Every now and then, it’s time for a home bedroom refresh. Whether your goals are to improve your sleep or just build your ultimate cozy sanctuary, we have 5 tested and loved recommendations that will leave you feeling like you have a whole new bedroom.
There’s something about the word refresh that just makes me a little giddy inside and as someone who LOOOVES to sleep, the idea of a home bedroom refresh gets me instantly excited.
It conjures memories of my childhood when on a whim I would randomly decide to move all of my bedroom furniture around (and then almost always put it back where it started.) Just me or can anyone else relate?
Anyway, I’ve been on a mission to turn my bedroom into a total sanctuary and to get the best possible sleep every single night. On my journey, I’ve discovered a couple of (literally) life-changing tips, tricks, and products that I wanted to share with you here.
I’m amazed at how such small changes can really have a huge impact on sleep quality and create a space of calm, safe, tranquility.
So here are the 5 transformative home bedroom refresh ideas to boost your sleep, relaxation, and mood.
The Importance of a Bedroom Sanctuary for Sleep & Well-being
Alright, it’s time to get nerdy. When trying to build the best sleep environment possible, we need to start with the cold, hard facts. So let’s check out the research.
Lucky for us, NASA performed a sleep study to better understand the effects of poor sleep and desynchronized circadian rhythms that lead to a reduction in performance and an increased risk of injuries and accidents for astronauts.
They set out to understand how to create the best sleep environment possible for sleep cabins on spaceships. Talk about the ultimate bedroom refresh!
Here’s what they learned:
- The optimal sleep environment should be cool, dark, and quiet.
- Exposure to light at the wrong time can disrupt circadian rhythms and reduce sleep quality.
- Noise levels above 35 dB are one of the most common disruptors of sleep. White noise machines and earplugs can minimize noise disturbances.
- Temperature and humidity play a significant role in sleep quality. A bedroom temperature between 77-95 degrees is optimal with a humidity level or around 40-60%. Airflow is also associated with better sleep.
- The perception of safety and privacy is critical to our health and well-being.
Not all of us are astronauts but if you’re aiming to live a full and healthy life, sleep is an incredibly important aspect of everyday life.
“Long-term sleep deprivation can reduce quality of life and may increase the risk of health issues including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.”
Sleepfoundation.org
So based on these insights from NASA’s study and my own experience optimizing my space, what are the 5 best home bedroom refresh ideas?
- Invest in Blackout Curtains or Dark Window Treatments
- Paint the Walls a Calming, Darker Color
- Incorporate Soft, Layered Textures for Comfort
- Declutter and Reorganize for a Calm Environment
- Add Houseplants for a Natural, Serene Atmosphere
Now, let’s dive deeper into each recommendation and break each of them down.
The 5 Best Home Bedroom Refresh Ideas
1. Invest in Blackout Curtains or Dark Window Treatments
NASA’s research reveals that light exposure can disrupt circadian rhythms and decrease the body’s natural ability to fall and stay asleep. Complete darkness is critical for high-quality, wake-up-feeling-refreshed sleep and allows the brain to fully decompress and relax.
Blackout curtains to the rescue!
When you first think of blackout curtains, you probably think about their ability to block out light which is, of course, their most valuable feature. But they are actually a great multitasking product.
Not only do they block out light, as the name implies, but they can also help with dampening loud noises and temperature regulation. The soft absorbent nature of the fabric means that it also has good acoustic properties and can literally absorb sound waves. Though they may not block out a sonic boom, they can help to soften the sounds coming from outside, high-frequency noises from electronics, and other subtle disturbances.
On top of that, thick curtains, such as those often advertised as blackout, can have a positive effect on thermoregulation in your house. They can serve to keep hot air out and cold air in. If you have the choice, we recommend getting a pair with a white backing so that they reflect light back out of the house versus a dark color which would absorb the heat.
Plus, they create the ultimate soft and cozy feeling within a room. Incorporating lush textures and colors can have a huge impact on the vibes of a space. Finding the balance between the hard surfaces of furniture, walls, and floors, with the soft textures of curtains, rugs, and upholstery can really elevate a room.
An Extra Note From Me:
It took me way too long to figure this out, but the height you hang your curtains makes a HUGE difference. For the most polished look, hang your curtains all the way and the ceiling and all the way down to the floor.
It can be tempting to hang them just above the window but that creates a foreshortening effect which can make your room look smaller. And, they won’t block out the light as well.
2. Paint the Walls a Calming, Darker Color
Dark, cool environments are key to creating an optimal space for sleep. In fact, they signal to the brain that it’s time for rest. Although “dark” and “cool” apply to temperature and lighting, they can also apply to color because cool, darker tones help to regulate mood and set a tone for relaxation.
