Probably the most commonly sought-after bedroom vibe is tranquility. Who doesn’t want a peaceful, relaxing space in which to drift off to Dreamland? But for many people, instead of tranquil, the bedroom is an anxiety-producing room filled with clutter, bland décor and too many reminder of the workday. If your bedroom isn’t the restful space you desire, take these easy steps to transforming it into a serene refuge from the trials of the day.
Clean it Up
If you can’t see your bed under the piles of laundry waiting to be put away; the dresser has disappeared under all the mail, papers and magazines you’ve been meaning to sort through; and the cat’s been sleeping in the gym bag dropped on the floor days ago, it’s going to be hard to relax in your bedroom. Clutter is stimulating, and not in a good way. It’s even worse when your job has crept into the bedroom in the form of laptop, work projects and memos. The first step in bringing back the tranquility is banishing everything work-related to other areas of the home, and clearing the clutter away.
Color it Calm
A tranquil bedroom doesn’t have to lack contrast or be decorated only in white. In fact, soft color is more serene than bright white. For a calming palette, think of the muted, cool tones of nature: the whisper gray of a dove’s feathers, the hushed blue of the ocean on an overcast day or the soft green of moss. It’s these quiet shades of nature that bring serenity to a space, not bright colors, overly-dark tones or shiny metallics; or even pastels, which lack the foggy undertones that create a serene feel. Color your walls in a soft, cool color, and use a blend of soft neutrals and other cool colors throughout the room.
Focus on Your Bed
The main purpose of your bedroom is to house the bed where you restore your physical and mental energies every night – so make sure that bed is a relaxing, welcoming haven. Start with a supportive, comfortable mattress. If it’s been years since you replaced yours, and it’s starting to show its age with a dip in the middle or lumpy areas, it’s time for a replacement. For extra comfort, consider adding a mattress topper to your bed.
Sheets come next, and this is one area where it’s worth it to splurge a little bit. Good quality sheets feel so pampering against your skin; it’s hard not to feel peaceful and ready for sleep when you slide between them. Finally, choose a thick, luxurious comforter, duvet or quilt, and a set of shams to complete the look. Keep your bedding palette limited to white or soft, smoky shades of green, blue, tan or gray. Solid colors are best, but if you like pattern, choose a very simple design with only two or three colors. Because a tranquil look is clean and uncluttered, a pair of shams is enough adornment for your bed, no need for extra toss pillows.
Turn Off the Electronics
Television, laptops and smartphones are very entertaining, but rarely tranquil. If you want your bedroom to be as peaceful as possible, keep the electronics banished to other areas of the house, or at least turned off an hour before bedtime. The one exception is if you enjoy listening to relaxing music, guided meditations or books on tape before sleeping.
Keep Accessories to a Minimum
Clean, uncluttered and simple are the key concepts for the tranquil bedroom. A tranquil bedroom is a simple bedroom. This means you don’t want an excess of accessories, or anything that isn’t useful, but your room shouldn’t be stark and impersonal, either. Strike a happy balance with just a few beloved pieces – limit yourself to just a few of the following:
- Framed photos
- Candles
- Potted plants
- Hanging artwork with peaceful themes
- Collectibles
When choosing necessary bedroom accessories, such as bedside lamps, curtains, area rugs, a reading chair or floor lamps, look for simple designs with natural finishes or materials. Lamps with dimmers are especially useful for setting a tranquil feel in the bedroom – use the brighter setting when dressing in the morning, but tone down the brightness when it’s time to relax at night.
You’ll know your bedroom is done right when it’s one of your favorite places to be, and you feel better just entering the space. Creating a tranquil bedroom is one of the best ways to ensure you’ll sleep well, feel good and wake up with enough energy to face your day.
