How the design of your bedroom can improve your sleep

The Covid-19 pandemic has changed our behaviour in many ways, with the focus shifting onto little things that give us pleasure and the importance of personal relationships and human contact. But one of the main effects has been in the redefining of our working arrangements, our domestic routines and, in particular, our sleep patterns.

In light of this, there’s increasing emphasis on the importance of our home environment, with a surge in appetite for home improvements and garden redesigns. Long-discussed projects such as a new kitchen, an updated family bathroom or a remodelled master bedroom have come to the fore, with money saved on holidays and socialising often being channelled into the home.

As a result, now, more than ever, is the time to think not just about the end product but also about the fundamental design. Let’s take the master bedroom, for example. It’s relatively easy to change your mattress and assume that that is the key to a better night’s sleep, but here at Strive for Design we understand that there are a number of different aspects to bedroom design that can have a big impact on how well you sleep.

Mattresses
It goes without saying that there is likely to be a direct correlation between the quality of your mattress and the quality of your night’s sleep, and in our view it’s better to go for one from a reputable manufacturer. If you’re experiencing back pain or broken sleep, the solution could be as simple as replacing your mattress. It’s worth remembering that your mattress is something you return to almost every night of the year, so it’s not something to take lightly…

Lighting
The calmer your bedroom the more likely you are to fall asleep more quickly and enjoy an undisturbed night, and this feeling of serenity can be made or broken by your lighting. Light sleepers often need the room to be completely dark, while deeper sleepers can drift off even with the lights on, but whatever your preference it’s vital to think carefully about the design and positioning of your lighting. Whether it’s standalone table lamps, flush-mounted lights or even a chandelier, the placement and quality of the lighting you choose can make a huge difference. Not only that, the nature of the bulbs is a significant factor too – the warmer the light like a filament bulb, the more inviting and relaxing the room will be, while the ability to dim the lights can also help.

Linens
Keeping your pillows fresh and your linens laundered will help your sleep. If your pillows are too flat, too thick or have stopped giving sufficient cushioning, you’re likely to experience pains in your neck and back, while regular washing will help to reduce allergens and bacteria.

Furniture
Thinking about your layout will be central to your design, even though the bed will be the feature and as such dictate the remaining space you have for other items of furniture. Bedside tables are practical, while a chair can also add another dimension to the room. The important thing to remember when preserving the bedroom’s harmonious feel is to avoid cramming too much into the room. Opting for a few pieces that work together and don’t overcrowd will make the room so much more appealing and conducive to a great night’s sleep.

Flooring
The nature of your flooring is also worthy of consideration. The likelihood is that you’ll spend some of the time in your master bedroom in bare feet, so carpet can give a warm and cosy feeling, while a rug either side of the bed can remove the shock of a cold laminate or wood floor.

Colour scheme
Successful bedroom designs tend to incorporate calming colours which help create a relaxing ambience, but there are ways in which a bolder colour or a feature wall with bespoke wallpaper can also be introduced. The key thing is to make sure the colours work together and avoid clashing as that can destroy the harmony of the space, so introducing dashes of brighter colours in your accessories can offer a morning pick-me-up.

Temperature
It’s difficult to achieve an even, optimum temperature all night long, but there are options here, aside from simply opening the window. Sleep specialists agree that the ideal temperature to optimise sleep is between 60 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit, and this can be achieved with air-conditioning, a ceiling fan, an electric fan, or cooling mattress pads and lightweight bedding.

Storage
In our view, nothing can destroy the look and feel of a master bedroom more quickly than clutter and clothes strewn everywhere, so we major on clever storage whenever we’re creating a design. Fitted wardrobes and ample drawer space are a big help, while bedside tables and windowsills should not be used as dumping grounds.

Noise
And finally, the last thing anyone wants in their master bedroom is noise. Whether it’s a ticking clock or a whirring fan, it’s important to identify a level of background noise that has no impact on your ability to fall and stay asleep. If silence is needed, then accessories should be selected accordingly…

As Leigh Hall, owner of Strive for Design, confirms, your master bedroom should be a cocoon that helps you to maximise your sleep potential, but that doesn’t mean compromising on the design. ‘When we’re commissioned to redesign a client’s master bedroom, the first thing we do is to talk to them about how they’re sleeping, what’s important to them and their preferences for the new space,’ says Leigh. ‘When we understand that, we put together a design scheme with ideas that will deliver what they are hoping for and then proceed to a full quotation. The most important thing for us is to be confident that the new room will help them enjoy a restful night’s sleep and that the design will stand the test of time. With the dash of inspiration that we provide, a beautiful master bedroom can deliver on every level.’

Leigh Hall from Strive for Design is an interior designer in Cambridge and Newmarket, and with her team delivers master bedrooms that are contemporary, personal and comfortable, with the help of space planning.

Leigh also has direct accounts with Tempur and other renowned mattress brands, furniture and lighting companies, paints by Designers Guild, wallpapers from all the leading suppliers, linens by Soak and Sleep and carpets by Westex, all of which are available as samples or to order over the phone or in the Strive for Design showroom.

Please call Leigh on 01223 622 688 for a chat or complete our enquiry form to book a consultation.