It is often said that the bedroom is a sanctuary. It is where we rest our heads at night, where we connect with our partner, and where we relax and unwind. It is also a well-known fact that we spend a third of our lives in bed. So it is no wonder that we would want to make it as peaceful and relaxing as possible.
If your bedroom is in need of some TLC but you're unsure of where to start, here are some great ways you can apply to make your bedroom cozier:
1. No Clutter
There may seem to be no harm done by leaving empty bottles on the nightstand or letting a stack of magazines topple over. But studies show that disorganization and clutter have a negative impact on our brains and productivity.
While many people believe that having sentimental items around their bedroom would make them happier, having too many items in the bedroom can also make a room feel smaller and disorganized.
As a general rule of thumb, make sure that everything has a place. An easy way to do this is to cluster items in groups of threes and put miscellaneous items in a box or a tray. This will make your bedroom feel more organized and clean, which is important for a good night’s rest.
2. Keep pillowcases fresh
There are many ways to make your bedroom a more cozy place, but we think one of the best is to keep your pillowcases fresh.
We strongly recommend to swap and wash pillowcases at least once a week. If you are pressed for time, we recommend washing them every two weeks or once a month at a minimum.
For those who wear make up during the day, be sure to wash your face before bedtime to remove makeup or oil so that it doesn't stain your pillows. Makeup won't be absorbed by dirty pillows and it will start growing bacteria if left long enough. The same goes for oil from hair products—if you wake up with greasy hair, it might be due to untreated pillowcases!
3. Prep your bedside table
It's time to prep your nightstand!
Here are some things you can do to make your bedside table more functional and comfortable:
- Place a lamp, a journal, or books on your nightstand. This is where you'll set the mood for relaxing and sleeping.
- Put a photo of your loved ones on your nightstand. Or, prop a framed piece of art, your favourite photo or illustration.
- Put a small basket full of your favorite items: favourite night masks, chapstick, hand cream, sleep mask, etc.
- Place a coaster on top of your nightstand will help protect its surface, and still allow you to sip all of the water, wine, or coffee you desire while lounging in bed.
Just remember that your nightstand is a part of your bedroom. It shouldn't be used as the dumping ground for all the things you don't know what else to do with. Use it to its full potential, and enjoy the benefits of a better sleep!
4. Add flowers to your room
A recent study done by Dr. Haviland-Jones. Ph.D., Professor of Psychology at Rutgers, found that flowers are an effective way to improve emotional well-being. Flowers can help you sleep better, improve mood and lower stress levels. They also make the space more welcoming and create a sharing atmosphere.
If you are unsure of the type of flowers to get, we suggest plants with vines, like ivy or philodendron, which can be placed on the walls or hung from the ceiling for an added layer of greenery.
We also love a vase with a single stem of flowers on top of the dresser or bedside table. Lastly, you can also put multiple small vases throughout your bedroom.
5. Make the bed every morning
Making the bed every morning is one of the easiest ways to make your bedroom clean and organized. It also gives off that "hotel room feel: when you enter your bedroom later in the evening to rest. Since making the bed is so easy, it doesn't take any time or effort out of your day. Then, you can start every day on a positive note, which helps keep negative thoughts at bay throughout the rest of your day!
6. Lighting and candles
Candles are a great way to add a cozy vibe to your bedroom. They can be used as light sources, or they can provide a soft glow, giving the room an ambient feel. Candles come in many scents, though you might also want to consider getting unscented ones if you’re sensitive to smells or have allergies. You can group them together on your dresser or nightstands, but make sure they don’t get hot enough that they burn anything!
7. Calming colours and materials
Reconsider the colours of your bedding and linens. White linens, beige and nude fabrics are easy on the eyes and great for creating calming spaces and a serene environment. You can also hang white curtains to help bring in natural light while keeping a soothing atmosphere.
If you'd like to add some personality to your bedroom, we suggest adding pops of colour with throw pillows, wall art and even accessories such as candles or picture frames.
8. Layer your bedding
A beautifully decorated bed can create a sense of warmth and comfort in any bedroom. While the aesthetic of your bedding is important, there's also a practical side to it. As a general rule, we recommend picking sheets and blankets that are comfortable, easy to care for, and keep you warm throughout the night.
If you’re layering your bed with a quilt, try folding a complimentary duvet cover at the end of the bed for instance. You can also try to give it some proper footing with an ottoman at the end of the bed This will make it feel much more put together and comfortable.
9. Area rugs
If you're looking for a way to make your bedroom feel cozy with minimal effort, consider adding an area rug. When placed properly, they can anchor furniture, add color and texture to the room, and even help cut down on noise.
Your rug doesn't need to be big—even using one that's just 2' x 3' will help ground the furniture in your bedroom and create a tasteful focal point for the space. You could also use two smaller rugs instead of one large one if you prefer something more subtle.
10. Comfy pajamas
If you're thinking about what you can do to make your bedroom cozier, some comfy pajamas would help! (and we might know a place where you can get one ;) ). Not only will they make you feel more comfortable when lounging at home, but they'll also help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
At Aurelia, we take care to provide our clients with sleepwear from luxury brands like Midnight Bakery, In Bloom by Jonquil, Flora Nikrooz, and many others. The best part? If something doesn't fit well, simply let your stylist know within 7 days of receiving your box and we'll take care to include a replacement item in your next box. This way, we'll learn what to avoid so that each box can be more tailored to your preferences!
Curious about our service? Start with our Style Quiz and we'll go from there!
Hopefully, these tips have inspired you to make your bedroom the cozy spot it should be. It doesn’t take much time and can be a really fun project to do on a weekend. Find what works for you and have fun while doing it!