Designing a Bedroom? Here are Some Things to Keep in Mind
Whether you’re just moving into a new house or you’re renovating your home, designing a bedroom can mean careful planning to make sure it’s comfortable and functional.
Different people have different bedroom preferences and needs, so this isn’t a case of one rule that fits everyone. But there are still some general guidelines to follow if you want the bedroom to be properly designed for a good night’s sleep.
After all, poor sleep can be harmful to children and adults alike. Nobody wants to end up with a sleep deficit, as you will feel groggy, irritable, headachey, and you might even have slower responses and reactions. Here are some bedroom design tips so you can have the best night’s sleep possible.
Bedroom or Office?
One common sight in recent years is the bedroom that doubles as an office or a study room. If you work from home, you need somewhere to work, and if you don’t have the space to set up a dedicated study or home office, the bedroom is often the go-to place for it. This is because the bedroom is private, quiet, and free of distractions.
However, a bedroom/office combo has a lot of downsides. It can be hard to switch your brain into work mode if your bed is right there, along with the general clutter that might be generated in your bedroom. Even worse, it can be especially difficult to get to sleep if a constant reminder of your work is in view of your bed.
If possible, try to find somewhere else for your office. A spare room might need to be converted to a home office with a pullout sofa bed, especially if you do a lot of work from home. Or you could consider building a garden office in your backyard. This is a separate structure that is on your property and can be a great way to use some extra exterior space.
But what if the bedroom is the best place for your desk? Well, try to create a sense of separation between your bedroom area and the office area. Put the desk in a corner, ideally near natural light, and facing away from your bed. If you can, get some room dividers so you turn it into a study nook or cubicle.
The Bedroom Owner
One of the most important things to remember when planning a new bedroom is the person who will be sleeping in there. If you’re planning on changing your own bedroom, it’s easy to think about your own preferences. You put the things you like in there so you can be comfortable in your haven.
If you’re planning a spare room, as a general rule, just make things neutral and comfortable. Avoid overly bold choices, but make sure that it’s easy to sleep in. Think about hotel rooms for inspiration, although you can be a bit more interesting than that in your own home. There aren’t any real rules, but this can be good to consider.
But what about your kid’s rooms?
Depending on the age of your children, it might be a good idea to let them have a say in how they design their rooms. Yes, you might want to offer advice, set boundaries, and maybe even get stuck in here and there, but it can be good to let them take responsibility for it.
Teenagers, for example, might be able to do most of the decorating themselves. You can give them a budget, provide a few guidelines or rules, and offer an extra pair of hands when they need it, but this can be a great opportunity to let them exercise their creativity and their sense of responsibility all at once. They have to learn how to plan a project and stick to it.
Of course, the amount of leeway you offer does also depend on the maturity of your children and their personalities. Some children might not really care, but most like to be able to have a say in how they plan their rooms. Even if they end up changing their preferences as phases come and go, it’s good to let them explore that.
Good Sleep Hygiene
“Sleep hygiene” is one of those terms that sounds a bit confusing when you first hear it. It doesn’t mean showering before you go to bed, although it is a good idea to brush your teeth and maybe wash your face before you go to sleep. Sleep hygiene refers to different practices that add up to a good night’s sleep.
For example, bad sleep hygiene might be staring at screens or working just before you go to bed. You can’t wind down properly and you might take a long time to go to sleep.
Another thing to consider is the light level, sound level, and temperature of your room. If you want the best sleep possible, you want a cool, dark, and quiet bedroom. Get blackout curtains for your windows and, if you need some light because you don’t like the dark, use a nightlight for dim, diffused, warm light that isn’t harsh on your eyes. Some people even use an eyemask so they can sleep better in lighter areas.
Make sure that your room is cool enough by getting an aircon system or getting a (hopefully quiet) fan. In some areas, you could sleep with the windows open or open the window a few hours before going to bed so your room cools down.
You should also invest in a good mattress and pillow combination so you can sleep with the proper support and comfort. Mattress Overstock has a huge selection of affordable mattresses so that you can find one that suits your preferences. Don’t get way too many pillows either, as they can push your head up. One or two good pillows is plenty, and you want to support your head and your neck properly so you don’t end up with neck or back pain.
All of this will allow you to sleep well.
