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How to Create a Calm, Relaxing Bedroom
Follow these 9 easy suggestions to set the scene for a good night’s sleep
There are endless ways to decorate a bedroom, but the room should above all encourage rest and relaxation. A good night’s sleep is, after all, an essential element of a healthy lifestyle.
In working with my clients over the years and listening to their feedback, I’ve found that including as many of these 9 elements as possible is the most effective way to create a calm and relaxing environment in the bedroom.
In working with my clients over the years and listening to their feedback, I’ve found that including as many of these 9 elements as possible is the most effective way to create a calm and relaxing environment in the bedroom.
2. A calming colour palette
While many of my clients prefer warm colours over cool ones, when it comes to the bedroom, cooler hues are the better choice because of their calming effect.
Blue, lilac and cool shades of grey promote rest, while warm tones can often be energising and more likely to keep you up at night.
While many of my clients prefer warm colours over cool ones, when it comes to the bedroom, cooler hues are the better choice because of their calming effect.
Blue, lilac and cool shades of grey promote rest, while warm tones can often be energising and more likely to keep you up at night.
3. Minimal decor
Even though your eyes will be closed when you go to sleep, if you have too many distractions in your bedroom, it may be hard to actually fall asleep.
It’s wise to get rid of the clutter around your bed. Keeping your bedroom clear of distractions will help you clear your mind at the end of a long day.
More: How to Create a Colourful Yet Calm Bedroom
Even though your eyes will be closed when you go to sleep, if you have too many distractions in your bedroom, it may be hard to actually fall asleep.
It’s wise to get rid of the clutter around your bed. Keeping your bedroom clear of distractions will help you clear your mind at the end of a long day.
More: How to Create a Colourful Yet Calm Bedroom
4. A properly positioned bed
I like to position the bed so it’s one of the first things you see when you walk into a room. Generally, it’s a great way to invite you into the space.
However, if your window overlooks something that warrants it, consider flipping your bed so it faces the view. Just make sure you purchase those blackout blinds I previously mentioned.
I like to position the bed so it’s one of the first things you see when you walk into a room. Generally, it’s a great way to invite you into the space.
However, if your window overlooks something that warrants it, consider flipping your bed so it faces the view. Just make sure you purchase those blackout blinds I previously mentioned.
5. Safe circulation
Please ensure you leave enough room around your bed so you aren’t bumping your shins or stubbing your toes when getting in and out of it. Consider the actual dimensions of the bed frame when purchasing it, not just whether it holds a single, double, queen- or king-size mattress.
More: This is How Designers Would Make the Most of a Small Bedroom
Please ensure you leave enough room around your bed so you aren’t bumping your shins or stubbing your toes when getting in and out of it. Consider the actual dimensions of the bed frame when purchasing it, not just whether it holds a single, double, queen- or king-size mattress.
More: This is How Designers Would Make the Most of a Small Bedroom
6. Adjustable lighting
Bedside lighting is critical. Soft, soothing light is ideal for a bedroom. Having light fixtures on a dimmer switch is also a smart move, since it lets you regulate the amount of light your fixture emits.
Adjustable wall lighting is a great option, because it allows you to keep your bedside table neat and tidy, and it can be positioned to provide optimal lighting for reading in bed.
Bedside lighting is critical. Soft, soothing light is ideal for a bedroom. Having light fixtures on a dimmer switch is also a smart move, since it lets you regulate the amount of light your fixture emits.
Adjustable wall lighting is a great option, because it allows you to keep your bedside table neat and tidy, and it can be positioned to provide optimal lighting for reading in bed.
7. An expressive headboard
Because I recommend keeping your room free of distractions and stimulating colours, you may want to consider bringing in interest via your headboard, which is mostly likely out of view when you’re settling down for the night.
If not a headboard, then think about installing an interesting item above your bed. This is an opportunity to express your creativity.
Because I recommend keeping your room free of distractions and stimulating colours, you may want to consider bringing in interest via your headboard, which is mostly likely out of view when you’re settling down for the night.
If not a headboard, then think about installing an interesting item above your bed. This is an opportunity to express your creativity.
8. Serene artwork
In keeping with the theme of creating a relaxing environment, it’s important to choose art that’s calming and sleep-inducing. Select pieces wisely, and only go for one or two. Again, you don’t want too many distractions.
In keeping with the theme of creating a relaxing environment, it’s important to choose art that’s calming and sleep-inducing. Select pieces wisely, and only go for one or two. Again, you don’t want too many distractions.
9. No tech
My number one rule for my clients is to banish televisions, computers and exercise equipment from the bedroom. To make it a peaceful haven, you need to ensure you aren’t bringing your work to bed with you. Creating an oasis devoid of technology will allow you to mentally switch off and tune into your body’s natural rhythm.
My number one rule for my clients is to banish televisions, computers and exercise equipment from the bedroom. To make it a peaceful haven, you need to ensure you aren’t bringing your work to bed with you. Creating an oasis devoid of technology will allow you to mentally switch off and tune into your body’s natural rhythm.
Tell us…
What elements are essential for you to include – or not include – in your bedroom for a restful night’s sleep? Tell us in the Comments.
What elements are essential for you to include – or not include – in your bedroom for a restful night’s sleep? Tell us in the Comments.
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I always recommend blackout blinds for bedroom windows. Your body repairs itself while you sleep, and it needs darkness to do so effectively.
There are many options for blackout window treatments, from blinds to curtains, so you can choose a combination that works with your decor scheme.
Find an interior designer near you.