What Will Testosterone Do To Me Ftm

What Will Testosterone Do To Me Ftm

FTM Testosterone Therapy Basics

DISCLAIMER
The information contained herein is to be used for educational purposes only. The author is not a medical professional, and this information should not be considered medical advice. This information should NOT be used to replace consultation with or treatment by a trained medical professional. The listing of a medication herein does not imply endorsement by the author.

Overview
What kind of changes does T therapy bring?
Other changes reported by trans men
Will T make me a different person?
How fast do the changes happen?
If I double up my doses, will my changes happen twice as fast?
Can I decide which changes I will get?
Do I have to stay on T my whole life?
What will happen if I stop taking T? What changes are permanent?
Bone Density: An important factor to consider
What are the different types of testosterone available, and how do I take them?
What are the health concerns associated with FTM testosterone therapy?
Where can I find reliable information about testosterone and health care to show my doctor?

Also check out the page "Myths and Misconceptions about Testosterone, Transition, and Trans Men" for additional information.

Overview
For trans men who have been born into "typically female bodies" (i.e., bodies that have functional ovaries), as well as trans men who were born into intersex bodies, the goal of testosterone therapy is to induce and maintain the presence of masculine secondary sex characteristics.

In FTM testosterone therapy, testosterone (often called "T" for short) can be administered into the body in a number of ways. The most common method is injection (either subcutaneous or intermuscular) with a syringe. Other delivery methods include transdermal application through gel, cream, or patch applied to the skin; orally by swallowing tablets (this method is very uncommon as it has been shown to have negative effects on the liver); sublingually/buccally by dissolving a tablet under the tongue or against the gums; or by a pellet inserted under the skin. The T-delivery method used will depend on the type of medication available in the country of treatment, the health risks/benefits for the patient, personal preference, and cost.

Testosterone is not stored by the body for future use, so in order to maintain healthy levels, it must be administered in timed intervals and in appropriate dosages. Injectable and subcutaneous T pellets remain active in the body the longest. Injectable T is typically administered between once a week to once every three weeks, and subcutaneous T pellets are replaced every 3-4 months. Transdermal T (patch, gel, or cream) is typically applied to the skin in smaller daily doses; oral and sublingual/buccal T are also typically taken daily. (For more information on different types of T and common dosages, click here.)

What kind of changes does T therapy bring?
Over time, the ongoing administration of testosterone will result in the development of masculine secondary sex characteristics, as well as the cessation of menses (monthly periods).

The following masculinizing effects can be expected as a result of testosterone therapy. These effects may take several months to be noticeable, and will continue to develop over a period of years.

• Thickening of the vocal chords and deepening of the voice
• Facial hair growth (mustache and/or beard growth)
• Increased body hair growth (notably on arms, legs, chest, belly, and back)
• Increased body musculature
• Enlargement of the clitoris
• Cessation of menses (monthly periods)
• Potential hair loss at the temples and crown of the head, resulting in a more masculine hairline; possibly male-pattern baldness
• Migration of body fat to a more masculine pattern (i.e., fat deposits shifting from hips, thighs and buttocks to the abdomen area)
• Increased activity of the skin's oil glands (i.e., skin becomes more oily, which may result in acne)
• Increase in red blood cells (RBC)
• Change in cholesterol levels may occur-- the "good" cholesterol (HDL) may go down and the "bad" cholesterol (LDL) may go up.
• Scent of body odors and urine may change
• Skin may become rougher in feeling and/or appearance.
• Increase in sex drive

Other changes reported by trans men
The changes listed below have been noted anecdotally by some trans men, but are not usually listed in the medical literature as masculinizing effects of testosterone therapy.

• The face may become more angular in appearance, with a squarer jaw.
• Increase in size of feet and/or the width/thickness of hands. Some trans men report going up in shoe size, and some report that their hands become a bit wider. This may be attributed to cartilage, muscle, or connective tissue growth.
• Increase in energy level.
• Increase in appetite.
• Slight decrease in density of the fatty breast tissue. (While this may decrease the size of the breasts somewhat in some individuals, it should be noted that T will most likely not significantly decrease breast size-- most trans men require surgery to remove breast tissue.)
• Emotional changes. Some trans men report shortness of temper or feeling lethargic/down at different stages of their T cycle (i.e., just after a shot, or a few days before their shot). Others report that T has made them feel more even-tempered and calm. It is difficult to predict what emotional changes, if any, an individual will experience while taking T. As with any new medication or substance you might introduce into your body, it is wise to observe your feelings, make note of them, and discuss them with your doctor if they concern you. Certain emotional ups and downs might be alleviated by adjusting the amount and timing of the dosage, and sometimes these ups and downs will settle down over time on testosterone.

