The newest issue of House Beautiful, particularly the above bedroom by designer Barry Dixon, reminded of a great space solution: built-ins surrounding the bed and hidden behind beautiful curtains.
The above bedroom is by designer Adrienne Neff. She used California Closets custom units to create one side with hanging rods and drawers below, plus a tie rack; and the other side with shelves and vertical hanging space for dresses. Shelves above the bed provide a space for off-season clothing. The side storage is concealed with felt cutains suspened from a track, while the shelves above the bed are concealed with a linen-blend roman shade. The custom headboard, the rich chocolate brown paint that matches the shelving, and the swing arm sconces, keep it from having a "living in a closet" feel.
This bedroom is by Sherry and John of Young House Love. They used two Ikea wardrobes on either side of the bed. One for her, one for him, each customized with drawers and rods and hidden behind white curtains hung high. A valance gives it a finished effect and makes it feel like the bed is tucked into a built-in nook.