A good night’s sleep has a huge impact on our health and well-being. As recent research and a slew of books have shown, “sleep hygiene” is key. Surprisingly, our bedroom ideas and the decor we choose can enhance it. From the furniture, bedding, and accessories we choose to what to avoid, there are plenty of tips for designing bedrooms for better sleep.
This is important because, according to sleep doctor Michael Breuss, poor quality sleep can contribute to heart problems, memory, focus and attention problems, and depression or anxiety. ‘The research is very clear, poor sleep causes physical, mental and emotional problems,’ says Dr Breuss.
So how can the way we arrange our bedroom help us sleep better?
10 bedroom design tips for better sleep
“Think of your bedroom as a retreat, it’s where you go to relax and unwind after a long day, so the space should be calm and soothing,” says Adam Black, founder of Button & Sprung. “A relaxing bedroom not only reduces the overall stress level, but also improves your sleep quality.”
1. Hang blackout blinds
Credit: Hilarys
Waking up to the sunrise may have worked for our ancestors and can be delightful at certain times of the year. However, in the summer, most of us don’t want to be woken up by bright light at 4 in the morning.
That is why blackout roller blinds are an indispensable bedroom curtain idea in the bedroom if you want to close your eyes for 8 hours in the warmer months.
In addition to blocking out early morning sunlight, blackout blinds can also keep your bedroom cool in the summer.
2. Paint walls in dark, muted tones
Credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole
Dark colors like blue bedroom ideas will create a cocoon effect that feels instantly relaxing. Interior designer Yoko Kloeden therefore opted for moody tones in her master bedroom.
“In our old house, we had a white bedroom with blackout blinds, but it was still very bright, especially in the summer,” says Yoko. “This bedroom is located at the top of the house in the attic, so I wanted to create a soothing escape with dark, moody colors.”
3. Choose a natural mattress
(Image credit: Naturalmat)
By choosing a mattress and mattress topper made of natural materials, you sleep better. This is because wool, cotton and the like regulate body temperature, unlike synthetic materials, such as foam, which overheat us.
“When it comes to bedding, natural materials such as coconut, flax, cotton and wool are the healthier choice for overall well-being and quality sleep,” said Mark Tremlett, co-founder of Naturalmat.
Changes in your body temperature can often disrupt your sleep, especially in the summer heat. Natural materials respond better to changes in body temperature, maximizing your body’s ability to cool down and regulate your body temperature while you sleep.
“Synthetic materials will exacerbate this, as they tend to absorb heat, further raising your body temperature, which in turn will lead to increased perspiration and discomfort during the night.”
4. Line Curtains With Bump
Credit: Future PLC/Loom & Last/Jon Day
In addition to lining curtains with blackout fabrics, it is also worth adding punches. Bump, also called interlining, sits between the surface fabric and the liner. Not only can it help to make the room dark enough to sleep, it often has acoustic properties as well.
So, in addition to blocking out light, the bumper-lined curtains muffle any outside noise, such as traffic or trains, making your sleeping space darker, quieter and more peaceful.
5. Install sturdy shutters
Credit: California Shutters
Blocking out the early morning light again, or even the light at night from street lamps or a particularly bright full moon, will aid sleep. This is just as important for adults as it is for little ones, especially when it comes to getting them through the night.
Sturdy shutters not only block the light, but often also reduce outside noise that disrupts your sleep.
6. Invest in built-in wardrobes
Credit: Future PLC / Dominic Blackmore
Be patient with us, this isn’t as crazy as it sounds. Less stress means better sleep – and it’s common knowledge that clutter equates to stress.
Therefore, having enough storage ideas in the bedroom means keeping clothes, shoes and accessories out of sight. Not only is this easy to find when you need them, but it also reduces overall clutter.
“The big advantage of built-in wardrobes is, of course, that they can fill the space and handle all the oddities,” says Simon Tcherniak, Senior Designer at Neville Johnson. “It’s amazing how much storage space you gain by going up against the wall. And if you don’t make them deeper than necessary, your room will also feel more spacious.’
7. Choose nightstands with storage
Credit: Future PLC/Simon Whitmore
This is another tip that deals with reducing clutter. Having more drawers increases the chance that surfaces will remain tidy. This, in turn, will help reduce stress and intrusive thoughts that can keep you awake.
“If you’re sleeping next to a closet full of clutter, the mental weight of it will likely affect how relaxed you feel,” says Kate Yiannacou, APDO (opens in new tab) Member and Founder of Tidy Happy Calm (opens in new tab)†
“If the last thing you see before you close your eyes is a pile of bills, work papers to read, or any arbitrary assortment of items that don’t belong there, chances are you’ll fall asleep and think, ‘I really need to deal with that one. “This comes at the expense of the quality of your sleep. If you can only tackle one clutter, make it your bedside table.”
8. Sleep on 100% linen sheets and duvet covers
Credit: Secret Linen Shop
Natural materials are making a comeback, because it’s not just about your mattress. Sleeping on synthetic sheets (or nightwear) can also cause overheating. Linen is particularly good at regulating temperature, keeping us warm in winter and cool in summer. The slubby style also looks beautiful.
We’re all too familiar with those ‘put-your-leg-out-of-the-duvet, find-the-cool-part-your-pillow’ nights that leave us restless and a little cranky after a bad night’s sleep said Molly Freshwater, co-founder of Secret Linen Store.
‘The right fabrics make a big difference and 100% linen is a superhero. Due to the natural fibers it is very breathable and also very absorbent. So it removes all the moisture and maintains your body temperature throughout the night.’
9. Throw away your phone in favor of an alarm clock
(Image credit: Future Plc)
We all know the exercise – ‘keep electronics out of the bedroom’. But it’s amazing how many of us ignore this adage, at the expense of our sleep quality. Opting for an old-fashioned alarm clock instead of your telephone alarm clock will not only look charming, but will also help you drift off at night.
“For many, sleeping without your phone on your nightstand may seem like an impossible task,” says Snoozel Green’s Rob Davey. (opens in new tab) “However, the blue light from your cell phone can trick your body into thinking it’s still light outside and keep you awake.
‘As little as 2 hours of blue light exposure before bedtime can slow or stop the release of the sleep hormone melatonin. So it’s best to keep your phone out of the bedroom.’
10. Sleep on a king size bed
(Image credit: Button & Springy)
Size matters when it comes to sleeping, especially if you share a bed with a fidget or oven. Waking up to an accidental kick or throwing out blankets is not a recipe for good relationships. So make sure that your bed is big enough to keep the peace.
“One of the best ways to ensure a good night’s sleep is to make sure you have plenty of room, especially if you’re sleeping with a partner,” says John Lewis Home Design Stylist Alexandra Fox. “A little extra space never hurts for those who like to change their sleeping position at night or during the warmer months of the year.”
What are 3 tips to sleep better?
If you want to improve your sleep, the first step is to make sure your room is as dark and quiet as possible. Blackout blinds and deep-pile rugs that help absorb sound are all your friends when it comes to sleep. Limiting the use of electronics before bed is another tip, although it may seem useful to charge your phone on your bedside table, consider moving your charging point to another room to avoid the temptation to charge your phone before bed. to scroll. Finally, make sure you have the best mattress. Nothing improves your sleep better than a comfortable bed that you can sink into after a long day at work.
Which color helps you sleep?
Several studies, including one from hotel chain Travelodge, claim that blue is the most relaxing color. That’s why a blue bedroom can help you sleep. However, choose dark shades rather than vibrant ones.