Will T make me a different person?
Many people worry that taking T will drastically change their personality, or that it will make them become a different person on the inside. While T may effect certain moods and feelings, it is generally not considered to be something that will magically change who a person is at their core. Of course, taking T is usually a life-changing experience, and with any life-changing experience one can expect to feel some changes, both good and bad. However, for the most part, the person taking T will not suddenly become someone else. (See also Myths and Misconceptions about Testosterone, Transition, and Trans Men for a more detailed discussion of this point.)

How fast do the changes happen?
The speed at which changes take place will differ depending on several variables, including the dosage of T, the intervals at which it is taken, the delivery method used, and the individual's own bodily sensitivity to the effects of testosterone. In other words, not all individuals will see the same results from T therapy-- even at the same dosage and over the same period of time!

Results are influenced by genetic make-up/heredity. Some men (both trans and non-trans) simply do not tend to grow thick facial or body hair. Some men tend toward male-pattern baldness, and some tend toward deeper voices. There will always be a range in the characteristics that different individuals will develop.

It has been hypothesized that the earlier hormone therapy is started in life, the more effective it will be in terms of masculinizing effects. However, many trans men have begun hormone therapy late in life and have been very satisfied with their results.

In general, the first changes noticed by most trans men upon starting T therapy are lowering of the voice, increased sex drive, and enlargement of the clitoris. These changes usually begin to happen within the first few months of hormone treatment.

Changes from taking testosterone are cumulative, meaning that they build gradually over time. Between the first 6 to 12 months of treatment, many trans guys note the culmination of enough physical changes so that they begin to be read as men "on the street." The most major changes have usually set in between 2 to 5 years, though trans men continue to report hair growth, hair loss, and other changes for many years to come. It may take several years, for example, for a beard to fully grow in, even though the first signs of facial hair might begin on the upper lip or chin during the first few months of treatment.

If I double up my doses, will my changes happen twice as fast?
Believe it or not, it is possible that doubling your dose might actually slow your changes. This is because excess testosterone in your body can be converted into estrogen by an enzyme called "aromatase." This conversion is part of the body's natural feedback system-- if there is an abundance of testosterone in the body, it is converted ("aromatized") to estrogen in order to maintain a "normal" hormonal balance. Therefore, taking very large doses of testosterone might not be a great idea.

Be patient. Speak openly to your doctor, have your T levels checked periodically (especially during the first year of treatment), take note of your changes and the feelings in your body, and adjust your dosage within reasonable limits if necessary. You might even find that a slightly lower dose could work better for you.

For more on T dosing, click here to go to the section "Testosterone Types and Delivery."

Can I decide which changes I will get?
It is not possible to pick and choose which changes will come with T therapy, just as it is impossible to predict exactly when they will occur and to what degree. You might look at your father, male siblings or other male relatives on either side of your family to try to predict possible results, but even that might not be an accurate indicator of what is to come.

Consider, too, the fact that most non-trans boys cannot pick and choose what happens to their own bodies when they go through puberty. Some non-trans guys end up with acne while others have clear skin, some grow lots of facial hair quickly while others can never grow a beard or mustache, some develop deep voices while others might see little change in their voices over time, some experience male-pattern baldness at and early age while others keep a full head of hair their whole lives, and so on. There is a wide range of characteristics in all men (and in all people, for that matter), and we cannot always predict which changes or characteristics we will develop individually.

Do I have to stay on T my whole life?
Generally, most trans men remain on a maintenance level of T for their whole lives, even after they have gone through significant masculinization. There are a number of reasons for this, both health-related and emotionally-related.

First, if your ovaries are still present and functional, the cessation of testosterone may cause the return of certain feminine body characteristics, including monthly periods (see section below on "What changes are permanent?" for more information on stopping T). Second, if your ovaries have been removed or are no longer functional and you stop taking testosterone, your body will not be able to produce a "normal" amount of either estrogen or testosterone by itself. This would cause a menopause-like state, which could include hot flashes, loss of bone mass (see also the section below on bone density), and other health considerations. Maintaining a level of testosterone within a healthy range over the lifetime of a trans man can protect against those potential problems. There are differing medical opinions as to the benefits and drawbacks to hormone replacement therapies-- be sure to speak to your doctor if you are considering stopping testosterone therapy for any reason.

