5 Must-Have Items for Your Bedroom

Your bedroom should be a sanctuary of peace and tranquility. However, many people fall into a trap of neglecting their bedroom in favor of caring for the common areas of the house such as the kitchen or family room. If you want to upgrade your bedroom and make it your personal retreat, here are some ideas to consider.

Integrate Soft Lighting
The International Academy of Design and Technology recommends soft lighting in the bedroom to help aid in relaxation. Natural light from the windows or a skylight is also an excellent idea. Select a few small lamps to scatter around your bedroom and put your overhead light on a dimmer switch. Soft lighting is also integral to feeling sleepy at night. You can also select drapes or curtains that soften the natural light, providing that peaceful atmosphere that is crucial for a relaxing bedroom. The proper lighting can help shape the mood of a room nearly as effectively as any other adjustments.

Remove Distractions
Many people get into the habit of watching television until they fall into a fitful sleep. If you need noise to sleep, consider downloading soothing music or keeping a fan running for white noise. If the early-morning sun wakes you long before it's time to get up for the day, consider blackout curtains. Some people also ban cellphones from the bedroom. By getting rid of distractions, you set yourself up for relaxation and a more restful sleep. 

Upgrade Your Bedding
You spend a third of your day sleeping, so your bedding is no place to cut corners. High thread count sheets made of Egyptian cotton will help stop you from overheating and will feel soft on your skin (and you can get an additional discount for Macy’s). If you thrash in your sleep and uncover yourself, it may be helpful to purchase a comforter that is larger than the size of your bed. For example, a king-size comforter on a full-size bed will give you more wiggle room while still being fully covered. If you have lumpy, uncomfortable pillows, splurge on a new one made of memory foam.

Pillows for Days
After you find the right mattress and comforter, consider upgrading your pillows. If you haven’t experienced the pleasure of a plush memory foam pillow, you are really missing out. You can find soft and fluffy versions, or solid and supportive editions. And don’t forget the decorative pillows to give your room that extra dash of comfy cozy goodness.

Consider the Aroma of Your Bedroom
Our sense of smell is tied to our emotional response. Find scents that you like and incorporate them into your bedroom. An air freshener on a timer can work, as can using a reed diffuser and some essential oils. If you like a pleasantly scented bed, consider using scent crystals in your laundry. Choose smells that make you feel peaceful and relaxed.

Making some changes in your bedroom can help you to feel relaxed and sleep better than ever before. If you want to turn your bedroom into your personal sanctuary, these tips will help you make positive changes in your space.