Our bedroom is the place we go to at the end of a busy day to rest and drift off into a blissful sleep, so it should be a complete sanctuary.
The room should be free from clutter and loud colors that will cause us to feel agitated and should be furnished and decorated in such a way that we immediately relax and unwind. If your boudoir is in need of a makeover, here are 7 ways to turn your bedroom into a tranquil retreat.
The Bed
The bed is the most important piece of furniture in a bedroom so choose one that satisfies all your needs.
If you have a partner, opt for a queen-size or king-size bed so that you both have plenty of room to spread out when sleeping without feeling constricted. If you are single, you may want to purchase a double bed – it will depend upon the amount of space you have.
A comfortable mattress is vital, and you should devote a good chunk of your budget to getting the perfect one. Take advantage of deals that offer free trials of particular mattresses.
The Lighting
A tranquil space should be softly lit and free from harsh fluorescent lighting. Natural daylight is the softest light, so leaving the windows free from heavy curtains and blinds and opting for sheer muslin screens will ensure light gets in without compromising your privacy.
Plantation shutters are a wonderful option as they can be adjusted to let in just the amount of light you want. The shutters are made from wood and often stained or painted in subtle colors that give a bedroom a subtle romantic look.
On dark nights you will need a source of light, so choose table lamps fitted with bulbs that emit a soft glow in shades of yellow rather than harsh blue-white light.
The Soft Furnishings
The soft furnishings will help to create the aesthetic of a tranquil retreat. Natural materials such as cotton, bamboo, linen, and sheepskin will provide a softness. Ensure there are no bright colors and choose a color palette consisting of soft whites, greys, taupe, camel, and light brown. These hues are splendid as base colors for carpets and wall coverings. Accents of pale greens, blues, and yellow can be added through accessorizing with queen bed sets, lampshades, cushions, and throw blankets.
The Flooring
Flooring should be made from natural materials such as wood, bamboo, cork, wool, and sisal as it looks organic and lacks harsh coloring. Softness can be added to the room by installing some luxurious deep pile wool carpeting or some light-colored faux fur rugs or sheepskins. The room should be light, natural, and free from distracting colors.
The Decor
Light and airy is the key when decorating. Walls should be painted in mellow, relaxing tones that are easy on the eye and invoke feelings of complete relaxation. Choose a paper with an unfussy pattern or a subtle texture if you prefer wallpaper over plain painted walls.
The Accessories
The bedroom should be sparsely furnished and free from clutter, so install plenty of cupboards and drawer units to conceal and store your belongings.
If you want to add some personal touches, ensure you don’t go overboard and cram the room with lots of brightly colored trinkets. Some soft focus prints or photographs in wooden frames will add interest to blank walls without overwhelming the space.
Small green succulents, cacti, and bonsai trees in pots bring an organic element and a delicate pop of color to the room. The plants will also clean the air in the room, making it a cocoon of fresh air that is wonderfully healthy to sleep in.
Sound and Smell
Perfumes can invoke certain feelings. Essential oils such as lavender can make a person feel relaxed when inhaled, so place some bowls of potpourri around the room, plug in an oil diffuser, or light some candles when you are craving a period of extreme relaxation.
Beautiful music and nature sounds add to the ambiance. Purchase a CD player or a Bluetooth speaker to sit beside your bed and play sounds of the rainforest or whale song. Lie on the bed, enveloped in a soft blanket, and let the smells and sounds help you drift off into a delicious sleep.
Everyone will have a different idea of what makes a bedroom a tranquil retreat so just go with your instinct of what makes you feel relaxed and safe.