There are other reasons why trans men remain on T for their whole lives. Many feel more emotionally balanced and at home in their bodies with a maintenance level of testosterone. T can also help maintain the libido. Finally, for some men, testosterone is an integral part of their male identity.

What will happen if I stop taking T? What changes are permanent?
You may choose to stop taking T at any time, either for health or personal reasons. Some of the effects of testosterone are permanent, and some are reversible, as summarized below.

It should be noted that starting and stopping hormone therapies will have a major effect on your body as it is forced to adjust to changes. Therefore, all health considerations should be weighed carefully with a medical professional before beginning or ending any hormonal treatment.

Voice: The voice should stay at the pitch level that it has reached at the point T therapy is stopped.

Facial/body hair: The hair that has come in on the face and body at the point of stopping T will continue to grow in, but large quantities of new hair will most likely not appear. If an individual has developed a patchy beard, it will probably remain in that same patchy state upon quitting T; he will be able to shave it and it should continue to grow back. It might change slightly in texture or growth rate-- depending in part on whether the individual's ovaries are still active and producing estrogen-- but the beard will not disappear. Electrolysis would be required for permanent hair removal.

Clitoris growth: Will generally stay at the length/thickness it has grown to in its flaccid state.

Muscle/fat changes: Will revert back to more female patterns, if the ovaries are still present and active. If the individual does not have a large body fat percentage to begin with and remains trim, a return to female fat patterns won't be as dramatic.

Hair Loss on Head: There have been different anecdotal reports regarding the rate of hair loss upon stopping T. Some individuals who have quit taking T report that their hair loss stopped immediately. Others report that their hair continued to fall out for a while after stopping T. If an individual has lost some head hair, it most likely will not grow back upon stopping T.

Menstrual cycle: If the ovaries are still working, menses will return.

Skin oils and acne may lessen.

Body scent may change.

Sex drive may decrease.

Red blood cell count and cholesterol levels will probably revert to levels that are closer to the prior, pre-T levels. Again, whether or not an individual has functioning ovaries may play a part in the results, as will overall health.

Bone Density: An important factor to consider
In general, the maintenance of healthy bone density in all people is partly dependent on both estrogen and testosterone levels. When an individual's body produces estrogen as its main sex hormone (as in the case of female-bodied people), that estrogen in healthy levels protects against bone loss. If a female-bodied person were to begin testosterone therapy, there would be a time of transition in the body while hormone levels adjust. While testosterone would soon become a more dominant presence in the body of a trans man, he would still retain some estrogen in his system, both through the presence of his ovaries (if he has not had an oophorectomy) and/or via the natural aromatization of testosterone into estrogen (which takes place whether or not the ovaries are still present and functional).

If a trans man discontinues testosterone therapy, there are two possible outcomes for his hormone balance. If he still has his ovaries and they are still functional, the cessation of testosterone would shift the body back to a more estrogen-dominant system.

If he no longer has functional ovaries due to oophorectomy or some other reason, then the cessation of testosterone would leave him without a significant amount of either testosterone or estrogen in his system. This would be problematic for maintaining bone density. Some medical professionals therefore advise against stopping testosterone treatment once the ovaries have been surgically removed or are no longer functional. It is thought that continuing a maintenance dose of testosterone (or estrogen, in the event that an individual no longer wishes to continue testosterone therapy, though this would of course have feminizing effects) will help protect against bone loss and osteoporosis, a condition that literally means "porous bones."

An individual can also help protect against bone loss by taking calcium supplements and performing weight-bearing exercise. All these factors should be considered and discussed with your doctor to help ensure healthy bones.

What are the different types of testosterone available, and how do I take them?
To learn learn more about the different types of testosterone, examples of dosages, and the different delivery methods for testosterone, please go to the section "Testosterone Types and Delivery."

What are the health concerns associated with FTM testosterone therapy?
To learn more about related health concerns, please go to the section "FTM Testosterone Therapy and General Health."

Where can I find reliable information about testosterone and health care to show my doctor?
Check out the following two web sites, which contain free, downloadable information written by care providers for care providers and trans patients. You may wish to forward these web addresses to your care provider(s).

