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From Spotlight: Easy Tips for a Timeless, Cozy Home

5 Ways to Design a Bedroom That Will Actually Help You Sleep

Pair of feet sticking out from white bedsheets
Image: Wokandapix/Pixabay

Start by controlling light, sound, and temperature.

Contributed By

This article was contributed by Sarah Fogle, a DIYer, self-professed power tool addict, and home renovation blogger, who writes “The Ugly Duckling House.”

When it comes to redecorating, our energy and budget often get funneled into "public" parts of the home, such as the kitchen and bathrooms. Private spaces like the master bedroom rarely get as much love or money. After all, it’s better to spend on rooms guests will actually see, right?

The Centers for Disease Control estimates that more than one-third of adults in the U.S. aren't getting enough sleep, which can impact our moods, mental clarity, and overall health. With our days so full of demands and external stressors, it’s time we turn our attention to the room where we rejuvenate and recover.

Here are five simple ways to add charm and comfort to the coziest room of the house -- and improve your chances for a restful start to the day.

#1 Choose a Soothing Paint Color

White bed with assortment of straw and cowboy hats above it

While it may seem like a good idea to paint the bedroom your favorite sunny yellow, color experts don’t agree. Warmer tones such as yellow, orange, and red are said to be energizing and may even irritate the eye. That doesn’t exactly bode well for those of us trying to keep our eyes closed. 

Consider colors with a cooler tone, such as whites, taupes, grays, blues, and soft greens. Remember to use a low-VOC paint to reduce toxins in your indoor environment. VOCs — or volatile organic compounds — are in vapors emitted from many everyday household products, like paint and cleaning chemicals.

#2 Hang Blackout Curtains or Layered Window Treatments

Having a bright and airy bedroom is often the picture we have in our minds, but the reality of light pouring into our windows is less than ideal for actually getting rest (or getting up in the morning without being blinded by sunlight).

Blackout curtains not only help block light when you hit the snooze button, but many also offer a thermal panel on the back, which helps prevent temperature fluctuations in the middle of the night.

If blackout curtains aren’t your thing, you can also add multiple forms of window treatments, such as shades and curtains, to help control the amount of light.

Blue bedroom with white accents and white curtain

#3 Eliminate Clutter and Electronics

Have you ever decluttered a space and felt instantly lighter, as though a weight had been lifted off your shoulders? If you’ve never felt the peace that comes along with a tidy and organized room, focus on having only the essentials you need in your bedroom for a good night’s sleep.

Remove distractions, including electronics (their blue light is known to ward off sleep), and anything that’s simply taking up space in the room.

#4 Install a Stylish Ceiling Fan

Black and white bedroom with natural accents and ceiling fan

When designing a stylish master bedroom, your first instinct might be to splurge on a luxe-looking light fixture. However, unlike a light, a ceiling fan (with or without a light) enhances restfulness.

They boast a soft white noise and help control your body temperature during sleep, both by cooling you in the summer and helping push down warm air in the winter. (Just be sure to switch the fan's direction between seasons.)

Plus, there are more stylish designs on the market than ever before!

Related: 

#5 Layer Your Bedding

Bed with blue and white striped comforter & padded bed frame

Layered bedding adds dimension and texture to the room, turning a flat, bland bed into a multi-dimensional piece of art. It also gives you lots of options during the night in case there’s a sudden chill or your partner steals some of the covers. 

Also consider switching out your comforter between seasons if you have a lot of temperature fluctuations. This habit not only allows you to freshen up your style, but it also provides more comfort when the winter temps dip or the summer heat intensifies.

While there are multiple ways to help with a better night’s sleep, in the end, the most restful room is the one you can call your own. Keep these suggestions in mind, and you’ll be well on your way to a master bedroom that’s both beautiful and functional.

Sarah Fogle's bio photo
Sarah Fogle

Sarah Fogle has been remodeling her 1980s home for nearly 6 years — usually without a helping hand. Her do-it-yourself tips, tutorials, and renovation realities are featured on her blog, UglyDucklingHouse.com, where she shares her passion for all things DIY. She has over 3 million followers on Pinterest.