Seeking a restful sleep environment? It’s time to plan a bedroom that will do wonders for your wellbeing.
A good sleep routine is everybody’s dream and getting at least eight hours of shut-eye a night can increase productivity, boost your mood and put a spring in your step. For many of us, though, it’s no easy feat – but fear not, because planning a healthy bedroom could be the answer to troubled sleep patterns.
From discovering the optimum temperature for slumbering to the best colours to decorate your sleep zone, KBB journo Laurie Davidson shares how to design a calming bedroom…
1. Choose beautiful bedding
Look for bedding that not only bring the outdoors in with inviting woodscape patterns, but is also made from a cotton blend, which allows you to stay cool in summer and warm in winter.
2. Mattresses matter
The first thing that springs to mind when talking about a healthy, calming bedroom is probably what we sleep on, and a supportive, comfortable mattress is key to sweet dreams.
Mark Tremlett, founder of Naturalmat, an award-winning, sustainable mattress and bed makers, says: “According to the National Institute of Health, we spend about a third of our life sleeping or trying to sleep. So, when choosing a mattress, don’t skimp; spend as much as your budget allows. Over its lifespan a good mattress will end up costing you less than a daily cup of coffee.”
Mark recommends investing in a design that is made from natural, breathable fibres. “It’s proven that sleeping on natural materials, which allow your body to regulate its temperature, can improve sleep, boosting health and wellbeing,” he says. “Materials such as organic wool are naturally hypoallergenic, while organic coir, when layered with natural latex, offers a breathable layer of support.”
A regular deep cleaning routine is advisable says Alison Jones, sleep expert at Sealy UK. “I’d always recommend vacuuming your mattress and giving it a chance to air in a well-ventilated room,” she says.
If you’re not looking to change your mattress, there are ways of improving what you have. “Organic wool toppers – which are hypoallergenic – a natural fibre duvet and organic bed linen are a good investment to help improve sleep health,” Mark adds.
3. Pink, earthy bedroom shades
It’s important to create a sense of calm in the bedroom and that can be achieved by incorporating soft colours and tactile textures. “Bedrooms need to be relaxing, so we would avoid vibrant colours and stand-out statements in these spaces,” says Cathy Dean, founder and CEO of Studio Dean Interior Design. “Moody blues, deep greens and stone-based neutrals feel divine in a bedroom.”
If light colours aren’t for you, try introducing deeper tones to offer cosy and cocooning vibes. Earthy shades, such as rich browns, forest greens and stormy greys, can provide a cosy sanctuary on dark nights. If you’re after a healthy bedroom then it’s wise to use healthy paint, too. “Water-based paints with minimal VOCs – the gases emitted into the air from the paints used – are the best choice,” says interior designer Mia Karlsson.
4. Purify your bedroom with plants
Not only is biophilia a timeless and calming bedroom trend, but bringing real plants into a design can boost your wellbeing. “Indoor plants can improve your health, mood, and even the air you breathe,” says Beth Chapman, founder of Leaf Envy.
“And NASA’s Clean Air Study found that certain house plants could remove up to 87% of air toxins in 24 hours. Additionally, certain aromatic plants, such as lavender, can aid in promoting a good night’s sleep due to their relaxing scent.”
5. Clear your clutter
Of course, your bedroom decor isn’t the only thing to consider – having adequate storage to rid your room of any clutter is equally important. An untidy bedroom, full of distractions, can make it difficult to focus on sleep, so try to keep technology and accessories to a minimum and move out anything that is visually stimulating. Not only is clutter distracting, it can also collect dust, which in turn can cause breathing issues as you sleep.
Instead, invest in carefully considered items that give your bedroom personality, while keeping the majority of the floor space clear. “This is one of my key design principles for a bedroom,” says Mia. “Declutter, declutter, declutter! A clear space promotes a clear mind, which in turn promotes a good night’s sleep. Keep the design calm and pleasing to the eye, with simple lines and clean spaces.”
6. Sleep with a clear conscience
Making environmentally friendly choices for your bedroom can improve your life balance and wellbeing, and using sustainable flooring underfoot helps to create a warming ambience.
“Your bedroom should be a haven, a space in which to unwind,” says Darwyn Ker, managing director of Woodpecker Flooring. “Opt for flooring that is beautiful, healthy and yet requires minimal maintenance.”
7. Clever bedroom storage solutions
As the saying goes, no mess, no stress – so give yourself a good night’s sleep by clearing your bedroom of clutter. Keeping organised is easy if you have the correct storage.
Don’t know where to start organising your space? Professional home-organiser Dani Christie, @the.organiser.next.door, shares some tips…
- Keep bedside table drawers organised with dividers. This ensures that every item has its space, making it easy to find.
- Making your bed daily has dual benefits. First, it eliminates the sight of a cluttered bed. Second, it transforms your bedroom into a more inviting and calming space.
- Limit the contents of your bedside drawers to items essential for your night-time routine, such as a book, journal, pillow spray and an eye mask.
- Arrange your pillows with finesse: ensure their openings face inwards, concealing the seams. This small adjustment offers a more pleasing aesthetic and subtly instils a sense of order in your bedroom.
- Place loose items such as spare change and hair ties on trays to make them easy to find.
- Invest in product-specific storage solutions, such as watch stands and jewellery holders to keep your valuables accessible.
- Optimise your laundry routine with a designated system: use a laundry basket for dirty clothes, hang “not quite clean” items on a hook or stylish ladder and steer clear of the “floordrobe” or “chairdrobe” at all costs!
- If your wardrobe has different hanger types, make the switch to slimline hangers. This will maximise space and enhance order.
- When space is limited hang each complete outfit together on the same hanger. This makes them much easier to grab and go!
- Group similar items together by type (for example shirts, trousers, cardigans etc.) or colour. This simple strategy enhances visibility and accessibility while maintaining a very tidy and aesthetically pleasing wardrobe.
8. Go natural
As well as being hypoallergenic and helping to keep skin naturally hydrated, silk bed linen is cooling to the touch, so perfect for any hot sleepers.
9. Sweet dreams
Ensuring you have the right sleep environment comes down to many factors – and everyone is different. However, if you’re a light sleeper, it’s also worth investing in some blackout blinds.
10. Set the temperature
Your bedding plays a big part in how well you snooze. “Invest in linen and duvets that work across the seasons,” says Joanna Ross, general manager of design at Sheridan. “I sleep best with a heavyweight throw on the bed. Studies show that a weighted blanket decreases the number of times you wake at night.”
11. Plants matter
If you’re looking for the top performing plants to bring into your bedroom, try Sansevieria, Aloe Vera and Peace Lilies. If, however, you live in an area with high levels of air pollution, it’s worth considering an air purifier as well as plants.
“Most of us spend a third of our 24-hour day in the bedroom, so if I had to recommend one room to locate an air puri er it would be the bedroom,” says Alexander Provins, European director of Blueair. “Clean air helps to promote deep sleep and people who live in areas with high levels of air pollution are 60 per cent more likely to sleep badly than those living in areas with cleaner air.”
12. Moody hues
Newcastle-based Studio Dean has used a neutral palette for this bedroom, with Muddy York paint by Benjamin Moore on the walls, plus natural and tactile materials to create a bedroom sanctuary that whispers chilled out.
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