lot of my time in there than any other rooms in our house.
Just love this inspiring, informative post. Thank you. This evening, I consulted in a mature, established neighborhood on Lake Washington. I arrived early and meandered under a leafy canopy and breathed in lungfuls of summer. The landscaping was incredible and so were the architectural details, but it was the upholstered pieces in all the picture windows that really sent me.
I love your photos!
I also love the idea of an upholstered headboard, although how do you get it to stay there still without screwing it to the wall?
Great post by the way. Everything you write is so informative!
I was shopping for a new bed today and was considering a linen upholstered bed from Pottery Barn. You mentioned that you have a linen Martha Stewart bed. Do you mind sharing the source for Martha Stewart furniture? I was also considering a seagrass headboard but was unsure, what do you think of seagrass headboards?
Love this post and every photo! Thanks a lot, Maria.
Fantastic post, Maria!
I made a post about bedrooms yesterday and ha the same thought. We always leave our bedrooms to be the last room in the house to be decorated, just because "no one sees it". I think it should be the opposite. I love an upholstered bed. I don't like everything made of wood in a room. It looks so heavy. You need to add color and texture with fabrics.
Enjoy your weekend, my friend!
xo
Luciane at HomeBunch.com
Love, love your pictures Maria! Especially the first one. I love working with ottomans too. They are also great to use for another 'tablescape' in the room. Have a great weekend!
Upholstered items trap dust which means major allergies for me! I have few upholstered items – just chairs. The sofa and ottoman are leather and wipe clean! I don't even have carpets I am so particular. BUT, nerdiness aside, I do love these photos. Especially the first yellow bedroom. I love Sarah's designs.
Question re. upholstered headboards: are you going to use a boxspring frame on the bottom or a metal frame to set the boxspring on? I'm switching out our wooden bed frame because it takes to much space up. Priced out the whole sets (headboard, frame set with sideboards) and it's pricey! But a headboard is doable. I have found that nailing the headboard to the wall is about the only way to keep it solid as attaching it to the metal frame creates a lot of wiggly room. Open to suggestions! Looking forward to your bedroom post, Maria — in process is good. We are all there!
Maria,
This is such a wonderful and helpful post! I agree with you. You can not have too many ottomans.
Gorgeous rooms here.
Teresa
xoxo
I totally agree with you Maria. Upholstered items can make their own statement. The pics you've included are very inspiring!
Hope you do not mind me adding an additional link for creating an 'oversized' Headboard. Search: Isabella and Max Headboard Wall dated July 14th/2010. Instructions are pretty straight forward and include photos. (If printing them off I would suggest using 'legal' size computer paper. *Twelve sheets of paper, both sides.)
Also I might suggest to someone who suffers from allegies but may wish an upholstered headboard; they can always consider having a slip-covered one which can be cleaned and/or laundered. Though it would not necessarily be tufted, the addition of piping/welting to its seam lines though suttle, can greatly enhance an otherwise plain one. The key is to have a good fit and a design for easy removal.
THANK YOU for the DIY headboard link that you gave as I've added it to my personal files.
-Brenda-
P.S: I apologize for being so long-winded.
I totally agree with you Maria. Upholstered items can make their own statement. The pics you've included are very inspiring!
Hope you do not mind me adding an additional link for creating an 'oversized' Headboard. Search: Isabella and Max Headboard Wall dated July 14th/2010. Instructions are pretty straight forward and include photos. (If printing them off I would suggest using 'legal' size computer paper. *Twelve sheets of paper, both sides.)
Also I might suggest to someone who suffers from allegies but may wish an upholstered headboard; they can always consider having a slip-covered one which can be cleaned and/or laundered. Though it would not necessarily be tufted, the addition of piping/welting to its seam lines though suttle, can greatly enhance an otherwise plain one. The key is to have a good fit and a design for easy removal.
THANK YOU for the DIY headboard link that you gave as I've added it to my personal files.
-Brenda-
P.S: I apologize for being so long-winded.
Sorry I don't know what happened, but it appears my comment was entered a numbered of times. Obviously a glitch somewhere???? So sorry. -Brenda-
True- now upholstered items do add luxury to any room. I would love an upholstered ottoman and headboard…tufted please!
pve
Me, me, me! I want luxury! Can't wait to see your bedroom, Maria. It sounds divine!! Sigh – if only I hadn't purchased my bedroom furniture 8 years ago. And there are other priorities before I change that out.
xo!!
Wonderful, wonderful post. I love how it adds luxury, texture and color. And it can be changed. Wonderful photos 🙂
That last image is stunning – I'm more of one for color but all of that white is great. And I've been neglecting our master big-time. It's on my list and now I'm going to prioritize an upholstered headboard!
I love the examples you've provided, Maria. Upholstered stools, in particular, tucked beneath tables or positioned beside coffee tables, add layer and texture. They create warmth and interest in a room, and are such versatile pieces, too.
Great post!
Maria, This is a great post for ideas! I would love an upholstered headboard in our bedroom but I don't know how we could do it since we have a four poster bed.
I'm so glad you showed the photo of the upholstered ottoman that looks like a cushion atop a coffee table. (The round one.) I will have to try that. I've been seriously considering making my own. You know me. :o) We have almost a U shaped couch for the whole family to sit on while watching TV. Our square coffee table gets used for feet..all the time. We keep putting throw pillows on it. Sounds like a big cushion is over due.
I can't imagine adding anything upholstered to our kitchen or dining. We just aren't at that 'stage' in our life.
On the other hand..in our office we are planning to get rid of some desks..children moving out (at least one more) soon… I had been wondering what in the world to put at the beautiful picture window in the office..and suddenly the idea of a 'bench' seat or something might be perfect. Your post made me think of that.
Now I'm so excited! It's giving me a new 'vision' for a room that has gotten way too functional..if you know what I mean. :o)
Love this post!
xo
Donna
I so agree — there just isn't anything that says luxury the way beautiful upholstery does. Well, maybe my first love — window treatments — fights for that position, but it's really about the warmth of a lot of fabric in a space, I think. It hugs you and gives you visual eye candy.
Hi Maria – wonderful post! I love re-upholstering sad, old sofas and other items to bring them back to life. I love the cimplilation of upholstery that you have here – it's very inspiring…giving me lots of ideas and projects to start. Thanks, as always!
Linda Leyble
Gorgeous, Maria!!!
I love ALL of them!
Love it all Maria, especially the use of benches and headboards. They immediately add elegance and class to a room!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
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You've really outdone yourself with this post, Maria. The photos are marvelous. Your comments are spot on!
Thanks for adding clarity to a question that most people don't even know to ask.
You are MUCH MORE than a color consultant.
Well done, love your blog.
It is totally amazing the difference that upholstery can make. We just swapped out our old upholstery on our couches and got it reupholstered. It made our living room look as good as new! Also, I love the patterns and pictures that you posted of those bedroom sets! Absolutely beautiful!
It’s true – there’s just something about upholstered items that make a room seem luxurious. Even better when you can get upholstery fabrics for cheap and do it yourself to the same effect!