As we approach fall and go back to work and school, it’s time to think about how we decorate and the impact of our homes on our mood. One of the most important rooms to consider is the bedroom. A bedroom where you feel relaxed is truly crucial for overall well-being. Fortunately, creating these spaces to maximize health and sleep isn’t too much of a challenge. Here’s how the experts suggest transforming your bedroom from a crashpad into a tranquil haven.
Invest In A Good Mattress
There’s nothing that feels quite like getting into bed every night and lying down on a comfortable mattress to help lull you to sleep. “Nine out of ten Americans don’t wake up feeling refreshed each morning. Having an older or low-quality mattress can exacerbate the problem. It can retain heat making it harder to fall asleep or lack support which will increase night awakenings and morning aches and pains,” says Kristen Olson-Turner, Senior Director of Merchandising at Purple.
Purple is a unique company because its mattresses are engineered a bit differently than traditional mattresses. “Purple’s proprietary GelFlex Grid uses a repeating geometric structure to create cushioned comfort. The grid shape adjusts to pressure points while supporting broad areas like hips and backs. This structure has been shown to reduce aches and pains and prevent heat retention,” says Olsen-Turner.
Purple’s mattresses don’t use box springs but are incredibly thick for a high-up, hotel-like feel. They’re incredibly luxurious.
Buy The Good Sheets
According to Olson-Turner, sheets can be just as important as finding the perfect mattress. “It can make all the difference when it comes to your comfort and temperature control throughout the night. When choosing the right bed sheets for you, consider factors like the material used, weave, and thread count.”
So, consider the material before you click add to cart. “For example, if you’re a hot sleeper, you may consider percale, linen, or Tencel sheets to keep you cool through the night. Cold sleepers may want to look for thick sheets that can act as insulators, such as flannel, satin, and combed cotton sheets.”
Adjust The Thermostat
Sleeping at the right temperature is also essential. “An average range between 66 degrees Fahrenheit and 70 degrees Fahrenheit serves as the recommended sleeping temperature. However, your ideal body temperature will vary depending on a variety of factors, including your age, gender, and personal preferences. Your body in bed generates heat and often our mattress and covers can trap that heat resulting in night awakenings,” says Olson-Turner. “It’s hard to fall asleep if you’re too hot or cold, and it’s hard to stay asleep if you’re too hot or cold.”
One easy way to ensure the temperature in the room is always ideal for sleeping is to get a programable thermostat that can be integrated into your smart home system.
Install Blackout Curtains
Olson-Turner also suggests installing blackout window treatments. Today’s blackout treatments are very different than those ugly white roller shades of yesteryear. The Shade Store has lots of unique blackout window treatments including drapes, shades, Roman Shades, and blinds. These treatments can be a part of your decor and elevate the tranquility of the space.
Use Neutral Colors
Neutrals have been a major design trend in recent years. There’s a good reason for this. “Your home can be your stressor or your sanctuary, but it cannot be both. Bedrooms are meant to be a serene shelter where you get to climb into your comfy bed with soft sheets and let out a relieved sigh. To achieve this, examine the components of your bedroom,” says Joshua Smith, principal and founder of Joshua Smith Inc.
He advises steering clear of bold colors. “Scientific studies have shown that colors can influence our mood, and vibrant tones can be overstimulating. So, steering clear of bold colors that will keep you energized is a good place to start,” explains the designer.
However, that doesn’t mean everything has to be white or eggshell. Smith recommends considering blue, green, light purple, and soft pink shades. “No matter what hue you choose, take some time to experiment with color—make your space personal and discover what truly works for you.”
Accessorize With A Rug
Rugs aren’t just a great way to accessorize a bedroom by adding color and texture into a space—there are other benefits as well. “Carpeting your bedroom or adding a soft area rug helps soften any harsh noises like footsteps.” While wall-to-wall carpeting isn’t ideal for most spaces, it can work incredibly well in a bedroom.
Reevaluate The Lighting Scheme
The right lighting is crucial in all rooms but especially bedrooms. According to Lauren Lerner, CEO and founder of Living with Lolo, “Lighting can greatly affect the way we perceive and experience a room. We love layering lighting in the bedroom by adding cans, chandeliers, and table lamps for soothing ambiance options. Often in Arizona, we have to bypass a beautiful chandelier for a ceiling fan because it gets so hot, so we may add in pendants but still always layer with cans. We always go with soft white for bedrooms, aiming between 2700 to 3000 Kelvin.”
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