Create the perfect tranquil sanctuary
A tranquil night’s sleep may mean the difference between an average day and an amazing one.
So isn’t it time to wake up and reclaim our sleep space?
Here is how to transform your bedroom into your very own happy place: a restful sanctuary.
Choose a neutral palette
Zigzag wallpaper and red-painted walls may look impressive in a magazine but they’re unlikely to aid restful sleep. A colour scheme of soft neutrals will enhance the sense of calm in your bedroom. And if you can’t live without colour, use bright cushions to accessorise.
Lighting? Think small
If you’re pottering around in your room before bedtime, create a warm, gentle glow that will help you wind down and prepare the body for deep relaxation. A simple string of fairy lights tucked behind the curtain rail is an inexpensive way to provide just enough light – and look oh-so-pretty in the process.
Create a cosy seating area
Depending on the size of your bedroom, consider adding a plump, oversized armchair to your scheme, or even a beanbag if you’re short of space. Then curl up with your favourite magazine, or a good book, for some quality me-time.
Declutter
Tripping over clothes and treading on your hairbrush isn’t the most relaxing way to begin bedtime. Eliminating clutter helps reduce stress, and you’ll be able to find your belongings more quickly. Use rustic crates or pretty boxes to stack away larger items, and organise drawers using dividers.
Use calming aromas
Avoid artificial scents, such as air fresheners, and replace with essential oils and a diffuser. Soothing lavender oil is thought to help you fall asleep faster and more deeply, while chamomile is known to ease tension. Massage a drop into your temples and feet, take deep inhalations… and relax.
Keep your cool
Most of us equate feeling toasty in bed with a good night’s sleep, yet the opposite is actually true. Our bodies naturally cool down at night, increasing the likelihood of rejuvenating deep sleep. Stay cool with cotton bedding – which won’t trap heat and make you sweat – and don’t forget to open your window, even in winter, to circulate fresh air.
Grow some plants
As well as looking lovely, keeping a small plant on your dressing table will do wonders for the atmosphere in your bedroom. Plants release oxygen and water, which purify the air.
Invest in a good bed
You can lose up to an hour’s sleep a night in an uncomfortable bed, so it’s important to buy the best you can afford. Divan – or upholstered box – beds are the most popular in the UK, and vary from more expensive sprung bases to cheaper solid platforms. Know your budget, and try before you buy.
Glam it up
Where else can you indulge your interior design fantasies if not the privacy of your bedroom? Consider adding a chandelier for a dramatic touch and if you have enough space, incorporate a dressing table into