How to Create a Cozy and Relaxing Bedroom that promotes well-being
Everything around us from our home to the people we hang out with to the objects that hold meaning for us is a natural extension of ourselves. Since we spend most of our time in the bedroom sleeping, reading, relaxing, meditating, or sharing intimate moments with loved ones, it’s natural to want our bedroom to look and feel cozy, warm, and inviting,. At the end of the day, we all want to be ourselves where we can express our creativity in a bedroom that reflects our aesthetic and lifestyle - free from stress, worries, and drama. Whether it’s for Valentine’s Day, any other special occasion, or year-round, here are 6 ways to create a cozy and relaxing bedroom sanctuary that promotes our self-care and well-being.
1. Flowers & Plants
An arrangement of fresh flowers or plants in your bedroom has so many benefits. Any element from nature is therapeutic for the mind, body, and soul. Since flowers and plants are natural air purifiers, they boost your physical and emotional well-being. Most of all, they can help reduce stress, elevate your mood, and add a pop of color to your room. Flowers and connect you with nature helping you feel calm and relaxed. Plus, they are a great air freshener providing lovely fragrances in your room making you feel lighter and happier. Consider snake plants, lavender, gardenias, and orchids or if you have a garden, pick your own to create a pretty bouquet.
2. Meaningful Artwork
Having artwork that speaks to you adds a lot of character and charm to your bedroom. Looking at art can stimulate your mind, improving your mood and emotional well-being. Hang one or several inspirational quotes that resonate with you, a unique piece of art, framed photos of loved ones, or a gallery wall of your favorite travel destinations that bring you joy. Artwork adds style, texture, depth, and color to any room. Your personality comes to life when you bring in art that is meaningful and evoke certain emotions in you. Most of all, art inspires and fosters expression, ideas, and creative thinking skills that can assist in solving problems, helping you be more productive and a better version of yourself.
3. Quality Bedding
High-quality cotton or linen bedsheets can help you feel more relaxed while in bed. 100% Egyptian cotton and 100% Pima cotton are two of the best kinds of cotton for bed sheets while Belgian linen in particular is among the highest quality of linen. They help you self-regulate your body temperature, is breathable, durable, lightweight, and soft, leading to a better night’s sleep. It lends comfort and coziness. In addition to improving sleep quality, high quality bedsheets can also reduce stress and anxiety which is important for your well-being. Bedsheets can also be a great way to improve your mood as well as create a warm and inviting ambiance in your bedroom. Select textures and colors that are comfortable, resonate with you, and fit with your existing décor.
4. Plush Pillows
Pillows are one of the easiest ways to update your bedroom helping to promote self-care. They are simple to switch out and store when they are not in use. Velvet, silk, boucle, chenille, cotton, wool, and linen are plush, cozy, and soft to the touch - providing you with the perfect way to relax in a comfortable position for calm and relaxation. Consider pillows with a fringe or tassel for added texture and depth. I recommend feather-down inserts for your pillows. Feathers provide weight, firmness, and support, while down provides comfort and softness. Throw pillows bring warmth and well-being into your bedroom whether you choose bold patterns or subtle hues.
5. Comforting Textures
What better way to decorate your bedroom with love and serenity than layering texture to create a soft and calming vibe? Texture helps to differentiate various objects and surfaces, adds dimension and depth and can also change the way a room feels, providing a tactile experience that is calm and relaxing. A great way to add texture to a bedroom is through rugs. They provide a plush and luxurious feel under foot that is soft and comforting in any space. Consider silk, wool, faux fur, shag, cowhide, or sheepskin as they are some of the softest materials used in rugs. High-pile rugs with longer fibers, like shag rugs are also great for a bedroom adding warmth, softness, and texture. In addition to rugs, blankets and throws create texture through soft textiles such as cashmere, chunky cotton knit, and wool and from patterns such as herringbone and waffle weave. They lend warmth and comfort in any bedroom.
6. Soft Lighting
Lights that give off a soft warm glow create an inviting ambiance to a bedroom. It's a great way to enhance and influence the mood of a space making it feel warm and cozy. From natural lights to artificial lights to candles, soft lighting has a positive effect on our physical and mental well-being. Bedrooms with natural light can increase your happiness and energy levels, helping you become more productive and boosting your mood. If your bedroom doesn’t have a lot of natural light, add artificial lights from floor lamps to table lamps, wall sconces, and overhead lights such as a pendant or chandelier. The key is to layer your lights. Layering your lights helps draw your eye around the room, making it more visually pleasing, warm, and inviting.
Put your lights on a dimmer switch so you can control the brightness of the lights and set the mood for a more casual and comfortable atmosphere in your room. Just like a candlelit table can create a romantic ambiance, soft light levels can create a feeling of privacy and safety, helping reduce blood pressure and encouraging relaxation. Soft lights are perfect for relaxation, for sharing intimate moments with loved ones, or for reading a good book.
Candles also give off a soft glow that is a great way to set the mood and ambiance in a bedroom. Scented candles that are pleasant for your senses create a welcoming and cozy atmosphere for you and your loved ones. The scent promotes relaxation and can reduce stress levels, aid sleep, and help lift your mood.
7. Engaging Books
If you enjoy reading like I do and have a collection of books, display them in your bedroom. Books add character, charm, and thoughtful coziness to a bedroom. Layer your books in different orientations from vertical to horizontal for visual interest if placed on a bookshelf. Consider adding a few stacked books to your floor away from your bed with the largest book on the bottom and the smallest one on top for style and charm. Plus, books are very affordable, and will not become obsolete, even in this digital age. Most of all they are beneficial for your mind, body, and spirit.
When you feel good about your bedroom where you spend the most time, it will translate to every other aspect of your life. Creating a cozy and relaxing bedroom with things you love will naturally promote self-care and improve your mental and physical well-being. If you need a designer's help to guide you through your bedroom design, please schedule a complimentary 30-minute discovery call here