The bedroom is one of the most intimate areas of any home. Indeed, we spend more than a third of our lives sleeping, and it is important to make sure that the time we spend in the bedroom is comfortable.
The great news is that designing a bedroom setup that helps you zone out at the end of the day is not that complicated. After all, bedroom design is inherently minimalist, as we relax more easily in toned-down spaces and need only a few essentials to make our sleeping place truly serene. In this post, we will give you a few tips on how to turn your bedroom into the zen sanctuary you deserve to have.
Less Is More
Visual clutter is the gateway to mental clutter, which is never a good thing – especially not in the space where you are trying to rest. Here are some tips for making your bedroom less “busy”:
Impractical items, such as flashy decor accessories, should be kept to a minimum.
Avoid bulky furniture that doesn’t have an important purpose.
That chair where you were planning to keep your clothes? It has to go.
Hide the storage from plain sight. Concealed containers and drawers under the bed are both good ideas.
Digital distractions, such as TVs, digital alarm clocks, etc., do not belong in the bedroom.
Start with a Serene Backdrop
The color of your walls is not purely decorative. According to color psychology, it can affect your mood and energy. For example, bright red can spark your energy up to the point of aggressiveness, while yellow calls for socialization. Blues, grays, and some neutrals help keep stress at bay and create a more soothing ambiance.
The main colors that can evoke tranquility in the bedroom are light reds, such as rose, blush, and coral pink, as well as various shades of blue, particularly blue-gray. Taupes and natural browns can make the room feel warm and embracing. Greens are usually associated with serenity and relaxation. And finally, purples are rich, warm, and remarkably versatile.
Prioritize Your Bed
The bed is the most important element of the bedroom. While it serves a decorative purpose as the central piece of furniture, its primary role is functional. The bed should make you feel comfortable and provide uninterrupted, cozy sleep. For that, you will need the best mattress you can find, which needs to offer plenty of support and feature high-quality materials. A queen-sized bed is a good choice because it provides enough space while still being adequate for smaller rooms.
Make sure to also pay attention to the bedding and pillows, which should be made of natural organic materials. As for the style of the bed, make it stand out with an interesting headboard (e.g., velvet, repurposed wood, etc.).
Light and Dark
Light and the lack of it play important roles in the bedroom. First of all, it’s crucial to block outdoor lights if you live in a high-traffic area or if the street lights are on all night. You can do that with various window treatments, but if your goal is decorative, opt for stylish heavy drapery.
As for the lighting, choose a ceiling fixture that is an effective design element (e.g., a crystal chandelier). Use accent lighting pieces, such as scones or a string of fairy lights, to cast a warm glow around artwork or some other item you want to stand out. Finish layering the lighting with a table lamp for reading on the nightstand.
Keep It Cool and Quiet
The temperature in your bedroom affects the quality of your sleep. It might seem logical that you would sleep better when the room is warm, but that is not true. To transition from being awake to sleeping, the body’s temperature drops.
The ideal room temperature for sleeping is approximately 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18.3 degrees Celsius), but you can set your thermostat to a couple of degrees lower or higher, depending on your needs.
Also, make sure no outside noises are disturbing you. If soundproofing is not an option, use a white noise machine to help you drift off.
Finishing Touches
You can’t go zen without aromatherapy. It is well known that specific fragrances, such as sandalwood, eucalyptus, and lavender, can alleviate stress and anxiety. You can introduce them into your bedroom with candles or aromatherapy sticks. If you want a more modern upgrade, use an ultrasonic essential oil diffuser.
To complete the zen feel, add a little greenery. Houseplants will release oxygen, thus improving the airflow in your bedroom. It is also believed that greenery helps lower stress and improve mood. When choosing bedroom plants, make sure you consider various factors, such as the amount of natural light and humidity certain plants need. Some of the best bedroom plants are snake plants, pothos, monstera, anthurium, dracaena, and philodendron.
Final Words
Make your bedroom design decisions carefully to create a peaceful oasis that you’ll love sleeping in. Everything you do to improve this space is really an investment in your sleep – so it’s definitely worth the effort.
