Redecorating a bedroom need not be outrageously expensive. While a new bed may be a very healthy investment, you can redecorate the bedroom less expensively. Online shopping sites share their tips for bedroom decor without breaking your budget. You'll see they give differing opinions and some great ideas.

All the vendor sites stated advantages to shopping online for bedroom furniture. Among the advantages are savings on gas and parking, greater variety than you normally find in a brick and mortar store, a possible break on sales tax, and the relaxed atmosphere of shopping from home without a sales person tagging along. Online retailers tend to offer more competitive discounts than traditional brick and mortar companies because of the lower overhead. Also, some online retailers such as DirectlyHome and TotalBedroom offer free shipping on their entire inventory of thousands of products. Delivery costs have been increasing because of skyrocketing fuel costs, so free shipping can mean serious savings.

Besides the bed itself, what are the most important items of bedroom furniture and decor?

StacksandStacks.com: Nightstands, lighting and chests of drawers. Storage is probably the most critical element in bedrooms. So, any piece of furniture must be able to serve not only as a fashion element but also perform a storage role. Buy products to store under the bed, in the closet, and behind doors.

DirectlyHome.com: Depending on the size of the bedroom, a nightstand can add style especially when accented with table lamps or wall lamps if space is limited. A bench/ottoman at the foot of the bed can be used as a comfortable seat or a perch for luggage which can open up to be a storage chest. Dressers and boudoirs enable one to maintain the rooms theme without the need to compromise space.

Can I achieve a new look in my bedroom without spending a fortune? Do you have any special tips?

EverythingFurniture.com: Get a new comforter set and buy some drapes that match. Or another trick is to buy some different pictures / prints for the walls.

DirectlyHome: When redecorating your bedroom, the most important thing to have is a PLAN! Include a realistic budget to cover products ranging from replacing smaller items (rugs, lamps, mirrors and bedding) to larger items (such as beds, bedroom sets, dressers, armoires and nightstands). With a little creativity, you can change the theme of an entire room with a simple change of bedding. Shapes, colors and patterns can add subtle sophistication without spending an armoire or a leg. One can stress the main theme of a bedroom with wall and framed art as well.

StacksandStacks: The simplest way to transform a room is to change color schemes. Choose accessories like candles, lamps and shades, curtains, and throws in fashion colors while keeping the same furniture. Store all clothing in sliding basket storage units in the closet so the chest of drawers can be eliminated to make room for a sitting area or chaise. Use floor screens to divide the room's space.

How do I choose a bed online? Isn't it the kind of thing you need to see in person?

DirectlyHome: When choosing a bed online, you must take into consideration quality, craftsmanship and materials. Online furniture retailers such as DirectlyHome and TotalBedroom focus very much on the products details, such as: size, dimensions and warranty information with detailed pictures of various angles and options to zoom. Look for a customer service department that can also answer more specific questions and pull product details from the vendor within seconds and respond to your e-mails within minutes.

StacksandStacks: I would not buy mattresses on line because that is definitely something you would want to try out before you buy.

EverythingFurniture: All you really need to know is your preferences. Do you like pillow top mattresses? Memory foam mattresses? Most mattresses are listed as firm, medium, or soft. When you know your preferences, you should be able to find a good fit online.

You can find shopping links to all these fine online vendors and others at http://www.homefurnituredecor.com/bedroom/index.shtml.