6 Design Tips to Add Ambiance to the Bedroom

It’s easy to overlook the little things. Here’s why you shouldn’t.

Think about your favorite restaurant or bar. You know the one, where you walk in and receive a warm welcome because you’re there so often. While there’s no doubt the food and drink keep you coming back, odds are there’s also something about the overall feel that draws you through the door time and again. Maybe it’s the décor. It might be the live music or low-key jazz playing in the background. Maybe it’s even that worn-out barstool that somehow feels like it was made just for you.

Ambiance plays an important role in the hospitality industry…but it can also transform your sleep experience at home. That’s why we’re sharing our top 6 design tips you can use to add a splash of ambiance to the bedroom and to get the zzzz’s you need.

• Kick Clutter to the Curb

The bedroom is often the first place items are tossed when unexpected guests stop by, but clutter is the enemy of good rest. It’s difficult to unwind, relax, and focus on sleep when you’re busy thinking about all the chores that need to be done around the house. 

Do yourself a favor and commit to keeping the bedroom clutter-free. Keep only necessities on bedside tables and extra items put away. And for the love of good sleep, anything work-related (files, laptop, backpacks, or briefcases) should stay out of the bedroom, or at least out of sight.

• Consider a Fresh Coat of Paint

If you’re looking to give your room a little makeover with a coat of new paint, the general consensus is blue is the hue most likely to promote a sense of calm and relaxation. But the truth is, blue will do you no favors if you dislike the color, so the real advice is to choose something you love. Whether it’s a soft cream shade or a deep and moody charcoal, adding fresh color to the walls can make your space feel new and offer you the reset you need to inspire good rest.

• Reposition Your Bed

Design experts often suggest placing your bed as far from the bedroom door as possible, ideally on the opposite wall. This provides a greater sense of security and allows for deeper relaxation.

• Block out the light

The sun (or outdoor street lights) is not only a bother when trying to rest, they can wreak havoc on our circadian rhythms. This is especially a concern for those who have irregular sleep schedules and sleep during part of the day.  Luckily, modern blackout curtains are available in a variety of materials and designs to blend seamlessly with any décor. If curtains aren’t your thing, consider a sleep mask instead.

• Add Aromatherapy

Ask any interior designer, realtor, or hotel manager: they’ll all tell you the same thing—aromas have a profound effect on the atmosphere of a space. That’s why realtors often bake cookies before bringing potential buyers into a home, and why the smell of a fancy hotel lobby makes you wish you could live there forever.

You can apply the same technique to your bedroom with the addition of an essential oil diffuser, candle, or other scent solution you prefer. While lavender is often heralded as the premiere sleep scent, you may also want to try chamomile, bergamot, and sandalwood. And don’t be afraid to combine and create your own custom scent for your bedroom.

• Invest in Quality Bedding

There’s a reason people say “you get what you pay for.” Those $10 sheets from the big box store may have been fine when you were in college, but you deserve better. At Double Stitch, we make ultra-premium bedding and sell directly to you, so you won’t have to break the bank for a luxurious bed makeover. Check out our sheet sets, blankets, and bundles to see for yourself.

Here’s the good news: making your bedroom a sleep sanctuary doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With a little prep, creativity, and a few small changes, you’ll have a bedroom that looks (and smells) like a five-star hotel…and you’ll be getting the good sleep you deserve in no time.