7 Tips for Turning Your Bedroom into a Zen Hideaway

This post originally appeared on our partner site, Pure Wow. 

Let’s call a spade a spade: When you’re firing off emails from bed surrounded by piles of unsorted laundry, it’s damn-near impossible to feel at peace. (And, isn’t that like, the point of a bedroom entirely?) No fear, friends—here are seven easy ways to turn your stressful space into a zen-like retreat.

 

CRAFT A GARDEN NOOK

Remember: Plants are proven mood-boosters—so give your space a pick-me-up with a micro-sized “winter garden room.” Simply dedicate a corner of your floor plan (preferably near a window) to indoor plants coupled with a cozy seating area for napping, crafting and reading.

 

FENG SHUI YOUR SETUP

Feng shui (aka the ancient Chinese art of placing objects to optimize a home’s energy) has some wise guidelines for the bedroom. The big ones? Clearing the clutter underneath your bed (this blocks good dreams and good sex) and investing in a proper headboard (which nurtures your energy at night and makes you feel secure).

 

ADD A FRESH COAT OF PAINT

Another guiding principle of feng shui? No chipped paint or scuffed walls (both symbolize disrepair and neglect). Since color has a profound effect on our mood (science agrees!), pick a hue that speaks to your soul and makes you happy—and give your walls a fresh face-lift with it. Need some color inspo? Ask the cosmos.

 

INTRODUCE HEALING ELEMENTS INTO YOUR DECOR

Like healing crystals, salt lamps and sage smudging (all of which, in essence, are healing objects believed to cleanse rooms of negative energy). Sound a little, well, “woo-woo” for ya? Try some straightforward aromatherapy instead—via a diffuser, candles or a soothing linen spray for your bed.

 

EDIT DOWN NOISE SOURCES

For utmost relaxation, the bedroom should be calm, quiet and otherwise free of distractions. If you live on a noisy street, or off the main thoroughfares of the home, take some steps to insulate your space. (Think: rug pads, layers of cozy textiles and perhaps a white noise source.) And leave the TV watching, and phone scrolling to the living room, OK? My bedroom is a sacred space—say it with us.

 

OPTIMIZE YOUR ROOM’S BRIGHTNESS

Light-drenched spaces literally send cues to our brain to follow suit and cheer up, too—so you’d be wise to make your bedroom as bright and airy as possible. The easiest ways to do so? Squeaky-clean windows, lots of light-bouncing mirrors and plenty of serene white tones in your decor scheme.

 

DECLUTTER, DECLUTTER, DECLUTTER

At the end of the day, a clean and clutter-free space is goal #1 for a calm space, guys. So take a cue from our friends in Scandinavia and edit your belongings like your life depends on it.