We’ve all had this problem at one time… you enter a room and try to figure out where all of your furniture and “things” should go. Sometimes it’s simple, but other times there’s a pesky window right in the spot you want to put your grand headboard or outlets and electrical wiring on the other side of the room. If you don’t want to change the structure or existing layout, you may enter a furniture arrangement quandary.

Start with the bed.

Window placements can easily throw off bed plans. I recently ran into this problem for one of my interior design clients. We were trying to give it a master bedroom makeover but one window really made the project complicated. I’m OK with putting a bed in front of a window if the room is tight or if the headboard is more transparent (think brass, iron or with open breakouts so you can see through it like the West Elm bed below.) But, it doesn’t work with tall, solid wood or most poster beds. So, it totally depends on your space and your furniture.

This tall headboard sits perfectly between the two windows:

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Whereas it would be OK to put this headboard in front of a window:

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Set your night stands.

You don’t need two night stands. Based on the space you may decide to use one; especially if it’s a small space. Then your bed may end up close to one wall anyway. But, I think it’s important to have something on either side when possible so that bedtime glass of water has a spot to land. Even if it’s a petite mini table. I like this look, too, under wall sconces. It’s not necessary to have a traditional table lamp on both sides of the bed. Consider changing it up some, but again, I recommend a light on either side so you don’t have to reach across the bed. It truly is based on the space.

Here’s a great example of a wall sconce:

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The best part of night stands is that they don’t need to match. My husband will always have a piece with drawers and storage whereas I could care less about that as I want something open and dainty. This presents a great opportunity to include a collective mix of styles. I love how this mid-century modern night stand was paired with a skirted table.

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Add remaining pieces.

You might consider a dresser, armoire, bench or other traditional bedroom pieces. I love incorporating useful areas like a small reading nook with chair/table/lamp for the avid reader, lounging space with a comfortable chaise or pair of chairs in front of a wall-mounted TV for the reality (ha) enthusiast, or a small desk and chair for the hard worker that can never seem to put down the laptop.

Here’s a full master bedroom suite that I designed:

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But, you can also achieve this look in a smaller space:

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Decorate!

Nothing speaks personal flair better than accessories. There are so many awesome mirrors (wall-mounted or free-standing) that you can find at reasonable prices at stores like Home Goods. I also like to focus on finding the perfect light fixture, which can easily set the tone of the room upon entry. Stately chandeliers are really in style creating glam and intrigue. I also like simple flesh-mounts. But, if you’re stuck in a hot environment, your husband (like mine) just may demand a ceiling fan. The good news is that you can find great modern ones even at Lowe’s.

These are FANTASTIC chandeliers:

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One of my favorite selections is usually the Window treatments. Drapes add luxury to a room. I personally like custom-made if you can find a great seamstress at an affordable price. Otherwise, Target or Home Goods for a quick purchase. I love fabric with patterns or colors in drapes as it’s one fun way to add a wow factor; especially when you have solid furniture near it.

You can’t go wrong with this pop of color:

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The point is to make the room reflect your style but also meet your needs. Let me know if you’re struggling, and I’ll help you figure it out!