A bedroom should be a space that feels like a haven of tranquility. Clients of Ali Budd Interiors not only appreciate the beauty of their homes but also the tangible benefits of improved sleep quality.
As a true aficionado of sleep, I understand the transformative effect it can have on individuals and their living spaces. Sleep is not just a necessity – it's a luxury that we strive to elevate in every project to help clients get a better night's sleep.
I infuse every project with elements designed to enhance the quality of rest. From choosing bedding that you love and feel comfortable in, to soothing color palettes and soft, calming lighting designs, every detail is carefully curated so that you can learn how to sleep better.
Ali Budd's top tips on designing a bedroom for better sleep
There are so many factors that can affect how well we sleep, but your bedroom ideas are one of the most important. The world is becoming increasingly fast-paced, so creating a relaxing bedroom where sleep is not only allowed but encouraged and celebrated has never been more important. With that in mind, these are my six top tips for designing a bedroom that helps you sleep better.
1. Prioritize your bedding
Investing in the best bed sheets is crucial. Look for natural fabrics like cotton and linen, which are breathable and soft against the skin. My absolute favorite bedding is the Sferra Giza 45 sateen collection: it looks and feels so luxurious.
I think the most important thing is identifying what kind of bedding you truly like. Are you the type of sleeper who likes to feel unrestricted? If that’s the case, then invest in beautiful, soft, high-thread-count sheets.
If you are someone who likes more weight and warmth, then invest in one of the best warm comforters – make sure the insert is high quality too – it won't look lumpy and has a higher quality filling, which in turn will also wash better and last longer.
A good mattress tailored to your sleep style can also make a world of difference. You're looking for something to last you between 10 and 15 years, so the cost per sleep is low. I think the Kluft Mattress is the best you can get: each bed is handcrafted by master artisans and filled with horsehair, alpaca wool, cashmere, and mohair.
For an easy and affordable update, I suggest you invest in the best pillow. You could get an adjustable pillow and customize it for your comfort. This is a great idea for guest bedrooms: you never know who you'll have to stay and how they might like to sleep.
Made from Egyptian cotton for strength and woven into sateen for softness, these sheets should wash well, dry quick, and feel smooth against your skin. With this Sferra bedding bundle, you can dress your whole bed in sateen: there's a flat sheet, a fitted sheet, and a duvet cover, plus pillowcases and shams.
I love the look and feel of fluffy down. Boll & Branch use the finest feathers, locally sourced from American farms and triple-washed for cleaner loft. This duvet insert comes in three warmth weights to suit all sleepers: Lightweight, Midweight, and Ultra-weight.
It couldn't be easier to alter the firmness and feel of this pillow: all you need to do is reach down inside and remove or replace handfuls of organic wool. Naturally thermoregulating and moisture-wicking, wool is ideal for hot sleepers.
2. Embrace natural colors and textures
Colors have a profound impact on our mood and ability to relax. When it comes to the best bedroom colors for sleep, soft, muted tones such as blues, greens, and neutrals can create a calming atmosphere. Avoid overly bright or bold colors that might be too stimulating for a restful environment.
When exploring bedroom color ideas, your walls are a great place to focus on elevating your bedroom for better sleep. Limewash, textured wallpaper, and wall paneling all introduce texture that adds a calming element to the space.
Bringing elements of nature into your bedroom can enhance the feeling of tranquility, too. Houseplants, natural wood furniture, and textiles made from organic materials can create a harmonious and restful environment. Additionally, the best bedroom plants can improve air quality, contributing to a healthier sleep space.
3. Focus on creating the right ambiance
Bedroom lighting ideas play a key role in setting the mood for sleep. Incorporate layers of lighting, such as soft bedside lamps and dimmable overhead lights, to create a gentle, relaxing ambiance.
The temperature of your lighting is important, too, so opt for warm and hue lighting. Lighting with cooler tones tends to wake the brain versus warm tones, which soothe and promote relaxation.
In the hours leading up to bedtime, it is important to avoid direct lighting (like recessed pot lights) as these are more stimulating. Instead, opt for some indirect lighting like lamps – something dimmer and more relaxing.
4. Invest in the right window treatments
Another important tip is to identify if you are someone who needs a pitch-black room or prefers a little light; that will determine what drapery to select for your bedroom window treatment ideas. Some people prefer to have a little light in their room; others, like myself, need the room to be pitch black.
If you like a little light, investing in lighter curtains, chic dimmable sconces, or lamps with hue bulbs will make a huge difference. If you’re on the opposite spectrum, then buy amazing blackout drapes. Not only do they help with lighting but due to their heaviness, they also help keep sound out too.
Blackout curtains are a must-have for anyone who needs absolute darkness to sleep. The Cozy Cloud design from Pottery Barn is made from 100% cotton chenile with a polyester blackout liner and comes in seven colors and six sizes
Just because you need blackout curtains doesn't mean you can't opt for something decorative. The scalloped edges on this set of two adds a vintage finish, while the subtle pattern adds warmth and texture to a bedroom. Available in three sizes.
If you're someone who sleeps well without all of the natural light being blocked, you can invest in a wide range of curtain materials and styles. For something that adds a statement, this stripe design, available in four sizes and three colors, is a timeless choice.
5. Keep your space clutter-free
A clutter-free bedroom promotes a sense of peace and order, making it easier to unwind. Keep surfaces clean and organized, and opt for furniture with built-in storage to reduce visual noise.
Ensuring that your room is designed with the optimal amount of properly planned bedroom storage will help to create a stress-free bedroom. If you don’t have places to put things away, they will likely end up on a chair in the corner of the room which is only anxiety-inducing. A minimalist bedroom can help to create a more serene and restful atmosphere.
6. Perfect your bedroom's temperature
The ultimate thing to consider when creating the best sleep environment for a client or yourself is how to create a calming, comfortable, and distraction-free environment, and exploring the best temperature for sleep is a really important factor.
Ensure that there is proper ventilation; keeping your room a little cooler and airy will make sure you get the best night's sleep possible.
If you need extra help creating a cooler temperature in your bedroom, the best fans will help air circulation and keep your room at a lower temperature – especially in attic bedrooms.
Your bedroom is your sanctuary from the rest of the world, and by incorporating my design principles, you can transform your bedroom into a haven of relaxation and rejuvenation.
For more inspiration on creating a calming space, be sure to explore zen bedroom ideas, too.
