
Brass Beds from Original Bedstead.
Remembered for the age of Jazz, the Red –Hot mamas, and the era of the Flapper, the Golden Twenties welcomed in a new and aspiring age of elaborate decoration and beautiful bedrooms. Those optimistic post-war times are now often fondly referred to as the “Mad Decade”, as weary nations embraced a new wave of consumer goods, new technology, and design trends which were to manifest themselves within the home in the form of opulently large furniture and glamorous accessories.
Decorating a bedroom in these more recent times requires a passion for the Roaring Twenties style and more than a little creativity. And yet, with care and a bit of research, the twenties look is not difficult to recreate, for a nostalgic room setting that has as much inspirational relevance today, as it would have had 90 years ago…
This short post is intended merely to whet the appetite for further research and as a guide to the task ahead, although it’s no surprise to find that colour and wall treatments are key to getting the look just right, and particularly so for this theme. The 1920s were a time when decorating bedrooms took a lot of effort to ensure that details were emphasised. Floral wallpaper would have been favoured for the walls, and colour coordination with room fabrics and bed dressings was essential.
Likewise attention to detail would have extended to the window treatments with rich elaborate pleated curtains adorning large windows. Window fabrics should be lined for warmth and authenticity, and incorporate braided tasselled curtain tie backs for a touch of twenties style.
Furniture from the era would have been grand and assured. Wooden beds styles with broad wooden head ends and corner post detailing were popular, as were elaborate traditionally styled iron beds or glamorous antique brass beds with glorious rich patinas. These designs were a legacy of the not long-departed Victorian era, and their intricate detailing and romantic aura, would surely have had particular relevance for a style conscious nation, hungry for a comfortable lifestyle and more prosperous times?
Complement the traditional bed with marble topped wooden or metal bedside tables which you might choose to decorate with a little collection of ornaments, a cluster of framed family photos or a bedside lamp with a richly coloured pleated shade. A vanity area is also essential and a dresser and mirror combination in dark mahogany, loaded with silver scent bottles and hair brush sets would be de rigueur.
Accentuate and accessorise the bedroom with sumptuous linens for the bed, and richly coloured cushions and bolsters for an extra level of comfort. Gilded framed paintings and bevelled glass wall mirrors create space and an extra dimension, whilst golden-edged free standing floor lamps might cast a warm glow across collections of decorative storage boxes or a line of leather bound reference books within a pretty dark wood book stand.
For timeless bedroom comfort and a design theme that exudes vintage style in abundance, look no further than the Roaring twenties, to transform those moments of quiet relaxation and bedtime slumbers…




