I’ve always been a terrible sleeper, tossing and turning and waking up feeling just as tired as when I went to bed. No matter how many hacks I tried, from not having my phone in the room to drinking herbal tea, nothing seemed to make a real difference until I started properly examining my sleep space.
Your bedroom ideas play a huge role in the quality of your sleep. Colors, textures, lighting, and even smells all help to naturally encourage (or discourage) rest. But since I wasn't in the market to take on a full bedroom makeover, when exploring how to sleep better, I instead focused on meaningful upgrades – small changes with big sleep benefits.
From swapping harsh lighting to using cooling sheets, a few updates can work wonders in setting the right mood for sleep. If you're looking for some bedroom updates to help you get a better night's sleep, these under $100 swaps might be the fix you've been searching for.
12 bedroom upgrades to actually help you sleep better
From practical sleep solutions to aesthetic touches that make your space feel more peaceful, these small changes can help transform your bedroom into the sleep sanctuary you're crying out for.
There's a reason why we give muslin to babies: It's breathable, cool, hypoallergenic, and super soft. This lightweight muslin duvet cover set from H&M ticks all those boxes and is available in this light dusty blue which is known to be the most soothing color for a bedroom. Plus the 250 thread count ensures durability.
If you also failed to create a layered lighting scheme for your bedroom lighting ideas and are stuck with the big light and a lamp, portable lighting is going to be your best friend. Whether you use it while getting ready for bed in soft light or as task lighting for reading in bed, this rechargeable lamp can be moved about your bedroom easily.
All my favorite hotel rooms have had one thing in common: a seating area. The whole room needs to feel restful so creating areas where you long to spend time beyond sleeping is key – like setting up a reading zone with an armchair or ottoman, like this striped one designed by Martha Stewart herself.
If you're looking to replace harsh alarms with a gentle soothing sound, then let me suggest a sunrise machine. You can set it so that 5-60 minutes before wake-up time, the clock gradually illuminates from 1-100% to wake you gently while the 26 different sounds can help you to fall asleep soundly at night all while providing an optional nightlight or reading light too.
Adding an additional layer to your bedroom window treatments is key to both getting to sleep easier and also waking up gentler. I always thought I was one of many who needed zero light to sleep, but it turns out I'm much better when I can let in natural light (from the sun or moon) as it just feels more natural. Cafe curtains have been a great introduction to our bedroom for both style and function.
As well as upgrading your drapes, be sure to bestow equal importance on all soft furnishings in your bedroom. Rugs always help to soften a space and are particularly impactful in a bedroom, where you want everything to feel cocooning. Rolling out a large vintage-inspired rug will add a soft pattern to your aesthetic and give you something comfortable to step on as you get out of bed.
Thinking ahead and anticipating your own needs is a great way to calm the mind ready for sleep. A bedside carafe, which is another idea stolen from hotel rooms, is simply a little glass vessel with a matching cup that you keep on your nightstand for middle-of-the-night sips of water. This dainty plaid design will sit pretty in a farmhouse or cottagecore style bedroom.
I recently upgraded my sheets and shams to the bamboo range from Cozy Earth and my goodness, I cannot rave about them more if I tried. Kris Jenner herself said these are the 'softest sheets I have ever felt' and I couldn't agree more. They're silky to the touch but naturally breathable, lightweight, and just feel so luxurious so slip into.
Your bedroom needs to appeal to all your senses. Scent has a powerful effect on the mind, and incorporating calming fragrances into your bedroom can be a simple yet effective way to better prepare for sleep. Byredo's Tree House is earthy, unique, and grounding with a hint of spice - plus, it is known to be Taylor Swift's favorite.
As someone who is living in a reno with a work-in-progress bedroom, I know how not having a nightstand leaves you feeling cluttered and restless. If you have the space and budget, a new bedside table with storage is perfect but for those with a small space, I suggest this pretty mango wood shelf for keeping your book, candle, glass of water, and glasses at bedtime.
Weighted blankets are great but I have a few gripes with them. They're expensive, they can feel a little claustrophobic, and they aren't always aesthetically pleasing so I end up hiding it away and therefore not reaping the benefits. Unlike traditional weighted blankets, this knitted version is designed to be more breathable for a cooler snuggle, making it perfect for hot sleepers and those of us who want a more elegant version for the foot of the bed.
Finally, de-cluttering your bedroom is one of the fastest and simplest ways to ensure you feel more at ease in your space, and therefore more likely to drift off to sleep without an anxiety-driven to-do list in your mind. Lidded baskets, like this woven one from Target, make an attractive storage option for everyday clutter that can be stacked away under the bed, inside a wardrobe, or tucked under your dressing table to hide your hairdryer.
When it comes to getting better sleep, I’ve learned that even the smallest bedroom upgrades can make a noticeable difference.
If, like me, you’ve struggled with restless nights, these simple, budget-friendly updates might be just what you need. From swapping harsh lighting to introducing calming scents and more breathable bedding, these under-$100 changes have helped transform my space into a more restful retreat.
For more inspiration and help in designing a bedroom for a great night's sleep, we explore the current sleep trends that are proving popular for 2025.