Dr. Nick Gorton's site
www.nickgorton.org
Contains the downloadable book Medical Therapy and Health Maintenance for Transgender Men: A Guide For Health Care Providers by R. Nick Gorton MD, Jamie Buth MD, and Dean Spade Esq. This is the most complete care guide available for FTM patients to date-- an excellent resource to show your doctor.

Trans Care Project of Vancouver, British Colombia
www.vch.ca/transhealth/resources/tcp.html
Completed in January of 2006, the Trans Care Project created a series of training materials and practice guidelines for clinicians treating trans patients, as well as consumer information about trans health for trans people-- FTM and MTF. Their materials are downloadable in PDF, and cover numerous topics of concern to trans people and their care providers. Another great site to show your doctor.

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What Will Testosterone Do To Me Ftm

Source: http://www.ftmguide.org/ttherapybasics.html

White Bedroom Set Full Size Bed

White Bedroom Set Full Size Bed

Bedfolk

PSA: there are plenty of Black Friday deals dropping this week on plenty of our favourite bedding brands – including beds and mattresses and lots of our favourite Egyptian cotton sheets too. It's no exception on linen sheets either: have a look below for the sale stickers to bag a discount on some of these cosy sets.

There's not much better than the feeling of slipping into fresh sheets – and what if we told you that there's a sustainable, hardwearing and temperature-regulating bedding material that actually looks better when it hasn't been ironed?

Yes, linen bedding has many perks aside from its lovely rumpled finish. Made from the flax plant, this natural (and completely biodegradable) material requires no additional water to grow aside from rain and, with care, should last upwards of 50 years. So, if you're looking to replace your current sheets, it makes a great sustainable option.

Linen is good for hot sleepers too: the looser weave means it's much better for maintaining airflow and wicks away moisture more quickly than polyester or cotton. Finally, it actually gets softer the more it's washed, so making one investment now guarantees many good night sleeps to come.

While a good set can be on the pricier side, it's always worth spending on good quality items that see every day use. Bed sheets definitely counts here – after all, we spend a third of our lives asleep!

Check out some of our favourite linen bedding sets below.

Brisa linen bedding set

We love Made's midcentury vibe for our furniture and now we can add a finishing touch to our bedroom with one of the brand's pretty linen bedding sets. There are 11 colours to choose from, but our pick is this subtle seafoam green – it's super fresh and airy for summer. A few colourways are on sale for Black Friday – fingers crossed they're your favourites.

Best value linen bedding set

Linen White Bedding Set

Habitat habitat.co.uk

£80.00

A full linen bedding set for under £100? Sign us up. Habitat's colour selection is smaller than some of the other brands on this list (choose from fresh white, blue or grey) but at this price, we're certainly not complaining.

Softest linen bedding

Linen Bedding Bundle

Bedfolk bedfolk.com

£139.00

We were really impressed with Bedfolk's linen bedding range— if you want something that's seriously soft, this one is hard to beat. It comes in a handy matching storage bag to keep everything tidy in your drawer, too.

Best linen bedding hybrid

Linen bamboo duvet set

Eve Sleep evesleep.co.uk

£139.00

The GHI-approved mattress-in-a-box company has released a range of bedding extras, including some linen bedding. Unlike the others on this list, this set combines linen with bamboo, for extra softness. We like the contrasting colour on the edges, too.

100% linen bedding

John Lewis & Partners johnlewis.com

£15.00

John Lewis has individual sheets, duvet covers and pillowcases on offer in an array of nine soft, muted colours – including Oxford pillowcases, in case you'd like something a little more fancy.

French linen bedding

Soak & Sleep soakandsleep.com

£25.00

We're always impressed with the quality of Soak & Sleep's products (the 500 thread-count cotton bedding is fabulous) so we like that the brand also has a linen range. There's a good range of shades that you can mix and match – or you can save 5% if you buy a bundle. You can also use codeBF20for an extra 20% off for Black Friday.

Best mix-and-match linen bedding sets

Elina linen bedding

La Redoute laredoute.co.uk

£52.00

Turn your bedroom into a calming sanctuary – La Redoute's linen bedding comes in an impressive 24 colours in some very soothing shades. If you're tempted, please bear in mind that this is a French brand. It does now have a UK warehouse, but a lot of stock is still shipped straight from France, so your order may take around seven to 10 days to arrive. In keeping with this brand's famous sales, you can save 50% off for Black Friday right now.

