Interiors expert Emma Bell from Anna Morgan offers some tips on romancing your bedroom

With Valentine’s Day approaching it’s a great time to think about adding a bit of cosy romance to our bedrooms to warm up the chilly winter nights.  Forget the hot water bottles and the electric blanket for a while and focus on luxurious soft furnishings to create a gentle ambience.

If you’re starting from scratch with any new look to your bedroom, consider softer lines, muted tones and layering.

Invest in a buttoned headboard in a sumptuous and rich fabric like velvet, in the latest shades of silver and grey, which are also enduring neutrals, then team it with a feature wallcovering. Think luxury boutique hotel bedroom.

Crisp fresh sheets are a treat to slide into; stick with lighter fabrics and lots of layers for that soft, romantic feel. A quilted or embroidered silk bedspread creates the look of elegance and luxury, whether you opt for a delicious rich colour or a pretty pastel.

Finish layering your bed with a heavy faux fur throw and a smattering of scatter cushions; just not so as to be visually overpowering and get in the way when you climb into bed!  Opt for feather fillings unless you’re allergic as these can be displayed more attractively and look more expensive. If you’re going for silk, wool or velvet, consider the really excellent faux alternatives that are around as these can be machine washed. Check out several options from Anna Morgan.

For window treatments, opt for a gorgeous heavy pair of curtains with black-out lining so you can make the most of those weekend lie-ins, as well as adding extra insulation from winter draughts. Add co-ordinating blinds which you can use in the summer months for a lighter look. Alternatively, if you’d like that romantic beach holiday feel, go for plantation shutters and some soft wispy voiles.

There’s also nothing quite as nice as a soft deep piled carpet in a bedroom. The latest faux silk carpets are ideal for padding around in bare feet, as they are both plush underfoot and now extremely affordable. If you’ve a wooden or tiled floor, then thick sheepskin or faux fur rugs by the side of the bed are a treat.

Don’t forget to declutter the room, putting away any clothes, shoes, accessories, books or magazines that are just lying around looking untidy. Then set the mood with a mix of low-wattage bulbs for ambient lighting, bedside lamps, oversize floor lanterns and lots of candlesticks, scented candles and romantic massage candles, which all add to the welcoming look of the bedroom even when they are unlit during the daytime. Add fresh flowers, such as white peonies, roses and calla lilies for a contemporary look and delicate scent.

Finally, leave your laptop, tablet or phone downstairs to avoid distractions and allow you to relax and enjoy your romantic retreat in peace, with or without your partner.