Setting a romantic mood with your bedroom’s décor isn’t quite as difficult as it sounds. Creating intimacy is about finding the right mixture of elements to make you and your partner feel closer just by stepping over the bedroom threshold — elements such as lighting, color, decoration and furniture.

When designing a romantic décor, experiment with different ideas. Find a design that makes you feel both relaxed and sexy; if you have a significant other, incorporate their taste in the planning as well.

Color has a subtle, yet powerful effect on our emotions. The colors used to decorate your bedroom can have a strong influence on mood. Red, for instance, is a warm color that evokes feelings of passion and excitement; using it as an accent color, such as for a comforter or some pillows, can help light the flame of romance.

Lighting is a simple way to create mood. Bright lights create a sense of openness and happiness, even excitement. But if you want to set a romantic mood, candlelight or colored lighting is a better bet for creating a more intimate feel. Red or black light evokes a darker, sultrier mood, while green or blue lighting can cast a sickly pall on the room.

If you are decorating your bedroom to enhance intimacy, it’s important to emphasize beauty and elegance. Tacky, ugly accessories will detract from the mood you are trying to create. The direct approach is not always best: Rather than decorating with objects that inspire pure lust, find things that move you in a more subtle fashion, stirring your emotions. Avoid artwork depicting violent actions or bizarre scenes, as this can detract from the overall sensuality of the décor. If you choose to use erotic imagery, make it as tasteful and subtle as possible.

The real focal point of the bedroom, however, is not the décor: It’s the bed. You want your bed to be both comfortable and attractive, creating a setting that will inspire passion while allowing you and your partner to feel relaxed enough to drop your guard and be yourselves.

Sheets, pillows and blankets or comforters should be chosen with colors that make you feel sexy. Satin or silk bedding can enhance this feeling also. To create an even greater sense of intimacy get rid of your bed’s box spring, lower the mattress to the floor, and build a simple canopy above it, to create a private hideaway for two.

“Retro” is a term that can mean many things in the world of interior decorating. It can refer to recreating the feel of the 1960s, ’70s, or even ’80s. But a retro bedroom design can also mean mixing old and new, classic and modern.

A retro theme is perfect for anyone decorating their bedroom on a budget, because you can often find appropriate furniture and accessories in thrift stores. The simplicity of this style also creates a feeling of comfort and relaxation, which is ideal for a place where you spend much of your time sleeping and lounging around.

Start with white or neutral colors on your walls and flooring, then build your theme around the use of bright colors, bold patterns and graphics for your artwork, bedding and window treatments. You don’t have to stick with one color; the design will have a more retro feel if you blend several of them together, such as electric blue, green and purple, or orange, yellow and pink. Squares and rectangles are common motifs, as are swirl designs; try mixing them together with some solid colors in your bedding and draperies to keep the décor from becoming too busy.

For furniture, select pieces that are low to the ground, with straight, simple lines. A second hand store is a good place to find some quality pieces of retro-style furniture at a reduced price. Older bedroom furniture was often sold in sets, so try looking for matching nightstands, dressers and vanities (the latter can double as a writing desk). Refinish the wood surfaces on your retro furniture to restore its natural beauty, or if you prefer, paint it the same bright colors as your artwork and bedding.

For lighting, consider using a large pendant light in the center of the room; a shaded floor lamp is ideal for use by your bed. Like your bedding and artwork, retro lampshades also come in bold colors and patterns. Lava lamps may be more decorative than functional, but you can use one as a nightlight, and they definitely go with the theme. Accessories such as vinyl chairs and band posters will also enhance your bedroom’s retro feel.

Create a lounge area that includes a comfortable sofa where you can retreat to watch television, read a book or browse the Internet on your laptop. Decorate it with a couple of colorful ceramic lamps and a soft, fluffy rug you can sink your toes into.