Imagine, after a long day of cleaning, cooking and chasing after children, closing the door on all the chaos, tucked away in the quiet of your own little oasis.
This doesn’t have to be imaginary. Today, I’m going to show you how to create a relaxing bedroom retreat.
How to Create a Relaxing Bedroom
Thank you to Photowall for sponsoring this post and providing the beautiful canvas print above my bed.
Nightstands and dressers become catchalls. Chairs get covered in piles of clean laundry. Shoes end up strewn across the floor and somehow the kid’s toys end up in your room.
With all the clutter, it can be hard to see the potential of your bedroom. So, the first step in creating a relaxing bedroom is to clear the clutter.
Clear the Clutter
While my parents were living here, my master bedroom became the dumping ground for pet paraphernalia. Then there’s the bins of winter clothes I never put away. And I got out of the habit of making my bed.
My room started to feel cluttered. All I saw was a bunch of to-dos.
Now that my parents have moved back into their home, I’ve started tackling that list beginning with cleaning and decluttering.
I’m always surprised by what a difference cleaning makes. It’s really such a simple way to make your bedroom more relaxing.
A clean room is also a blank canvas for decorating and styling.
Use Decor To Create a Relaxing Bedroom
From the color palette, to bedding, to art, the decor you choose helps create a restful master bedroom.
Relaxing Bedroom Decorating Ideas
Color Palette – Start with peaceful bedroom colors. A lot of times, you can create a color palette from a piece of art, a rug, or fabrics.
Or, like me, you may know what color combinations you like. In my bedroom, I went with my signature monochrome look with tranquil whites and creams, then added a touch of soft blue which happens to both my favorite color and part of my whole home color palette.
Create symmetry – You wouldn’t necessarily think of symmetry to create a relaxing bedroom, but symmetry is very restful and pleasing to the eye.
I like to create symmetry with matching lamps. In my bedroom I used wall sconces above each nightstand and a pair of lamps on either end of the dresser.
You can also create symmetry with matching nightstands. If yours are mismatched, which is a really good look, try keeping them the same height or painting them the same color for a more symmetrical look.
Style the Dresser – A super simple way to style a dresser is to add a pair of lamps on either end like I did, or a lamp and then a vase of flowers on the other end. Keeping the lamp and vase the same height and size will still create symmetry.
Hang a mirror or piece of art above the dresser, then add a few meaningful accessories. I added a gold hand mirror and hairbrush that belonged to my grandmother for a personal touch.
Incorporate Art – Art is a great way to add color and set a peaceful mood in your bedroom.
I only had two pieces of art in my room, a framed print on the wall and another one sitting on my dresser. I wanted to add a third art piece above my bed to bring color to that side of the room.
Eventually, I found just what I was looking for at Photowall.com After browsing their canvas selection I found a few prints I really liked then took a few days to make a final decision.
The canvas print I chose is called Grassy. It’s such a peaceful scene that reminds me of the dunes at the beach. Since I love the beach, I knew I would enjoy looking at this print for a long time to come.
Add Life – My favorite way to do this is with flowers. Since I have a hard time keeping up with real flowers, I use realistic looking faux stems.
You can also use natural elements like wood or shells.
Calming Things to Put in Your Room
Now we need our room to function so that it promotes rest and relaxation. Here are some ideas to make your bedroom peaceful:
- A diffuser – I add a few drops of vetiver essential oil and about four drops of lavendar to diffuse at night. I typically turn it on while I’m getting ready for bed. If you don’t have a diffuse, you could use a lavendar or cedarwood scented candle.
- Notepad and pen – Use a pen and paper to jot down all the thoughts swirling around in your mind..
- Mood lighting – Low lighting creates a soft ambiance which I find very relaxing. I love turning on a lamp or two to welcome me into my room at night. Candles also create soft light.
- Books or Kindle – Reading is a good way to wind down. I enjoy reading at night as part of my bedtime routine.
- Handheld massager – I keep a handheld massager in my nightstand. Massage it over your face, head and the back of your neck for a calming effect.
- Comfortable Bedding – Sheets that are soft to your skin make all the difference in how you sleep. I’m also calmed, and sleep better, with the weight a duvet provides.
Make Your Bedroom a Retreat
Treat your bedroom like it’s a sanctuary.
For me, that means limiting the bedroom to rest and relaxation, starting with a bedtime routine. My ideal routine begins by turning on the diffuser. Then, I wash my face and do my nighttime skincare routine. After that, I climb under the sheets and read a little before going to sleep.
When I plug my phone into the charger, I also turn the phone light all the way down. And I keep blue light reading glasses on my nightstand. That way, the blue light doesn’t interfere with my sleep.
It’s also important to set boundaries around your personal time and space.
My morning routine is just as vital to my well being as my bedtime routine. I like to give myself time to center my thoughts, meditate, and prepare for the day. After being cut interrupted too many times, I finally decided to let my husband in on my routine. Now he happily lets me have that time.
I share that to say, let your family know what you need and ask them to respect your privacy. You may also need to reframe this time in your own mind. Anytime you feel guilty, close your eyes and picture a more rested and relaxed you. Think about being more present for the moments that matter most. And allow yourself the gift of a relaxing bedroom.
Shop the Room
Below are resources and cozy bedroom ideas to create your own relaxing bedroom retreat.
- sheets – Threshold Solid Performance Sheet Set by Target in white.
- shams and coverlet – Dillard’s, if unavailable this reversible bedspread from Target is similar
- duvet – My duvet was a hand me down from an organizing client. But, I have this down alternative duvet in the guest room. It’s lightweight and comfortable and has held up really well.
- canvas print above my bed– Photowall has a huge selection with options for framed prints, canvas prints, posters, or wall paper.
- wall lamps – Lowes, similar options.
- table lamps – Target, I couldn’t find them online so, here are some other options.
- round mirror, similar
- diffuser, similar
- Kindle – I have the paper white and really like it.
- handheld mini massager, similar
- faux flowers – faux eucalyptus stems (similar), faux hydrangea (similar)
- candles – I recommend this hand poured rose candle or the sea salt and lavender candle from Hearth and Hand at Target.
- furniture – The sleigh bed and matching nightstands are by Hooker furniture. We purchased the set many years ago at Star Furniture in Houston. Our dresser was part of my parent’s bedroom suite in my childhood home.
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