Your bedroom should be a refuge from the world; a serene, tranquil place that promotes rest and relaxation. Whether you live in one of the new homes in Darlington or an older property, a relaxing bedroom is a must.
If you find yourself tossing and turning during the night or find it difficult to get to sleep in the first place, it could be your bedroom that’s the problem. Where we sleep has a huge effect on how rested we feel in the morning, and there are steps you can take to transform your bedroom into a peaceful haven.
Calming colours
Interior designers are very aware of the psychology of colour.
Different colours evoke different emotions. Some make us feel relaxed, while others make us feel alert and energised.
When it comes to your bedroom, calming colours are the clearly the best choice. You cannot go wrong with classic neutrals, creating a clean, soothing atmosphere. Pastel colours, such as lavender, mint green, or duck egg blue, create a similar sense of tranquillity.
Avoid those bold shades which provide a burst of energy, especially reds, oranges, and yellows.
Ambient lighting
Lighting is one of the easiest ways to set the mood of a room, and in the bedroom that mood should be subdued and soft.
Having one or two side lights instead of a bright overhead light will make your bedroom feel more like a quiet sanctuary, preparing you for sleep. It will also make it easier to return to sleep if you need to get up in the middle of the night.
Installing a dimmer switch is a simple way to give yourself additional control over the amount of light you’re exposed to before bed.
Declutter
Clutter, in the form of mess, books, papers, clothing, or too much décor, will distract you from falling asleep.
An over-busy, overstuffed sleep environment promotes anxiety and overstimulation, neither of which are conducive to a good night’s sleep. Be very selective about how many items you have on display, merciless with mess, and invest in plenty of storage solutions like boxes, baskets, and drawers to keep necessary bedroom bric-a-brac out of sight.
Let nature in
Bringing some plant life into the bedroom is a simple, effective way to promote relaxation.
Not only do houseplants look attractive, but they help to oxygenate the room, preventing it from becoming stuffy and unpleasant.
Eliminate noise
When you’re lying in bed trying to fall asleep, you want as few distractions as possible, and few things are more distracting than constant or intermittent noise.
Do everything you can to make your bedroom as quiet as possible. Keep your phone on silent during the night, hang thick curtains to minimize outside noise as well as light, and fill the room with sound-absorbing soft furnishings, such as pillows and rugs.
Quality bedding
We spend a third of our lives in bed, so a high-quality bed frame, a comfortable mattress, and top-tier bedding is a more than worthwhile investment.
Different people will have different ideas of what constitutes the perfect bed. Some are quite happy on a single or double mattress, while others need plenty of room in which to stretch out during the night. Certain sleepers require a firm mattress to provide ample back support, whereas others prefer a soft mattress and softer pillows to sink into.
Consider how you sleep before you commit to purchase, and whichever mattress you choose, make sure your bed frame is sturdy, and your bedding is of the highest thread count you can afford.
Change your bedding once a week to keep it fresher for longer, using a great smelling detergent to make falling asleep even more inviting.
A relaxing bedroom is the key to restful sleep.
