a valentine to your bedroom

Thursday, February 14, 2008; H04

Ultimate indulgence: an armoire turned into a bedside kitchenette. In her home, designer and author Chris Madden outfitted a JCPenney armoire of her own design with a small fridge, microwave and coffee maker.

A throw blanket adds color and an

instant sense of cozy. Cashmere is lovely, but affordable fleece can be just as comforting. These all-

cotton charmers from Dash and Albert Rug Co. are $58. See http://www.dashandalbert.com for retailers.

Fresh flowers are even nicer than candles. Place a bud vase on a

nightstand and fill it with a single red rose. Or two, or three.

A breakfast tray can brighten much more than breakfast. A sturdy one will hold your laptop, the news- paper and a midnight snack. They're especially handy if the tray lifts off, like this one for $185 from Abrielle (3301 New Mexico Ave. NW, 202-364-6118).

Clear off the nightstand, leaving just a lamp, clock

radio, water and something to read on top. Stow tissues and other necessities in a drawer or nearby basket. This Moonbeam clock ($39.50) is from L.L. Bean ( http://www.llbean.com).

Wall-mounted swing-arm lamps foster reading in bed but take up zero table space. Shown here in the bedroom of Georgetown designer Susan Beimler.

Rearrange your furniture. Consider, for example, the sensible advice that a shared bed should not be pushed against a wall but positioned so it can be approached from each side. This makes for a "nourishing relationship," according to "The Feng Shui Doctor," by Paul Darby.

Here's the Cadillac of bedside water jugs: Alfi's Opal chrome wicker-covered thermal carafe, modeled after those used in 1918 Pullman railroad cars, keeps water chilled all night. It's $216 at http://www.allmodern.com.

Don't skimp on bedding basics: mattress cover, sheets, blankets, bed skirt. Pillows should be

replaced every few years. You'll sleep better for it. Treat yourself to a new laundry basket, too, like this collapsible Square Crunch Can, $19.99 at Container Store ( http://www.containerstore.com).

Fresh paint makes the most impact for the money. Designer favorites for bedrooms include Benjamin Moore's whisper-soft Palladian Blue, Farrow & Ball's Hound Lemon and New Age, a pale purple-gray, also by Benjamin Moore.

A headboard instantly upgrades a room, making it look and feel more pulled together. An upholstered headboard goes even further,

adding warmth, softness and comfort for reading in bed. This Newport headboard (starting at $925) is from Williams-Sonoma Home ( http://www.wshome.com).

Simple drapery panels framing a window can

soften light and hard angles, even when used with blinds or shades. These silk

drapery panels from Restoration Hardware ( http://www.restorationhardware.com) start at $199 each.

Light dimmers are a sure and simple way to set the mood. They also save energy, which further lifts the spirit. Starting at $10 from Lutron Electronics ( http://www.lutron.com).

Keep paper and pencil handy for jotting down big thoughts in the middle of the night. Who wouldn't like this Florentine paper memo box and pencil cup from New York's Il Papiro (212-288-9330). Memo box $65, cup $35, pencils $3.50.