The bedroom; next to the kitchen, is the most important room in the home. Most folks spend one-third of their life sleeping. For this reason, having not only a comfortable bed is important, but the right sleeping environment as well. Over the years, there has been a great deal of research and studies involving how to get a good sleep. Things like watching the amount of stimulants, such as caffeine, near bedtime, watching electronics or phones 2 hours before bedtime, having blue lights in the room, and sleeping with a pet have all been shown to affect a person’s sleep. Interestingly, the way a bedroom is arranged and decorated has also been shown to make a positive or negative difference in the quality of sleep. So, if you are fortunate enough to be able to plan your bedroom, here are some important considerations to take into account:
- Choose the color of the walls carefully. Soft colors, especially off white, light blue, light beige, and pale gray, have been shown to induce a restful atmosphere.
- Provide an adequate amount of ways to keep clutter contained, out of sight. Walk-in closets are especially helpful for clothes, shoes, and accessories. Bureaus and dressers with deep as well as shallow drawers are essential for personal items. An interesting container or small tray on top of a man’s dresser is helpful for wallet, cuff links, and watch. For the ladies, an attractive jewelry box and stand for longer items are desirable. A pretty nick-knack is nice too.
- Lighting is another factor which can alter the quality of sleep. Several fashionable lamps with soft glow medium wattage bulbs are best. If you like to read in bed, there are bulbs which have adjustable wattage which can be turned up for reading. An overhead light is nice as well, especially those with adjustable brightness.
- Overhead fans are a way to keep the air circulating, which has been shown to help a person breath more effectively during sleep. There are many interesting designs of ceiling fans to choose from which will enhance the look of your bedroom.
- Bedrooms are one room where it almost always nice to have carpeting. Getting out of bed to a cold floor, especially during the night, can be a jolt to the system. If you don’t want carpet, think about an interesting throw rug or rug runner on the floor beside the bed and keep your slippers handy.
- Studies show having a TV in the bedroom is not a good idea. If you decide to have one, use good judgment when to use it. You could try using a stereo music system instead, which can provide relaxing music.
- Depending on the size of the bedroom, it is nice to have at least one comfortable chair. A chair is not meant to throw clothes on but to sit and relax awhile. A chair is also great for sitting on to put on your socks. Many people enjoy having a rocking chair in their bedroom. This is especially true it there are little ones to hold and rock.
- Adequate wastebaskets and containers for dirty clothes should be available and placed where they can be accessed easily.
- A child’s bedroom is much the same as an adult’s though children, especially teenagers, often spend more time in their bedrooms than adults. Age of a child will determine what kind of furniture is needed. For example, a school-age child needs a desk, and very young children need shelves to place their toys and books on. Clothes rods in closets should be adjusted to the height of who will be using them.
Of course, you will first need to determine how many bedrooms your home will need. Each bedroom should be considered separately depending on who will be using it, a child, a couple, a single, or a guest. These rooms are fun to plan, and it is nice to give those who will be using the bedroom a chance to help with the planning. Plan well, and you will not only have a room that is lovely to look at you will have a room designed to help you get a good night’s sleep.
