The Anatomy of a Bedroom: How to Create the Ultimate Restful Sanctuary

Whether you live in a small apartment or sprawling suburban house, there's one room that takes priority: the bedroom. It's your sanctuary, and once you step inside, all the worries and stress of the day should melt away, leaving you with an overwhelming feeling of calm.

It all starts with a bed you can't wait to sink into at the end of the day — and a few other key decor pieces. Here's how to design and decorate your ideal bedroom, whether you're working with 70 or 500 square feet.

As with any room, the easiest starting point for decorating a bedroom is with the largest pieces of furniture. Start with the focal point: the bed. Whether you choose an upholstered bed frame or geometric wooden headboard, the bed will lead you to a coordinating dresser, nightstand, and any other furniture you might need.

Next, focus on the pieces that will ensure you get a great night's sleep. Spend some time finding your ideal mattress, mattress topper, and pillows. After all, you're going to be sleeping in this bed night after night — it better be comfortable. Buttery soft sheets are the cherry on top.

Your bedding offers one of the biggest opportunities to make a style statement in your bedroom. Will you opt for feminine florals, refined neutrals, or bold geometric stripes? Either way, the linens you choose will give your room its personality.

Now that you've taken care of all the essentials, it's time to have some fun. Pick out all kinds of small accent pieces that complement your design vision, from glitzy mirrored trays to textured wall tapestries to vibrant throw pillows. The more personalized, the better. The decor you choose is really what turns a regular room into a relaxing oasis.