Best washed linen bedding set

Washed linen bedding

Cox & Cox coxandcox.co.uk

£120.00

Cox & Cox's offering has a luxurious, feminine feel. We've not spotted any other retailer selling linen bedding with these sweet ruffled edges, for example.

European flax linen bedding

West Elm westelm.co.uk

£419.00

West Elm's linen sets have been given a wash treatment to give them a subtle two-tone effect; making each set unique. Linen here is pricey, but you can bag £100 off right now, bringing the price of a white double set down to £250 from £359. That'll help you sleep better.

Best reversible linen bedding

Cercosa linen bedding

Urbanara urbanara.co.uk

£84.00

Urbanara has a good selection of linen bedding on offer on its website – but we like this reversible option, which makes us feel like we're getting two sets for the price of one.

100% stonewashed linen bedding

Simple&Opulence amazon.co.uk

£105.99

You wouldn't necessarily expect Amazon to be your go-to luxury bedding shop, so we were pleasantly surprised to find this 100% linen shop crop up here. Free Prime delivery is always a bonus, especially when you're super keen to snuggle up in your brand new sheets.

Best made-to-order linen bedding set

Linen bedding set

The Prancing Hare etsy.com

£97.90

This Etsy seller makes everything to order, so you know you're getting something special. There's also IKEA size-specific options, in case you have one of its awkwardly-sized mattresses.

Best striped linen bedding

Ticking stripe linen bedding

Chalk Pink Linen Co chalkpinklinencompany.co.uk

£215.00

How classic is this striped duvet set? We thought this linen bedding was very high quality, remaining soft and lovely even after a couple of washes. For bonus points, the package was very nice, upon delivery too – it came with a little box of herbal teabags to enjoy, which we thought was very sweet.

Best linen bedding bundle

Sage green linen bedding

We found it tough to choose our favourite colour from Piglet's gorgeous range but this soothing sage option clinched it. A bedding set from this quality brand is an investment, but you get lots for your money. Unlike the other bundles we've seen, Piglet's bedding sets include four pillowcases (including two white ones) and both a flat and a fitted sheet. Naturally, the material is super soft, too.

Use codeBF20 for 20% off this week.

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White Bedroom Set Full Size Bed

Source: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/house-and-home/g31133489/linen-bedding/

Blue Aesthetic Bedroom

Blue Aesthetic Bedroom

The light blue aesthetic bedroom decoration is an interesting inspiration that you can apply at home so it doesn't seem monotonous.

You can apply various design inspirations in an interesting way, even if they look different from the others.

One theme that is suitable to be applied at home is a combination of light blue, with flowing and natural textures.

So, what is the theme of the light blue aesthetic bedroom decoration that is interesting to emulate? Check out the discussion together!

light blue aesthetic bedroom.

There are several light blue themed minimalist bedroom decorations that you can apply in an interesting and natural way.

Check out the following image inspiration to design unique decorations and always look different.

1. Minimalist rustic combination

To produce a natural atmosphere, the best way you can do is to combine a bedroom design with minimalist rustic accents.

The rustic combination refers to the use of rattan-style bedroom decorations and furniture on the side of the mattress or minimalist chair, so that it looks more attractive.

2. Light blue minimalist bedroom decoration with three-dimensional texture

A light blue aesthetic bedroom decoration with a three-dimensional effect is an accent choice that looks attractive even if it's anti-mainstream.

The three-dimensional effect refers to the use of murals even though the decorative decoration applied to the walls of the room is blue.

Meanwhile, you can apply the blue decorations and inspiration in the picture to your toddler's room so they can rest perfectly.

3. Feminine theme with light blue accents

Light blue is one of the colors that is universal, even though it is suitable to be combined with masculine and feminine textures.

One of them is the selection of feminine colors with floral motifs and pink colors that look aesthetic and soothing.

In addition, this minimalist bedroom decoration is also more attractive with the presence of a very beautiful bedroom lamp decoration in the middle.

4. Minimalist blue-gray bedroom decor with a masculine texture

Gray is one of the masculine color combinations that is often combined with blue in minimalist bedroom decorations.

The choice of a combination of light blue and minimalist gray is often applied attractively to produce a touch of color that looks natural in the bedroom.

5. The combination of classic and aesthetic in the bedroom

Minimalist classics are the best inspiration to produce a comfortable and free side in the bedroom.

