Creating a Bedroom Sanctuary

The Bedrock

The bedroom is one of the most important rooms of the home in feng shui philosophy. By incorporating certain elements into bedroom spaces, you can create harmony and comfort which can lead to improved wellbeing, better sleep and increased relaxation.

Sleeping well is vital for both our physical and mental health.  It repairs our body, regulates our hormones and supports healthy growth and development.  It refreshes the mind, protects our mental health and forms new pathways to help you learn and remember information. So, to protect our overall well-being, sleep is our saviour.  If a bed is well made and comfortable it may actually give you up to an hour of extra sleep per night.

The Bed

Your bedroom should be a place of retreat, rest and relaxation so when deciding on a type of bed, go with what you love and don’t be determined by your décor.   There are a fantastic range of divan and bedstead styles, so go with what functions in your space best.  Your bed should last you at least 10 years and will likely see a few changes to your bedroom décor.  Vintage can look great in a modern setting as can a modern bed in a more traditional space – it’s all about how you dress the bed.

The Mattress

The mattress you choose is key to how well you sleep and deserves some investment, so go with the best you can afford.  It should support your body shape and weight properly.

The quality of a sprung mattress is determined by the number of springs – the more springs it has the more support it offers.  Pocket sprung mattresses tend to offer better support and have top layers varying from cotton, felt, lambs wool and memory foam.

The quality of the padding on top will determine its comfort.  Open- Sprung mattresses are cheaper, but better suited to lighter body weights as they don’t offer the same support as a pocket-sprung mattress.

Mattresses made from Visco elastic or memory foam mould themselves to your entire body providing tailored support.  They can be more expensive and can also retain heat, although technology in mattresses moves on all the time and there are some fantastic memory foam options available that help draw heat away from the body.

Mattresses come in different tensions, from soft to extra firm.  Choose one that feels both comfortable and supports you so that you lie with a straight spine.  Too soft and you will sink into it putting unnecessary strain on your muscles.  Too hard and it will not mould to the contours of your body properly.

Toppers and Protectors

A topper provides you with an extra layer of luxurious. Duck down and feather toppers in cotton casing give extra comfort – like sleeping on a cloud!

Mattress Protectors provide a comfortable layer of light padding. They provide a protective layer to help keep mattress and topper hygienic and stain free – did you know the average adult perspires a pint of moisture every night?!

The Duvet

We all love the cosy feel of a nice thick duvet to cocoon into but in all this hot weather we’ve been having a 3-4.5 tog is a cooler option.  Increase to a 9 tog in Autumn and a 13.5 tog in winter for ultimate warmth.  ‘All seasons’ duvets are a good option as come with a separate 4.5 and 9 tog that can be buttoned together for a winter warming 13.5tog. There’s a broad choice of fillings for your duvet but ultimately can be decided on whether you need an anti-allergy duvet or not.

Goose down duvets are widely regarded as the most luxurious.  Plump in appearance, they drape beautifully around the body and is both blissfully warm but also light and comfortable. A feather and down duvet is a more cost-effective solution, but neither are ideal for allergy sufferers.

Silk duvets are a fabulous alternative if you are long for a premium duvet that is soft and lightweight.  Naturally anti-allergy, silk also helps regulate your body temperature keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter.

Other anti-allergy options would be synthetic (ideal for children as machine washable).  Cotton duvets are ideal for summer and wool duvets are a great winter choice if looking for a natural, non-down duvet.

The Pillows

Choosing the right pillow is essential for a comfortable and healthy night’s sleep.  Finding the right texture comes down to your shape, size and how you sleep.

If you sleep on your back or tummy, go for a soft pillow that is not too thick and mould to the shape of your head and neck giving it gentle support. If you sleep on your side, you will require a denser pillow (or two depending on on how big your shoulders are) to keep your head comfortably in line with your spine.  A good option for a wide shouldered side sleeper is a firm bottom pillow with a soft, luxurious pillow on top.

The Bedlinen

It’s worth investing in high quality bedlinen because it really does affect the way we sleep.  Pure cotton or linen are preferable because both fabrics are breathable, cool and comfortable, however, they do need ironing!  If you haven’t the time or inclination for this, choose a high-quality easy-care poly-cotton instead. We recommend 50/50 polyester/cotton percale with a thread count of 180 or more.

The Accessories

Cosy up with beautiful tactile cushions and throws. Big knits are soft and oh so comfy, choose knitted cushions that have a sculptural quality and combine them with woven throws with contrasting fringing. You can never have too many cushions and throws, so mix and match textures and tones together.

Don't forget to neglect your floor, give it some extra love with a gorgeously tactile rug that your toes will love every morning.

Mirrors are forever useful in any space, they bounce light around and can make a pokey room seem larger. In a bedroom they are an essential purchase, so choose one that is both practical and beautiful to look at.

Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the environment and produce oxygen during the day that can then be released at night.

In the right conditions, air purifying plants can have an effect on the air as they absorb and trap some toxins and release oxygen, thus making the air that you breathe cleaner and create a fresh sleeping environment.

Studies have shown indoor plants boost mood, productivity, concentration and creativity, as well as reduce stress, fatigue, sore throats and colds. Therapeutic and cheaper than a therapist!

Vases are one of the most used props by stylists, they are such a versatile item as they come in a myriad of colours, shapes and textures. Use for pretty blooms, as a decorative piece in its own right, display singularly or in groups of three - the magic stylist number.

The Lighting

Exposure to light is important for maintaining our body’s natural rhythm, and sunlight during the day is key. As well as maximising daylight, it’s also crucial to focus on minimising light at certain times of the day. Both light and darkness are very important to our biological clocks, or circadian rhythms. Not be exposed to blue light, or too much light, in the evening is crucial for a heathy circadian rhythm, which affects your sleep, your mood and can even affect your eating habits and digestion.

Plan a layered lighting scheme with lamps and dimmer switches, as low lighting will help your mind and body to unwind in the evening. Keep screens out of the bedroom and invest in curtains or blinds that block light from outside.

Scents and Relaxation

Good interior design should appeal to all the senses: vision, hearing, touch and smell. Smell tends to be the most powerful link to emotions and feelings so should not be overlooked when it comes to the bedroom!

Whether you opt for fragrances in the form of candles, pillow mist, or room sprays, these soothing smells are proven to promote rest and relaxation. Another trick is to spray perfume on crystals; amethyst is a widely known as the sleep crystal – it provides a soothing and serene frequency. Perfect for placement on a bedside table!

Cut the Clutter!

If you keep putting off decluttering your home, scientific data might give you the motivation you need. In a study on the link between procrastination and clutter by Joseph Ferrari and Catherine Roster, respondents with cluttered homes reported a decrease in life satisfaction

It makes sense, then, to put storage at the top of your list when designing your bedroom. Declutter first, so you’re left with the final edit of your belongings, then plan storage to perfectly match your needs.