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14 ways to create a relaxing bedroom

“Many people struggle to get to sleep at night. It’s a really common problem. But what they often don’t realise is that their bedroom may be contributing to the situation. If you’re using your bedroom to catch up on work, watch TV and even eat dinner, it’s no longer the calm and distraction-free place that’s necessary to wind down and prepare yourself for sleep. Take a look at these ideas for creating a more relaxing bedroom.” Dr Ranj, Furniture Village sleep ambassador
Hints & Tips
Sleep friendly

While we can appreciate the idea of Sunday morning breakfast in bed, we’re not so sure about watching TV in bed with a dinner tray every evening. And as for working the night away – hunched over a laptop on one side of our bedroom with the bed nothing but a distant dream on the other – surely we must draw the line somewhere?

Our bedrooms should, ideally, be havens of relaxation where we can switch off from the day around us and transition into full chill-out mode. That means not continuing to stress about work, and not confusing our sleeping spot with a place to eat our dinner.

Here are our tips for creating a relaxing bedroom that instantly turns you into a cosy book-reader, a committed yawner and a seriously satisfied snoozer.

harrison spinks pink

Relaxing bedroom tip 1: The dream bed

You can’t create a relaxing bedroom without it having a bed that you really want to relax on. As well as being a stylish focal point, a sumptuously upholstered bed frame provides a wonderful place to relax. If you like to sit up in bed to read, choose one with a tall winged headboard, or opt for a divan base and add the headboard of your choice.

And for maximum relaxation, we recommend that you choose the largest bed that your bedroom can accommodate. A bigger bed simply means more room to spread out and relax.

If you find that having a neat and tidy space reduces your stress levels, be sure to choose a bed with built in storage. Perfect for extra bedding, clothes and pillows, an ottoman storage bed can really help you create the relaxing bedroom of your dreams.

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Relaxing bedroom tip 2: Layered lighting

One of the easiest ways to create a relaxing bedroom is to introduce layered lighting. This is an interior design term that refers to the three different types of lighting that every room should have for both functionality and ambience – general overhead lighting, task lighting for activities like reading, and feature or accent lighting. Without layered lighting from ceiling lighting, task lamps and bedside table lamps, your bedroom may feel stark and unwelcoming. We recommend that you invest in some statement lamps that look great and provide soft, relaxing lighting.

If you want to take things a step further and achieve a truly ambient look, you could explore the world of LED lighting. A couple of strips by the bed or on the walls will give your bedroom an instant soothing glow.

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Porcelaine ginger jar
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Relaxing bedroom tip 3: Luxurious bedding

From duvets to cushions and throws to pillows, softly textured bedding is a quick and easy way to create a relaxed bedroom feel.

Layering bedding – like wool blankets, plush cushions and silk pillows – on a wooden or metal bed frame makes for a very stylish contrast between soft fabrics and more organic materials. Mixing and matching tones and textures creates a fabulous eclectic feel that’s so on trend as well as helping to create a bed that you can’t resist snuggling into.

As well as playing with contrasting fabrics, think about stringing some fairy lights over the headboard to create a twinkling den that evokes magical rather than stressful thoughts.

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Relaxing bedroom tip 4: Soft textures

Just as choosing luxurious bedding that invites you to lie down and relax is key to a relaxing bedroom, introducing similarly soft textures throughout your bedroom can help the whole room feel cosy.

A generous bedroom armchair upholstered in a tactile fabric like velvet or linen is a wonderful place to wind down before bed, and floor rugs, especially wool rugs, feel fabulous underfoot on a chilly morning. Plush fluffy rugs can even help soundproof your bedroom, keeping things calm and quiet as you drift off to sleep.

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Relaxing bedroom tip 5: Fabulous finishing touches

Surrounding yourself with home accessories and decorative items that you love to look at and that evoke happy memories will also help create a relaxing bedroom.

Touches like a vase of flowers, a bookcase filled with your favourite novels, and oversized wall hangings will all help to build a cosy, homely environment. Bringing a little of the outdoors into your bedroom – green house plants, bright bouquets or even cacti and succulents – is another great way to calm the mind. Opt for pale curtains that pool on the floor instead of blinds, which can feel a little too practical in a bedroom. And add pictures, paintings and photographs that instantly transport you to a peaceful place.

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Creating a relaxing bedroom can take as much or a little effort as you like, all within your budget. It’s all about choosing the right pieces that create a calm and tranquil atmosphere – from adding meaningful decorative touches to investing in a beautiful upholstered bed frame. And while the overall look might be stylish and creative, the effects on your state of mind can be even more dramatic. Remember, a restful night’s sleep starts in a relaxing bedroom.

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