You know the feeling: You spend your days at work and your nights tossing and turning or counting sheep until you finally drift off. Getting a good night’s sleep can feel like an impossible feat. But smart designers like U and I Interiors have found a way to create bedrooms that make you feel like you’re sleeping in a luxury hotel.
1. Invest in a comfortable mattress—it’s worth it
If your mattress is more than 10 years old, chances are it’s not giving you the restful sleep you deserve. A good night’s sleep is important to your overall health and well-being, so if you find yourself tossing and turning at night or waking up with a stiff back or if you get better sleep on a hotel bed when you travel, it might be time to upgrade.
2. Add layers of lighting for a luxurious effect
In order to sleep better at night, you need to get rid of unwanted bedroom lights. Seeking out a window treatment that will obscure outside brightness at nighttime but doesn’t block it during the day is a great way to do this. Your bedroom should be treated like a sanctuary and a place where you want to spend your time.
Try dimming your lights to keep the mood relaxed, or choose lampshades that diffuse brightness. Smart bulbs will respond to vocal or phone-app commands to take things down a notch.
3. Incorporate soothing scents
Whether it’s from the glass of a smokey candle, a beautiful ceramic incense holder, or a sleek stone diffuser, the scent of chamomile, lavender and cedar will bring a sense of calm to your home.
4. Luxury linens deserve your attention
The Better Sleep Council recommends a mattress temperature of 65 degrees for most people. To achieve this ideal temperature and to stay cozy, try cooling sheets, such as percale or linen, if you “run hot” and something warmer, like flannel, if you “run cold.”
A well-chosen rug or tatami mat placed underneath your bed can make a huge difference between waking up with a smile, and with a shiver.
5. Add splashes of soothing, natural colors to your home
The color scheme of a bedroom can affect your emotions and routine. For example, if you prefer something easygoing and versatile, colors like blush or white will do. Alternatively, darker colors like emerald green, navy, and soft black offer a calming effect. And if you prefer something that pumps you up for mornings, yellow and even red in small doses can work well.
6. Declutter to de-stress
Strategically place books, knickknacks, and baskets so it’s harder to litter clothes on the ground. Don’t keep TVs in the bedroom—they can interfere with sleep. If you do have one, conceal it in an armoire or behind a screen. And don’t forget to make your bed every morning—it will help your mornings run more smoothly.
7. Be mindful of size and arrangement
Bed height is paramount to a good night’s sleep. A bed should be proportionate to your height so that when lying down, you feel grounded—not too low or too high. Bed height should also be appropriate for the size of the room; high ceilings can afford a taller frame and smaller spaces benefit from a lower profile.