Bedroom must-haves

A few simple tweaks will leave you with a bedroom so dreamy you won’t even want to fall asleep.
* A theme. It’s the first thing a child will consider when putting together their first bedroom, but adults tend to shy away from decorative themes. But even when it’s not Spiderman or Princess-powered, a theme can be a powerful unifying device, not to mention calming.
* A comfy rug. Nothing ruins a happy morning like stepping out of the bed onto a cold, hard floor. Do yourself a favour and make sure your first step into the day is cushy and comforting. Already have carpet in the bedroom? Consider layering a smaller rug by the bed.
* A great mattress. Your bedroom wouldn’t be complete without a perfect mattress. After all, if you’re not getting enough quality sleep, you can’t fully appreciate a beautiful room. You will want a mattress that keeps you cool and gives you great lumbar support. And, of course, one that looks great in your room. Choose a mattress and foundation-height based not just on your bed frame and headboard, but also the height of your night tables and window sills.
* The right amount of throw pillows. How to figure out this number? It should be enough pillows so that your bed looks sumptuous and inviting when properly made; yet not enough that getting in bed requires 10 minutes of excavating. The sweet spot is usually between two to six, depending on the size of your bed.
* A place to sit, that’s not the bed. A good spot to sit down will serve you well when you’re reading or need to have a conversation with your partner. It’s also great for putting on shoes, or checking email so you don’t mess up your bed.
* No tech in sight. The bedroom is about sleeping. What do you need when you’re sleeping? Not a smartphone. And that goes for a television as well. It will keep you up later than necessary and consequently keep your minding churning longer before you can drift off to sleep. It’s hard, especially in an increasingly-connected world, but if you leave your devices at the door you’ll be happier.
* A collection of things you love. A cluster of pieces that make you smile will go a long way in making a bedroom feel just right. This is also a great way to incorporate pieces you’ve acquired over the years but can’t quite figure out where to put them. Make sure they’re in your line of sight upon waking up and their true purpose will be revealed.