Meanwhile, the selection of wooden floors, rattan decorations in light blue-gray colors look aesthetically pleasing and match the rest of the room.

6. Tropical bedroom with rustic combination

Tropical nuances are the best inspiration to produce a minimalist bedroom design at home.

The tropical combination refers to the selection of blue and light green colors that look solid, so it looks pleasing to the eye.

The inspiration for this tropical room will look even more attractive, especially if the house you live in is in a coastal area.

Read also: 60 pictures of girls bedroom ideas for small rooms

7. Light blue accents with a pastel greenish texture

Light blue minimalist bedroom decorations not only coincide with green accents, but also look attractive with light green colors.

You can also apply a pastel greenish-blue texture to the bedroom to make it look attractive with a warm, feminine atmosphere.

To increase the element of beauty, there is nothing wrong if the color is combined with pink accents and flower paintings.

8. Looks aesthetically in a narrow room

Besides being natural, light blue is also the best combination to make it look spacious in a narrow bedroom.

You can also combine blue and light green stripes to make it look attractive and different in the bedroom with a touch of minimalist wallpaper.

9. Light blue with white combination

Similar but not the same, white and light blue inspiration always looks attractive and free in a comfortable bedroom.

You can apply the two color combinations easily, even if you add decorative wood accents on the side of the bed.

10. Two-level blue minimalist bedroom design

If you live in a narrow house, the inspiration for a two-story bedroom design is the best match that deserves to be applied.

Not only does it look comfortable, this blue color also looks aesthetic with wall decorations and a touch of classic minimalist wood.

11. The combination of blue and custard in the bedroom is full of warmth

The light blue color is one of the pastel combinations that is easy to create in many forms of space, including the choice of custard color.

Meanwhile, the custard combination on the bedroom side looks attractive as an important part in a minimalist gradation with a beautiful but minimalist three-color effect.

12. Scottish blue design with luxurious accents

Scottish bedroom accents can be the best match as a minimalist bedroom decoration for men.

The Scottish-style combination that you can apply refers to the color, floor, and selection of decorative brown shades that look beautiful.

Read also: Dark Blue Aesthetic Bedroom

13. Aesthetic-looking sky blue combination

In addition to the color of water, light blue is also full of meaning with a very beautiful and soothing sky accent.

Not only color textures, you can also add a touch of cloud-shaped wallpaper with natural nuances that look spacious and aesthetic.

Thus the inspiration for the light blue aesthetic bedroom decoration that you can apply at home. Good luck and congratulations on designing your dream home.

Blue Aesthetic Bedroom

Source: https://www.gmboel.com/2021/09/light-blue-aesthetic-bedroom.html

How To Design A Bedroom

How To Design A Bedroom

Looking for tips on how to design a bedroom? Well, we have you covered. When it comes to bedroom design, it's all about creating the perfect balance between style and function. It's not easy, so we've created a ten step guide for success so that you can design a bedroom yourself, that looks beautiful and suits your style but is a practical space too. After all, we spend an impressive third of our lives sleeping, it is so worth investing a little time and effort in this room, right?

We cover everything from layout to lighting, and from paint colors to flooring options. Just keep scrolling to start working your magic.

Want more inspiration and ideas? Check out our bedroom ideas page to get your transformation just right.

Where do you start when designing a bedroom?

(Image credit: Little Greene)

It can be tricky to know where to start when designing a bedroom, and really you need to always bed considering all the elements that will ultimately create harmony in your space. BUT, if you want an easy jumping-off point we'd suggest start by creating a mood board. Get on Pinterest or flick through magazines and start collecting bedroom designs you like. You'll soon start to see clear themes come through – the same colors, styles and patterns and you can start visualizing how you would like your room to end up looking.

Then you need to assess your actual space and think about what is realistically going to work. Look at how big your bedroom is, its shape, natural light levels and any features that you may need to think about a bit more carefully when you come to filling it with furniture.

And then it's just a case of following our easy guide to how to design a bedroom to start making those Pinterest dreams a reality...

1. Choose the best colour for your bedroom

(Image credit: James Balston)

To create the illusion of more space, choose a light color scheme, while if your room is north-facing and a little on the chilly side, you may want to consider warm paint colors or even moody hues.

Color plays an important role in creating an atmosphere in your space. And so, painting your bedroom should be one of your first considerations when designing a bedroom – it's also definitely the first job to do before moving all your furniture in!

