Having a quiet, soothing bedroom entirely devoted to relaxing has helped me manage stress in ways a gym membership, occasional spa splurge, or that generous pour of after-work wine haven't. Don't get me wrong – I still re-visit all of those vices, but feeling excited to spend waking hours in a room that's equivalent to a sensory hug is a game changer. You don't even need a huge makeover budget to make an impact – the nine things the most relaxing bedrooms always seem to have are available at all sorts of prices. If you're feeling burned out on life, do yourself a favour and incorporate this chill-inducing checklist to your bedroom.
A Calming Colour Palette
Bright, invigorating colours are ideal for rooms where you socialise, like living and dining rooms, but you don't want an energising colour palette in a room that is meant for relaxation. Instead, choose one of these calming paint colours [1] for your walls and keep furniture as neutral as possible, introducing small doses of colour.
A Cloud-Like Bed
There's a reason we're drawn to the fluffy white beds in boutique hotels. The soft mattresses, luxury sheets, down comforters, and upholstered headboards are a no-fail formula for a bed you never want to get out of. These high-quality cotton sheets [2] are unbelievably soft and totally worth the investment since you'll use them every night. If you're looking for relaxed bedding that still feels luxurious, try adding linen.
Mood Lighting
Harsh overhead lighting in a bedroom is an instant mood killer. Hang sconces with electrical cords [3] on either side of your bed for an easy way to introduce softer lighting that still works for reading. These stylish Beautiful Halo vintage-look sconces [4] are under £25, but you can also DIY your own Ikea sconces [5] for next to nothing. I'm also obsessed with premium flameless wax candles [6] that flicker. They look surprisingly real unless you're super close and have timers on them so you don't have to worry about falling asleep with them on!
Soothing Scents
I still have a handful of favourite scented candles, but I actually prefer using an essential oil diffuser [7]. They're incredibly versatile — you can easily create your own custom blends by mixing your favourite essential oils and can program them to work for an hour or six hours, depending on your needs. The cool mist makes any room smell incredible and also adds a touch of humidity, which can help everything from respiratory issues to dry skin. I add lavender essential oil to my diffuser every night before bed and it helps lull me to sleep.
Smart Storage
Having an organised bedroom free of clutter is liberating, but it's impossible to keep up unless you create plenty of smart storage solutions. These Ikea bedroom hacks [8] are perfect for people who want to stay organised in a small space. Products like baskets, lidded boxes, trays, hooks and under-the-bed storage are essential for keeping a bedroom looking clean and clutter free.
Plenty of Pillows
Shop for a couple of throw pillows or a long lumbar pillow to layer on top of your euro and standard pillows for a plush feel. Having the extra neck and back support makes settling in for a movie or curling up with a good book or magazine much more comfortable.
A Cosy Throw Blanket
Keeping a cosy throw blanket folded at the foot of your bed looks inviting and also makes it convenient to take naps or relax on your bed without actually having to get under the covers. Some of my favourites have been affordable throw blankets from H&M [9].
Fresh Greenery
Introducing something from nature can help any room feel more balanced and less stiff, but studies also show that plants can improve indoor air quality [10]. If you're worried about your bedroom's lack of natural light or your lack of a green thumb, choose from this list of low-maintenance houseplants [11].
Chill Art
Frame and hang pictures of things that make you feel centred, like epic beach prints or snapshots of favourite memories with family and friends. This online shop sells beautiful digital prints for just $15 [12] that you can print and frame yourself for very little cost.