This week we’ve covered all things bedroom, from how to create a dark, moody, romantic environment to tips for renters improving their primary bedroom. I wanted to end the week with a fun little post about what you should remove from your bedroom and what you should add to your bedroom to make it an even more peaceful haven. Let’s dive in!
5 things to remove from your bedroom
Carpet | Bedding | Bed (similar) | Nightstand (similar) | lamp (similar)
Laptops
We can extend this item to all work-related materials and even mail. Let’s not put that stressful energy in the space where we are meant to relax from the day! It’s easy to put your laptop in bed to finish an email or check in on a project. But that’s just a slippery slope to getting back on the clock. Not to mention that blue light emissions from technology are known to negatively affect your sleep.
Old school digital clocks
This is not to throw shade at Alexa, Google Home and other smart devices – they can be incredibly useful and will often adjust their brightness with a simple request. No, we’re talking about those red watches with numbers that everyone bought for college at some point. No aesthetic gain can be achieved with these dinosaurs. Besides, there are much better options now. Everything from the aforementioned smartwatches to sunrise alarm clocks to a simple, beautiful analog clock.
Anything Broken
Whether it’s a damaged item or a cracked piece of furniture, you have two choices: either fix it or throw it away. Let’s be honest, that headboard with the cracked leg? Maybe it’s time to replace it. A cute trinket box with a broken clasp? Let it go (channeling my inner Idina Menzel here.) I think there’s a psychological shift when we let go of things that are broken. It allows us to find something that better suits our home and our lifestyle.
Photos of your children
Ok, I admit this is controversial. Those adorable little munchkins always have more photos than we know what to do with. But hear me out: if you’re trying to create a peaceful haven, the bedroom is it no a place to display your child’s portrait collection. These are instant mood killers for any romance. Besides, it’s nice to have a little break sometimes, right?
Mattress over 7 years old
The Sleep Foundation says that on average, a mattress lasts between 7-10 years before it loses its ability to support. The Better Sleep Council recommends replacing your mattress every seven years. It all depends on how you’ve taken care of your mattress (proper cleaning, rotation) and individual manufacturers’ recommendations, but you’ll probably know when it’s time to start shopping. Also sheets! Each sheet set has a lifespan of about 2-5 years, depending on the quality of your bedding. Linen sheets last longer, while microfiber and polyester blends have a shorter lifespan. You spend about 1/3 of your life in bed, so it pays to invest in something of good quality.
5 things to add to your bedroom
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Window tinting treatments
Motorized blackout blinds
This should go without saying, but you’ll sleep better in a dark, comfortable room. From adding an inexpensive blackout liner to your favorite curtains to a splurge-worthy electronic system, you have options. I did a full palette, and now we have blackout blinds in our master bedroom. I love them!
Lamps
I’ve talked about this many times, but it’s important to have 2-3 light sources in your bedroom that aren’t your overhead light. I love a good little bedside table lamp for reading and waking up. Along with the seating area, we also have a floor lamp that gives another dimensional effect to the room. As an added bonus, you can have an electrician put them on the same wall switch or use a smart light or socket with your smart home device. Voilà! Momentary serenity.
Art
Art (Original) | Image Light | Carpet | Vase | Faux Peonies | Bedding | Leather armchairs | Velvet bench (similar) | Chandelier | Curtains
It’s time to trade in that unframed art or posters for something more refined. (Plus, if you’ve removed the photos of your kids above, you might have some empty wall space ready for freshening up!) I like to add a central piece of art to a bedroom — something larger that draws the eye. Choose an oversized abstract painting or an impressionist style piece to evoke calmness. I prefer that to a collection of smaller framed pieces, which can sometimes look cluttered.
Coasters
Coasters under $50
So you have the perfect bedside table. Now you need to protect that beauty! I always have a cup of protein hot chocolate before bed and the coaster gives me a home. Usually a water bottle or cup is a handy thing to keep by the bed. So keep that wooden table dry and add your personal style with a fun coaster. There’s not much more to say about them – they’re just helpful!
Area Rug
Judy Natural/Sky Rug | Sources from Greta’s room
I think this one item might be the most impressive on the list of things to add to your bedroom. From vintage to geometric patterns, a rug can make all the difference in upgrading your space. If you have hardwood floors, a rug helps to soften the room and the floor. And if you have carpets, don’t sleep on this tip! I like to layer rugs over wall-to-wall rugs to add coziness and separate the bed. I’ve even put together a guide to mixing and matching rugs and throw pillows if you’re ready to take the plunge.
I hope this helps you rethink your bedroom. There are so many functional and aesthetic elements you can add to create a peaceful space. And remove some of those things that don’t serve you. It’s a new day (or night)!