Peaceful. Serene. Soothing. What your haven to rest and recharge after a long day is meant to be. Getting a decent night’s sleep is easier said than done – but getting intentional about the energy in your bedroom is going to be the best place to start.

If soothing and rejuvenating is the vibe you’re seeking for your bedroom, you’ll want to take some cues from interior designers and relaxation specialists on how to turn your bedroom into a relaxation oasis.

Add a comfortable chair

Have a comfortable chair in your bedroom with a cosy blanket on or near it. If you are struggling to fall or stay asleep, you do not want to stay in bed awake. If it’s been about 20 minutes and you cannot sleep, you want to get out of bed, and having a chair in your bedroom is a great place to go.

Not only will this provide you with another spot to get in a more restful mood before returning to bed, it also makes for a great reading nook during the day.

Aromatherapy

Include candles, flowers, or a diffuser that can give off a calming scent, such as lavender. This will add to the relaxing mood while also creating a cosy atmosphere for bedtime.

Consider cream

A creamy white colour creates a peaceful atmosphere. One can, for instance, mix it with a subtle touch of greyish-blue on the walls and ceiling. Added artwork in dark blue-grey in different textures also achieves the same calming effect.

Earth tones too

Other than cream, warm, rich earth tones such as copper, coral and cocoa create a cosy and welcoming atmosphere. Using soft, natural colours also leads to a quiet, tranquil, and inviting energy in your bedroom.

The addition of bright pinks and reds can increase the romance in a relationship; however, limit these colours to accents in the form of pillows, throws, or decorative pieces. Use softer pinks for your bedding or wall colour. Otherwise, it can be too overwhelming.

Show the outside

A balcony with seating and planters that provide privacy and a view of greenery is wonderful, as being able to look at the stars in the sky at night and see beautiful nature in the morning greatly contributes to a feeling of peacefulness.

Then, have solar and blackout shades that enable the room to be kept dark when needed.

Go low

Opt for a bed frame that’s low to the ground rather than one that so much as requires a stepping stool to hop into bed. A low and comfortable bed with a wide upholstered bed frame around the mattress adds to the feeling of cosiness in the room.

Turn-down time

Make small adjustments to create a calming environment in your bedroom. About an hour before bedtime, prepare the bed for sleep by removing any decorative pillows and throws from it, lay pillows from standing to flat, and fold down the top of the bed linens to easily slip under.

Create a temperate environment

Cool the room with a fan or air conditioning, and leave a dim bedside light on to create ambience. Other than aromatherapy, a white noise machine can also set the mood for sleep.

Kitted nightstand

Sometimes you have unique sleeping preferences. Items such as eye masks, earplugs and small fans can help boost your comfort and make your bedroom the relaxing haven you desire. So, consider stocking up on such amenities.

No family photos

It might sound controversial, but photos are not ideal for the bedroom. Unless it is a picture of you and your partner, family photos do not belong in the bedroom.

The bedroom is for sleep and intimacy; kids and parents are conducive to neither, even in photograph form.

Work with layers

Layer in lots of texture. Rugs, curtains, linens and pillows; all of the texture will give a sense of lushness and luxury that is just relaxing at first sight.

Bed position

The position for your bed should be as far away from the door as possible, while still allowing you to keep an eye on the room’s entrance. This allows for a feeling of safety and protection while you rest.

Try not to position your bed under the lower angle of a pitched ceiling or a ceiling fan, as these features have a ‘depressing’ energy that will literally push you down while you sleep. Also, be sure to avoid positioning your bed under a window because it lacks the symbolic support and protection of a solid wall.

Headboards, especially those made of solid wood, are considered good feng shui because they provide the added strength and support you need behind your head.

Declutter

In feng shui, clutter symbolises unfinished business and impedes forward progress. Keep your furnishings to only the necessary pieces and keep clutter contained to allow chi to flow freely around the room. That includes clutter under your bed.

This ‘less is more’ approach applies to your closet too. Make sure your it’s clean and organised, which will help give you a sense of control over your life. Add plants in the corners of your space to help prevent energy from stagnating there.

Minimise

Your bedroom should be a place of rest, contemplation, and intimacy. Exercise equipment, phones, and a TV give off and take up a lot of energy.

A bedroom is a place where you turn off the stresses of the day. If you must have your bedroom serve double duty, use a folding screen or hanging fabric to conceal these things. If you’re not willing to part with your TV, keep it in an armoire or cabinet so you can shut the door while you sleep.

-The Spruce