With cold temperatures and long nights, winter is the season of rest and relaxation. Give your bedroom a makeover with a focus on better sleep. We’ve talked to local designers to get you started. Whether it’s a workday or a snow day, you’ll wake up refreshed and ready for anything.
Go For Balance
“Bedroom design does really well whenever symmetry is possible,” says Lyndsey Hinkle, Owner/ Principal Designer of Wise Interiors, based in the Reading area. When arranging bedroom furniture, think in pairs. “Two matching nightstands and lamps on either side of the bed are ideal.” This mirror-image layout lends balance to your room and helps the space to feel calm and peaceful.
“Don’t over-crowd your room,” advise Chris and Connie Fecera, President and Store Designer of Fecera’s Furniture. Trying to wedge too much into your bedroom could make the space feel smaller and stressful. If you’re fortunate to have a larger space, make the most of it. “If your room allows, a king-sized bed is very comfortable for two people,” the Feceras say.
Hinkle also notes, “Clearance on either side of the bed is a must if there are two people sleeping here.” This practical detail is important for keeping dust at bay, since ample room will make it easier to vacuum. A cleaner space will help you breathe easier and feel more rested.
Storage and More.
When arranging your bedroom, storage space is key. “A dresser and mirror is a good choice for clothing storage,” say the Feceras. “Some dressers have secret drawers for storing jewelry or important papers.”
Artful storage keeps a bedroom organized and reduces visual clutter. For rooms with a smaller footprint, “consider a bed with storage drawers on the sides of the bed and at the foot. Some headboards have storage at the head also,” say the Feceras. A bed with plenty of storage may eliminate the need for a dresser.
If you have extra space in your bedroom, the Feceras suggest adding a comfortable chair or soft bench. A bench can provide additional storage and seating at the end of your bed.
The Right Hue for You.
Color plays a big role in feeling relaxed and ready for sleep. “Cool palettes and neutral tones invoke a feeling of calm so they are a perfect choice for bedrooms,” says Kim Updegraff, owner of Shade Tree Interiors. “Palettes of whites, grays, light greens and blues are easy on the eyes and mind.” The Feceras recommend a similar palette: “Blues, tans, pale greens and some grey shades are restful.”
“Right now, design is all about the neutrals,” adds Hinkle. “I would recommend neutral color palettes such as whites, creams, beiges and navy.” For windows and walls, neutrals create a blank canvas of creative décor possibilities. “Window treatments fabricated in neutral fabrics allow clients to swap bedding and accessories easily to give them a new look as seasons change,” says Updegraff.
After creating a neutral foundation, have fun with pops of color. “Add more color into your bedroom design by adding in rusts, olives, slate blues or soft blush tones with your accessories and bedding. If you are feeling really bold you could go for a paneled or shiplapped accent wall in a deep navy,” says Hinkle. The Feceras also suggest adding artwork to your walls to incorporate restful colors into your room’s design.
Let’s Talk about Texture
If you’re looking to reinvigorate your bedroom, seek out textures and materials that make you feel cozy and stress-free. “I would suggest an upholstered headboard. The softness exudes peace and tranquility,” says Hinkle. The Feceras agree: “Upholstered headboards are popular and can add interest to your room.” As an additional benefit, upholstered headboards provide comfort and support when you’re reading in bed.
Small changes to your bedroom can have a big impact. A fresh set of sheets can rejuvenate your space. Flannel sheets offer enhanced coziness during the winter. For warmer months (or warmer sleepers), natural fibers like cotton or linen provide cool, breathable comfort. “Layering textured tonal bedding together creates an inviting bed that is just waiting to be crawled into,” says Hinkle. Choose your favorite color and add bedding in its various shades.
“I personally love a neutral duvet with pops of color and pattern for pillows,” says Updegraff. “It’s an effortless way to change your décor with the least amount of expense.” Play with texture by selecting fleecy blankets, a fluffy duvet or a comforter. “In the colder months, use a fur throw for the end of your bed or a fuzzy comforter to soften the room,” say the Feceras.
Texture also plays a role with windows. New window treatments can transform the look and feel of a bedroom. “Lightweight and textural fabrics such as linens work great for window treatments because they feel light and airy, whisking away the stress of the day and promoting relaxation,” says Updegraff.
Just like bedding, layers are an ideal strategy for windows. “Shades that are light filtering will add to the quality of your sleep,” says Hinkle. She advises layering them with drapes to create a “functional yet beautiful design element.” Updegraff agrees. “Adding multiple layers like drapes, valances and shades can also offer a room darkening effect while adding a beautiful aesthetic.”
