I had this problem recently as well. I made a homemade canopy from a curtain rod and a window scarf. I have the before and after pictures here: http://www.thriftstoregold.blogspot.com/2012/11/another-homemade-canopy.html

I love it! Best part .. my cat doesn't even climb up it or tear it down. Miracle! :)

And I don't see a modern bedroom. I see a college apartment-like bedroom with some simple elements. Simple does not mean modern, nor does white. You need to introduce warm colors, textures, and remove some of the white.

Get rid of the two lamps. If you can drill into the wall, find some tall sconces. If you can't, get lamps with some wood tones. Find a hidden place for all the books and medications and whatnot you have on the table, which is much too small for all of that stuff anyway. Replace the bed linens with something that reminds you of what you'd get at a hotel. It doesn't have to be expensive; it just has to look and feel luxurious. Check out the "hotel" collections at Bed, Bath, and Beyond or Overstock. Get rid of the floral pillow and replace it with a round back pillow - again, akin to something you'd find at a hotel.

The idea I'm giving you is not to make your room seem like a hotel, but actually to make it seem less college apartment.

Lace, flowers, perfume bottles, candles... I don't know, I like white and modern and uncluttered (especially the bedroom) :)

Start with warm white walls (instead of a cool shade). Try a fluffy, thick comforter with a white duvet. If you can change out your bedside tables to two small chests of drawers to hide all of the clutter so you can be selective with your tablescape. Once your table tops are clear, you can add a candle holder and even a small realistic silk flower arrangement in a glass vase. Vary the shade of your white accessories. Have lamps in different areas of your room on dimmers, or at least low wattage bulbs. Try an interesting long branch arrangement with warm white fairy lights attached. If possible, have white curtains be taller and longer so there is some fabric on the floor. Peruse home decor sites, looking for that look romantic to you and pick out the features you really like. Good luck!

Haha, I have that same Ikea duvet cover. It depends on how you define romantic. From what I can see of the room it looks like your walls are still plain white. Try some paint on the walls, even if it is just the one wall behind your bed. I think any color will do, personally I like the idea of a nice deep red like the color of roses. Get some pillow shams trimmed in lace or crochet for the pillows along the back wall and maybe a duvet or throw pillows that have some ruffled texture. A small vase of flowers would also be nice.

Everything looks flat and rectangular in the photo, as if you need way more cuddly, luxurious, textured fabrics and way more shapes to everything. Velvet, fur, satin, with details and embellishments would work I think. I like all of LeslieinAZ's comments as well.

If you want to go all white, you need to add personality with texture! Get textiles that have some hefty! Maybe a chunky knit throw, or some toss cushions that are soft and 'warm' to touch. Maybe get some art over the headboard and put a sheepskin - faux or not - on the floor so there's something nice and white under foot. I have the same bedding on my bed, and while I love it, I think it needs a little help in the personality department.

texture texture texture, and different shades of white, as in different enough to that you can glance at them and tell they are different. and large vats of lube.

Different shades of white. Bright white/cream/greyish. And different textures. Some heavy, some light. Some smooth, some chunky/furry/shaggy.

Also, you need some contrast. One good, big piece of natural dark-ish wood, like an antique dresser or armoire. Some metal too - possibly mirrored side tables, to bounce the light around. Finally, some natural textiles like baskets.

I agree that you have to go with your element of design- line, shape texture, value (light), etc. If you look at each element and examine what role it plays in your setup, you'll have a successful assembly. It's easy to make everything "smooth" when you have a white room, but you have to shake it up a bit! Get some furry throws or a furry carpet and some vanilla sparkle lights, maybe even some paper lanterns. I saw some pussy willows with vanilla lights on them at TJ Maxx that were just GORGEOUS!

Why did my comment get deleted? It was fair advice. I told her she should replace the lamps, introduce textures, warm colors, and get different bed linens. WTF, Apartment Therapy?

What exactly do you mean by a "more romantic look"? And what are you trying to achieve? Who is your "target audience"? Is it just you, or you and a partner? Are you looking for something cozy to snuggle up in to read a book, or something to impress a new partner? If there is a partner, what do they think?
If you are not really a frilly-romantic person, than maybe clean and modern fits your personality better, so why not leave it to match who you are?

Pi, I can still see your comment. I don't think it was deleted. Maybe delete your cache and refresh?

It appears as though the other posters have beaten me to it! My initial response was to add more texture, primarily with your bedding. Add more oomph with additional blankets or pillows (urs, satins, velvets... you can even go with tonal patterns or animal prints in neutrals). You do have great bones to the room though! There are a few things that I think you can do for free... Move the candles to the top of the nightstand and move the books to the bottom and put some of the more personal items (like the deodorant and spray bottles) in a different place (handy drawer, closet, bathroom?) so that they are out of sight. You can also play around with how you make your bed. I think nice hotels give the vibe of romantic and luxury just by how they make bed... So, instead of pulling your comforter all the way back to the headboard, fold it in front of the pillows evenly or at an angle and fluff up your pillows for some oooomph! The only thing that I would consider spending a few bucks on (or doing some swapping around the house for) is helping your table and floor lamps match style-wise. You can do this quickly by swapping the shade on the little guy to something more simple.

