As Laure reminded us, Valentine's Day is fast approaching and we thought we'd take a look at some ways to bring the love into your bedroom. No, we're not talking red lighting, heart-shaped water beds or black satin sheets (Did those things ever really work?). There are more subtle ways to transform it into a place that invites lingering...and other things. Here are some tips to take your bedroom from simple to sensual...
Declutter: A clean bedroom is the best turn-on. Keep your night tables clear, your sheets clean and your bed made.
Bedding: Whether your sheets are white or coloured, high thread count or t-shirt material, make sure they're clean and soft to the touch. We indulge and take our sheets to be cleaned and pressed once a week; we love slipping into freshly ironed sheets.
Lighting: Bringing down the lights instantly ups the romance. Uplights are one option or you might try putting your lights on dimmers (you can buy plug in adapters at your local hardware store). And, okay, we admit it, we like pink bulbs. Do your bedside lamps use CFLs? Try lining your lampshades with gold paper to counteract their harsh glow. Candles are another way to layer in light. Try scented candles while you're at it.
A rug: Bearskin maybe over the top but whether it's your feet or your back (it's nice to have options), a rug next to your bed is a must.
Privacy: Don't let the outside world intrude on your private time. To block out light, try blackout curtains. And, if you have children or roommates, consider a lock on your bedroom door.
Colour: Flatter your skin's tones with colours that make it glow. Stay away from anything green or yellow. Try pinks, peaches, grays, blues and browns.
Music: Whether it's an IPod doc or something more complex, let the music play. Even better if you create a special soundtrack.
Scents: Try scented candles or spraying your sheets with a linen spray. Flowers add a subtle fragrance, a welcome spot of colour and touch of luxury.
What do you do to up the sensuality factor in your bedroom?
[Image: Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery / New Line Cinema]
Good ideas. I love romantic and sexy bedrooms and not just for Valentine's Day...
Here are some of my favorite romantic bedrooms (I would spend Valentine's evening in each one of them)
http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/159/list/Romantic-bedrooms--great-not-just-for-Valentine-s-Day-
Now i need to convince my husband to install a fireplace in our bedroom...
view kimmiller's profile
I like to have Chocolate within reach of the bed. Oh yeah, nix the clock that shines the time on the ceiling! There are some times you DON'T want to know what time it is.
view royaltygirl's profile
I have three framed shunga illustrations from 19thC Japan in our bedroom. It's very clear that our room is a place for intimacy and sleep -- no work, tv, or anything else allowed!
view kimg924's profile
be aware of sounds...
A ticking clock is uh distracting!
view 2009sunshine's profile
This has nothing to do with sexy bedrooms, but I love the Austin Power's pic!
And yeah, a fireplace and/or candles are always great!
view mollybb's profile
No green? Nyeh.
view whytephoenix's profile
People always suggest music, but I find it terribly distracting, and sometimes embarrassing. No thanks!
view Mrs.Mack's profile
Freshly fluffed down pillows, a thick quilted mattress pad, and a good quality down comforter with a rich-looking duvet=a bed like a womb! No TV, no radio, low light.
view Meapale's profile