Let’s be real: There are a multitude of decisions to make when it comes time to decorate a bedroom. Should you wallpaper or paint? Color drench or pattern drench? An upholstered headboard or a wood four-poster? What about adding a bed skirt or curtains?
The whole process of creating a space that’s both relaxing and resplendent can be overwhelming. That’s why I tagged two professional hoteliers—experts whose sole focus is crafting a restful environment—to get to the bottom of the bedroom details that actually matter. They were clear: there are two things that can either make or break your bedroom. Below, I’m diving into those two topics and sharing the best ways to tackle them so your bedroom is guaranteed to be as restful as it is stylish.
1. A Proper Lighting Plan
Layered lighting is key in any room, but especially in a bedroom. As an ardent full-room bright light hater, let me be clear: you should rarely, if ever, rely solely on ambient lighting in your bedroom.
First, lamps. When it comes to lamps, rather than just placing one or two on bedside tables, scatter them throughout the room with abandon. Opt for mismatched sets to give the space a designed-over-time feel or go all-in on one silhouette for a more cohesive look.
While you already know bedside lamps are a must, wall sconces are the secret touch that hoteliers love. “I am a sconce enthusiast and have sconces over my bed for reading,” says Audrey Gelman, proprietor of Hudson Valley’s The Six Bells Inn. Tuck them inside the posts of your headboard for a designer-approved look.
RELATED: More on the Three Types of Lighting Every Room Needs
2. The Right Sheets
I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again: If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my 30 years here on earth, it’s this: Never underestimate the power of fresh sheets. “Bedding is number one,” says Mary Celeste Beall, proprietor of the famed Blackberry Farm, a luxury resort in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. “Ultra soft sheets with a blanket and duvet give you maximum comfort with a choice of layering,” she says. Go for classic percale or linen to keep cool throughout the warmer months. In the fall and winter, you may want to keep your cotton and linen sheets and layer on heavier blankets instead of swapping them for heavier jersey or flannel.
If you’re hosting guests, Mary Celeste also suggests putting in the effort to offer a choice of pillows—at least one firm and one soft option—in your guest bedroom to ensure visitors get a good rest.
RELATED: The Best Affordable Sheet Sets on the Market Right Now
Bonus: A Signature Scent
Now, before you think this is too highfalutin for an average, everyday bedroom, bear with me. You are trying to create a sanctuary. Vibes (yes, vibes!) are important here—and that includes not just sights, but smells. If you store laundry in a basket or shoes in your room, there’s a not-small chance your bedroom doesn’t smell completely fresh at all times. Beyond keeping it as clean as possible, you may want to invest in a signature scent to ensure your bedroom is as restful as possible.
To be clear, I don’t mean spritzing with a heavy room spray. You just need something light and airy that helps promote relaxation and boost your mood when you walk into the room. There are plenty of vehicles for pleasant scents—candles, aerosol diffusers, reed diffusers, herb sachets tucked into a drawer—all you need to do is pick one that works for you.
Anna Logan is the Deputy Homes & Style Editor at Country Living, where she has been covering all things home design, including sharing exclusive looks at beautifully designed country kitchens, producing home features, writing everything from timely trend reports on the latest viral aesthetic to expert-driven explainers on must-read topics, and rounding up pretty much everything you’ve ever wanted to know about paint, since 2021. Anna has spent the last seven years covering every aspect of the design industry, previously having written for Traditional Home, One Kings Lane, House Beautiful, and Frederic. She holds a degree in journalism from the University of Georgia. When she’s not working, Anna can either be found digging around her flower garden or through the dusty shelves of an antique shop. Follow her adventures, or, more importantly, those of her three-year-old Maltese and official Country Living Pet Lab tester, Teddy, on Instagram.
