Design Tips for Your Master Bedroom

When most people think of a bedroom, the first things that pop into their minds are a big bed, a cozy blanket, and lots of pillows. Obviously, you’ll want a comfortable place to sleep. However, choosing a bed and its accouterments is only one small part of creating the perfect space to relax. It’s time to think beyond the bed and add a little technology, for the bedroom of your dreams.

 

TV. To capitalize on the privacy and comfort a bedroom can afford, you’ll need a large, state-of-the-art TV. There are several 4K Ultra HD TV options that will deliver an eye-popping 3840 × 2160 resolution—even when those eyes are ready for the sandman. If you’re looking for a smaller size for this smaller space, consider going for an HDTV. While 4K is definitely the best of the best and it does come in smaller sizes, you may not get the effect you want in those smaller rooms. That means that a nice 1080p LED TV should do the trick and won’t be as expensive.

 

Whether you opt for 4K or 1080p, your bedroom TV should be a smart TV. Most newer TVs are smart TVs, so you can stream all sorts of movies, TV shows, music, and games straight to the TV, without an add-on box. If you’re opting to put an older TV into the bedroom, there are several add-on media players and streaming sticks, which can easily add smart TV features to any set with the appropriate port available.

 

Audio. Just because you’re horizontal doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t rock out. A whole-house audio system is the best way to bring music to the bedroom. This allows you to experience music, traffic, weather, and whatever else you like to, all by touching a keypad on the wall or even a button on your smartphone. This type of setup also means you can experience sound without having the components cluttering the dresser. That’s because a whole-house music system can access sources that are safety tucked into another part of the house.

 

Even if you don’t have a whole-house music system hardwired, there are a few ways to get music into the bedroom. The most obvious way is by using wireless speakers. While there are several stand-alone wireless speakers, a wireless whole-house music system can deliver web services and stored music all over the house. Typically, these systems have a main server or hub, which can feed speakers (also known as “clients”) that are sprinkled throughout the house.

 

If you want theater-type sound in this space, consider a soundbar. These one-box solutions have come a long way over the years. While having one speaker will never replace a full speaker complement, there are many soundbar options worth having in your home—especially in the bedroom. The soundbar is also easy to mount and many do come with a wireless subwoofer, which can boost the overall experience without being limited to a specific spot in the room.

 

1. Like every other room in the house, you’re going to want web access in the bedroom. This is where you’ll binge-watch Netflix and stream one-hit wonders. It’s also the place where you’ll want access to electronic systems, such as shades, lighting, and even security. Unless you have all of your systems hardwired, you will need a good Wi-Fi connection in the bedroom. Since most people don’t install the router right outside of the bedroom, consider adding a Wi-Fi extender. For many, the bedroom is often an out-of-the-way space, so you’ll want to get the signal to that room—and want it to be good.

 

Lighting. Even if you don’t spend most of your time in the bedroom, this space still needs some type of lighting control for what might be the most relaxing time of the day. A system that can arrange more than a dozen individual lighting scenes might be a little over the top for sleeping spaces, but you’ll still want a system that can adjust the lights appropriately for reading, sleeping, clean up, romance, and possibly to light a path to the bathroom.

 

Whether you have a few smart bulbs or a full-blown home control system, it’s a good idea to keep a touchpanel, smartphone, or other type of controller on the nightstand in your bedroom. That way, you can adjust the lighting, as well as the thermostats, ceiling fans, security, and other connected subsystems, all before closing your eyes.

 

Motorized Shades. Some people have a lot of trouble waking up in the morning, especially when the bedroom blinds are keeping the room dark. Motorized blinds can be programmed to automatically open when your alarm goes off. If you don’t need to wake at a specific time, they can be synced with a smart home system that triggers the shades to open at sunrise (based on an astronomical clock). If you wake before the sun comes up, use your lighting control system to slowly bring the light level up to full brightness at a predetermined time.

 

Conversely, if you need the blinds closed when you’re getting dressed, you can program them to automatically give you privacy when you exit the shower. A professional integrator can come up with several ways to achieve this.

 

Control

Every piece of audio and video equipment seems to come with its own remote control. To minimize confusion and tabletop clutter, consider consolidating those devices and commands into a universal remote or a tablet. Just know that most remotes use infrared (IR) signals, so if you plan to tuck equipment inside a closet or cabinet, you may need to upgrade to a remote that operates using radio-frequency (RF) airwaves. Because RF signals travel through walls, floors, and furniture, you don’t need to point the remote directly at the equipment for the commands to be received. In fact, the remote can even work from underneath the blankets!

 

Many devices and universal remotes also have apps these days, so you can operate the same equipment using your trusty smartphone or tablet. Consider a universal app, so you can combine audio, video, lights, and other smart devices. Just make sure your corresponding equipment works with your portable’s platform.

 

 

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