Choosing the best color for your bedroom will ensure that you bring more natural light into the room, and that your color scheme promotes rest and relaxation, rather than overstimulating you before bedtime.

(Image credit: Malcolm Menzies)

The choice of bedroom paint colors is vast, but consider veering on the side of caution and opting for a calm and muted color palette. And opt for muted toned down colors if you do want to bring in anything bold – for example a sage green over a vivid grass green.

'The bedroom offers so many opportunities to get creative whilst maintaining a relaxing and calming look.' says Judy Smith, Colour Consultant at Crown. 'To create a sophisticated look, use one single shade or tones of the same color: if you paint walls, skirting, doors, cupboards, radiators and even window frames in the same color, you'll achieve a thoughtful and modern look. This works particularly well with soft greyed blues and greens as well as any neutral shade.'

A grey bedroom color scheme is still hugely popular and for good reason. It is soothing and elegant, and a little bit more exciting than white. Also we are big fans of pink at the moment and warmer toasty colors like plaster and terracotta are bang on trend too.

• For more bedroom paint ideas head over to our feature.

(Image credit: Boråstapeter)

While paint is an easy route to success, wallpapers and feature walls are also a great way to bring life to your space. Wallpaper an excellent solution for boring bedroom walls. It adds visual interest, texture, and warmth to any bedroom design, and is a particularly useful trick for making small bedrooms look larger. Choose a wallpaper with a delicate pattern to add dimension, or a bold design to make a statement with your bedroom walls.

• See all our bedroom wallpaper ideas in our gallery.

2. Plan the best bedroom layout

(Image credit: Kasia Fiszer © Future)

Deciding on the layout of your bedroom furniture is a vital step in bedroom design. You may have little flexibility, but it's worth drawing a layout on graph paper, paying attention to the direction natural light is coming from.

Start with the position of your bed, organizing all other furniture around it. It is best to position your bed lengthways in a rectangular room, while larger bedrooms will allow for more creativity, and you may well want to position the bed in the center of the room. When planning the layout for small bedrooms, consider moving the bed into a corner to save floor space all round.

Now consider how much room (and budget) you have for bedroom storage. Fitted bedroom furniture tends to be more expensive and formal-looking but will offer a more efficient use of space, especially in a small bedroom, or an awkwardly-shaped one, such as a loft bedroom. Unfitted furniture needn't match, but you should aim, at the least, for a dressing table and bedside tables. And if you don't have a separate closet you'll need to add in something for clothes storage too.

(Image credit: Rebecca Hughes Interiors)

If you are planning a loft conversion, consider the shape and height of your space, and whether it will fit any of your desired furniture and storage.

If your bedroom is large and the nearest bathroom is on a different floor, you may want to consider adding an en-suite. An en suite bathroom can be added without planning permission, although it will need to conform to building regulations.

Alternatively, additional bedroom space can be transformed into a dressing room – just check out our dressing room ideas for inspiration.

3. Choose the best bed for your bedroom design

(Image credit: Jemma Watts)

Choosing a bed isn't just about buying a good-looking bed frame. Rather, pick a bed frame that best suits your needs. For example, are you short on bedroom storage and would benefit from a divan with built-in drawers, or a bed that lifts up to reveal hidden storage in the base, or a bed with a storage headboard? Do you really need a king-sized bed frame, or could you save space with double bed instead?

What about the bed's style? It should complement your overall scheme but can be used to dictate it, too. For example, if your preference is for a streamlined, minimalist look with a Scandi edge, go for a simple, white-washed wooden frame; if you want to add a feeling of luxury or an injection of pattern or color, a bed with an upholstered, padded headboard will be perfect.

4. Pick the best bedding too

(Image credit: Fiona Murray)

'Never underestimate the incredible difference the right mattress, pillow, super light duvet and super comfy topper will make. It can transform how comfortable we feel, eradicate neck and back pain, alleviate allergies, improve how well we sleep and as a result, how well we feel.  It's also widely recognized that if you sleep on a pillow every night it should also be changed every 2-3 years.' says Chrissie Rucker founder of The White Company.

Crisp, good quality bed linen is key too. Make sure that your bedlinen lasts, choose a high thread count (at least 300) if your preference is cotton, and linen bedding that fully discloses its manufacturing source. Linen is also great if you have no time, or don't want to iron your bed linen, as it has a naturally distressed look.

