Creating a Serene Bedroom Escape

As the height of a busy season begins to fade and the shortest days are behind us, it’s a beautiful time to unwind and focus inward. In an effort to restore some semblance of serenity (and personal space) into your homes, we’ve laid out five tips that promote better sleep, mood, and overall well-being. Whether in this season of rest or in our usual hyper-connected world, there’s no better time to focus on the one room of the home where our rest means the most: the bedroom.

Pictured above: The Thompson Canopy Bed in Polar Performance Bouclé and Natural Ash finish.

TIP 1: LAY IT OUT

The layout of your space is the key to creating a bedroom oasis that promotes rest and an uninhibited flow of calming energy. No matter the size or scale of the room, there are a few golden rules that allow you to maximize your space for optimal well-being:

If your space allows, position the bed against the wall facing the doorway. This anchors the bed in the room and sets the stage for peaceful, grounding energy.
Create space on either side of the bed to allow for easy access. This will give the illusion of a larger, more balanced space.
Layering rugs, especially in contrasting textures, adds a sense of depth and warmth to the room. As a rule of thumb for sizing, rugs should extend at least one foot from under the bed in all directions.
Bedside tables should align no higher than the top of your mattress. If you’re planning to mix-and-match your bedside tables, the scale of the tables should be similar to one another, as you want to create variation without throwing your design off-balance.
Need floor plan advice? Our designers are on hand to help with optimal furniture layouts to suit your space.

The layout of your space is the key to creating a bedroom oasis that promotes rest and an uninhibited flow of calming energy. No matter the size or scale of the room, there are a few golden rules that allow you to maximize your space for optimal well-being:

Pictured above: The Thompson Bed in Creme Performance Linen and Natural Ash finish.

If your space allows, position the bed against the wall facing the doorway. This anchors the bed in the room and sets the stage for peaceful, grounding energy.
Create space on either side of the bed to allow for easy access. This will give the illusion of a larger, more balanced space.
Layering rugs, especially in contrasting textures, adds a sense of depth and warmth to the room. As a rule of thumb for sizing, rugs should extend at least one foot from under the bed in all directions.
Bedside tables should align no higher than the top of your mattress. If you’re planning to mix-and-match your bedside tables, the scale of the tables should be similar to one another, as you want to create variation without throwing your design off-balance.
Need floor plan advice? Our designers are on hand to help with optimal furniture layouts to suit your space.

Pictured above: The Thompson Bed in Creme Performance Linen and Natural Ash finish.

TIP 2: MAKE SPACE

Clearing your head starts with de-cluttering around your head, and the first place to start is the bedside table. To help set the tone for relaxation, save this space for objects that evoke a sense of calm, positivity, or warmth.

Pictured above: The Thompson Bed in Creme Performance Linen and Natural Ash finish.

Clear off the entire table and empty any cubbies or drawers. Get rid of anything that does not belong in your bedroom and organize anything that still has a place there.
Identify two items—perhaps a candle and family photo—that bring you a sense of calm and arrange them on the nightstand.
Next incorporate one living thing, such as freshly cut flowers or a small potted plant.
Tuck a notebook and pen somewhere on or in your table—use this to jot down any worries or creative ideas you have, keeping them out of your head as you fall asleep.

Pictured above: The Thompson Bed in Creme Performance Linen and Natural Ash finish.

TIP 3: LET THERE BE LIGHT

Light is an essential element to how our bodies relax and unwind. Lighting not only shifts our moods and increases relaxation, but it can also be a great way to induce more restful sleep. Exposure to unnatural light before bed—like the blue light from your cell phone or laptop—can disrupt circadian rhythms and lead to poor rest. Instead, try these lighting tips:

Smart light bulbs are an eco-friendly, easy way to adjust both the color and brightness of your lights. Soft amber light is best for winding down before sleep, while brighter white light will help you feel alert in the morning.
If you prefer traditional bulbs, use plug-in dimmers on bedside lamps to allow for modulation of light depending on your mood and how close you are to bedtime.
Invest in in black-out drapes or shades that properly block out ambient light outside of your home.

Pictured above: The Essex Bed in Malt Performance Basketweave and Driftwood finish.

TIP 4: DEVELOP A ROUTINE

Bedrooms are so many things, but they are first and foremost a place for you to recharge. According to research, creating a simple, easily repeated bedtime routine is the number one way to positively affect your ability to fall asleep and stay in a deep and restful sleep until morning. Developing your own routine is both easy and beneficial:

30 minutes before bedtime, put down or turn off your phone, computer, and television and dim the lights. Turning off screens (and blue light exposure) ahead of crawling into bed allows your body to naturally produce melatonin without disruption, signaling a time for rest. Set your alarm and plug in your phone somewhere other than your nightstand—another room is best.
Try to touch each of your senses—light a scented candle, change into cozy pajamas, run through your nighttime hygiene and beauty routines, and anything else that gets you into a calm state before you climb into bed.
Set your thermostat two to three degrees lower than your normal setting. This facilitates a drop in your body’s core temperature, helping you fall and stay asleep.

Pictured above: The Wythe Bed via Michelle Janeen. For a similar fabric, try The Wythe Bed in Buff Performance Chenille.

TIP 5: MAKE YOUR BED

Starting the morning off with making your bed is a small action that can reverberate throughout the rest of your day—and research suggests that bed-makers are some of the most productive among us. Here are some easy tips for creating a beautiful and welcoming bed in your own space:

Look for sheets with a thread count between 300 to 500, the sweet spot for both comfort and durability. Sateen sheets are great for the months of the year when you want to be extra cozy, while Percale is the choice for summer. Since much of the world’s cotton is farmed abroad, look for fair trade certifications to indicate that your sheets have been made in an environmentally friendly and socially responsible method.
Follow the steps in the diagram below to create a super cozy and beautifully layered look for your bed:

Discover our Maiden Home Bed Collection to start your journey in creating a bedroom oasis.