Designing your space: the bedroom

This most intimate of spaces, the cradle of our dreams: some of us simply sleep there, while others spend far more time in it. I am thinking of children, for whom it is also a play space; of teenagers, who build a world there and invite their friends; of students, who spend hours studying there; or simply of people living in studio flats and other multi-functional spaces where so many functions coexist.

 

Whatever your profile and whatever you want to do with this space, its main function will normally remain the same: sleeping. 

Above all, then, you should favour a calm, restful atmosphere in order to enjoy good-quality nights.

Every colour has its own energy, and particularly so in a bedroom. Colour influences sleep and, above all, its quality. 

White remains the safest colour, but it can sometimes feel very cold. 

A light blue with a white ceiling is very soft and remains very bright. 

Colours “to avoid”: red. I put “to avoid” in inverted commas because I support the idea that every person is different and has different needs. For most people, red is not recommended for sleeping, as it is a colour that awakens a certain primitive memory, puts us on alert and stimulates our body – the opposite of what we want for sleep. Nevertheless, depending on your character, your personality, you may need this kind of energy. It is important always to keep a critical mind about the advice you read, and to ask yourself the question personally. You may not be “everyone”. 

In short, favour so-called “restful” tones, which are not necessarily light ones. A deep midnight blue can still be very soft. A terracotta, a mint green – what matters is that the colour isn’t too zingy. 

Make this space your own, even if you “only” spend the night there. Perhaps a few personal objects on your bedside table. A painting that moves you. These elements can be zingier. Preferably nothing that might stir a negative or nostalgic emotion. Don’t steep the room in too many memories either – quite simply, don’t overload this space. And this comes from a devotee of “more is more” ;-). 

 

If there is a desk in your bedroom, try not to have a direct view of it. It is a bit like studying on your bed. The brain associates the “study” function with the “sleep” function, and the two disrupt each other. 

You can position your bed so that it does not face the desk, or put up a folding screen,..

Plants are also generally not recommended in a bedroom, as they release carbon dioxide during the night, which is harmful to you in the long run. Some “air-purifying” plants are allowed, however: jasmine, lavender, aloe vera,.. 

Also avoid sleeping facing a mirror: once again, this will awaken certain primitive instincts, as the reflection of your movements will keep your brain constantly on alert. 

Finally, air this space particularly well, especially when you wake up after the night. In any case, it is generally advisable to sleep in a cool room. It helps you fall asleep more easily. 

 

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