Your bedroom should be a sanctuary for rest and relaxation. If it's not or if you find that you sleep better in a hotel, than it may be time for a bedroom makeover. That's because bedroom interior design, something hotels think a lot about, can play a role in how well you sleep.
You wouldn't stay somewhere again if you had a terrible night's sleep, would you? You shouldn't sleep in a bedroom that doesn't meet your sleep needs either.
Create a calming bedroom space by incorporating these smart interior design elements.
Start With Color
Color can affect mood. So pay attention to the color that's on your bedroom walls. While the research behind color psychology is limited, the color blue is often cited as the most soothing and restful. Cool colors, such as blues and grays can reduce blood pressure and heart rate, while warm colors like purples and reds increase it, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Use the latter colors sparingly in the bedroom.
If blue isn't your hue, other soothing shades for wall colors include grays, neutrals and sage greens. Perhaps as important is choosing a color that you associate with calm and relaxation.
Focus on Light Control
Light affects our ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. Getting a good night's sleep means controlling both natural and artificial light.
Choose the right light bulbs.
Blue wavelength light can disrupt our body's production of melatonin, a hormone that affects our ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. While the majority of blue light exposure comes from the electronics we use (and why you shouldn't bring them into your sleep space), it's also found in certain light bulbs, such as standard light-emitting diode (LED) and compact fluorescent bulbs. You'll want to keep these light bulbs out of your bedroom.
Traditional incandescent light bulbs, often labeled soft white, are a good option for protecting your sleep as these provide a warm, diffuse glow. Even better: Red or pink light-emitting light bulbs. That's because red wavelength light is the most conducive for sleep, according to The Better Sleep Council.
Install red or pink light bulbs in bedroom light fixtures, such as the bedside lamp or overhead light. These light bulbs come in both incandescent and energy-saving LED options. You can purchase them in any in-store or online home improvement retailer. Some come with timers and dimming options to that darken to help you fall asleep and brighten to help you wake up refreshed.
Replace your curtains.
Light pollution from neighbors, passing cars, and street lights can be a significant problem. If you have trouble falling asleep because of the light pouring in through your windows, it's time to consider better window treatments. Blackout curtains are often used by hotels to create to a comfy, cozy atmosphere. They not only block out light, blackout curtains also reduce outside noise, another sleep disruptor. Black out lining can also be added to Roman shades if that's your preferred look. Opaque cellular blinds are another option for light and sound insulation.
Reduce clutter, induce calm.
Clutter can make your bedroom feel chaotic, not something that induces relaxation. If your bedroom is a dumping ground for piles of stuff, it's time to tackle the clutter through interior design. Move piles of laundry to an in-closet hamper. A bedside table with ample drawer space can keep your stack of books out of sight. Large, decorative lidded baskets artfully placed in a corner can serve as catch alls. Less stuff to walk or knock over can help you achieve that serenity you mind craves.
With a few simple changes, your bedroom can become your sleep oasis.
Photo courtesy of @atmeikasa.