Accents and accessories for the bedroom

Luckily for those who love to decorate the bedroom, the job isn't finished when the bedding and furniture are picked out. There's an array of items that can form a secondary theme, or flesh out the first one.

Rugs are the first thing that come to mind. A stylish throw rug next to the bed, especially on hardwood floors, makes for a nice accent. They're practical and add to the overall look. They can be used to cover a high traffic area between an attached bathroom, as well.

Cloth wall hangings are a way to continue the color and design up into the vertical dimension. Whether a simple yarn abstract or an elaborate scene, such hangings have been a popular addition for a thousand years. Hunting scenes, peaceful pastures or any other image that integrates with the design of furniture and bedding is a good idea.

To illuminate those hangings, as well as the furniture and the overall room, a variety of lighting fixtures can be placed. The simple pole lamp has become popular in the past 20 years and the style options available today are unlimited. But track lights, hanging lamps and much more can fit the bill, too.

Those lighting fixtures can form the primary illumination for the room, or just throw a spot into a corner to add an accent. Adding shadows and bright areas uses light to make a design that alters the mood of the room any way that's desired.

For those who like another source of heat, or just an attractive decoration, a bedroom fireplace may be just the thing. They can be full sized and send out enough heat to cover the coldest nights anywhere. Or, one can select a miniature fireplace that provides a modest amount of warmth while giving maximum style.

Fireplaces for the bedroom can run on propane, special lamp oil-type fuels or even be simulated using electrical displays. They may be a modern, slender brick that gives a Scandinavian look. Or, they can provide a traditional American colonial accent that provides the perfect complement to that oak four-poster.

Bookshelves are another popular choice. Models are available that can be placed into the wall, similar to a bathroom medicine cabinet without the door. Or, the more usual type can be placed on L-supports. One interesting newer design hides the supports by using rods that insert into the shelf itself, while going into the wall in an L-shape behind the drywall or paneling.

Storage and closet organizers have expanded the usable space by making every cubic inch count. Modular designs allow for implementing more as needed. Movable shelves, wire racks and a thousand colors and patterns make it possible to find the one just right for your bedroom. Plastic, metal, wood or composite material options give you a choice perfect for your circumstances.

Don't let the decorating fun stop when you've arranged the bedding on that perfect piece of furniture. Pick out some bedroom accents that give the design that final touch.