Replace the headboard with something less....white.

I'd ditch the metal lamp for sure and replace the lampshade to some redish color (matching the accent pillows). Clean the clutter on the nightstand, and add a cute dish with shells and scented oils. I'd also add a red throw in the foot of the bed. How about artwork for the walls?

I have this theory that you can complete any space with 5 easy pieces: A plug in sconce, a tray, a throw, some natural shades and something living (I've been writing about it HERE all week). It's all about texture and warmth, and I think this would work well for your issue. Flank the bed with two sconces (plug in so they don't need the labor of being hard-wired) a white lacquer or silver tray to hold the crap on the bed side table, a big warm chunky throw over the base of the bed, I can't see what your windows are to suggest treatments, but maybe a big heavy vase on the floor with some tall pussy willows... something to give depth and interest. I think this would answer your needs. Good luck.

You can definitely have a romantic, all-white bedroom- you just need a little oomph. Totally agree with everyone regarding adding textures, which will help create a more tactile, sensual experience. Add a flokati rug and a luxurious throw at the end of the bed. Ditch the bright pillow and find something a little more elegant/glam in white/champagne/silver.
Sheer elements and some shimmery accessories would be great, too. It's not modern, but this super-romantic, all-white cottage might give you some ideas: http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2010/06/23/garden/20100624-chic-slideshow-10.html

From the picture, it looks like you've got a casual kind of boho style going on (the only modern element I see is the metallic lamp).
Taking an all white theme romantic is easy and beautiful! The trick is to add softness and layers. And define "romantic" - do you mean more country? Or are you looking for something warm and cozy feeling? Or...? Either way...
Replace the silver lamp with a torchiere or something less sleek looking.
Clear the books and what not from the nightstand (clutter does not equal romance) and put them in a pretty basket on the floor next to the bed.
Dress the nightstand top with a pretty box, maybe a vase with some flowers, or a vintage glass milk bottle to serve as a water carafe.
Add pillow shams to the top layer of pillows - you can go for something simple like natural or bleached linen, or go for something with over-the-top ruffles. It's all good.
Add more "toss" pillows - keep the pillows in the same style as the shams and either go for symmetry (the same on both sides of the bed) or use an odd number of pillows and arrange them in the middle.
Add a throw - Ikea has a kind of cool, puckered white bed topper that looks really great folded at the foot of the bed. Or go for something luxurious and put a faux fur across the foot.
Candles, candles, candles - install shelves if you have to. But add more candles and place them on trays. You can go silver, glass, or mirror for a classic look, or rustic wood for a more country look.
Use different textures and different shades of white to bring interest and depth to the space. Think contrast and variety. You want to include smooth and sleek, light, filmy and sheer, soft and cuddly, fluffy, textured and nubby.
And finally, remember that a truly personal, beautiful space grows over time. Unless you are very experienced and either have a lot of stuff or the budge tot go buy everything at once (or hire someone to do it for you), it's going to take time to make your room look right. And that's a good thing.

All of the successful white bedrooms I have seen have incorporated different shades of white and lots of texture.
If you have the time, you should visit the house tours on the Canadian House and Home site. The Canadians do white better than anyone else. Check out this beautiful white bedroom on a budget: http://houseandhome.com/tv/segment/budget-bedroom-makeover

I agree with many of the other posters that you should add texture. In my opinion, that's the only way to make an all white bedroom work!

My other suggestion is this: Get rid of the lamp and hang fairy lights on the wall behind your bed. I just did this in my own bedroom, and I love it! It creates a really cozy, romatic atmosphere. I couldn't find any good pictures to illustrate, but you can take a look at these for inspiration: http://pinterest.com/pin/251357222922757412/ , http://pinterest.com/pin/137289488611012054/ , http://pinterest.com/pin/43417583878046444/ , http://pinterest.com/pin/176766354094664045/ , http://pinterest.com/pin/229894755947916660/

I have that duvet cover too, and love the white. We have white sheets, pillow cases (4 pillows) - that's lots of white. But we also have a couple antique wood pieces in the bedroom which add lots of warmth and character.

Do a search for 'Scandinavian home' on Pinterest. You'll have thousands of photos to glean for ideas! :) http://pinterest.com/search/?q=scandinavian+home

To do this cheaply- Ruffly girly pillowcases. A couple of yards of faux fur for the end of the bed. Restyle the bedside table to put the candles on top.
I also like the idea of a canopy + twinkle lights.

I agree with people on the texture thing. You can have all white in the room, but the textures are going to make it romantic. Gauzy fabrics, furry ones, quilted, lace, rosettes, embroidery, rag rug, etc. Tone on tone, patterns. Layer. Play it up! I had a canopy once and it was gorgeous and you can add to it with lights, or clip on ornaments. Any frames in the room should be as ornate as you can find, or painted in a metallic of choice. Hope that helps!