When thinking about texture and softness, don’t forget your floor. “If you have hardwood floors, consider an area rug which will help to soften, warm and give you a restful feeling in your room,” say the Feceras. A soft, inviting carpet or an area rug under your bed can serve as the perfect landing space before going to bed and when getting up in the morning.
Be a Kid Again.
Get into a bedtime routine. Whether you have kids at home or you think back to your own childhood, going through a similar set of steps each evening can prepare your mind and body for sleep. “To help you fall asleep, try dimming the lights and meditating before bed,” says Hinkle. Journaling can also be a great way to get your thoughts out and to put your mind at ease. For adults, it can be more challenging to stick to the same bedtime each night, since there’s no one to say ‘no’ to your request of “Five more minutes, please!”
Now that you’ve arranged and decorated your ultimate cozy space, it’s time to get some rest. Here are a few suggestions to send you off to dreamland.
Comfort and Support
“First and foremost is a good comfortable mattress,” say the Feceras. “You spend almost half of your life in a bed, so consider that when selecting a mattress.” Mattresses come in varying levels of support and softness. Finding your perfect choice is a matter of individual preference and your preferred sleeping position.
If your partner moves around a lot, memory foam can be a good choice since it isolates motion. “Mattresses should be replaced every 8-9 years,” say the Feceras. “A good quality mattress averages at $1000, but you can spend as little as $299 if you choose.” They recommend protecting your investment with a mattress cover. Many covers are washable and have added features like extra padding.
While you’re thinking about a mattress, don’t forget your pillow: “A good pillow is important for a good night’s sleep,” say the Feceras. With a variety of materials, including memory foam, your ideal pillow is out there. Look for one that matches your sleeping position, whether you’re a back, side or stomach sleeper — or a combination of these.
Cool Tools.
Take advantage of the latest technology to stay comfortable and get your best night’s sleep. Some mattresses offer a built-in cooling feature with a layer of gel. “Optimal sleep temperature is 68 degrees, so cooling gel helps to lower body temperatures,” say the Feceras.
Hinkle recommends a Chilipad. “It helps you sleep at the right temperature and keeps you from waking up in the middle of the night with the sweats. It is especially great for athletes and pregnant or menopausal women.” This hydro-powered mattress pad helps people reach a cooler core body temperature so they can enjoy deeper, more refreshing sleep. Two remotes allow each sleeper to set a specific temperature for their side of the bed.
Banish Stressors.
Here’s one you’ve probably heard before, and it bears repeating: “Leave electronics out of the bedroom,” says Hinkle. It can be hard to put down your phone or stop watching your favorite streaming show. If you wake up in the middle of the night, electronic devices can be tempting if they are at arm’s reach.
Hinkle adds, "Avoid having any kind of work-related items in the bedroom. If you can avoid having your home office in your bedroom, do this at all costs. Also, any kind of work-out equipment shouldn't be in the bedroom either. You should feel relaxed and at peace in here so anything that screams work has got to go.” This advice can be extended to keeping anything stressful out of your sleeping space, whether it’s papers that need to be sorted or laundry that needs folding.
A Breath of Fresh Air.
Plants make great housemates. Besides their eye-catching colors and textures, these living accessories improve the air you breathe. Hinkle is a big fan of adding plants to the bedroom. “Don’t overdo it, but one or two air purifying plants such as a snake plant or a spider plant add depth and life into the space, and they serve a purpose while you sleep.”
Lights Out.
“The importance of a dark, quiet room can’t be stressed enough in getting good rest. Window treatments are an integral part of bedroom design for this reason,” says Updegraff. “It’s very important to provide function as well as form.” Window treatments impact your sleep by letting light in, or keeping light out. “Getting a good night’s sleep should be priority one. If my clients are sensitive to light, we can offer shades that completely darken the room by adding side channels.”
For people with non-traditional sleep schedules, room-darkening shades are essential. “Many third shift medical workers order them so that they can comfortably sleep during daylight hours,” adds Updegraff.
All the Sounds.
“Another must for getting great sleep is a sound machine,” says Hinkle. White noise is made up of all of the sounds a human ear can hear, and it’s great at masking any distracting sounds. These versatile devices help create a relaxing environment by producing white noise or nature sounds. A sound machine can be a useful companion when you’re traveling to help create a restful environment in an unfamiliar space.
If you are sensitive to sounds, window coverings can also come to your aid. Besides keeping out light, multiple layers and materials “can also help to dampen outside noises and provide added insulation for more restful sleep,” says Updegraff.
Sources
Fecera’s Furniture
4710 Penn Avenue, Sinking Spring
610.670.8000, feceras.com
Shade Tree Interiors
3461 Penn Avenue, Sinking Spring
610.678.1221, shadetreeinteriors.com
Wise Interiors by Lyndsey Marie
484.818.1409, wiseinteriorsbylm.com