5. Invest in practical bedroom furniture

(Image credit: Interior Fox)

The first consideration in choosing bedroom furniture is whether to go for fitted units or freestanding units. The choice will partly be dictated by the shape of your bedroom: awkwardly shaped rooms (often the case in period properties) will benefit from a bespoke fitted solution.  More standardized spaces in newer properties will work best with well-chosen furniture sets or an eclectic mix of bedside tables, bedroom storage units, and a freestanding wardrobe.

(Image credit: Katie Lee)

Freestanding options can be considerably cheaper than fitted units, and can be replaced every few years if you like to switch up your bedroom design. If you only have to follow one rule when choosing your bedroom furniture, pick pieces that double up as bedroom storage. Choosing items that have delicate or light-colored frames will avoid overloading the space visually, and should make the bedroom feel larger, less formal and brighter, too.

If you are designing a bedroom that's tight on space, a mirrored wardrobe is probably the best trick for visually enhancing the size of the room.

• See all our bedroom storage ideas in our gallery.

6. Bring in small storage pieces

(Image credit: China Cooper)

Bedroom storage options should be easy on the eye as well as functional. Consider mixing and matching your bedroom storage, especially if you have a lot of stuff that needs sorting and tidying – and sufficient space for a variety of storage units. You can also choose a bedroom storage set, too, matching your bedside cabinets to your wardrobe and bed frame, and adding a bedroom storage bench or bedroom storage chest for maximum storage options.

7. Get your drapes right

(Image credit: Future© Chris Snook)

You want to maximize the natural light coming into your bedroom during the day so it feels bigger and brighter. But then of course at night you want the room to be as dark as possible – it's a tricky balance. Shutters are a great option as you can adjust how much light comes into the room, however, they can be expensive, so our top choice for a bedroom is a light, floaty curtain, combined with a black-out blind.

You want to think about curtain length too, for a more luxurious look we'd recommend going full length, and hang them slightly higher than the window. 'Gone are the days of shorter curtains, they feel dated and can make a window feel small and boxed in. Instead opt for floor to ceiling curtains, ensuring there are no gaps.' say Jen and Marr founders of Interior Fox. 'This look adds height to a room, while keeping a clean a simple aesthetic.'

• For more bedroom window ideas take a look at our gallery.

8. And invest in artificial lighting too

(Image credit: Malcolm Menzies)

While natural light is important when designing a bedroom, most of us will spend more time in our bedroom when it is dark, so maximizing the potential of artificial bedroom light with a clever bedroom lighting scheme is crucial to creating a cozy and relaxing space.

Think soft, diffused light from dimmable bedside lamps or wall lights, or even a string of fairy lights arranged along your headboard. You may find that a ceiling light is unnecessary if you have integrated lighting in a wardrobe and good task lighting around your dressing table, for example, but in a high-ceilinged room, a chandelier or over-sized lampshade will create a focal decorative point.

• Discover more bedroom lighting ideas.

9. Don't forget bedroom flooring

(Image credit: Fiona Walker Arnott)

Choosing bedroom flooring is all about maximizing comfort and warmth. Unsurprisingly, carpet is the most popular flooring option for most bedroom designs, but solid wood flooring is another great option, as it can still be warm underfoot, especially if you add a rug.

Solid wood is an expensive option, however, so consider an engineered wood flooring instead, which will be durable and virtually indistinguishable from solid wood, although slightly more affordable in most cases. If you are on a tight budget, consider laminate flooring or vinyl flooring, with higher quality options replicating the appearance of wood quite convincingly, or paint pine floorboards.

And if you aren't totally redesigning your bedroom but want to give your floor a refresh, a new rug can go a long way.

10. Make your space your own with personal decor

(Image credit: Carmine & Teal)

In any bedroom design, large or small, a few finishing touches can make all the difference. How to choose accessories for the bedroom entirely depends on your tastes and budget: invest in a quality rug and see your bedroom instantly look more elegant; layer cushions and throws to up the comfort factor; create a gallery wall to add interest and color; display photos and pictures to personalize the bedroom; and use house plants to promote a healthy atmosphere.

Style your accessories to create an attractive color scheme and a variety of textures. Sheepskin, cotton, and satin do wonder for softening up the look and feel of the space.

• Love this space? Check out more white bedroom ideas next.

How To Design A Bedroom

Source: https://www.realhomes.com/design/how-to-design-a-bedroom