What does it mean to have a masculine bedroom? There are many different ways to achieve a manly ambiance in that special room, and all of them make a statement about the fellow who sleeps there. When a pleasing masculinity is achieved, a place speaks of man who lives in a style that’s straightforward yet comfortable. The atmosphere in this most personal part of the home is one that handsomely accommodates the man who claims the space yet is welcoming and approachable for everyone—and can be enjoyed by couples as well.

What are the elements of a masculine bedroom?

Here are a few fundamentals about the look and feel that a stylistically satisfying men’s bedroom needs to have.

• It’s clean, open and airy. Negative or empty space is effectively used. There’s a sense of calmness and peace about the place.
• It favors straight lines and hard edges.
• It’s functional but not necessarily barebones. It can be classic or rugged, industrial or modern. There’s no rule against stylishness, elegance and luxury.
• It has a sense of organization. There isn’t clutter about. Things have a place.
• The furnishings and decor consist of a few carefully chosen items. It never looks crowded.
• It reflects the tastes of a mature and independent adult. It’s not a boy’s room or a man cave with pennants and kitschy posters. Other rooms are suitable for that kind of look and feel.

Read on for some practical ways to bring these men’s’ bedroom ideas to life.

The Bed

The bed and its headboard are the visual anchor of the room. Its selection and placement lead the way. Whether it’s in a traditional position with the headboard against the primary wall or is offset against a wall or corner, it’s the first thing in the room to draw the eye. It can declare the room’s primary color or can be an accent. There a several ways to express masculinity in your bed choice. For example, it can have a rustic wood frame and a homey bedspread or can be of a sophisticated polished wood with a dark plush comforter.

Colors, Materials, Lighting

Neutrals such a beige and gray work well in the masculine bedroom, as do darks: the blues, blacks and browns. Layers of darker shades are effective, as well as a mix of light shades with black accents. The accents colors might show up on large items such as bedspreads and curtains or smaller ones such as pillows and wall art.

Natural materials are the order of the day, especially leather and wood. Wood pieces with striations or multiple tones are possible. Suede and natural fabrics work well. Heavy pillows and sliding closet doors lend a manly feel to the bedroom. Satin sheets and plush bedding, along with substantial tapestry and curtains, aren’t requirements but are an option that produce the “king in his palace” feel.

Lighting should be subtle. If room colors are dark, pay special attention to using light to bring out richness, as it plays off the walls and other surfaces. Indirect lighting is best and comes from recessed light and shaded lamps. As for the style of these lamps, consider ones that are modern but not ostentatious.

What furniture belongs in a men’s bedroom?

The bed is primary, but if the room is spacious it’s good to have a secondary focal point. Of course, you’ll have a chest or dresser and a nightstand or two, and a dresser can be the focus, but it doesn’t have to be positioned to catch the eye.

There just might be a suitable spot where a leather chair complements and balances the bed. A rug or a work or wall art can also be a secondary focus. A bench at the foot extends the bed and expands its role as the center of attention.

A desk presents a trickier proposition. Limitations of the home might require a desk in the bedroom, but the common type with a hutch and drawers can be a distraction and attract that unwanted clutter. However, a simple flat drawerless desk with a tasteful free-standing cabinet for storage can maintain the desired minimalist look.

If there’s a television or audio equipment, it shouldn’t take center stage. Wall mount TV sets are good, but when equipment is on a stand, the stand ought to emphasize itself as furniture rather than the gear it holds. If there’s a gaming console, keep it to the background when it’s not in use.

What decor belongs in a masculine bedroom?

There ought not be too much of it. Wall art and bookshelf decor should be grown-up and tasteful. Modern pieces, including geometric patterns, are good choices. That garish bowling trophy belongs elsewhere.

Small mirrors add a nice tone. But no 70’s full wall or ceiling mirrors, please.

A key, in decor or any other facet of masculine bedroom design, is restraint. There are a lot of masculine bedroom ideas, but use only some of them. You’ll wind up with a tasteful space that not only suits a mature and independent man but can also be an ideal space for anyone who enjoys clean and sophisticated design, including couples.