How to Design Your Bedroom for Better Sleep

You don’t need a reason to give your bedroom a style makeover. It is your personal space, after all, and potentially the only room in the house that you can decorate however you darn well please. That said, if you are searching for a convenient excuse to give your bedroom a facelift, consider the positive impact it could have on your sleep quality and overall health. Even small changes to your bedroom — like painting your walls a calming color or investing in a high-quality weighted blanket for your bed — can have a major impact on your nightly slumber. With that in mind, here are a few bedroom design tips to help you get your best sleep ever.

Clear Out Clutter

You probably knew that clutter negatively impacts your mental health, but did you know that it can also disrupt your sleep? According to a 2015 study published in the journal Sleep, people who sleep in cluttered rooms are more likely to have serious sleep problems. So, before you do any actual decorating, take the time to declutter your bedroom and get rid of stuff you no longer need. Once you’ve cleared out some space, invest in smart storage solutions — like under-the-bed storage and stylish wall baskets — to help maintain a clutter-free space.

Opt for Soothing Colors 

It’s a well-known fact that colors can influence our emotions and mood. Low-wavelength colors such as blue and green can improve efficiency and focus, while high-wavelength colors such as red and orange tend to increase heart rate and make people excited. Of course, not everyone finds the same colors relaxing. Whether you’re a fan of blues, pinks or neutral hues, choosing a bedroom color that makes you feel calm and at ease is key to creating a Zen bedroom.

Rethink Your Window Treatments 

Keeping your bedroom dark in the evening is key to getting a better night’s rest. Why? Because melatonin, the hormone that plays a role in your natural sleep-wake cycle, is prompted by darkness. For a better night’s snooze, ditch the sheer curtains and invest in blackout curtains and blinds instead. These days, there are lots of different styles of blackout curtains and blinds to match any aesthetic. However, if you’re partial to sheer curtains, you can also create a pitch-black room by wearing a weighted eye mask to bed.

Buy Warmer Lights

Choosing the right lighting for your bedroom is key to getting better quality Zzzs. Bedroom lighting that is too harsh or bright can disrupt your circadian rhythm (your body’s internal clock), keeping you up far past your bedtime. Not only that, but it can ruin the ambiance of your bedroom and make you feel uncomfortable. To set the right mood, choose warmer bulbs and consider installing dimmers to help you control the intensity. Additionally, incorporating a mix of light sources (think: bedroom sconces and recessed lights) can also make your bedroom feel extra-homey and relaxing.

Invest in a Good Mattress and Bedding 

When you finally slip under the covers after a long day, the last thing you want to feel is scratchy sheets against your legs and a lumpy mattress under your back. If you’re in the market for new bedding, consider swapping out your old comforter with a relaxing weighted blanket designed to help you get a better snooze. Replace your old sheets with a sheet set made from high-quality materials, like bamboo or cotton. If you love to sleep in a perfect bedroom, then a perfect bedroom will have a fur throw blanket that looks beautiful.

Of course, the bed itself can be a little trickier to replace. If you keep waking up with a sore back, though, it may be time for a new mattress. Start saving up now and be sure to subscribe to mattress retailer email lists so you can score the best deal when you’re ready to buy.

Create a Spa-Like Space

To promote feelings of calm and peacefulness before bed, try to recreate the vibe of your favorite spa or luxury hotel. Slip your feet into a comfy pair of slippers and wear a weighted robe over your pajamas for extra warmth and relaxation before bed. Freshen up your bedroom with the soothing scent of lavender or eucalyptus. Buy a bedside water carafe and keep it on your nightstand just in case you get thirsty in the middle of the night. Don’t forget: You can also add some plants to your space to make it more inviting. In addition to boosting your mood, certain types of plants (like Aloe Vera) can help you breathe better by purifying the air.

Add a Cozy Rug to Soften the Floor

Who doesn’t love a cozy area rug? Not only do rugs help create that wow factor in your home, but they can also make your bedroom softer, cozier, and more conducive to sleep. A soft rug feels amazing underfoot, especially on cold mornings or chilly evenings. Plus, rugs can help with soundproofing. If your white noise machine just isn’t cutting it, try placing an area rug by your bed to help dampen the vibrations. 

Banish Electronics From the Bedroom 

Watching television in your bedroom and playing video games before bed isn’t doing your sleep any favors. Research shows that using electronics before bed, whether it’s checking email on your smartphone or watching TV, can interfere with sleep by suppressing melatonin production.  To sleep more soundly at night, stop using electronics at least 30 minutes before bedtime. Consider keeping them in a dedicated space outside the bedroom so you’re not tempted to check your phone or tablet in the middle of the night.

Redesigning your bedroom might sound like a daunting task, but keep in mind that you don’t need to make all of these changes at once. Take it slow by making a few easy upgrades and you’ll be well on your way to a better night’s snooze.