AD | Did you know we spend a third of our lives asleep? So it makes sense to be as comfortable as possible while we’re recharging, doesn’t it? Yet we’re often more focused on trying to improve the kitchen, dining area and other rooms that guests can see. Less time is spent on relaxing bedroom ideas to make our sleep space look and feel good. But whether you’re after a calm, minimalist, elegant, colourful, boho, or cozy bedroom vibe, investing in the quality of your sleeping area is key. Here are some top relaxing bedroom decor ideas to help you feel soothed every time you enter your bedroom.
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How can I make my bedroom more relaxing?
It all comes down to choosing the right lighting, colour scheme, accessories, and furniture. And keeping your space uncluttered and well ventilated is also very important, as is setting the right temperature. Your body heat peaks late afternoon and then starts to drop in the evening to prepare your body for sleep, kickstarting melatonin production. So the best temperature for a good night’s sleep is around 16-18°C (60-65°F).
What’s the most relaxing colour for a bedroom?
When it comes to interior design colours, going for muted tones that evoke a sense of calmness will usually make you feel more relaxed. Neutral relaxing bedroom colours also make accessorising much easier as you’re free to incorporate a wider variety of tones and pops of accent colour, such as cushions, throws, pictures and ornaments, to liven things up.
Once you have the basics covered, the rest comes down to your personal taste. Seek simplicity with mood lighting, fresh flowers or plants, books, a few favourite photos and pictures. Take your cues from cats who always seem to find the best space to relax in 🙂 Fairy lights and scented candles can also help you make your dream bedroom a place you look forward to spending time in.
Does a bedroom need natural light?
In a word, yes. Whether it’s the early morning sunbeams or the warm glow of the setting sun shining through the gaps in the curtains. Natural light is also key for managing our circadian rhythms and aiding restful sleep. That said, the last things you want are next door’s spotlight or outside street lights shining into your eyes when you’re trying to drop off.
If you have large windows or a balcony, opt for thick curtains that drape to the floor so you can control the amount of light that enters your room. You can also incorporate thinner curtains to allow a certain amount of natural light through during the day. And consider some smart LED lighting for softer, more soothing lighting at bedtime too.
Alternatively, you could invest in some shutters for both light and temperature control. When we lived in Bath, we knew the Council wouldn’t allow us to install double glazing in our Grade II* listed flat. But the original wooden shutters were brilliant additions to our curtains, keeping us both cool in summer and warmer in winter.
How can I make my bedroom stress free?
Feng Shui and Marie Kondo suggest you clear the clutter lying around as this does a lot more than just make your room look better. These kinds of calming room ideas are something I always aspire to but rarely achieve! Dusting off shelves, furniture tops, and hoovering under your bed, however, will improve the air quality. And keeping walkways clear by using a shoe cabinet can make a significant difference in the overall feel of your room.
Cleaning up will also give you more space for storage and is one of the best relaxing bedroom ideas for small rooms. There are lots of clever ways to make more space, such installing more shelves on empty walls, or buying a bed with built in storage drawers underneath. And if you want to get rid of old tech and gadgets lying around, you can try selling them on eBay. Or for some products like iPads, you could go to a company like Plunc and exchange them for cash.
Back on the subject of beds, don’t underestimate the power of making your bed in the mornings. As Former Commander of U.S. Special Operations Command, Admiral Bill McRaven says:
“If you make your bed every morning you will have accomplished the first task of the day…
Making your bed will reinforce the fact that the little things in life matter,
and if by chance you have a miserable day you will come home to a bed that is made.”
What should I look for when buying a bed?
Actually, good sleeping habits aren’t just about the bed, although obviously it’s important to choose one you look forward to snuggling up in. As mentioned earlier, sleeping takes up a large portion of your life every day and night. Therefore, as your mattress is the most used piece of furniture in your house, paying for a good mattress is a no brainer. Experts recommend changing your mattress every ten years and while you’re at it, why not invest in a waterproof mattress protector to extend its life too?
But you don’t have to fork out for a ridiculously overpriced mattress. Take a little time and do some research on what is going to be best for you. Ask around and don’t forget to look online – Mattress Nerd recommend checking for comfort and support* as well as great value for money. And when choosing your bedding, why not indulge in some softer pillows, higher quality sheets, and practical all-weather duvets?
So there we are, some top tips on how to create a relaxing bedroom. I hope you’ve found them helpful and that they’ll be useful for the next time you come to upgrade, redecorate, or refresh your bedroom. Just don’t forget to make your bed!
What are your favourite peaceful bedroom ideas to personalise your sleep space and create a relaxing bedroom sanctuary to recharge in?
* This is a sponsored post and contains affiliate links (please see my Disclaimer).
