The sleep edit: 6 simple ways to make your bedroom feel calm and collected
The bedroom. Arguably the most important space in your home. It’s where you start and end your day. A sanctuary for respite, relaxation and those well-earned Zs. It’s also one of the easiest spaces to reimagine, without a major renovation. With just a few thoughtful touches, you can transform your bedroom into a cosy retreat that energises your mornings and calms your evenings. Let’s explore how.
Function and flow: Start with the layout
Before you dive into paint swatches and bedding options, it pays to step back and consider your bedroom’s layout.
It’s all about creating a sense of flow. Keep walkways clear, avoid overcrowding the space with furniture and aim for visual symmetry where possible. (Matching bedside tables and lamps can help.)
Think carefully about the best spot for the bed. Ideally, it should sit against a solid wall with room on both sides – creating a feeling of balance and allowing easy movement around the space.
Avoid blocking windows, especially if your room is sitting on a gold mine of natural light. That sunshine can lift your mood and help set your body clock. So don’t let your bed be the thing standing in its way.
With a little forethought and planning, you can create a space that feels open, ordered and effortlessly relaxing.
Comfort is key: Consider temperature and sound
If you want a truly relaxing space, you’ll need to start with the basics.
First, assess the natural temperature of the room.
Too hot and you’ll find it hard to settle into deep, restful sleep. Too cold and you risk shivering under your doona. Invest in heating and cooling solutions that work for the space and make sure your room is well-ventilated. Depending on your needs, a ceiling fan, split system air conditioner or quality heater can all be worthwhile additions.
Next, think about noise.
If your bedroom faces a busy street or shares a wall with communal spaces, you’ll want to find ways to soften the sound. Rugs, curtains and even upholstered furniture can work wonders.
For extra peace and quiet, consider installing acoustic seals around windows and doors or upgrading to soundproof windows. Your ears will thank you.
Set the tone: Colour, texture and light
The colours you surround yourself with have a powerful effect on how you feel.
In bedrooms, soft and warm is the way to go. Think earthy neutrals, warm whites, muted greens and dusky pinks. A pop of colour here and there can add charm, but save the neon brights and bold primaries for somewhere else. They can be overstimulating when you’re trying to wind down.
Texture also plays a part in creating comfort. Rugs underfoot bring warmth and add a cosy, layered feel to the room. Especially important in Melbourne winters.
When it comes to lighting, aim for options you can dial up or down. Warm white bulbs are more soothing than cool-toned ones, and layering light sources – overhead pendants, bedside lamps, wall sconces and the like – creates atmosphere.
For sleep, curtains or blinds that actually block the light are a must. The darker the room, the deeper your rest.
Invest in your bed: Sleep starts here
If you splurge anywhere in the bedroom, splurge on your bed.
A good-quality mattress supports your sleep and overall wellbeing, while natural-fibre bedding – cotton, linen or bamboo – helps regulate your temperature and just feels better against the skin.
For the ultimate set-up, incorporate layers that can be added or removed depending on the season, and choose pillows that suit your sleeping style.
But the look is just as important as the feel. A made bed with crisp, clean linen and a few considered touches (like a textured throw or some well-chosen cushions) can instantly make a space feel inviting and pulled together.
Keep it simple: No screens, no side hustles
The more purposes a bedroom tries to serve, the harder it is to fully relax in.
If you’ve got the space, avoid turning your bedroom into a study, home office or TV zone. Our brains tend to associate spaces with behaviours. So if your bedroom is also where you answer emails, it’ll be harder to switch off at night.
In fact, try to limit technology in general. Charging phones away from the bed can reduce late-night scrolling, while ditching the TV creates space for more restful habits.
If you like to wind down with a book or podcast, make sure you have a gentle reading light and a bedside table to keep things tidy.
Make it yours: Artwork, scent and greenery
Finally, the finishing touches.
Your bedroom should feel like yours. Add artwork, photographs and meaningful objects to bring warmth and personality to your space. But go easy on the visual clutter. A few well-chosen pieces can make you smile – without making the room feel busy.
Scents can also work wonders when it comes to creating a tranquil atmosphere. A diffuser, candle or pillow spray with calming notes like lavender, sandalwood or eucalyptus will subtly signal to your body that it’s time to unwind.
And, as we’re sure you know, plants make a powerful addition. They look fresh and appealing – but have also proven to boost air quality and reduce stress.
Little by little, it’s these simple touches that turn a bedroom into a true retreat – one you’ll actually look forward to curling up in.