I’m a total nerd when it comes to color theory. Did you know that the colors around you can have a direct impact on your sleep quality?
“Scientific studies have shown that certain colors can trigger physiological and psychological responses. Some hues can actually lower your heart rate and reduce stress levels, making it easier for you to drift off to sleep. On the other hand, some colors can stimulate your mind and make relaxation more challenging.”
Calm.com
If you’re thinking about applying a fresh layer of paint as part of your bedroom refresh, consider colors in the blue and green shade ranges. Because it often reminds us of the sky or the sea, blue tends to evoke a sense of calm and serenity while green brings tranquility thanks to its connection to nature.
On the other hand, it’s best to avoid colors like red, orange, yellow, and purple because they can be a bit too exciting and can even raise your heart rate.
Curious to learn more? Check out this article on the best colors to have in your bedroom according to a psychologist.
3. Incorporate Soft, Layered Textures for Comfort
NASA’s study found that the perception of safety and privacy enhances relaxation and therefore can boost sleep quality.
It makes sense right? In the presence of a threat, we need a surge of energy and adrenaline to keep ourselves out of danger. However, when we feel safe and secure, it’s a signal to the body that it’s time for much needed sleep and recovery.
We’re all different so it could be a good idea to reflect on some of the things that make you feel safe and relaxed. Maybe it’s reminders of your family, or things that conjure nostalgia for your childhood, or even soft, fluffy textures that just make you feel warm and fuzzy inside.
We recommend layering soft, cozy textures through the addition of plush throw blankets, velvet or linen curtains, plush area rugs and more. This not only adds to the aesthetic warmth of your space but also provides a comforting, sensory experience that can help you unwind after a long day.
An Extra Note From Me:
If you’re going for the ulta-curated designed-by-a-professional look, I recommend finding a color palette of two to three colors and sticking to them with all of your accessories.
My favorite way to create a color palette is to find an image that really speaks to me. It doesn’t have to be of a bedroom or related topic, just something that feels beautiful and harmonious to you. From there you can pick out the two to three primary colors from the image and adjust them until you’ve created the perfect palette.
4. Declutter and Reorganize for a Calm Environment
On the note of creating a safe and private environment, clutter, or lack thereof, can play a critical role.
Clutter creates visual stress and a feeling of chaos which can interfere with the mind’s ability to wind down and relax.
I guess our mind sees our own messiness as a threat sometimes?
The quickest and most cost effective way to do a home bedroom refresh is simply to do a clear out and declutter your space. This free approach to redecoration can make an enormous impact on the mental effect of your space and is an essential first step in any interior design project.
Spend a couple of hours LARPing as a minimalist and get rid of unnecessary, unused items in your bedroom. If you find yourself with too much stuff and too little space, invest in smart storage solutions like under-bed drawers, storage baskets, or multipurpose furniture. A clean and organized space promotes feelings of peace and tranquility, and it makes maintaining a zen state of mind before bed much easier.
5. Add Houseplants for a Natural, Serene Atmosphere
An often overlooked aspect of creating an optimal sleep environment is air quality. Although there are all kinds of air purifying devices available, we prefer to go the natural route with beautiful and effective houseplants!
Adding a variety of houseplants to your bedroom can be an excellent way to both clean the air and give the space a feeling of tranquility.
Being out in nature is proven to reduce stress and anxiety so why not also bring a bit of nature’s healing force indoors?
Some of the best plants for improving air quality are:
- The Spider Plant
- The Snake Plant
- The Peace Lily
Interestingly enough, this information also comes from another NASA study. Thanks, NASA!
A Few Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoyed this list of home bedroom refresh ideas.
I absolutely love sleeping and my hope is that you too can create the safe and comforting space of your dreams (and for your dreams) so that you can go to bed each night and wake up each day feeling grateful for your space, your safety, and the day ahead.
A home bedroom refresh project is a great way to meld both aesthetic improvements with direct improvements to your day-to-day life and it can easily be done on a budget as well.
Consider your choices carefully and start small. You’ll be surprised by just how much small changes can impact the feeling and ambiance of a space, especially when aiming for comfort and coziness.
We hope this article helped get some good tips and tricks for how to design a bedroom – whether you’re looking for a home bedroom refresh on a budget or a full out interior redesign project. It’s totally possible to do a total bedroom makeover on a budget! Don’t let expensive furniture and fancy accessories distract you for the things that matter most.
I’m curious to hear your thoughts. What do you think of these ideas? What have you done in the past that worked? Hasn’t worked? Let me know in the comments below!
Happy refreshing,
A small note for my readers – Over here at VLHhealth, we occasionally include affiliate links in our posts. This means that if you purchase using my links, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
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