Although each space in our home is deserving of its own large-scale makeover, the bedroom arguably deserves the lion’s share of our time and money. After all, the bedroom is not just a place of relaxation, but a place we go to carry out one of our most essential functions: sleep. To that end, we’ve come up with a simple guide on how to design your bedroom for better sleep. Let’s get started!
1. Don’t skimp on your mattress and bedding
Are you still using the same mattress and bedding you’ve had since college? Chances are, it’s time for an upgrade. According to one study, an old or worn-out mattress can contribute to an array of health problems, including back pain, allergies, and even stress.
For a better night’s snooze, replace your old mattress with a high-quality spring or memory foam option and upgrade your pillows. And don’t forget about your bedding! To achieve ultimate relaxation, consider swapping out your old comforter with a premium weighted blanket designed to reduce stress and promote a good night’s rest.
2. Set the vibe with warm lighting
Your choice of bedroom lighting not only affects your mood but can also influence the quality of your sleep. That’s because light has a substantial impact on our circadian rhythms, the 24-hour cycles that regulate essential functions such as sleep. Blue light has a powerful effect on our sleep, which is why electronic devices — televisions, gaming devices, smartphones, etc. — have no place in the bedroom. In contrast, warmer lights have the smallest impact on our circadian rhythms, which is why experts generally recommend installing warm lighting in the bedroom to promote relaxation.
3. Choose a soothing paint color
Paint color also has the ability to affect our mood, emotions, and sleep. But whereas bedroom lighting calls for colors on the warmer side of the color range, the best paint colors for sleep usually fall on the cool side. Why? Because paint colors such as red and orange tend to evoke stronger emotions, such as excitement and anger. If you want to turn your bedroom into a place of Zen, consider painting your walls a calming shade of green. According to color psychology experts, green is a relaxing color because it reminds us of nature and the natural world.
Not a fan of green? Try a soothing shade of blue, white, beige, or pink instead.
4. Cut clutter with stylish storage
Can’t sleep? A messy bedroom may be to blame. A growing body of research shows that clutter can overwhelm our minds with excessive stimuli, making us feel stressed, anxious and even a bit guilty. If you’re struggling to keep your bedroom tidy, try to look for stylish storage options to help corral your clutter. For example, if you have a bunch of miscellaneous items that you can’t bear to part with, consider keeping them in stylish storage baskets in your closet. Are your clothes always ending up on the floor? You can avoid the dreaded “floordrobe” by installing decorative wall pegs to hang your tried-on clothing.
5. Accessorize with self-care essentials
Practicing a little self-care can go a long way in helping you sleep. Indeed, a German study suggests that, along with a positive mindset, self-care was pivotal to helping people sleep better amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Practicing self-care seems simple enough, but in reality, we often forget to take care of ourselves. The solution? Create a bedroom environment centered around self-care. This doesn’t need to be complicated. Something as simple as lighting a few candles or hanging a weighted robe in your closet could be the key to sinking into a calmer, more relaxed state of mind before bed.
6. Decorate your nightstand with creature comforts
Nightstands typically don’t offer much in the way of space, so try to be purposeful about the items you sleep next to at night. Specifically, look for nightstand accessories that will help promote a peaceful slumber. For example, if you tend to get thirsty in the middle of the night, consider placing a gorgeous water carafe and a drinking glass within easy reach. Do you live on a noisy street? Place a set of comfortable earplugs in a catch-all dish on your nightstand. You could also accessorize your nightstand with a sleep mask, an essential oil diffuser, a white noise machine, and other natural sleep aids.
7. Bring in plants
Plants do more than just add beautiful color and texture to a space. They can also help you catch more Zzzs. According to Sleep Advisor, plants promote better sleep in several different ways. First, the natural aesthetic of flowers and foliage is both beautiful and soothing, which is why many people incorporate greenery into their homes. Additionally, plants can help reduce indoor air pollution and absorb sound, making your living spaces cleaner and quieter.
8. Install blackout curtains
Similar to how morning light lets us know that it’s time to wake up, darkness sends a signal to our bodies that it’s time for bed. For this reason, you’ll want to limit your light exposure in the evening and create a pitch-black environment for sleep. While there are many ways to create pitch black darkness in the bedroom, most people find it helpful to install blackout curtains. On top of blocking out light, blackout curtains can help absorb noise and decrease the amount of money you spend on heating and cooling.
Don’t forget the final touches!
Finally, remember to put your own stamp on your space. Whether it’s a piece of artwork, a meaningful photograph, or an eye-catching accent rug, adding a few personalized touches to your bedroom can make your space feel cozier and more inviting. By the time your bedroom is all said and done, you may never want to leave!
Iskra Banović is our seasoned Editor-in-Chief at Blufashion. She has been steering the website’s content and editorial direction since 2018. With a rich background in fashion design, Iskra’s expertise spans across fashion, interior design, beauty, lifestyle, travel, and culture.