Thank you for sharing some really great tips lovely, I think this is going to help a lot of people who want to rearrange their bedroom. x
With love, Alisha Valerie x | http://www.alishavalerie.com
Thank you so much, Alisha, that’s very kind, I’m glad they’re helpful! x
love love this post! my bedroom is honestly my safe haven since i live with my parents it’s the only room i have completely to myself, the only space that’s mine. so making it feel inviting and safe is so important to me especially when i’m feeling a bit anxious. I always like to make sure I tidy up my room each night before bed, some nights it doesn’t happen but i do find i sleep better when I keep the room tidy. thanks for sharing these great tips lisa! xx
mich / simplymich.com
Ah, it’s so important to have a safe space that’s all yours, isn’t it? Tidying and decluttering are always on my to do list, like you, I find I sleep much better when there isn’t stuff all over the floor and chairs. Thank you for your lovely comment, Mich! xx
I WISH I could spend a third of my life asleep. My bedroom is a loft conversion so my options are a little limited, 2 velux windows and a hatch that let’s in some natural light from the landing. Not doing too well on the neutrals thing either, I have a dark wooden floor and a burgundy feature wall. All of my furniture is white to balance it out though! One thing I wish I had more control over is the heat. It’s freezing up there! x
Sophie
http://www.glowsteady.co.uk
Oh well, these are only suggestions, haha, and personally I love a dark wooden floor! Sorry to hear about the heating issue, can your dog not help? Our three cats pile on at will! 🙂 xx
These are great tips Lisa! I recently went on a decluttering spree and it does feel much more calmer and relaxed now everything is clean and tidy. My mattress is definitely the most used piece of furniture in the flat, if I am not sleeping on it, you can guarantee there is a cat or three having a nap, ha ha. Fairy lights and candles always make the room look so much more cosy too, especially when winding down and reading a book in the evening. Lovely post, thank you for sharing your suggestions <3 xxx
I’m halfway through a declutter at the moment and I am feeling so much better about the amount of stuff that’s been outed. And I know exactly what you mean about the cats, our three frequently pile on top so there’s very little room for us, haha. Yay for scented candles and fairy lights too! xxx
Thank you for sharing these tips! I definitely need to work on decluttering and organising all my things so my room seems bigger and more spacious! I definitely feel and sleep better when I have a clean and tidy room. Thank you for sharing xx
Decluttering is my number one thing to do in our bedrooms, not just ours but Flora’s as well, although she fights me tooth and nail over it! Thank you for your lovely comment, Lauren xx
Bedroom is where I spend my whole day and night hahah. I try to keep it clean and organized. I have put up black out curtains so I can sleep well. The Manila Skyline is always glowing with big screens. Even though it is faaaaaaaar away but the lights disturb me heheh. I totally agree we should invest in a good bed. When we visited Mumbai last month I realized that bed was old and not that good. Loved reading this post Lisa.:-)
Via | http://glossnglitters.com
We used to have a blackout blind in Flora’s room too but it wasn’t that effective. Now we have cafe-style shutters, which are great because they block out most of the light and keep her warmer in winter and cooler in summer. They’re not cheap but they’re a worthwhile investment for her. I’m very envious of you having the Manila skyline to admire from your bed, haha xx
I love natural lighting & I wish my house had more of it. It’s something I’m putting into consideration for my next move!! :]
Natural light makes an amazing difference, doesn’t it? I mean I know winter is dark over here but having the early morning sunshine or late evening glow is such a treat 🙂
This is such a lovely post. I never really considered the importance of having a clean and tidy bedroom in regards to how it makes you feel, but this past week I’ve really made an effort to keep the floor tidy, clothes in their places, and have candles lit in the evenings so it’s not the harsh overhead light, and it’s made such a difference!
Cordelia || cordeliamoor.com
Oh, I wish I could get you to convince Flora about keeping things tidy, haha. Seriously, I do feel much better when everything isn’t just a massive heap on a chair or table top. And scented candles really do help, it’s so nice to come to bed to an uplifting fragrance and a good book! xx
Great tips! I love having and cozy and tidy bedroom.
Jennifer
Thank you, I’m glad they were useful! 🙂
I love Cats, Your website is very good, congratulations.
Thank you very much 🙂
The timing of this made me smile – about a week ago, Neal and I rearranged our bedroom, and it’s a much better space now. We got rid of a lot of clutter, seem to have doubled the space, and I find it so much easier to relax and get to sleep than I did previously. Though, we do need to invest in some thicker curtains, I think! Great post, Lisa!
Oh, what synchronicity, haha. But I’m so glad that what I wrote has been vindicated by what you’ve done, that’s great to know! xx
These are great tips! I don’t have natural daylight in my room which is such a shame because it makes a huge difference when it comes to your mood. I always clean and tidy my room otherwise I won’t be able to sleep properly and I’ll feel so disorganised haha. Fab post as always x
http://new-lune.com
Thank you – and that’s a shame to read about your bedroom’s lack of natural daylight. I hope your next home will have lots of it, it’s so conducive to a better mindset, I agree x
I love the idea of this-my only downfall would be tidiness! I also think colour schemes can make a lot of difference; if it’s blue, I always feel so much calmer! x
Tidiness is definitely an ongoing challenge but it does help 🙂 x
Great post Lisa. I’m currently revamping my bedroom and this will definitely come in handy. I invested in a decent mattress last year and it has definitely helped me sleep better. I don’t have dark curtains up at the moment, they’re an off white, which I find is letting the light in fron next doors house. My sleep mask helps with this but I’m going to look at different curtains very soon.
Oh a good mattress makes ALL the difference. Ours will be due for a replacement soon but I want to make sure we get it right this time, it’s such a huge investment (both physically and financially!) I’m so glad this post was helpful – good luck with the revamp, how exciting 🙂
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Thank you, that’s very kind of you to say so 🙂