Your bedroom is your nighttime sanctuary – and sometimes, your daytime sanctuary, too. Making it as comfortable as possible will ensure you’re better rested, and paying attention to the little details can help bring more tranquility to your space and your life. Consider these tips to turn your bedroom into a place that brings you comfort and quiet.
1. Think comfortable.
Quality linens and blankets play a big role in restful sleep. Experts say that the right linens will help you stay comfortable and cozy all night long. You can find high-thread-count linens and quality pillows at discount prices. Keep an eye out for natural, breathable fibers such as cotton and avoid synthetics like polyester.
2. Design smart.
Your bedroom is more than just a place for sleep. The layout and design impacts your day from the very first moment you wake up. When designing your space, make sure you have enough clearance around your bed and bedroom closet. Clutter on nightstands or on the floor can create instant stress, so add bowls or trays for things like jewelry, change and watches. Removing non-functional furniture and accessories will help you to create the most peaceful bedroom possible. Also, make sure any reflective surfaces, such as mirrors or windows, don’t invade your sightline as you’re trying to rest. These distractions can interrupt sleep.
3. Pay attention to window treatments.
If you want your bedroom to keep out even the smallest cracks of light, consider blackout shades or room-darkening drapes – they’ll keep it dark at all times. If you want to allow daylight into your room and still have privacy, double up the window treatment with a sheer for daytime privacy and light-blocking shades for nighttime sleep.
4. Consider gentle sounds and smells.
If you have a diffuser, try using an essential oil, such as lavender, that promotes relaxation in your bedroom. You can also incorporate essential oils into your routine by adding a drop or two onto the light bulb of your bedside lamp, or washing bedding with a scented detergent. If you find the nights too quiet, consider a white noise machine, which produces peaceful sounds found in nature while blocking other noise disruptions. Modern noise machines and apps can fine-tune your experience with specific sounds such as wildlife, thunderstorms or pitter-pattering rain.
5. Keep your bedroom as a sanctuary.
Unless you’re pressed for space, avoid doing activities like office work or exercise in your bedroom. If your brain associates the bedroom with any type of work, those thoughts can follow you into bed and invade your restful sleep. It’s best if you can let your bedroom remain a quiet, safe place away from the hubbub of the day.