I like white. But you may have a little too much of it in the bed and headboard, because it's such a large expanse of white. I would "layer" the bed with other pieces - sheets, quilts, shams, throws, - not all of these elements, but a few - in soft colors. I'm thinking a pale, buttery yellow, a whisper of a lavender, a misty gray, a light blue, etc, plus something - pillows, shams, etc. in a subtle pattern. I'd go tone-on-tone or a small geometric, etc.

I'd also add texture, and you can do this with the bedding accessories.

I'd declutter that bedside table, but I have no problem with the lamp. Personally, I wouldn't do ruffle-y, lace-y, or canopy. I think if you go too far in this direction you'll end up with a girly-girl room that looks too young. I'd go for a simple but elegant look with the white and a little bit of pastels.

Just read over my post. I didn't mean to use all those colors I mentioned, but one or two. I'm thinking a pearly gray would be very pretty, or maybe the softest shell pink imaginable. I'm thinking sophisticated - not infant girl.

Unfortunately, I agree with a few of the above posters. I don't think this bedroom looks modern, it looks kind of childish to me. Sorry, Nikky. So here's what I would do. I would want to make the room look more adult and sophisticated. I would replace the headboard with a big, glamorous grey velvet upholstered headboard with nailhead trim. Get a nice, lofty down comforter and a white damask sheet set with duvet cover, like in a hotel. Get rid of the "office lamp" and replace the table lamp with something more modern-looking, like one of those clear acrylic or glass "stacked ball" lamps. Consider getting matching nightstands and matching lamps. Get rid of the flowered pillow (too young and immature) and replace it with something more sophisticated in a color. I would choose a deep, saturated color like deep red, peacock blue, or royal purple. I would also lay a loose-woven throw blanket in a color that coordinates with either the accent pillow or the headboard across the foot of the bed. Finally, hide the clutter! That's what nightstand drawers are for ;)

Yes, agree with all above that an all white scheme relies on texture and varied finishes to create interest. Babyfishmouth, I agree that different shades of white are also important. DonaldN HA HA HA

I can still see Pi's comment too, but it was very detailed. I have that Ikea comforter, it's very hotel-like in my opinion, as is all-white bedding.

I like the idea of a mosquito net: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/44361010/

- Losing the bedside clutter
- Using the candles under the nightstand instead of the lamp
- And ditching the floral pillow

Texture, texture, texture. And at least one dark wood piece.

Yep, texture. And ruffles. Ikea has a ruffled LED lamp - http://www.ikea.com/au/en/catalog/products/50207767/ that would look great in your room.

Maybe a mosquito net? It would soften the lines of the bed. You definitely need more storage in your bedside tables - something white and Frenchy would work well for romance - http://www.ebay.com/itm/WHITE-FURNITURE-Hickory-White-French-Provincial-26-Bombay-Chest-Nightstand-/390492917067?pt=US_Nightstands&hash=item5aeb310d4b

And I'd go for an all white quilt on the bed - http://www.etsy.com/listing/114412606/queen-size-quilt-all-white-vintage?ref=sr_gallery_29&ga_search_query=%22white+on+white%22+quilt&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=%22white+on+white%22+quilt and replace that floral pillow for heaven's sake - http://www.etsy.com/listing/73390519/quilted-seashell-pillow-with-vintage?ref=sr_gallery_13&ga_search_query=%22white+on+white%22+quilt&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=%22white+on+white%22+quilt - something white but with some texture.

As several others have suggested, white sheepskins on the floor are lovely underfoot. But if you want something really luxurious, go for a reindeer hide: http://www.bearskin-rugs.com/premium-caribou-reindeer-rugs-hide-skins-p-347.html - they're farmed for food in Finland so the skins are a byproduct. They feel SO good!

My favourite trick in my mainly white bedroom is to collect second-hand all white but not matching bed linen. I soak it in bleach and hot wash before using, and it adds interest without adding colour (it also means that my partner doesn't have to try to ut a matching set of sheets on the bed, which he was never very good at, and it's really cheap).

http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/home-bedding/22607105.jsp
http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/home-bedding/093529.jsp

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/iron-bed-163015 this is still the most romantic, sexy bedroom i've ever seen. fur, red velvet, peonies, beautiful art. it's fem, modern, and clean without being frilly, lacy, or gaudy. my boyfriend even likes this room. also, with a few switches here and there, you could totally reinvent it as your mood changes.

i have to agree that this room doesn't look modern to me now. the side table is cluttered (not a bad thing, just not how i think of modern), and the lines are a little bit country. the fluted lampshade isn't particularly modern either. the pillow is tricky. while i see what a lot of the other comments mean by it looking college-y or childish, it's also a reminiscent of pop art. i don't know if pop art is romantic, but if that suits your aesthetic, go for it. i'd get a great print, and add other touches of neon and block color to the stark white and enjoy! (also, clear off your bedside table)

http://g-ec1.apartmenttherapy.com/3094702/from-right-bank_rect540.jpg i realized that the last link didn't take to the exact picture. i meant pic 7!