How to Design a Dreamy Bedroom

A bedroom is a place in a home that a person spends an average of 5 to 8 hours each day. It is a place you can unwind and relax at the end of a long hard day, whether taking an occasional catnap or sleeping at night, a bedroom has to be as comfortable as possible. It should be conducive to sleeping and ... dreaming.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Paint (choose a muted or pale color)
• White linens
• Comfortable bed
• Comfortable pillows
• Light colored furnishings
• Lamps
• Few accessories
• Fabric freshener

1. Paint the wall a pale color. It doesn't have to be stark white, add a light mint green color or a very pale blue or pink color to soften the room. Avoid loud colors like reds and bright yellows; they will make you irritable and restless.

2. Add window coverings that block natural light from coming in. Levolor or silhouette blinds that you can control in any direction with a remote control are great if you have a budget for it. Otherwise, use store bought curtains that are made of fabric with neutral or muted color. Choose lined drapes to help darken the room in the day.

3. Choose a comfortable bed. When buying your next bed think of your comfort level. At the store, test a series of beds. Lie down in different positions. Choose the right size. Is it big enough for you to toss and turn? Is it big enough for a couple of people? Choose the one that you are most comfortable with.

4. Select the best location for your chosen bed. Avoid placing your bed directly in front of the window or door. Pick the wall that is not against the wall of another room that may be used for other activities, like a playroom or a child's bedroom. Choose the location where direct sunlight will not interrupt your sleep in case you want to get up late on a weekend.

5. Add bed linens in muted colors. White bed linens and a few neutral colored pillow cases are great choices for a bedroom to be more conducive to dreaming. Avoid choosing fabrics that are too busy with designs. Avoid choosing brightly colored fabrics. Choose fabrics that would work well with your window coverings or draperies.

6. Add light-colored furnishings, like a dresser and night stand painted in white or stained in light wood stain.

7. Use chairs upholstered in the same fabric as your drapes and bed linens. Avoid too much pattern.

8. Add a few accessories. Avoid cluttering your bedroom with knick-knacks. Choose only a few family photos and accessories. Choose a painting with a muted color palette. Add lamps with dimmer or low wattage.

9. Spray fabric freshener each day after making your bed. This will keep your bed linens smelling fresh, thus making your sleep more comfortable. Tuck in a few pieces of unused scented fabric softener sheets in each pillow case to help freshen the smell and remove the smell of your natural body secretions and saliva. Wash your bed linens regularly to keep them fresh and clean. You may also opt to use an air purifier and add a few live plants to help with the air quality in your bedroom. You will sleep better if you can breathe comfortably.

10. Play mellow music to help you relax, lull you to sleep and help you dream.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not use incense or air freshener before sleeping. The smell may be too irritating.
• Turn down the ringer volume of your telephone or cell phone.
• Do not put a TV in your bedroom if your main desire is to use your room for quiet relaxation and purely sleeping.

[LAURA7088]

on 7/26/2008 Cool - Sounds relaxing!

[pigs4fun]

on 1/10/2008 Dreamy!!

[fossilflower]

on 12/13/2007 My dogs have their own beds in our room, the beds match our comforters.....lol