Sensuality is a very personal, hard to pin down floaty feeling that can be created in the most humble of abodes. A simple rustic bedroom, the average home and an extravagant palace can be just as endlessly sensual as each other. This is because a sensual mood isn't created by mere beautiful things.
A sensual bedroom is a place to dream, have long conversations and indulge in such sensory delights. It is a place to feel comfortable being intimate. So how can you create a sensual bedroom?
There is an endless variety of ways to create such lovely abundant feelings of sensuality in the bedroom. The trick is to remember that we absorb our surroundings through the five senses, the sight of gentle light on skin, the tactile feeling of soft sheets, the textures of pillows and throws and the scents and sounds of a room.
Here are a few tips to create the most sensual bedroom possible.
For pure, ethereal elegance envelop the bed in a canopy or get a four-poster bed like this one by Egger's Einrichten. Both will make the bed feel more spacious and super sensual and comfy. Go to town with the fabrics, gauzy yards of silky or even sheer fabrics that sway in the breeze from an open window will create a soft cocoon of subtle colours.
For sheets, silk and satin are perfect fabrics, but for warmer climates soft good quality sheets with a luxurious 400-1000 thread count can be just as luxurious. The silky feeling of great fabrics is not to be underestimated. For extra sensory indulgence, spray the linen with refreshing scents for the night!
All linens should have that plush, just-can't-wait-to-sink-into-it feeling, but with cushions, a little more extravagant indulgence can be added to the bedroom.
Textures such as velvet, velour or faux fur offer a luxurious effect. Soft, rich fabrics can be used for throw pillows and shawls. These should be things you love to touch or rest against.
While colour schemes are always personal, pearl and soft golds are known for their romance. It's best to steer clear of harsh colours that pop.
Nothing takes away a sensual atmosphere like a harsh cold light or an over lit room – and it's not exactly the most flattering light either.
Multiple small floor lamps or side lamps are perfect for creating the right ambience and texture in the room. A dimmer is a must as it will give flexibility to the lighting design and should be within reach of the bed. The other must is light globes on the warmer spectrum, yellow is the way to go. If the décor is suitable, a chandelier will add a fairytale element to the room.
Everybody knows that candles mean romance and comfortability, so a roaring fireplace definitely heats things up a notch or two. A fireplace – like the one pictured here – offers visual interest and the warm glow of a fire creates the gorgeous dim, yellow lighting, which is so flattering and easy on the eyes. If a real wood fire is possible, the sweet scent of burning wood will linger in the room for hours afterwards.
Sensuality is all about lifting our spaces from the pragmatic realm and into another world.
The undulating lines of a floral print or even wall lettering designs like a collection of romantic quotes are perfect. Avoid anything too harsh or contemplative. Large, light wall designs like this are increasingly popular and available in many, many designs. They avoid the stuffiness of framed pictures and give a room a modern, light and whimsical pretty flair.
After the bedding and lighting, the next most important things are the details. Many people concentrate on the bed and forget the draperies. These should be plush and abundant, falling to the ground to provide gauzy light and privacy.
Other accessories like a dressing table and mirror will add an old-world romance. If a fireplace isn't possible, candles are fantastic. To finish off the effect, add some simple flowers for a lovely fresh scent to the room that doesn't overpower.
For tips on how to create a great bedroom, have a look at this Ideabook: 6 tips for creating a romantic bedroom