It’s National Bed Month; what a great reminder of the importance a good bed should play in our sleep and overall health and wellbeing. So, now’s the perfect time to look at simple ways to make your bedroom cosier to get a better night’s sleep. I’ve come up with 25 essential tips to help you create a cosy bedroom. From the tactile delight of soft bedding to the visual appeal of soothing colours, I’ll guide you through selecting essentials and accents that will help to envelope you in warmth and comfort every night.
The details…
- The bed, from the mattress to the frame, will always help to define the comfort and style in a bedroom. It’s important to pick them to suit your own personal comfort and taste
- A choice of calming colours, breathable linens, and a variety of textures and patterns can elevate your bedroom’s serenity and cosiness
- Functional elements like strategic lighting, decluttering strategies, and smart storage solutions are key to combining aesthetics with practicality for a tranquil bedroom retreat
Choose your mattress wisely
Crafting your sleep oasis begins with selecting the right mattress. It isn’t merely about getting a soft or firm bed; I think it’s all about finding the mattress that fits your body’s needs for ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation. So, consider factors such as firmness, materials, and even size when making your selection. After all, you spend, on average, a third of your life in bed. So why not invest in the best one for you?
Whether it’s a plush pillow-top or supportive memory foam, the mattress sets the tone for your primary bedroom sleep space. In my bedroom, I chose a bamboo mattress and it’s been the most comfortable style I’ve ever been fortunate to sleep on! Pair it with soft linen sheets, plush pillows, and an upholstered headboard. Then you’re well on your way to creating a bedroom that feels like a dreamy retreat.
Consider your bed frame carefully
When creating a cosy bedroom ambiance, the bed frame could be a key feature. A statement design, such as a four-poster or one with an attractive headboard, transforms your bed into your bedroom’s centrepiece. Of course, this all comes down to a matter of space and personal taste. In my bedroom. High headboards contribute to a sense of grandeur and expansiveness, enhancing the inviting atmosphere of the bedroom. And an upholstered design, which I have, not only adds visual warmth and texture but it also serves as practical thermal and sound insulation.
Creating cosy bedroom ideas with bedding
Don’t forget to consider your bedding. I have two duvets; one in a lower tog for summer (4) and another in a higher tog for winter comfort. Also, think luxury linens and plush pillows to complement your bedroom and create a cohesive design.
Invest in breathable bed linen
When it comes to bed linen, to ensure you stay comfortable throughout the night, I think it’s crucial to invest in breathable sheets, pillowcases and covers, such as 100% cotton, linen or bamboo. These materials allow air to circulate, absorb moisture, and prevent overheating, giving you a comfortable and temperature-regulated sleep environment.
Cotton bed linen is not just comfortable but also durable, sustainable, and easy to care for. This makes it not just an environmentally friendly choice, but a smart long-term investment. Imagine sliding into bed after a long day and being welcomed by the soft, silky feel of cotton or the coolness of linen. It’s just one of the many ways you can make your bedroom feel cosier.
Choose calming colours
You can influence the ambiance of a room with colour. And, for a serene and relaxing bedroom atmosphere, opt for calming colours like pastels, such as dusky pink. Earth-tones and green palettes work well here too, to evoke images of nature, creating a serene bedroom scheme. A pastel-hued ombre wall or light pastel ceiling can contribute to a calm, clean atmosphere, while crisp, white bed linen combined with pastel wall paint enhance a pristine, yet calming effect within the bedroom.
Combine patterns and textiles
To add depth and maintain a tranquil atmosphere in your bedroom, why not consider mixing various patterns and textiles? Start with a primary anchor pattern, then experiment with different combinations in swatches to find the perfect match for your bedroom’s aesthetic.
Remember to consider the bedroom’s size when choosing patterns to maintain the desired room feel and keep some of your walls simple to prevent clutter while creating a dynamic space.
In my bedroom, I’ve incorporated a pastel-based colour palette, complemented by wooden furniture, to maintain tranquility through the introduction of peaceful shades. Different textures and patterns can turn your bedroom into a soothing sanctuary; the perfect place where you can relax and unwind after a long day.
Create ambiance with lighting
Lighting can play an important role in creating a warm and inviting ambiance in your bedroom. So why not incorporate some of these types of warm light to add warmth and invitation to the space:
- Scented candles
- Task lights
- String lights
- Wall sconces
- Soft wall lighting
To ensure a more intimate and relaxed setting, you can:
- Install dimmer switches to adjust the level of light
- Use bedside task lamps for targeted lighting
Bedroom lighting isn’t just about illumination; it’s about creating a mood and setting the right atmosphere for wind-down activities before sleep, and natural light plays a significant role in this process.
Declutter your bedroom
Reducing stress, anxiety and potential allergens like dust and hay fever with a clutter-free bedroom promotes relaxation and better sleep. It’s always good to have a clean and clear-out and you can easily declutter by setting achievable goals and sorting items into four categories: bin, donate, store and keep.
To start, I would tackle specific areas like clothing heaps (mine can pile up at times on my accent chair) and drawers. Why not use drawer dividers, decorative trays and dedicated areas for essential items to maintain a tidy bedroom space? You can make your bedroom feel more tranquil too, by adopting daily routines such as clearing surfaces and making the bed. After all, a tidy room is a happy room. This is something which I really must apply more often to my studio, I must admit!
Introduce natural elements
To bring a touch of nature into your bedroom, you could consider incorporating natural elements like:
- Wooden features – I have done this with some of my furniture in the master and guest bedroom with chests of drawers
- Plants can also add a natural aesthetic and freshen up the room
Plants can reflect the seasonal changes, with succulents in summer or poinsettias in winter, adding a fresh and timely touch to the bedroom decor. However, I tend to be in team faux in my home, so I can benefit from plants, which look their best all year round.
Experiment with wallpaper
Wallpaper is ideal for adding depth, texture and personality to your bedroom. From subtle patterns to bold statement walls, the possibilities are endless. Subtle bedroom wallpapers can be designed by interchanging the foreground and background colours of a print, ensuring a harmonious look.
For a creative atmosphere, you could try jungle-themed design as I have in my master bedroom. Wallpapers with scenic designs can create a mesmerising focal point on a single wall.
Statement wallpapers can be effectively showcased by framing them with panelling, allowing them to act as unique pieces of artwork in the bedroom. And, for a luxury, bespoke look textured wallpaper, will instantly add an additional layer to your look and offer a tactile finish.
Select the right window treatments
For privacy, light control and insulation, I find that window treatments are essential. Some options to consider are:
- Blackout window treatments, which ensure a dark, restful sleep environment
- Roman blinds, which can provide light control and privacy
These window treatments will not only enhance the functionality of your windows but also add style to your space. Watch this space, as I will be revealing how I’ve transformed my windows in my bedrooms later this year…
Maximise storage space
In my bedroom, space is a precious commodity. If you have similar, why not consider space-saving furniture like a drawer storage bed or a trunk, if there’s room at the foot of the bed.
Creative storage can include using built-in shelving to maximise wall storage, and adding proportional shelving in odd corners.
Create a cosy reading nook
Any bedroom can benefit from the great addition of a cosy reading nook. With comfortable seating, soft lighting and personal touches, it can encourage relaxation and reading. Even where space comes at a premium, an accent chair will help you to achieve the look. My reading nook provides an extra-comfy place to relax, even if I sometimes use it for clothing! If there’s room, consider adding elements such as a pouf for added comfort and wall art for a touch of personality.
Embrace soft and warm textures
Soft and warm textures, such as plush pillows and cosy throws, can enhance a comfortable and inviting environment. These are one of my favourite cosy bedroom ideas, which will instantly contribute to a comfortable atmosphere.
Imagine sinking into your bed at the end of the day, enveloped in crisp cotton sheets and surrounded by plush pillows. This tactile sensation on your skin can create a soothing environment so you can benefit from your own sanctuary where you can relax and unwind.
Creating a cosy atmosphere
Transforming your bedroom into a snug sanctuary is definitely worthwhile. From the mattress you sleep on to the colours that surround you, every detail counts. Just remember that your bedroom isn’t only a place to sleep; it should also be your haven for relaxation and rejuvenation. So, enjoy creating your own cosy bedroom that you’ll always look forward to retreating to at the end of the day.
AD: These bedrooms have been designed with previous collaborations involving free gifts and discounted items from various brands including The Fine Cotton Company, Sofology, MM Furnishings, Origins Living and Panda London.
